CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 This is your guide for the events and activities at Summer Celebration, so check this page often.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Ecumenical Service

Speaker: Pastor Jeffrey Johnson Sr., Senior Pastor, Eastern Star Church

Host Pastor:  Bishop Kevin Harrison, Senior Pastor, Grace Apostolic Church 

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: Free 

Location: Grace Apostolic Church, 649 East 22nd Street 

Business Conference

Mayor’s Breakfast:  

This breakfast includes business development, diversity highlights, award recognition and networking opportunities for more than 200 business owners and guests.

Speaker: Mayor Joe Hogsett, City of Indianapolis 

Emcee: Rafael Sanchez, Co-Anchor and Lead Field Reporter for Good Morning Indiana, WRTV 

Time: Check-in begins at 8:00 AM; 8:30AM-10:15AM; Check-in begins at 8:00AM 

Cost: Invitation Only 

Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom  

Sponsors: Delta Faucet, Cummins, WRTV, Carrier, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Administration, AT&T, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Key Bank, Ice Miller, Central Indiana- Small Business Development Center and First Financial Bank.

 

City of Indianapolis Project Pipeline – 2022 Opportunities and Beyond 

In this workshop, information regarding several upcoming multi-million-dollar projects with numerous contracting opportunities for the Minority/Women/Veteran and Disability-Owned Business community will be provided. 

Details and opportunities on several projects involving Indiana University Health, Indianapolis Airport Authority, Eskenazi Health, and Citizens Energy Group will be shared.

Facilitator: Akilah W. Darden, Director of Design and Construction-Diversity and Inclusion, Indiana University Health 

Presenters: Jennifer Osei-Abebrese-Heltsley Program Director, Indiana University Health Design & Construction; Holli Harrington, Director of Supplier Diversity, Indianapolis Airport Authority; Meechelle Parker, Manager-Supplier Diversity Program/Purchasing; Angela Smith Jones, Vice-President-Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Hospital Corporation; Angela Westerhaus, Procurement Manager, Turner Construction Company 

Time: 10:30 AM -12:00 PM
Location: Indiana Convention Center – Room 231

Sponsors: Delta Faucet, Cummins, WRTV, Carrier, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Administration, AT&T, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Key Bank, Ice Miller, Central Indiana- Small Business Development Center and First Financial Bank.

  

How to Exude Presence and Power – “Walk, Talk and Look Like a CEO” 

This 90-minute interactive  workshop will include a panel of multi-generational, well-established business leaders who will share tips on how to exude power, position and poise; how to lead with empathy to maximize the return on human capital (staff); how to elevate your conversation to be perceived as a strategic thinker and leader; how to get people to ask you if they can follow-up for more information about your company; and how to insert yourself and get invited into existing high-level conversations at key networking events. 

FacilitatorJean Poole, Founder and President, E Cubed Performance, LLC    

Presenters: Jimmie McMillian, Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Corporate Counsel, Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Deborah D. Oatts, President and Co-founder of Nubian Construction Group; Charles D. Lee, CEO, Lee Infinite Solutions; Marshall Williams, President, Williams Distribution, LLC; Thresette Briggs, SHRM-SCP, DDI, Chief Performance Officer, Performance3

Time: 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Indiana Convention Center Room 232
Sponsors: Delta Faucet, Cummins, WRTV, Carrier, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Administration, AT&T, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Key Bank, Ice Miller, Central Indiana- Small Business Development Center and First Financial Bank.

Diversifying Indy’s Procurement Ecosystem 

A conversation with the Business Equity for Indy Procurement Roundtable. The BEI Procurement Roundtable aims to increase the launch, growth, and success rates of Black-owned enterprises and create a culture of transparency and accountability where supplier diversity is a priority for all leaders and is better embedded in an organization’s business. 

