SCHEDULE

7:00 am – 4:00 pm

REGISTRATION

7:00 am – 7:45 am

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:00 am – 9:00 am

ANNUAL MEETING (Invite Only)

7:00 am – 5:30 pm

EY PROGRAMMING (Invite Only)

9:15 am – 11:30 am

CDC, MBEIC MEETINGS

11:30 am – 12:45 pm

LUNCH

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

DELIBERATE ACTION AND INTENTIONAL IMPACT SESSION
SPEAKERS: DOMINIQUE REESE, JOSHUA BRUGEMAN, TANYA HILL, VARCHASVI SHANKAR

Session Description: Explore the “Deliberate Action and Intentional Impact Stories of MMSDC,” where we weave a tapestry of unscripted success stories. This session illuminates the journeys of partners and MBEs who leveraged the MMSDC’s resources to drive remarkable growth and innovation. Witness firsthand how each narrative illustrates the transformative impact of MMSDC’s vast network and robust resources. Walk away inspired and equipped to activate the Council’s support for your venture’s innovation and expansion into a future shaped by intentional action.

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

NETWORKING RECEPTION

7:30 am – 5:30 pm

REGISTRATION

7:30 am – 8:15 am

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

7:30 am – 4:30 pm

EY Programming (Invite Only)

8:30 am – 9:45 am

MORNING PLENARY – NAVIGATING THE NEW LEGAL LANDSCAPE OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
SPEAKERS: FRANKLIN LEE, TYRONE SANDERS, NIGEL STEPHENS

Session Description: Did you know that Congress has likely contacted your corporation inquiring about the ongoing commitment to DEI efforts? Immerse yourself in discussions led by national experts and industry leaders as they dissect the implications of recent court rulings, provide actionable guidance on compliant program design, and share strategies for maintaining a steadfast commitment to diversity within the bounds of the law. This session is a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from those at the forefront of legal and corporate strategies, ensuring your corporation is not only compliant but also at the forefront of fostering diversity and inclusion.

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

MMSDC’S INNOVATION HUB

Session Description: Step into the future of innovation at MMSDC’s INNOVATION HUB in the atrium on May 1 and on the tradeshow floor on May 2 to connect with groundbreaking partners in innovation Plug and Play Tech Center and Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University as well as 6 disruptive startups.

The Innovation Hub presents the opportunity to meet-and-greet these partners and gain access to resources for fostering innovation at your organization!

Join us to embark on a journey towards a brighter, more inclusive future of innovation and download the digital program book HERE.

Meet the Startups​

ElectricFish: microgrid-scale batteries integrated with EV Fast Chargers​
1st Place Winner of MMSDC’s Diverse Founders Pitch Competition​

GO TO-U: software platform for management and monetization of EV charging infrastructure​
2nd Place Winner of MMSDC’s Diverse Founders Pitch Competition​

Cocoon Technologies: software company offering tech solutions in public safety and policing​
3rd Place Winner of MMSDC’s Diverse Founders Pitch Competition​

Azoth 3D: utilizing additive technologies to deliver parts on-demand made to our client’s blueprints and expectations​

Celsius: an ecosystem of bio-degradable everyday products that serve a holistic purpose for the body, mind and soul​

Dunamis Charge: making high-quality, affordable EV charging solutions accessible everywhere

10:00 am – 10:45 am

MBE: POLICY TO PRACTICE: GROWING MBE STATE CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES
SPEAKERS: ERIC PRATT, JARED AMBROSIER

Session Description: Come and unlock opportunities by navigating Michigan’s State Procurement process. This session offers an engaging exploration into the State of Michigan’s procurement processes and the strategic growth of MBEs through state contracting opportunities. Discover firsthand how the governor’s commitment to increasing spend is creating more avenues for MBE engagement. This session provides vital insights into doing business with the State of Michigan, unveiling real opportunities for partnership and growth. Join us to navigate the landscape of state procurement and capitalize on the expanding opportunities designed to foster business success.

11:00 am – 11:45 pm

MBE: DEMYSTIFYING THE PROCESS FOR CAPITAL PREPARATION
SPEAKERS: IAN WATTS, DIMITRIUS HUTCHERSON, JENNIFER BRIGHT, KARL L. BELL

Session Description: Navigate the complexities of capital preparation in our expert-led session tailored for MBEs. Gain valuable insights into the financial landscape, uncovering strategies to secure funding essential for growth and sustainability. Learn the nuances of managing finances, from obtaining grants to acquiring loans and tapping into venture capital. This in-depth discussion will equip you with the knowledge to link these financial avenues to your strategic growth plans, setting the stage for scalability and new opportunities. Join us and unravel the intricacies of funding, propelling your business toward a future of financial robustness.

