Monday, August 13 | Pre-Conference Day 1

Time

Title

Location

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Affiliate Chamber Leadership Institute

Join us for a special day-and-a-half long Affiliate Chamber Leadership Institute designed to help your Chamber reach its fullest potential. During this event, we’ll dive deep and focus on developing an organizational strategic plan and discuss how advocacy can and should play a role in the work your organization does. This intensive Institute is open only to staff and board members from NGLCC Affiliate Chambers.

11:00 AM - 3:45 PM

Global Affiliate Leaders Meeting (by invitation)

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Bristol-Myers Squibb & EY Community Event (advance registration required; presenting sponsors Bristol-Myers Squibb & EY; supporting sponsors American Airlines & ACT-1 Group)

Conference presenting sponsors Bristol-Myers Squibb & EY come together to support the local Philadelphia LGBT community – by supporting the Attic Youth Center and The William Way LGBT Youth Center. This invitation-only event will go beyond diverse corporate audiences, with a goal to connect directly to the communities we serve. The afternoon will give a chance to all the youth participating, to interact and network with successful local and national LGBT corporate executives, entrepreneurs and allies, hear from a panel on what it means to bring your authentic self to the workplace and be successful in the industry, and few surprise announcements.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM 

Tuesday, August 14 | Pre-Conference Day 2

Time

Title

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Affiliate Chamber Leadership Institute

Join us for the second day of our Affiliate Chamber Leadership Institute focusing on strategic planning as well as the role of advocacy in the Chamber. This day will be a continuation of Monday’s session. The Institute is open only to NGLCC affiliate chamber board and staff members.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NGLCC Procurement Council Meeting (by invitation)

12:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Platinum Circle Lunch & Learn (by invitation; sponsored by U.S. Trust)

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Boot Camp for LGBT Certified & Registered Businesses: Part A (sponsored by Bank of America)

First-time certified LGBT businesses will maximize their NGLCC conference experience by building a game plan unique to their growth strategies.  This program will bring together constituents across the NGLCC family to discuss supplier diversity, conference breakout sessions, matchmakers, and more to help business owners get the most out of their conference experience.

Speaker: Jenn T. Grace, Publish Your Purpose Press; Jennifer Brown, Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC); Betsy Cerulo

NGLCC U - Chamber Acadamy (sponsored by MillerCoors)

The NGLCC-U Chamber Academy is designed to help provide board members and Chamber staff with the tools and skills needed to lead a successful affiliate Chamber. During the four hours of the Chamber Academy, we’ll focus on a number of different nuts and bullets topics, including membership development, supplier diversity, and organizational sustainability. We’ll also talk about the national and local partnership and what it means to be an Affiliate Chamber. This is open only to board and staff of Affiliate Chambers.

Speakers: Dawn Ackerman, ACC Western Regional Chair; Steve Adkins, ACC Southern Regional Chair; Rebecca Waggoner, ACC Midwest Regional Chair; Harry Young, ACC Northeastern Regional Chair; Jason Rae, NGLCC Director of Affiliate Relations

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

NGLCC Corporate Advisory Council Meeting (by invitation)

2:15 PM - 3:45 PM

NGLCC Mentorship Program Graduation (by invitation)

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Supplier-to-Supplier Matchmakers (by appointment)

NGLCC's Supplier-to-Supplier Matchmakers will connect certified LGBTBE business owners with one another to maximize their Tier II, sub-contracting and partnering opportunities. Whether meeting with another business owner in your industry or looking to connect LGBTBEs with opportunities in your own business' supply chain, this event will connect your business with new channels for growth.

Boot Camp for LGBT Certified & Registered Business Enterprises: Part B

Demystifying Networking: How to create meaningful connections at conference events. Get a healthy start to your conference and join fellow attendees in creating ways to build connections and prepare for success. This session is designed for those first-time attendees as well as veterans looking to feel calm, focused, and empowered while expanding their network and building their business. Attendees will learn best practices for staying centered, engaging new potential business partners, and managing the top five distractors that can prevent their business from thriving.