Moderator: Akilah Darden, IU Health, 38th & Sheridan Project 

Panelists: Stacia Murphy, Director of Equity, Outreach, and Strategic Partnerships, Indy Chamber; Tonya Sisco, Executive Director, CARES Diversity Initiative, Cummins; Brandon Gatson, Supplier Diversity Manager, Purdue University; Nicole Kearney, Winemaker/Founder, Sip & Share Wine 

Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Indiana Convention Center Room 233
Sponsors: Delta Faucet, Cummins, WRTV, Carrier, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Administration, AT&T, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Key Bank, Ice Miller, Central Indiana- Small Business Development Center and First Financial Bank.

 

Disparity Study – What Does It Mean, What’s Next? 

The Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indianapolis International Airport, in conjunction with BBC Research & Consulting, partnered to conduct their 2022 disparity study.  A public presentation of the results gathered from the in-depth study and the opportunity for public participation will be provided.  

Presenter: Dr. Sameer Bawa of BBC Research & Consulting 

Time: 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Indiana Convention Center Room 234
Sponsors: Indiana Department of Transportation and Indianapolis Airport Authority.

IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series

IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series is designed for current and aspiring middle and high school entrepreneurs.  Youth entrepreneurship has been proven to improve academic performance, school attendance, interpersonal skills, job readiness, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities.  IBX YES workshops are created to introduce young people to the basic ideas, activities, and skills needed to successfully launch, lead, and grow a business.

Location: Indiana Convention Center Room 236

SCHEDULE

Time                           Topic

9:00 am – 9:30 am – Registration
9:30 am – 9:45 am – Welcome/Ice Breaker
945: am – 10:30 am – Entrepreneurship, The Truth!
10:30 am – 11:15 am – So You Want To Be An Entrepreneur/The Big Idea
11:15 am – 11:30 am – Break
11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Keynote
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm – Lunch
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm – Let’s Get Social
1:15 pm – 2:00 pm – Workshop
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Glad You Asked – Panel Discussion with Entrepreneurs

Business Conference

XBE to DBE Workshop – What It Takes to Access Federal Contracts 

This workshop will educate diverse companies on the federal Disadvantaged Enterprise Program (DBE). What does the DBE certification entail and how can it benefit your company?   Come and find out about 12 – 36 months of federal project pipeline opportunities from the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, Indianapolis Department of Public Works, Indy Go, Indianapolis Airport Authority, and Indiana Department of Transportation.  

Welcoming Remarks: Vop Osili, City-County Council President 

Facilitator: David Fredricks, Director of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, City of Indianapolis 

Panelists: Rusty Carr, Deputy Director, Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development; Indianapolis Department of Public Works; Laura Barton, Capital Facility Project Manager, Indy Go; Holli Harrington, Sr. Director of Supplier Diversity and Diversity Manager, Indianapolis Airport Authority; Chelci Hunter, Supplier Diversity Program Manager, Indianapolis Airport Authority, Indy Go; Sean Howard, Supportive Services Coordinator Lead, Indiana Department of Transportation  

Time: 9:30 AM -11:00 AM
Location: Delta Faucet, Cummins, WRTV, Carrier, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Administration, AT&T, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Key Bank, Ice Miller, Central Indiana- Small Business Development Center and First Financial Bank.

 

Finding State Contracting Opportunities 

Each year, the State of Indiana awards millions of dollars in state contracts to meet the needs of government agencies. The biggest question you may ask yourself is where to find these contracting opportunities. The information is publicly available; however, it may be overwhelming to try to find it. The purpose of this webinar is to simplify the process and get you started. During this 90-minute workshop, our panel will show you where to find contracting opportunities. Don’t miss out on preparing to meet your opportunity! 

Facilitator:Kesha Rich, Director of Certification, IDOA Division of Supplier Diversity  

Presenters: Chari Burke, Chief Administrative Officer, Indiana Department of Natural Resources; Chris Jeffers, State Director, Indiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center;  Gregory Wilson, Executive Director, Indiana Civil Rights Commission; Sean Howard, DBE Business Development and Outreach Manager, Indiana Department of Transportation; Bob Grossman, Director of Public Works, IDOA, Public Works Division. 

