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July 13th - 14th, 2026

IBE Business Conference

This annual conference creates intentional, high-impact opportunities for Black, Brown, women, veteran, and disabled business owners to grow, connect, and compete in today’s marketplace. Each year, we convene key decision-makers from the public, private, and international sectors who present real-time business development initiatives and highlight multi-million-dollar contracting opportunities. Attendees gain direct access to established executives and successful entrepreneurs who share practical insights on navigating procurement processes, building strategic partnerships, and scaling their businesses.

All workshops are free and open to the public; however, seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance online registration is strongly encouraged to secure a spot.

In addition to workshops, the conference features a dedicated Business Networking Session designed to foster meaningful connections. This interactive experience allows participants to engage directly with corporate representatives, government agencies, and fellow entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and potential contracting relationships.

Where: Indianapolis Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Time: Kickoff starts at 8:00 AM
 

The Annual Business Conference will include:

See the schedule
Mayor Joe Hogsett
Charles Johnson

Mayor’s Breakfast

July 13th, 2026

Start your day with purpose and possibility at the Mayor’s Breakfast, an energizing event that brings together business, community, and leadership. This dynamic gathering offers powerful business development insights, inspiring business owner spotlights, and meaningful awards recognition celebrating impact across our community. We are especially honored to recognize Charles Johnson, President of SodexoMagic, who will receive a special award in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment to community impact, and dedication to expanding opportunities for diverse businesses and professionals. Mr. Johnson will also share remarks with attendees, offering inspiration and insight drawn from his distinguished career and leadership journey.

Speaker: Mayor Joe Hogsett, City of Indianapolis
Emcee: Rafael Sanchez, WXIN-TV FOX59 and Jalea Brooks, WTHR-TV
Time: Check-in begins at 8:00 AM; 8:30 AM-10:15 AM
Cost: Table of 10 is $500 or $50 per person
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Presenting Sponsor: KeyBank  
Sponsors: Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, Everwise Credit Union, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, KeyBank, LabCorp, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, First Internet Bank

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2026 Schedule

click on each date for more details:

Monday, July 13th | 8:00 AM - 10:15AM | Mayor's Breakfast

This event includes business development, diversity highlights, award recognition and networking opportunities.

Speaker: Mayor Joe Hogsett, City of Indianapolis
Cost: Table of 10 is $500 or $50 per person

In this workshop, information on upcoming multi-million-dollar projects with numerous contracting opportunities for the minority/women/veteran and disability-owned and small business community will be provided. Details and opportunities for several projects involving the Department of Public Works, Indianapolis Airport Authority, Pepper Construction, Purdue University, and Shiel Sexton will be shared with attendees. 

Moderator: Brittany Crone, Director, Indy Parks and Recreation
Presenters: Marie Davis, Lead Supplier Diversity Administrator – Purdue University; Chelci Hunter, Program Manager, Business Alliance – Indianapolis Airport Authority; Todd Wilson, Director, Department of Public Works, City of Indianapolis; Adrian Russell, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Procurement-Shiel Sexton; La-Tisha Pirtle, President and Co-Founder, MV General Construction Service
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: ICC Room 233
Sponsors: Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, Everwise Credit Union, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, KeyBank, LabCorp, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative

A dynamic discussion revealing the practical steps, mindset shifts, and strategic moves that help entrepreneurs rise above the noise. Walk away with a clear, actionable checklist to accelerate your path from early‑stage to exceptional.

Moderator: Celeste Jones, Area Manager, Everwise Credit Union
Presenters:  Adam Young, Area Service Manager, Rickey Miller: Business Development Representative, Joshua Lloyd: Sr Business Banker, Tahanna Jenkins, Manager Learning and Development Rafael Bolivar, Commercial Relationship Manager
Time: 12:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Room 232
Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union

In the competitive world of government contracting and B2B procurement, a generic brochure is not enough. Procurement officers and prime contractors need to know within seconds if your company is a safe, qualified, and unique bet. This workshop will teach you why a capability statement is your most important marketing document and provides a step-by-step guide to writing one. Participants will learn how to transition from simply listing services to crafting a strategic, one-page document that highlights their core competencies, past performance, and unique differentiators.