CORPORATE: TRENDS IN CUTTING-EDGE SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAMMING
SPEAKERS: JAC BLANCO, JASPREET SINGH

Session Description: Explore the forefront of supplier diversity with industry leaders reshaping the field. This session showcases two pioneering corporations that have embraced emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and inclusivity. Dive into how globalization impacts supplier diversity and examine the increasing demand for accountability and transparency. Learn how corporations can navigate the shifting landscape, embrace change, and foster a supply chain that is both inclusive and optimized for future trends.

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LUNCH: FIRESIDE CHAT – THE ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT: EQUITY, RACE, AND OPPORTUNITY -“A CONVERSATION”

SPEAKERS: JIM ROONEY, N. JEREMI DURU

1:45 pm – 2:30 pm

MBE: LEVERAGING AI FOR YOUR BUSINESS: TOOLS WORKSHOP
SPEAKER: BETHANIE NONAMI

Session Description:  Technology continuously reshapes the business landscape, and MBEs face unique challenges that call for innovative solutions. This session is designed to demystify AI and demonstrate how it can become your ally in achieving MBE growth. Through real-world examples, practical insights, and tools, we’ll explore how AI can help you connect with the perfect buyers, optimize your operations, and scale faster.

CORPORATE: MM365 MEETS AI: REVOLUTIONIZING YOUR SUPPLIER DIVERSITY STRATEGY
SPEAKERS: MMSDC TEAM

Session Description: Discover the future of supplier diversity with Matchmaker 365, our leading-edge platform enhanced by artificial intelligence. This session unveils the transformative potential of integrating AI, elevating the way corporations connect with diverse suppliers. Through success stories and data-driven evidence, gain practical insights into optimizing your matchmaking process for greater efficiency and equity. Join us to see how Matchmaker 365 is not just changing the game but setting a new benchmark for inclusive business practices.

Session Description: Technology continuously reshapes the business landscape, and MBEs face unique challenges that call for innovative solutions. This session is designed to demystify AI and demonstrate how it can become your ally in achieving MBE growth. Through real-world examples, practical insights, and tools, we’ll explore how AI can help you connect with the perfect buyers, optimize your operations, and scale faster.

2:45 pm – 3:30 pm

MBE: FUTURE PROOFING PROFIT: THE URGENCY OF THE CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY
SPEAKER: CARLA WALKER-MILLER

Session Description: As we enter a once in a lifetime clean energy transition, join Carla Walker-Miller to gain insight on the urgency for participating in the rapidly changing multi-trillion-dollar clean energy economy.  A fierce advocate for equity, Carla will explore opportunities to help Black and Brown businesses profit as we move to a decarbonized future.

CORPORATE: LEGACY BY DESIGN: GROWING MBES THROUGH ECOSYSTEM COLLABORATION
SPEAKER: KEVIN BELL, JOSEPH B. ANDERSON, STEVE DOWNING, AL HALL

Session Description: Join us for this groundbreaking session focused on the strategic journey of sustaining minority ownership through collaboration. This session will provide an in-depth look at a crucial deal between industry leaders that preserved minority ownership while catalyzing community growth and generating generational wealth. Attendees will witness the power of ecosystem collaboration in fostering community enrichment and learn about the strategic planning and intentional actions that secured a minority business’s legacy, highlighting pathways to creating successful successions and advancing community development.

3:45 pm – 5:00 pm

AFTERNOON PLENARY – PIONEERING PROGRESS: ACE WINNERS’ STRATEGIES FOR CHAMPIONING SUPPLIER DIVERSITY.
SPEAKERS: JIM ROBERTS, TRAVIS SPENCER, VARCHASVI SHANKAR, CHARLES FINNERAN

Session Description: Come and hear the remarkable achievements of ACE Award recipients, from corporations crafting outstanding supplier diversity programs to MBEs developing competitive businesses that exceed corporate expectations. This session offers a deep dive into their strategies for fostering growth and scaling MBEs while delivering service excellence. Through their stories, attendees will discover actionable insights and innovative approaches to building and sustaining successful supplier diversity initiatives, setting a benchmark for excellence and collaboration in the business ecosystem.

7:30 am – 2:00 pm
REGISTRATION

8:45 am – 9:00 am
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY EXCHANGE RIBBON CUTTING

9:00 am – 4:00 pm
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY EXCHANGE

9:15 am – 11:30 am
CPO SUMMIT (Invite Only)

9:00 am – 4:00 pm
MATCHMAKER365 (Invite Only)

11:30 am – 1:00 pm
LUNCH

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
CLOSING RECEPTION