OCTOBER 20TH FROM 9AM TO 4PM AT HOLLYWOOD CASINO GREEKTOWN IN DETROIT MICHIGAN
ABOUT THIS YEAR'S EVENT
The National Entrepreneurs Association presents the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Friday October 20th from 9am to 4pm at Hollywood Casino Greektown in Detroit. This one-day event is designed to provide high level training for entrepreneurs and business owners to grow and sustain successful businesses from some of the best business minds in the country. This year’s theme is “STAND OUT” and will focus on how entrepreneurs can use the latest resources and technology to MARKET, DIFFERENTIATE AND GROW! Sponsored by Dell Technologies and Comerica Bank.
*Conference registration $97. Includes breakfast & lunch. NEA member discount available with promo code. Parking is free.
2023 Kick off Speaker Rommel Vega
CEO/Founder of HOLO Footwear
Learn How Rommel Vega Went from Designing Shoes for Puma to Launching a Multi Million Dollar Footwear Brand!
Rommel Vega will be the Kick-off speaker at the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference October 20th at Hollywood Casino Greektown in Detroit. He is the Founder and CEO of HOLO Footwear, which offers stylish, sustainable, and functional performance footwear made from recyclable materials for both men and women. You can find the latest selection of HOLO Footwear in-stores or online at Nordstrom and other major retail outlets.
Prior to founding HOLO Footwear, Vega built an 18-year career as a creative lead in the footwear, accessories, and consumer goods industries. Most recently, he was the Global Lifestyle design director for Merrell, the largest division of Wolverine World Wide. His distinguished resume also includes senior design lead positions at Keen Footwear, Columbia Sportswear, and SOREL, as well as experience with global brands such as Puma, Adias, Gerry Outdoors, and Fossil. His company has been featured in numerous news publications including Crains Business and Forbes Magazine.
At the 2023 Entrepreneurs and Small Business Conference Vega will share how he is disrupting the fashion industry, his decision to move HOLO's headquarters from Portland, Oregon to Michigan and the marketing strategies he used to start and build a 30 million dollar company during a pandemic.
2023 Keynote Speaker Kimme Horne
Legendary Jazz Vocalist, Philanthropist & Entrepreneur
Topic: My Entrepreneurial Journey, The Kimmie Horne Story
NEA is excited to welcome International Jazz Singer, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur Kimme Horne as Keynote Speaker of the 2023 Entrepreneur & Small Busines Conference. Perhaps you’ve heard her sing, now you'll hear her story as she shares, “My Entrepreneurial Journey: The Kimmie Horne Story.”
A descendant of legendary songstress and actress Lena Horne and singer/songwriter Cleveland Horne of the Fantastic Four, Kimmie Horne has left her musical mark around the world from Detroit to Tokyo.
Having launched her self entitled Kimmie Horne Jazz Festival in 2016, this production has evolved into a National All American City Award Winning Festival Showcase with plans to expand internationally. The festival attracts thousands of music listeners each year. Her CD entitled High Standards features her latest single Black Coffee.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Horne will share her story along with marketing strategies that are sure to help you take your business to new heights.
Conference Agenda at a Glance
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Dr. Geneva Williams
CEO of Dr. Geneva Speaks
Topic: How Do You Differentiate? Innovative Marketing Strategies to STAND OUT in a Crowded Market
Geneva Williams is CEO of Dr. Geneva Speaks and creator of The Vibrant Life Blueprint©, which helps entrepreneurs and executives achieve extraordinary success and happiness.
After a 40+ year career as an award-winning, nonprofit leader, raising millions for business and community causes, Dr. Geneva reinvented herself as an entrepreneur, author, and international speaker. Crain’s cites her as one of Detroit’s most influential women, NAWBO named her a leading businesswoman, and she received the Urban League’s Distinguished Warrior Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Dr. Geneva is Chair of the Governor’s Michigan Women’s Commission, a commercial television actress, and host of Ignite2impact on iHeart Radio.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Dr. Geneva will lead a panel of successful entrepreneurs who will share their marketing secrets to success.
Nick Mattar
Founder/CEO of Digital Detroit
Topic: How to Use AI to Promote Your Business and Transform Your Marketing
Nick Mattar teaches digital marketing at multiple colleges and universities, including Wayne State’s Mike Ilitch School of Business. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Digital Detroit, working with businesses to upskill their marketing teams and consult on all things digital marketing. Nick published his first textbook, Content Marketing Strategies: Planning, Creating, and Distributing Content in 2021 and is currently writing his second textbook, Digital Marketing: A Practical Approach, to be released in 2024.