Speakers: Damon Jacobs, Private Psychotherapy Practice; Ingrid Galvez, THORP

BRG Challenge (sponsored by EY)

Business Resource Groups (BRGs) activate employees and team members to engage in the business of our companies by leveraging their diversity. Also known as employee resource groups, affinity groups, and networks, BRGs are increasingly demonstrating that they have an impact on employee engagement, community outreach, and contributions to the achievement of business goals. Join EY in recognizing the top three finalists in the BRG Challenge. Hear their presentations and the results of the BRG Challenge benchmarking. Collaborate with other companies on leading practices for your LGBT+ BRG and prepare to join the challenge next year.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

New Corporate Partners Reception (by invitation)

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Welcome Reception (hosted by IBA, sponsored by TD Bank)

Join host chamber, the Independence Business Alliance (IBA), at the iconic and one-of-a-kind Reading Terminal Market to kick off this year's conference. One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, is conveniently located across the street from the front entrance of the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown hotel. Mix and mingle with LGBT and allied business colleagues from around the world. Take this opportunity to connect or reconnect with friends and network with fellow attendees you’ll see over the next few days.

Attendees are required to wear their conference name badge to gain entrance to this reception

Reading Terminal Market
12th & Filbert Streets
Enter on 12th Street

Wednesday, August 15 | Conference Day One 

Time

Title

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Morning Group Exercise Yoga

All Levels Vinyasa Yoga by City Fitness. Start your day with a Vinyasa yoga practice, focusing on breathing and rhythmic movement and flow, taught by City Fitness' Program Director for Yoga, Mairin Matthews. This practice is appropriate for all levels of yogi. 

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Corporate/Supplier Walk & Talks (sponsored by Humana)

Get a healthy start to your morning and make fresh business connections with Supplier Diversity representatives and fellow entrepreneurs. Join fellow attendees for early-morning networking walks along a course on the resort. Designed to connect LGBTBEs with each other and corporate buyers, participants should come prepared to chat about potential business opportunities, to seek business advice, or just to connect with a fellow member of the LGBT business community. No sign up required; casual summer attire encouraged.  

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Registration (sponsored by American Airlines)

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Continental Breakfast  (sponsored by Kellogg's)

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Opening Plenary Session - LGBTUNITY: A Frank Conversation About the Intersection of Race, Gender & Sexual Orientation (sponsored by American Airlines, Bristol-Myers Squibb, EY & AMI)

Speakers:

• Amber Hikes, Executive Director, Office of LGBT Affairs for the City of Philadelphia
• Clint Grimes, Executive Director of Global Sourcing & Supplier Diversity, Warner Media
• Marquita Thomas, Executive Director, LA Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce 
• Susu Wong, Founder of Tomo360 and Co-Founder of Women Accelerators
• George Fernandez, CEO, Latino Connection

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Breakout Sessions

Corporate Track: Adapting to Digital (sponsored by EY)

In this session, EY will discuss how your business needs to evolve to address changing customer expectations and stay competitive. We will provide 5 key principles to help you navigate the age of digital disruption to create meaningful digital experiences, build successful services, and leverage your existing technology.

Presented by: Andrea Boone, EY

Corporate ERG Track: Families Like Yours - LGBT+ Families Brought to Life on Film (sponsored by EY)

Are you looking for a way to increase awareness and inclusion of LGBT+ families?  Check out this workshop by EY, NGLCC, Hilton and Bristol-Myers Squibb for the Families Like Yours film and screening toolkit. The film showcases the diverse stories about how the rich lives of six LGBT families were influenced by ethnicity, military, gender, and politics. Learn how these families grew and about the different ways our companies shared this film with others to prompt discussion, awareness, and understanding of the similarities and challenges in having families in the LGBT+ community.  We’ll share our tools with you on how you can use this film to open hearts and minds with the award-winning documentary film Families Like Yours.

General Track: Contracting with Large Federal Prime Contractors & Government Agencies

U.S. Federal Government contracts represent a tremendous sales and revenue opportunity for small businesses because the U.S. Government is the world’s largest customer, it buys all types of products and services in both large and small quantities, and it is required by law to provide opportunities for small businesses. Subcontracting is an excellent way to enter the Government contracting market and to participate in large-scale opportunities. In this session, you will learn how to contract directly with Federal Agencies and join a large business prime contractors’ team as a subcontractor from the perspective of the large business prime and small business subcontractor. Learn who, what, where, why and how to better navigate the Federal marketplace and develop a successful engagement strategy to start or increase your business in the Federal marketplace.

