Diversity Business Exhibit
Friday, September 6, 2024 - Saturday, September 7, 2024
Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI
Agenda
Friday
9:00AM – All Day
- Check-In & Registration
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
9:30AM – 10:45AM
- Welcome & Kick Off
Main Stage #1
Remarks from public officials, business & nonprofit Leaders, members of the press, and community members
11:00AM – 12:20PM
- Supplier Diversity Segment
Main Stage #1
Minority/ Women Business Enterprise Certification Workshop & Supplier Diversity Panel Discussion
12:30PM – 1:30PM
- Supplier Diversity One on One Q&A
Main Stage #1 Side Corral
Meet one on one for private Q&A with supplier diversity experts to learn how to contract with their organizations.
12:30PM – 1:20PM
- Industry insights: Arts, Culture and Entertainment Panel
Main Stage #1
Behind-the-scenes looks at how the industries operate, challenges and opportunities.facing diverse professionals and entrepreneurs.
1:30PM – 2:20PM
- Funding Your Vision Panel
Main Stage #1
New programs and opportunities from banks, foundations and other funders for your business/nonprofit.
2:30PM – 3:20PM
- Inclusive Excellence in Higher Education Panel
Main Stage #1
Strategies for creating diverse and equitable learning environments. Initiatives and best practices for fostering diversity and inclusion.
2:30PM – 4:00PM
- Breaking New Ground: Opportunities for Equity In Emerging Industries Panel
Main Stage #2
The impact of diversity on innovation and growth: Blue Economy, Renewable Energy, Biotech & Life Sciences
2:30PM – 4:00PM
- “Power Hour” Speed Networking
Main Stage #2 Side Corral
Group speed networking with regional leaders and executives.
3:30PM – 4:20PM
- The Role of Diversity in Technological Innovation
Main Stage #1
How diversity fuels technological advancement and cybersecurity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
4:00PM – 5:00PM
- Happy Hour
Main Stage #2 Side Corral
Professional networking. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Cash bar for adult beverages.
Friday
Lt. Governor's "Back to School, Back to Business!" Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
9:00AM – 9:25AM
- Student & School Check-In
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
9:30AM – 10:25AM
- Welcome and Entrepreneurship Panel
Main Stage #2
Intro by Facilitator. Young professional panel on entrepreneurship. Sharing advice and best practices.
10:30AM – 11:25AM
- Boot Camp Workshop
Main Stage #2
Entrepreneurial workshop led by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
11:30AM – 11:55AM
- Lunch Break & Prize Giveaways
Exhibit Hall D Foyer
12PM – 12:50PM
- Boot Camp Workshop
Main Stage #2
Entrepreneurial workshop led by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
1:00PM – 1:55PM
- Group Pic & Exhibit Hall Tour
Main Stage #2
Groups of 10 tour Exhibit Hall visiting with Entrepreneurs for inspiration and real world experience.
Saturday
9:30AM – All Day
- Check-In & Registration
Exhibit Hall C & D Foyer
10:00AM – 10:50AM
- Shaping the Future: Diversity, equity & inclusion Policies
Main Stage #1
Their impact on entrepreneurship and advocacy through legislation.
11:00AM – 11:50AM
- Business Blueprint: Your Guide to Getting Started & Entrepreneur Essentials
Main Stage #1
Workshop led by Rhode Island Secretary of State Business Services, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston
11:00AM – 11:50AM
- Inclusive Health: Innovation & Equity
Main Stage #2
How diversity drives innovation and equity in medical and wellness practices.
12:00PM – 12:50PM
- Diverse Flavors, Inclusive Business: How Diversity is Shaping the Future of the Food & Beverage Industry
Main Stage #1
Learn from the challenges and opportunities from diverse entrepreneurs and professionals.
12:00PM – 2:00PM
- Free Legal Clinic
Main Stage #1 Side Corral
One on One Sessions with diverse attorneys to assist with your legal issues.
12:00PM – 2:00PM
- The Ultimate Pitch Contest
Main Stage # 2
Watch entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of Judges. Vote for your favorite & help them win!
1:00PM – 1:50PM
- Ministry & Marketplace: Doing Well by Doing Good
Main Stage #1
Ethics and profitability in the nonprofit and social entrepreneurship space.