Large-scale conference in November will celebrate the Maryland Entrepreneur community and kick-off Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 14 to 20
COLUMBIA, Md. (August 16, 2011) – The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) announced today that it has partnered with key organizations and stakeholders to lead the creation of the first state-wide Entrepreneur Expo, “Harnessing the Power of Innovation in Maryland.” The large-scale expo will feature dynamic conference programming, including the curation of activities by BETASCAPE, whose mission is to explore the intersection of art and technology. Taking place Monday, November 14 at the BWI Airport Marriott in Linthicum Heights, the full-day event will provide informational and educational tracks and a platform for entrepreneurs to share ideas and cultivate important relationships and connections. The Entrepreneur Expo has been selected as one of 10 featured events in the country during Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 14 – 20) by Unleashing Ideas, the organization coordinating the national week of observance.
“Entrepreneurship is part of the engine of our State’s economy,” said Governor O’Malley. “I am pleased that TEDCO will host the first state-wide Entrepreneur Expo to spur innovation and discovery – opening the door of opportunity for Maryland businesses.”
The conference agenda will cover a variety of programming and multi-format sessions through four tracks: Mentoring/Advising, Special Business Topics, Technology Transfer and Commercialization, and Financing. “The Marketplace,” a unique component of the Expo, will feature entrepreneurial innovations, exhibits from various stakeholders in the entrepreneur community, and a “Town Square” that will serve as staging for interactive programming throughout the day. Another feature of the Expo will be the “Meet Your Mentor” session, a oneon-one opportunity for entrepreneurs to talk to 50-plus service providers and entrepreneurial support organizations on issues directly affecting their businesses. Bryan Sivak, Maryland’s Chief Innovation Officer, is a confirmed keynote speaker and will facilitate a special panel discussion with entrepreneurs.
The expo will also feature an “Entrepreneurial Launch Pad” session where companies can pitch their products and services for potential investment. Pitches will be lightening fast and the audience will vote for the most valuable pitch. The three companies receiving the most votes will win a cash prize. Interested participants will be able to apply for participation in the Entrepreneurial Launch Pad session during the Expo.
“The Entrepreneur Expo is a first-of-its kind event for Maryland. Different than traditional conference models, this event will be dynamic and serve to facilitate productive and candid conversations among our state’s entrepreneurs,” said Rob Rosenbaum, president and executive director of TEDCO. “TEDCO is proud to play a role in the development of this important day, and we look forward to an excellent turnout in the event’s inaugural year.”
For more information about the Expo, to register for the event or become a volunteer, please visit www.innovatemd.com.