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July 16th, 2026

IBE Education Conference

Each year, we host one of the nation’s largest and most thorough educational conferences in Indiana. The Indiana Black Expo Education Conference focuses on exploring the theme of academic excellence, advancing teaching practices, and highlighting the importance of collective work and impact.

This conference is more than just a learning experience—it’s an opportunity to recharge, reconnect with your passion for education, and leave equipped to bring your A-game to every classroom. Don’t miss out on this exciting event—register today and get ready to lead with purpose, inspire with intention, and engage with excellence!

Where: Indiana Convention Center
Registration Is Now Open

Individual Registration
Group Registration

2026 THEME

Restore & Reimagine: Reclaiming Joy, Balance, and Purpose in Teaching

Hosted in the spirit of Indiana Black Expo, Inc., Restore & Reimagine is more than a conference — it is a movement to strengthen educators so they can continue transforming lives and communities. Rooted in our commitment to education, equity, and empowerment, this experience creates space for educators to renew their passion, reclaim their balance, and reconnect with the purpose that called them to the profession.

Conference Description:

This conference centers educator wellness as a critical strategy for student success and community impact. Through dynamic keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and authentic conversations, participants will explore sustainable teaching practices, boundary-setting strategies, collaborative leadership models, and culturally responsive approaches that honor both educator and student voices.

Restore & Reimagine affirms that when educators are supported, schools thrive and communities rise. Together, we will celebrate the impact of teaching, strengthen professional identity, and build a network of leaders committed to creating joyful, balanced, and purpose-driven learning environments across Indiana and beyond.

What to Expect:

Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions that explore cutting-edge teaching techniques, student engagement strategies, and leadership development.

Expert Speakers: Hear from renowned educators and thought leaders who will share insights on current trends and best practices in education.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow educators, exchange ideas, and collaborate on strategies to take your teaching to the next level.

2026 Keynote Speakers

Brandon P. Fleming

Award-Winning Educator and Founder of the Veritas Schools
Brandon P. Fleming is an award-winning educator, entrepreneur, and author whose journey from at-risk youth and college dropout to Harvard University debate coach has inspired audiences worldwide. As detailed in his acclaimed memoir Miseducated, now in development for television and theater, Fleming made history by founding the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project. This initiative has provided full scholarships to over 250 Black and brown students from under-resourced schools, preparing them through a rigorous, custom-designed curriculum. Since 2017, every cohort trained by Fleming has won international academic debate competitions, gaining national media attention and corporate sponsorship from companies like Coca-Cola, UPS, and Chick-fil-A. Fleming is the Founder and CEO of The Veritas Schools, with campuses in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, and his work extends globally through student expeditions and peacebuilding missions with world leaders. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and The Root 100, he has delivered keynote addresses at the United Nations, major corporations like Airbnb and McDonald’s, and prestigious educational institutions. In 2021, North Carolina Wesleyan College awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree for his transformational impact on education and leadership.

Dr. Shaun Woodly

Creator of the "Teach, Hustle, Inspire" - Transforming Urban Education with Purpose and Passion
Charged with an unstoppable passion for education, Dr. Shaun Woodly, a Hampton University alum, has left indelible marks on every rung of the academic ladder. From a dedicated K-12 teacher to an inspiring university professor, his impactful journey is fueled by a commitment to transform education. Celebrated as Teacher of the Year and the recipient of several awards for his exceptional teaching, Dr. Woodly’s accolades are a testament to his remarkable influence.

2026 Conference Schedule

Monday, July 14th | 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: Invitation Only

In this workshop, information about 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 on several projects involving Department of Public Works, Indianapolis Airport Authority, Shiel Sexton, Health and Hospital Corporation and Indiana University Health-Construction and Supply Chain will be shared with attendees.

