JOIN US!!
Attending the MASS BLACK EXPO (MBE) is more than just your typical conference experience, it’s an opportunity to:
Receive an Unparalleled Immersive Experience
Grow your Business
Increase Equity
Cultivate Relationships
Receive an Unparalleled Immersive Experience
Grow your Business
Increase Equity
Cultivate Relationships
DAY 1: Friday, September 23, 2022
(In-person at Boston Convention and Exhibition Center)
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
DAY 2: Saturday, September 24, 2022
(Virtual from the comfort of your home)
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Mass Black Expo (MBE) is the Commonwealth’s premier event for showcasing Black businesses, organizations, and allies committed to closing the Massachusetts wealth gap through equity, access, and opportunity. This year’s two-day event provides purchasing opportunities, capacity-building resources, networking, meaningful discussion and fun.
(In-person at Boston Convention and Exhibition Center)
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
DAY 2: Saturday, September 24, 2022
(Virtual from the comfort of your home)
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Mass Black Expo (MBE) is the Commonwealth’s premier event for showcasing Black businesses, organizations, and allies committed to closing the Massachusetts wealth gap through equity, access, and opportunity. This year’s two-day event provides purchasing opportunities, capacity-building resources, networking, meaningful discussion and fun.
Keynote Speakers + Emcee
Jessica Brown
MAIN STAGE AM EMCEE
Jessica Brown co-anchors WCVB Channel 5’s NewsCenter 5 at Noon with Antoinette Antonio as well as NewsCenter 5 at 4 PM with Maria Stephanos and Ed Harding. Brown also serves as NewsCenter 5’s medical reporter.
Karen Holmes Ward
MAIN STAGE PM EMCEE
Karen Holmes Ward is the Director of Public Affairs and Community Services as well as host and executive producer of CityLine, WCVB’s award-winning weekly magazine program which addresses the accomplishments, concerns and issues facing people of color living in Boston and its suburbs.
Jeffrey J. Bussgang
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jeffrey J. Bussgang is a Senior Lecturer in the Entrepreneurial Management Unit at the Harvard Business School as well as Co-Founder and General Partner at Flybridge Capital Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm with offices in Boston and NYC and over $1 billion under management across six seed funds and nine network funds.
Soon to be Announced
. . .
About the Speaker.
Top Reasons to Attend
—Learn From Experts in your industry.
— Gain Inspiration from impactful keynote speakers.
— Discover and Explore Black-owned businesses and organizations from across the Commonwealth.
—Form Real Connections through networking, ideation and discussion with other attendees.
— Develop Business Relationships that will take you to the next level.
— Gain Inspiration from impactful keynote speakers.
— Discover and Explore Black-owned businesses and organizations from across the Commonwealth.
—Form Real Connections through networking, ideation and discussion with other attendees.
— Develop Business Relationships that will take you to the next level.
Featured Sessions
— Advocating for Equity and Access at Work and in the Community
— The Room Where it Happens: Joining MA Boards & Commissions
— Ready or Not: Recession Planning
— The State of the Hospitality Industry
— Checking In: Is Your Business Ready for Funding?
— The Power of Community Investing: Shifting Power and Dollars to Drive Economic Inclusion
— The Room Where it Happens: Joining MA Boards & Commissions
— Ready or Not: Recession Planning
— The State of the Hospitality Industry
— Checking In: Is Your Business Ready for Funding?
— The Power of Community Investing: Shifting Power and Dollars to Drive Economic Inclusion
Friday, September 23
Day 1: Schedule
Day 1: Schedule
The Mass Black Expo schedule is full of dynamic sessions, engaging speakers, and relevant and timely content. Stay tuned for speaker announcements and updates!
7:45 AM
Registration Opens
8:00 AM
Coffee + Conversation
Exhibitor Pavilion Opens
Exhibitor Pavilion Opens
Start your day off right with coffee and conversations in our Exhibitor Pavilion. Meet our sponsors, exhibitors, and get ready for a full day of discovery and networking.
Throughout the day, Exhibitor Pavilion Experiences will include interactive activities including opportunities to be interviewed by our featured podcasters and more.
Throughout the day, Exhibitor Pavilion Experiences will include interactive activities including opportunities to be interviewed by our featured podcasters and more.