Time: 11:15 AM -12:45 PM
Location: Indiana Convention Center Room 232
Sponsors: Delta Faucet, Cummins, WRTV, Carrier, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Administration, AT&T, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Key Bank, Ice Miller, Central Indiana- Small Business Development Center and First Financial Bank.

 

“Supplier Diversity Pulse Check! Higher Education Institution’s Business Opportunities!” 

This workshop brings together decision-makers and procurement officers from the largest college and universities in the state. Hear about existing and upcoming multi-million dollar projects and procurement opportunities from university representatives. Learn what it takes to tap into the current or future opportunities that exist with our SEI’s. Get all your questions answered and find out who you should be approaching to do business with Indiana’s state universities. 

Facilitator: Richard J. Wise, Director of Supplier Diversity, Indiana University  

Presenters: Roger Hassenzahl, Director of Purchasing Services, Ball State University; Brandon Gatson, Supplier Diversity Manager, Purdue University; Michael Morrison, Director of Purchasing and Risk Manager, Diversity Spend Program Manager, Vincennes University; Marcus D. Bickle, Executive Director of Strategic Sourcing, Ivy Tech; Dillon Glover, Director of Procurement, Dillon Glover, Director of Procurement, Indiana State University; Jeff Span, ’98 M’04, Director of Procurement, University of Southern Indiana
Time: 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Indiana Convention Center Room 233
Sponsors: Delta Faucet, Cummins, WRTV, Carrier, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Administration, AT&T, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Key Bank, Ice Miller, Central Indiana- Small Business Development Center and First Financial Bank.

  

Governor’s Awards Reception 

This reception acknowledges the outstanding achievement of African Americans throughout the State of Indiana. These awards recognize some of the community’s unsung heroes who work tirelessly for the advancement of all Hoosiers. The Governor will present awards to recipients in the following categories: Sam Jones Trailblazer; Reverend Charles Williams Community Service; Achievement in Education; Achievement in Business; Entrepreneurship; “Next Level” Award; and Harold O. Hatcher Award. 

Keynote Speaker: Governor Eric Holcomb
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Indiana Convention Center, 500 Ballroom 

Sponsors: Indiana Civil Rights Commission, and FSSA, Indiana Department of Administration

Cost: Invitation Only

The Indiana University Education Conference provides professional development opportunities to educators and administrators in K-12 and higher education that lead to equitable educational outcomes for students of color.

Wednesday sessions are virtual and free.

Register to Attend

Virtual Session  Time 
State of Higher Education 9:00 am 
Motivating the Unmotivated 10:05 am
Cultivating Black Students’ Oppositional Consciousness and Succes 11:30 am
Linguistic Justice for African American Children 1:00pm 

The Indiana University Education Conference provides professional development opportunities to educators and administrators in K-12 and higher education that lead to equitable educational outcomes for students of color.

Thursday Sessions are in person at the Indiana Convention Center. The cost to register for Thursday is $35 to cover lunch.

Session Description  Time 
Check-in / Breakfast  7:00am 
The State of K-12 Education 8:15am 
Morning Keynote – Robert Jackson 9:30am
Concurrent Sessions 10:45am 
Lunch/Awards 12:30am 
Superintendents Panel Discussion 1:45pm 
Closing Keynote – Dr. Adolph Brown 3:30pm
Panel discussion  1:45pm 
Closing Reception 5:00pm

Cultural Arts Pavilion 

The Cultural Arts Gallery is an exhibition that showcases the works of Indianapolis arts institutions and local artists. 

Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hoosier Corridor Rooms 133-135 

The Arts Speaks CAFÉ 

The Arts Speaks CAFÉ includes an interactive area for local authors and artists to share insight on their works. By promoting the exploration, improvement, and advancement of the arts as a change-making force in society, the CAFÉ provides a venue for spoken word artists to share all forms of poetry, from urban and spiritual to confessional and political.  Join our emcee BOXX the Artist for a weekend that will stimulate your mind and inspire your soul. Sign up for a session of Yoga and Canvas or just relax, listen to music and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Whatever you decide to do just make sure you don’t forget to stop by to check us out! 

