Digital Guide
We’re so glad you’re here! Review the schedule & read about speakers as the day goes on.
8:30am
Arrival, Coffee, & Networking
Get to know the speakers & other attendees before the day kicks off.
9:15am
Opening Session: What’s Your Catalyst?
In the fast-paced world of innovation and entrepreneurship, it’s not just about having a big idea, it’s about knowing what drives you to bring that idea to life. Alana Hill kicks off the day by challenging you to reflect on the “why” behind your ventures to equip you to lead with clarity and confidence.
9:45am
Keynote #1: From Whiteboard to IPO - A Founder’s Journey
Hear the real-life story of taking a startup from an idea to a public company with Craig Hurlburt, Co-Founder & CEO of Local Bounti.
10:20am
Founders’ Panel: Lessons from the Front Lines
A candid discussion with emerging founders on the missteps, pivots, and wisdom they've picked up along the way.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions: Choose One
Brand Like a Billion-Dollar Business (Before You Make a Dollar) w/ Jennifer Welch
Combine enterprise-grade brand frameworks with customer-centered storytelling to position your startup to win before you have resources. Cover core marketing & branding principles such as earning belief before you earn revenue, making the customer the hero, and effective brand storytelling techniques.
Entrepreneurship IS Leadership w/ Joyce Durst
Every entrepreneur is a leader, whether you're ready or not. This session explores the kind of leadership that attracts great people, builds lasting culture, and creates momentum. Learn what makes a leader worth following, how to lead with vision and values, and how strong leadership becomes your startup’s ultimate edge.
Startup Legal & IP 101: Protecting Your Business & Ideas w/ Malachi Hernandez, Jeremy Osborne, Roger Ivey, & Chris Scotti
The legal essentials for founders: protecting your ideas, avoiding common pitfalls, and forming the right entity.
3:00pm
Panel: The Future of Entrepreneurship
Where’s the world headed? This forward-looking session explores big trends, skills of the future, and how to prepare for what’s next. Seasoned entrepreneurs reflect on their journey & lessons learned.
4:00pm
11:10am
Morning Breakout Sessions: Choose One
From Passion to Paycheck: Crafting Your Path in Careers, Startups, & Beyond w/ Tami Cannizzaro
Discover how to clarify your deeper motivation and use it to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. Best for those who are exploring entrepreneurship.
From Idea to Action: Starting a Company from Scratch w/ Kim Lalande
Learn how to start a business with minimal resources. This session covers your first milestones, where to spend your time, and how to land your first customers. Best for those who have an idea, and want to pull the trigger on it.
What VCs Look for in Startups w/ Eric Alfuth, Larry Warnock, & Jeff Mamera
A behind-the-scenes look at how investors evaluate startups. Learn what makes a pitch stand out, and what doesn’t. Best for those who have a company.
12:30pm
Lunch: Casual Roundtables
Sit with a mentor, bounce around between tables, or catch up with new connections from the morning!
1:15pm
Keynote #2: How to Build a Company That Lasts
Explore the long game. Jay Tortorice, President of Jason’s Deli, shares how to grow a values-driven company that thrives over time, not just in the moment.
2:00pm
Wrap-Up & Networking
Final thoughts and key takeaways. Stick around, connect with speakers, and follow up with potential teammates or mentors.
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Jay Tortorice
PRESIDENT
JASON’S DELI -
Alana Hill
SPEAKER, AUTHOR, & CONSULTANT
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Craig Hurlbert
CO-FOUNDER & CEO, LOCAL BOUNTI
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Joyce Durst
Co-Founder & CEO
GROWTH ACCELERATION PARTNERS -
Eric Alfuth
PRESIDENT, HOUSTON ANGEL NETWORK & MANAGING PARTNER, CAYMONT VENTURES
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Kim Lalande
Founder & CEO, KEY.co
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Jennifer Layne Welch
CMO & BRAND STRATEGIST
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Larry Warnock
3x CEO & FOUNDER, RING VENTURES
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Jeff Mamera
FOUNDER, MISSION VERTICAL CAPITAL
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Tami Cannizzaro
SPEAKER, AUTHOR, & CAREER CONSULTANT
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Malachi Hernandez
FOUNDER, IPELINT
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Jeremy Osborne
PRINCIPAL & CO-FOUNDER
SAGO CAPITAL