9:35 AM
MAIN STAGE
MAIN STAGE
President's Welcome
Our day begins with a welcome message from BECMA President and CEO, Nicole Obi.
10:00 AM
MAIN STAGE
MAIN STAGE
Kick-Off Keynote Address
Keynote Address by Jeffrey Busgang, Co-Founder of Flybridge Capital Partners.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Concurrent Tracks + EV Kickstarter
Select one of the sessions to attend featuring topics exemplified by BECMA's four pillars for closing the Massachusetts racial wealth gap: Entrepreneurship, Placement, Commerce and Ownership.
Explore the EV Kickstarter Invite Only Event. Sign up for more information when you register!
Explore the EV Kickstarter Invite Only Event. Sign up for more information when you register!
11:00 AM
Skills For The Mass. Growth Economy
Aisha Francis, BFIT
Kenn Turner, Mass Life Sciences
Lauren Jones, Mass Business Round Table
Kenn Turner, Mass Life Sciences
Lauren Jones, Mass Business Round Table
12:00 PM
Lunch
It's time for a break. Recharge with lunch and explore the Exhibitor Pavilion.
Discover new products, services, and Black-owned businesses to support.
Discover new products, services, and Black-owned businesses to support.
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Concurrent Tracks + Bidding Opportunities
Take your pick: attend workshops or panels, participate in curated experiences and take a moment to connect with other attendees.
Explore Bidding Opportunities with cities, towns and municipalities through BECMA’s Vendor Advisory Council Invite Only Event. Sign up to be invited when you register!
Explore Bidding Opportunities with cities, towns and municipalities through BECMA’s Vendor Advisory Council Invite Only Event. Sign up to be invited when you register!
1:00 PM
MAIN STAGE
MAIN STAGE
Advocating for Equity and Access at Work and in the Community
Dr. Charles Anderson, Dimock Health Center
Derrick Young, Leadership Brainery
Sabrina A. Correira, JPMorgan Chase
Leslie Forde, Mom's Hierarchy Of Needs
Sheena Collier, Boston While Black
Derrick Young, Leadership Brainery
Sabrina A. Correira, JPMorgan Chase
Leslie Forde, Mom's Hierarchy Of Needs
Sheena Collier, Boston While Black
1:00 PM
The Power of Trust-based Community Investing
Henry Noel, Boston Impact Initiative
Cassandria Campbell, Fresh Food Generation
Kofi Callender, BECMA
Nia Evan, Boston Ujima
Cassandria Campbell, Fresh Food Generation
Kofi Callender, BECMA
Nia Evan, Boston Ujima
1:00 PM
Living Our Values: Employee Ownership for Recruitment, Retention, and Retirement
Shavon Prophet - The ICA Group
Ivelice Lefebvre - Energia
Henry Rinehart - City Fresh Foods
Ivelice Lefebvre - Energia
Henry Rinehart - City Fresh Foods
2:00 PM
MAIN STAGE
MAIN STAGE
AI, Blockchain, & Automation: Innovative Solutions for Business
Damon Hart, MassChallenge
Joyce Sidopoulos, MassRobotics
Misty Farrell, Boston University
Joyce Sidopoulos, MassRobotics
Misty Farrell, Boston University
3:00 PM
Is Your Business Ready for Funding?
David Dwumah, OurBanc | Growing the Good in FinTech
Glynn Lloyd, Foundation for Business Equity
Sienna Leis, MAss Ventures
Daniel Acheampong, Visible Hands
Glynn Lloyd, Foundation for Business Equity
Sienna Leis, MAss Ventures
Daniel Acheampong, Visible Hands
2:00 PM
The Room Where it Happens: Joining Mass. Boards & Commissions
Beth Chandler, YW Boston
Shanikwa Davis, Tax Consultants, Inc.
Shanikwa Davis, Tax Consultants, Inc.
3:00 PM
MAIN STAGE
MAIN STAGE
Real Estate Development: Diverse & Equitable Solutions
Colleen Fonseca, Builders of Color Coalition
Chanda Smart, Onyx
Arthur Jemison / Barry Reeves, BPDA
Tony Richards / Krystal Kornegay, MassHousing
Chanda Smart, Onyx
Arthur Jemison / Barry Reeves, BPDA
Tony Richards / Krystal Kornegay, MassHousing
3:00 PM
The State of the Mass. Hospitality Industry
Hillina Ajakaiye, GBCVB
Carlos Bueno, The Newbury Boston
Nia Grace, Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen, Boston Black Hospitality Coalition
Jenny Holaday, Encore Boston Harbor
Carlos Bueno, The Newbury Boston
Nia Grace, Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen, Boston Black Hospitality Coalition
Jenny Holaday, Encore Boston Harbor
4:00 PM
Keynote Address + Closing Remarks
End Day 1 with an inspiring message from our keynote speaker.
