Local Entrepreneur Expo, sponsored by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation and partner organizations, earns national attention and recognition
COLUMBIA, Md. (Nov. 1, 2012) – The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) along with partner organizations is proud to announce that its 2012 Entrepreneur Expo: Transforming the Way We Do Business, has been selected as a featured event as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week – one of only 11 featured events in the country and the only in Maryland to be formally recognized. The event, being held on Nov. 13 at the BWI Airport Marriott in Linthicum Heights, Md., will feature Top Chef finalist Bryan Voltaggio, Huffington Post contributor Elianne Ramos, and dynamic programming for beginner to experienced entrepreneurs. Global Entrepreneurship Week includes worldwide activities in recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit. Last’s year’s inaugural Expo, which drew more than 300 people, was also recognized by Global Entrepreneurship Week.
“This is a prestigious recognition and endorsement,” said Rob Rosenbaum, president and executive director of TEDCO. “We’ve worked hard to create a large format Expo catered to the unique needs and interests of entrepreneurs and business owners. This is not your standard business conference and Global Entrepreneurship Week’s backing of this event validates our interactive programming and agenda.”
Speaking at the Entrepreneur Expo will be James Beard Award and Top Chef finalist Bryan Voltaggio, executive chef and owner of VOLT restaurant and Family Meal in Frederick, Md., and Elianne Ramos, a contributor to The Huffington Post and NBC Latino, who is recognized nationally for her work galvanizing Latinos through social media as a spokesperson for Latinos in Social Media (LATISM).
The agenda for 2012 will cover a variety of programming with an emphasis on networking, breakout sessions and exciting speakers. Two unique components of the conference will be the “Dare to Fail” breakout session, which will highlight failures and celebrate what businesses can learn from mistakes, and “Startup Maryland Great 8,” which will showcase the finalists from Pitch Across Maryland. These finalists, out of a field of more than 150 companies, will compete at the Expo to win a collection of valuable offerings and services from Pitch Across Maryland tour leaders, sponsors, affiliates and participants. The region’s famed TechBreakfast and a variety of networking sessions will allow entrepreneurs to make connections and meet potential mentors.
TEDCO will host the 2012 Entrepreneur Expo in partnership with a coordinating group of entrepreneurs and organizations from around the region. The Expo has garnered the support of Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, Miles & Stockbridge P.C., Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP and SocialToaster.
For additional information, online registration or to view the complete agenda and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.innovatemd.com. Registration ends Friday, November 9, 2012. NOTE TO EDITORS: The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) is the go-to source for entrepreneurial support and guidance for start-ups and early-stage companies engaged in bringing innovative ideas to market. For more than a decade, the organization has provided funding, mentoring and networking opportunities to support Maryland’s innovation ecosystem. While founded by the Maryland General Assembly, TEDCO is an independent entity that makes seed/early-stage investments and manages private capital for angel and venture capital funds. It is frequently ranked as one of the most active seed/early-stage investors in the nation. The organization plays a key role in bringing research created in Maryland’s educational institutions and federal laboratories into the commercial marketplace. For more information on TEDCO and its programs and resources, visit www.MarylandTEDCO.org.
# # # EXCELLENT TV AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – Contact Danielle Davis at (410) 581-5928 or ddavis@mghus.com to arrange for a photographer or reporter to attend the Entrepreneur Expo. Bryan Voltaggio, Elianne Ramos and TEDCO executive staff will be available for interviews.