Recently Nick has been exploring generative AI programs and websites, using them to save time and resources for his own small business. He has tested and used more than 100 AI programs since the start of 2023 but still believes he has barely scratched the surface of this budding new industry.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Nick will teach you "How to Use AI to Promote your Business and Transform Your Marketing"
Zsa Zsa C. Hubbard
Entrepreneur & Internet Radio Talk Show Host
Topic: How to Crush Your Fear of Public Speaking and Become a Media Expert
Zsa Zsa C. Hubbard is the biggest personality in the business! In the true form of a self-made businesswoman, she uses her immense persona to meet a need and edify the community in her own way. As a born and raised Detroit native, Zsa Zsa’s natural inclination to hustle has earned her the marque of an entrepreneur at-large, owning and operating as CEO of multiple businesses. Zsa Zsa is CURRENTLY using her voice (and her Specs Howard degree in Broadcast Media) to engage and educate as an INTERNET radio talk show host. Zsa Zsa ALSO used her innate business savvy and connectivity to form The Hubbard Resource Group— a business hub that offers consulting and non-profit developmental resources. Hubbard then became deputized by the wayne County Clerk as a Wedding Officiate and opened a private wedding officiating and vow renewal service called United Vows.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference ZSA ZSA will teach you how to overcome your fear of speaking in front of an audience and handle media opportunities like a pro.
Brenda Meller
Speaker, Author & Chief Engagement Officer at Meller Marketing
Topic: How to Enjoy a Bigger Slice of the LinkedIn PIE as an Entrepreneur
Brenda Meller is a self-proclaimed “ambassador” of LinkedIn, national speaker, and the Chief Engagement Officer at Meller Marketing, which helps solopreneurs, business professionals, and job seekers enjoy a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. She’s a former corporate marketer who “GETS” LinkedIn.
In January 2021, she published her first book, "Social Media Pie: How to Enjoy a Bigger Slice of LinkedIn" and produced an audiobook version in 2022. She launched her first podcast, "Enthusiastically Self-Employed" in 2023.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Brenda will show you why LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for entrepreneurs to grow and evolve a professional brand and business.
Stephanie A. Watson
Award Winning Meeting and Event Planner
Topic: How To Plan a STANDOUT! Event To Promote Your Business
Stephanie A. Watson is the President of DZS Luxury Meetings and Events | When Meetings Matter founded in 1996. She is an Award Winning and Accomplished Event/ Meeting Planner/ PR Professional / Entrepreneur & International Speaker with 30+years of success working in the industries of Pharmaceutical/Healthcare, Community/Business Relations, Training/Development, PR/ Marketing, Project Management and Organizational Planning/ Communications.
Ms. Watson has a BA in Organizational Communications and Journalism from Western Michigan University and is an Advisory Board Member at (AIMP) Alliance of Independent Meeting Professionals. She is certified via (MPI) Meeting Professionals International as a Medical Meeting | Healthcare Meeting Professional and Inclusive Event Strategist. Ms. Watson is an International Speaker (Stephanie Speaks International) and has presented in Atlantic City, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Mexico on the topics of events, etiquette, diversity and business. Her signature speaking topic is "Briefcase Breakthrough" Best Practices: Authentically Embracing Diversity & Inclusion in Business.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Stephanie will show you The Blueprint for a Successful Event.
Van Allen
Founder/Owner of Van Allen Productions
Topic: How to Start & Host Your Own You Tube Show
Van Allen is a lifelong entrepreneur. He began his career in investing over 25 years ago. His primary investments include real estate and blue chip stocks as well as numerous entrepreneurial ventures. He is an award winning motivational speaker and former cable talk show host. He has received numerous speaking awards including first place in the District 28 World Championship of Public Speaking Contest for Toastmasters International. His signature presentation “Are You a Winner” encourages audiences to step out of their comfort zone to reach their true potential. He attended Henry Ford Community College and Wayne State University. He is a Master NLP Practitioner and founder of Van Allen Productions which specializes in video and audio projects.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Van will show you how to use You Tube, a free platform, to start and host your very own show, gain followers and get paid to do it.