Time: 10:00 am- 7:00 pm 

Cost: Free 

Location: Indiana Convention Center, Rooms 136-137 

36th Annual Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair 

Attendees can receive nearly $2,000 worth of free health screenings, education and information on how to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and cancer. 

Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Indiana Convention Center, Halls J & K 

Sponsor: Indiana State Department of Health 

Corporate Luncheon

Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is pleased to announce that after a long two years, we are returning to in-person events for Summer Celebration.  This year, the theme for Summer Celebration is Remember our History, Imagine the Future. With this theme, the IBE Corporate Luncheon will be honor and recognize of those that made a pledge to fight against racial and social injustice in the black communities.  

Be sure to join us as we are quickly approaching the “Pacers Sports and Entertainment Corporate Luncheon,” our signature fundraiser during Summer Celebration that benefits a variety of youth and family programs in our community. 

Location: Indiana Convention Center Sagamore Ballroom 3-7

Time: 11:00 a.m.

To attend purchase your tables

 Free Outdoor Concert

Every year as part of Summer Celebration we put on a free concert with talent that knows how to bring it to the stage. This concert, highlighting legendary artists, is always a fun event. Held outdoors, we are returning to the American Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis.  Be sure to come and share in the experience.

For those of you who want to amp up the experience, you can purchase VIP Access for only $75.00. With the purchase of VIP admission, you get to see the performers up close and personal. Get your prime seat today.

Location: American Legion Mall

Time: 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm

Purchase VIP Access

IBE Youth Leadership Summit 

YLS is a youth conference geared towards giving youth a platform to hear and learn from professionals regarding academics, decision-making, and advocacy. YLS is a conference where youth are engaged with plenary sessions and interactive workshops with transferable knowledge across home, school, and community. In addition to networking with youth across the state, youth also become the instructor. 

 This 2-day leadership and arts summit allows future performers and activists to start building their path to success. Indiana Black Expo is committed to being a catalyst in promoting positive, relevant content to our youth for academic and social success. 

 Time: 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM 

Location: Crown Plaza Hotel 

Registration: Invite Only 

Sponsors: 

The Arts Speaks CAFÉ 

The Arts Speaks CAFÉ includes an interactive area for local authors and artists to share insight on their works. By promoting the exploration, improvement, and advancement of the arts as a change-making force in society, the CAFÉ provides a venue for spoken word artists to share all forms of poetry, from urban and spiritual to confessional and political.  Join our emcee BOXX the Artist for a weekend that will stimulate your mind and inspire your soul. Sign up for a session of Yoga and Canvas or just relax, listen to music and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Whatever you decide to do just make sure you don’t forget to stop by to check us out! 

Time: 10:00 am- 7:00 pm 

Cost: Free 

Location: Indiana Convention Center, Rooms 136-137 

Cultural Arts Pavilion 

The Cultural Arts Gallery is an exhibition that showcases the works of Indianapolis arts institutions and local artists. 

Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hoosier Corridor Rooms 133-135 

Indiana Black Expo Midwest Invitational Boxing Showcase 

The IBE Midwest Invitational Boxing Showcase is a dual competition between top amateur boxers from 11 teams across Indiana, Ohio, Texas, and Missouri. The dual competition will bring boxers from all weight classes. 

Time: 1:00 PM 

Cost: Free 

Location: Indiana Convention Center, Hall F 

Chubb Rock & Kool Moe Dee

Saturday, July 16th, 10:00 pm – 3:00 am

Tickets are required and available at Ticketmaster.com or the Old National Center Box Office

$50 – General Admission, price will increase at the door
$100 VIP, price will increase at the door.
Note: no guaranteed seating for VIP section

Location: The Egyptian Ball Room at Old National Centre