Presenters: Sharon Harvey, Lead Outreach and Marketing Specialist, US Small Business Administration (SBA), and Christina Snorten, Director of Enterprise Development, Indy Chamber 
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: ICC Room 234
Sponsors: Carrier, Crossroads Public Affairs, Everwise Credit Union, Global Parking System, Inc., Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, KeyBank, LabCorp, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative

This interactive session reimagines traditional networking by bringing together influential leaders for a series of dynamic “Power Rounds” focused, high-impact conversations designed to spark insight, alignment, and action. In today’s evolving business and community landscape, success is increasingly driven by the ability to build meaningful connections, collaborate across sectors, and clearly articulate value. This session will explore how leaders are navigating the current environment, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunities for growth, particularly for small and local businesses. Attendees will gain real-time insights from regional decision-makers and community leaders while actively engaging in dialogue that moves beyond theory into practical application. The session will conclude with open Q&A and intentional networking to foster authentic relationship-building and continued collaboration beyond the room.

Time: 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: ICC 500 Ballroom
Sponsors: Carrier, Crossroads Public Affairs, Everwise Credit Union, Global Parking System, Inc., Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, KeyBank, LabCorp, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative

Most business owners have opened ChatGPT. Fewer have used it to save real time, close real deals, or run their business more effectively. The gap is not access. The gap is knowing how to ask.

This 90-minute working session is built for the solopreneur, side-hustler, and small business owner who is ready to move from curious to capable. Bring your laptop. You will leave with a prompting framework you can learn in 60 seconds, a sharper definition of your Ideal Customer Profile, and one live AI-built asset, an email, a social post, a customer response, or a proposal draft, that you will use in your business this week.

No technical background required. No paid AI subscriptions needed. Just a laptop, your business, and 90 minutes to get practical about the tool your competitors are already using.

Presenters: Adell Means, Certified AI Instructor & founder of Aevara AI LLC
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: ICC Room 233
Sponsors: Carrier, Crossroads Public Affairs, Everwise Credit Union, Global Parking System, Inc., Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, KeyBank, LabCorp, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative

Terms like belonging, fairness, access, and opportunity are everywhere, but what do they actually mean in practice for businesses, organizations, and communities? As conversations around workplace culture, supplier engagement, and economic opportunity continue to evolve, this session will move beyond the rhetoric to explore what meaningful and sustainable impact work truly looks like in today’s environment.

Through honest dialogue and real-world examples, participants will examine how organizations are navigating shifting expectations while continuing to build pathways for collaboration, representation, and business growth. Special emphasis will be placed on procurement and supplier opportunities, including how small and local businesses can better position themselves to compete, build strategic relationships, and access contracting opportunities with corporations, institutions, and government entities.

This session is designed for entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and decision-makers seeking practical insight into creating environments and partnerships that drive both business success and broader community impact.

Presenters: Doneisha L. Posey, Esq., President and CEO, Ascentra Strategies
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Sponsors: Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative

“Let’s Demystify SEI Business Opportunities but… YOU must incorporate the right strategies, preparation, and positioning to compete and win.” is more than a statement; it is a call to action for businesses ready to position themselves for growth and success. This interactive workshop is designed to help entrepreneurs, suppliers, and small business owners better understand how to pursue and compete for business opportunities within today’s evolving marketplace. Participants will gain valuable insight into the strategies, preparation, and business practices necessary to strengthen their competitiveness and increase their readiness for contracting and supplier opportunities. The session will also highlight practical approaches to relationship-building, operational excellence, and positioning your business for long-term sustainability and success.