Presenters: Todd Wilson, Director, Department of Public Works – City of Indianapolis; Chelci Hunter, Program Manager, Business Alliance – Indianapolis Airport Authority; Adrian Russell, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Procurement – Shiel Sexton; Felicia J. Roseburgh, Director, Supplier Engagement and Economic Impact- Health and Hospital Corporation; Jarrah M. Hamer, Senior Consultant, Supply Chain – Indiana University Health

Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

Join us for an insightful Lunch & Learn as we break down the latest economic trends impacting Indiana and examine how they’re influencing key areas of our business at Everwise. From residential and commercial lending to shifts in the banking landscape and marketing, our leaders and industry experts will share what we’re seeing, what we’re anticipating, and how our services align with the evolving environment. Catrina Tate, VP of Retail – A leader in retail strategy, driving innovation and customer-focused solutions.

Presenters: Trisha Smith, Vice President of Marketing, Darrius Davis, Commercial Lending Relationship Manager, Jeff Oman, Mortgage Loan Originator, Dr. Matthew Will, Associate Professor of Finance, University of Indianapolis MBA Program

Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

The Project Pursuits Basics workshop is to provide an outline of the basic steps of Identifying and tracking project opportunities, Developing an Approach to pursue those opportunities and prepare a response/proposal for those opportunities. The workshop is intended to be an open forum for those just starting out and for those who are looking to enhance their responses to Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) or Proposals (RFPs).

Presenter: Mr. Jason Frank, PE, MBA – Midwest Aviation Leader for Garver
Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

Thinking about financing your small business or startup? This session will walk you through the essential elements of commercial loan preparation—the “Gotta Haves” every lender looks for. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the financial documents required, how your personal financials play a role, and discover no-cost resources available to help you get loan-ready.

Presenters: Sharon Harvey, Lead Outreach and Marketing Specialist, Indiana District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration; Sean Moss, Business Advisor, Central Indiana SBDC

Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx Management

Discover new opportunities with the Indiana Energy Association (IEA) organizations at our innovative Doing Business with the State workshop. Join our expert panel to expand your business network, sharpen your acumen, and explore emerging ways to grow within our thriving communities. Don’t miss out on this transformative event where collaboration meets creativity, paving the way for you to do business across the State. During the workshop, the panel will share a presentation explaining their procurement process followed by a Q&A session. At the end of the workshop, all attendees will have an opportunity to grow their business acumen by networking.

Moderator: Eli Sturgeon, Director of Contract Compliance, IDOA Division of Supplier Diversity

Presenters: Bernice L. Walker, Esq., Supplier Engagement & Diversity Manager, Duke Energy Corporation: Meechelle Riley, Supplier Engagement Manager, Citizens Energy Group: Janet Descho, Supplier Supply Chain Management Category Direct Buyer Manager, Applied Energy Service Corporation (AES): Tasha Wood, Supplier Diversity Manager, NiSource, Inc.

Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

Learn from State Educational Institutions (SEI) procurement officers, operations lead, and small business diversity professionals about upcoming opportunities, ongoing needs, and the strategies you must employ to be recognized as a viable candidate for current and future business opportunities.

Presenters: Selena Claire Drake, Project Lead, Capital Planning and Facilities, 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

Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

As part of the Indiana Black Expo’s 2025 Business Conference, this Lunch & Learn will explore how state and local legislative policies are shaping the landscape for small businesses—with a specific focus on XBE firms (minority-, women-, veteran-, and disability-owned businesses). Join us for a timely and informative conversation featuring policymakers and business leaders as they break down the latest legislative updates, procurement opportunities, and economic trends affecting Indiana’s business climate. Attendees will walk away with tools to navigate the evolving policy landscape and advocate for inclusive growth.

Presenters: Representative Alex Burton, District 77, Anita Williams: Program Director, Indy Black Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks, National Association of Business Women Owners (NABWO), Dr. Demetrius Glover: President and CEO, Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council

Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

This reception acknowledges the outstanding achievements throughout the State of Indiana. These awards recognize some of the community’s unsung heroes who work tirelessly for the advancement of all Hoosiers. Awards will be presented to recipients in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement Award, Excellence in Media Award, and Screen Image Award.

Sponsors: Indiana Civil Rights Commission
Cost: Invitation Only

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