Lashawna Manigault
Director of District Business Liaison Program
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Topic: Entrepreneur and Small Business Resources
As the Director of the District Business Liaison program, Lashawna spearheads initiatives aimed at supporting the growth and capacity of small business owners. Her knowledge of Detroit’s local economic landscape, coupled with her extensive network of resources enables her to connect entrepreneurs with the critical tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Lashawna's passion lies in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within Detroit’s diverse neighborhoods through innovative strategies and comprehensive programs, she works tirelessly to ensure that small business owners have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Lashawna is a trusted voice and advocate for entrepreneurs guiding them every step of the way. One of Lashawna's key strengths is her ability to build bridges between businesses, local government and the community which includes encouraging community engagement and collaboration.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Lashawna will share little known resources available to help entrepreneurs grow.
PANELISTS
Erin Schnute
Founder/Owner of Bed and Barkfast
Erin Schnute is the owner and founder of Metro Detroit's Bed and BARKfest, a boutique residential dog boarding business that stands out against cold and caged commercial options. Bed and BARKfest was profitable in year one; due to a low overhead model and a clear need in the market, growth has been significant over the past 4 years.
Erin loves connecting with the local community - she also maintains and grows meaningful connections through social media. Erin is passionate about taking great care of beloved family pets and ensuring their humans feel peace of mind when they leave their pups in loving homes. Through community building, cultivating a motivated team of pet sitters, and providing top notch service Erin has grown the Bed and BARKfest’s client list over 500% in the past two years and they have seen profit grow over 700%.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Erin will share how she differentiated her business from others and achieved success.
Ray Moulden
Owner of Allstate Moulden Agency
Ray Moulden, owner of Allstate Moulden Agency, earned his license to sell Business, Auto, Home, Accident, Health and Life Insurance from the State of Michigan in 2013. Since becoming a part of the Allstate family, he has been named a top producer for business and personal insurance sales in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. In March 2015 Ray was chosen as the featured expert on Fox 2’s weekly Financial segment “Money Monday” as a professional advisor on the topic of cutting insurance cost.
Moulden learned perseverance and attention to detail from his studies at Osborn High School, Computer Science at Wayne State University, SCORE C.E.O. training program and the Goldman Sachs 10 Small Business program. Ray is on the board of the Michigan chapter of the National Entrepreneurs Association and involved with numerous civic and charity organizations.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Ray will share how he built one of the most successful insurance agencies in the region.
Tracey Sanders
Founder/Owner of Lavender Mobile Spa
Tracey Sanders has been in the entrepreneurial eco space for 30 years and in 2010, she founded Lavender Mobile Spa, an on demand spa and wellness company that offers a full suite of customizable spa services that clients enjoy in the comfort of their home, hotel or office. Her clients include large corporations, the hospitality industry, municipalities and individual consumers. Locations include Detroit and Dallas TX with Houston expected to be active in November of this year.
Hailing from the great city of Detroit, Tracey Sanders is a graduate of Oakland University with a degree in Marketing. She also received certification in Health & Wellness from Cornell University. She sits on the advisory boards of Dorsey College and Paul Mitchell Beauty School and is a mentor to students pursuing a career in beauty and wellness. Tracey is a wife and mother and enjoys traveling, exceptional culinary experiences and listening to crime podcasts.
At the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Tracey will share how her business stands out from others in her industry.
Venue: Hollywood Casino Hotel at Greektown
Address:1200 Saint Antoine Street, Detroit, MI 48226
With a beautiful skyline and river view, this is the perfect venue for an entrepreneur conference.
Amenities include:
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Free Parking
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Stunning Guest Rooms
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Wifi Available
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Fitness Center with Gym
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Bar / Lounge
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Casino
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Entertainment
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Taxi Service
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Business Center
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Internet Access
CONNECT WITH OUR EXHIBITORS AND VENDORS
Pictures from 2023 Entrepreneurs Forum at Hollywood Casino in Detroit
Attention entrepreneurs and professionals! Don't miss the opportunity to connect with our amazing exhibitors and vendors, representing a variety industries with awesome products and services. Some are experts that provide services to support your business while others are entrepreneurs that you can support in their professional growth and development. Make sure you visit them in the main hall outside of the Grand Ballroom.
Become an Exhibitor at the 2023 Entrepreneurs and Small Business Conference
Attention entrepreneurs and professionals! Don't miss the opportunity to connect with your target market and generate great new leads for your business at the 2023 Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference October 20, 2023 at the Hollywod Casino Greektown in Detroit Michigan. In addition to connecting with top notch entrepreneurs, you'll receive:
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Two full conference tickets
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Includes breakfast and lunch
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Standard 6 foot vendor table
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Listing in program book
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Social media mentions
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Pre and post event advertising
Space is limited and available on a first come first serve basis. Event forms will be sent once payment is received. Questions? Call 248-416-7278. To reserve your space now on Eventbrite click the button below.