Moderator: Richard J. Wise, Director Small Business Development, Indiana University
Presenters: John Bodle, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Office of Procurement Services; Richard J. Wise, Director Small Business Development, Indiana University; Marie Jeannette Davis, Manager, Office of Supplier Diversity, Purdue University; Roger Hassenzahl, Director of Purchasing Services and Business Auxiliary Contracts, Ball State University; Michael Morrison, Director of Procurement, Diversity Spend and Risk Manager, Vincennes University; Marcus D. Bickle, Executive Director of Strategic Sourcing, Ivy Tech Community College; Bryan Bromstrup, Director of Procurement, Office of Procurement, Indiana State University; Jeffrey Sponn, Director of Procurement and Risk Management and Julie Weinzapfel, Manager of Procurement Operations, University of Southern Indiana
Time: 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: ICC Room 234
Sponsors: Carrier, Crossroads Public Affairs, Everwise Credit Union, Global Parking System, Inc., Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, KeyBank, LabCorp, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative

This special reception celebrates and acknowledges the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact throughout the State of Indiana. The awards honor the community’s unsung heroes,  dedicated leaders, advocates, educators, entrepreneurs, and volunteers,  whose tireless efforts often take place behind the scenes but create lasting change for communities across the state. Through their commitment to service, leadership, and empowerment, these honorees continue to advance opportunities and improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers. The reception serves as an opportunity to recognize their contributions, celebrate their accomplishments, and inspire continued collaboration and community impact.

Time: 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Sponsors: Indiana Civil Rights Commission

You’ve been in sessions all day, absorbing, taking notes, networking, and showing up. Now, before you walk out that door and head back into the grind, we need to talk about you. Not your business plan. Not your pitch. YOU. Building a business is one of the most courageous things a person can do and one of the most quietly exhausting. You pour into your clients, your team, your vision, and your community. But who’s pouring into you? Too many of us are running on empty, isolated, and grinding through it all with a smile that no longer reaches our eyes. This space might be the first one you’ve had all day to breathe, be honest, and reconnect with the person behind the business. Using the Refresh, Renew, Restore framework, we’ll get real about what it takes to sustain yourself and your business. You’ll leave with tools you can use starting tonight. You didn’t come this far to fall apart. Let’s make sure you don’t have to.

Presenter: Brittany Wayman, Founder and CEO, Soul Care Coaching
Time: 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: ICC Room 235
Sponsors: Carrier, Crossroads Public Affairs, Everwise Credit Union, Global Parking System, Inc., Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, KeyBank, LabCorp, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative

The Policy Summit will bring together businesses, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the state to focus on the shared challenges and opportunities facing the community.
A brief presentation on the plight of Black Hoosiers in Indiana will begin an essential conversation towards the development of shared policy goals.

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Reception immediately following, presented by Crossroads Public Affairs
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Sponsors: Crossroads Public Affairs
Contributor: Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative 
Governor Mike Braun

Governor’s Awards Reception

July 14th, 2026

This special reception celebrates and acknowledges the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact throughout the State of Indiana. The awards honor the community’s unsung heroes,  dedicated leaders, advocates, educators, entrepreneurs, and volunteers,  whose tireless efforts often take place behind the scenes but create lasting change for communities across the state. Through their commitment to service, leadership, and empowerment, these honorees continue to advance opportunities and improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers. The reception serves as an opportunity to recognize their contributions, celebrate their accomplishments, and inspire continued collaboration and community impact.

Time: 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Sponsors: Indiana Civil Rights Commission

The Policy Summit

July 17th, 2026

The Policy Summit will bring together businesses, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the state to focus on the shared challenges and opportunities facing the community. 

A brief presentation on the plight of Black Hoosiers in Indiana as it relates to The Blueprint-Statewide Community Policy Agenda. The presentation will take a deeper dive into topics of concern within the Statewide Community Policy Agenda. We will provide insight on the status of some of the issues within the policy agenda and have essential conversations toward the development of shared policy goals. 

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Reception immediately following, presented by Crossroads Public Affairs
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom
Sponsors: Crossroads Public Affairs
Contributor: Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative

Corporate Luncheon

July 17th, 2026

Continuing the theme of Our Legacy, Our Influence, Our Future, the Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon will honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to the community as well as those who continue to tell the story about who we are and pave the way for our communities.

On behalf of our organization, thank you in advance for supporting IBE’s year-round youth and family programs by joining us in celebration of cultural excellence at our luncheon. 

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Monday, July 13th 2026 Sessions
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Tuesday, July 14th 2026 Sessions
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2026 Sponsors