5:00 PM
Mass Black Expo (MBE) Cocktail Reception
After two years of virtual events, the BECMA team looks forward to celebrating in-person with our members, sponsors, and guests. Come celebrate and enjoy lite bites, a cash bar and music by DJ Chris Roxx at our cocktail reception.
CURATED EXPERIENCES
Speed Networking
Participate in one-on-one conversations with BECMA Members and VIP ticket holders.
Vendor Advisory Council
Learn about municipal bidding opportunities through BECMA’s pilot program, created to address barriers to awarding bids and meet supplier diversity goals. *This event is invite only.
DJ Chris Roxx
Enjoy tunes from DJ Chris Roxx, the resident DJ at Gillette Stadium for NE Patriots Games.
Live Podcast Interviews
Come meet your favorite podcaster and join in on the conversation!
EV Kickstarter
*This event is invite only.
Headshots
BECMA Members, Stand out amongst the crowd and amplify your brand with a professional headshot!
Saturday, September 24
Day 2: Virtual Day Schedule
Day 2: Virtual Day Schedule
9:00 AM
Welcome + Keynote Address
Our Day 2 keynote speaker will address opportunities to achieve wellness, both personally and professionally.
Virtual Workshops + Q&A
Join us from the comfort of your home for our virtual workshops. Each session includes the ability to live chat with the workshop presenter.
10:00 AM
Ownership: Downpayment Assistance Resources
Tony Richards, MassHousing
11:00 AM
Digital Connection Request: Building Stronger Client Relationships
Marc Carroll, Carroll Marketing
11:30 AM
State Supplier Diversity Office Resource Overview
Robert Williams, SDO
12:00 PM
CommonWealth Corp: Skills Development Resources
Christine Abrams, Commonwealth Corp
12:30 PM
Employers Only: Convertible To Cash Credits
Ryan Foley, Cunningham & Associates
1:30 PM
Employee Ownership for Recruitment, Retention & Retirement
TBA
2:00 PM
Ownership Tribe: The Truth About Trusts
Tayla Andre
3:00 - 4:30 PM
Closing Panel + Remarks
Join us for a final call to action to close Massachusetts’ racial wealth gap and create a lasting and meaningful impact.
CONVERSATIONS WORTH FOLLOWING
GET READY FOR YOUR PODCAST INTERVIEW! TAKE PART IN BOLD CONVERSATIONS FULL OF INNOVATIVE IDEAS AND PRACTICAL ADVICE FROM INDUSTRY-LEADING EXPERTS. JOIN PODCASTERS STREAMING LIVE FROM THE EXHIBITION PAVILLION FLOOR.
MASS. BLACK EXPO PHOTOS
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We Love Our Sponsors
THANK YOU TO OUR JOHN JAMES SMITH ADVOCATE SPONSOR
THANK YOU TO OUR JOHN PUTNAM TRAILBLAZER SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR MELNEA CASS FRIEND SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR JOSEPHINE ST. PIERRE RUFFIN LEADER SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR JOHN D. O'BRYANT PATRON SPONSORS
2022 MBE MEDIA PARTNER
Join us on September 23 In Person and on September 24 Virtually
Contact Us
Have questions about Mass Black Expo tickets and the overall experience?
Contact: AJ Events
Phone: 617-267-2244
Email: [email protected]
Have questions about Sponsorship Opportunities?
Contact: Walter Weekes
Phone: 857-308-4623
Email: [email protected]
Want to become a BECMA Member?
Contact: Falasha Harrison
Phone: 857-308-4623
Email: [email protected]
Contact: AJ Events
Phone: 617-267-2244
Email: [email protected]
Have questions about Sponsorship Opportunities?
Contact: Walter Weekes
Phone: 857-308-4623
Email: [email protected]
Want to become a BECMA Member?
Contact: Falasha Harrison
Phone: 857-308-4623
Email: [email protected]