The Black Veterans Expo

The Black Veterans Weekend: Black Veterans Expo offers a unique opportunity to connect and tackle both business and employment challenges such as access to financial capital, mentorship, relevant information, and more. We have an exciting lineup of panels, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to help you and our veteran participants build meaningful relationships and share valuable resources. Over 200 expected guests, including VBOC, DOL Job Centers, and Local Legislators, will be in attendance.  2nd Annual Black Veterans Weekend: Business Expo & Pitch Competition Run of Show June 21 - June 23, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CDT Location: When Bosses Link, 4025 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609 Day 1: June 21 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome Ceremony Hosts: Treazure Owens, Beverly Finch, Eboni Davis, Quentien Brewington Activities: Pledge of allegiance, introductions, event overview  9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Honoring Black Veteran History Makers Activities: Announcements of history makers, presentation of flowers, remarks from honorees Keynote Speech: Quinton McNair Flowers presented by Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM: Grooming Station: Haircuts Barber: Keith Willoughby, K2Skuts 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM: Professional Headshots Photographer: Shawn Ransom, CEO of AYWC Media LLC 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM: Panel 1 - Demystifying Supplier Diversity: Commercial & Government Contracting Speakers: Shaun Redden, Rashaii Russell, LaThaniel Dillon, and JuanPablo Prieto. Moderated by: Taylor Mai Focus: Supplier diversity programs and contracting 10:15 AM - 1:30 PM: Business Certification Assistance Workshop & Clinic Led by: Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion and other certifying agencies 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM: Marketing for Coaches, Consultants, & Experts Speaker: Ronda Lewis, GrowWild.ly Focus: Digital marketing for client acquisition and reputation management 11:00 AM - 12:10 PM: Networking & Lunch Time Caterer: Karen, CEO of Juss Sexy Sandwiches ** 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Pitch Competition Judges: Kwame K. Crawford, Vincent Williams, and Tracy Grant Competitors: Moesha Thomas, Karen Roberts, and others. Prize: Cash prize (amount TBD) 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM: Panel 2 - Why Build When You Can Buy?: Acquisitions & Franchising Speakers: Jamie Elder, Chevonne Woodard, Tiffany Allen-Smith, and Meg Shmidt. Moderated by: TBA Focus: Business acquisitions and franchising 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Panel 3 - Addressing Veterans Homelessness and Job Security Speakers: SFC Jide Gamu, Yvette Jones, Gabrielle Pickens. Moderated by Emanuel Williams Focus: Veterans homelessness and job security 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Local Marketing Blueprint Speaker: Ronda Lewis, GrowWild.ly Focus: Digital marketing for client acquisition and reputation management

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2494664-0

Booking: https://go.evvnt.com/2494664-2

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