Speaker: Melissa Poli, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Global Track: International Insights - Engaging Business Owners from the NGLCC Global Network

NGLCC Global, the international division of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, is a diverse network comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) Chambers of Commerce and Business Networks spanning Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, South Africa, and India. Attend this session to hear from business owners throughout the NGLCC Global network, particularly the role that LGBTI Chambers of Commerce play in their country, the challenges and opportunities for LGBTI business owners, and the role that corporate partners can play to promote their economic empowerment and inclusion into the supply chain.

Corporate ERG Track - Economic Impact of Supplier Diversity Programs

The benefits of Nationwide’s economic impact study will be beneficial for both Supplier Diversity professionals and suppliers as it highlights the importance this could add to a corporate supplier diversity program and take the strategic conversation to the next level. Nationwide’s CPO will discuss how the impact studies they have done over the last two years have helped elevate their program throughout the enterprise. These studies have shown significant tangible benefits like the GDP contribution, jobs supported, income and tax contributions of the program, as well as the total impact that their individual programs have on the economy. Their supplier diversity department will participate in this session as well.

Speakers: Frantz Tiffeau, Angie Klett and Neeraj Shah; Nationwide Supply Management Services

Supplier Track: Working with California Utilities (sponsored by Charter Communications)

Representatives from each sector of the California Joint Utilities Committee, comprised of gas, electric, water, cable, and telecom, will educate attendees on California Public Utilities Commission General Order (GO 156), and its diverse certification requirements. We’ll discuss what we do, areas served, what we procure, as well as any additional info suppliers need when working with our individual companies.  We’ll also review how we encourage prime suppliers to subcontract to diverse firms and include subcontracting language in purchase orders, bid proposals, and other procurement documents.

Moderator: Edward A Simon II, California American Water
Panelists: Megan Rast, Charter Communications; Vaughn M Williams III, Southern California Gas Company; Joan Kerr, Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Lisa Castillo, AT&T

General Track: Diversity, yes! Inclusion, how?

Learn how to use your expertise in their area of business to effectively communicate your message of acceptance for the LGBTQ community in the media. Equipped with GLAAD’s Accelerating Acceptance data, participants will get a sample of GLAAD’s tried and true best practices for framing, messaging, and targeting the right movable audience to communicate a message of acceptance.

Speaker: Ross Murray, GLAAD and Ingrid Galvez, THORP

Pride Parades and Festivals continue to play an important role in community building and political visibility for LGBT people nationwide.  The character of modern Pride marches is markedly from those first conducted in the early 1970s, as audiences become more diverse, messages shift, spectacle becomes larger, and big business becomes engaged.  This session will discuss the challenges and opportunities companies face in Pride participation, with particular attention paid to the topics of appropriation, employee engagement, talent recruitment, and community building.  Discussion of Pride activation from select companies will be part of a conversation designed to help Corporations and Employee Resource Groups develop new and better strategies to ensure a purposeful, respectful, and on-brand Pride experience.

Speaker: Shannon Morrison, IM Creative; Catherine Smith, True Blue Inclusion; Alejandro Aguirre, Procter & Gamble; Nick Skolness, Facebook

Affiliate Chamber Council Track: Creating a Path for Board and Membership Diversity & Inclusion

Learn how the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau PHLDiversity in collaboration with Philadelphia's Independence Business Alliance (LGBT Chamber of Commerce) created a groundbreaking Diversity and Inclusion strategy appealing to, celebrating and including diverse communities of Philadelphia’s population, including well-established goals and benchmarks to achieve chapter Board and Membership Diversity.

Speakers: Greg DeShields, PHLDiversity; Zachary Wilcha, IBA

Affiliate Chamber Council Track: Powerful LGBTQIA ERG Programming - Ideas and Best Practices 

Chambers have a powerful opportunity to work with corporate LGBTQA Employee Resource Groups to deepen or build relationships and lead educational programming in ways that advance workplace diversity and inclusion. Attend this session to find out how the chamber can position itself with its corporate partners to lead these efforts throughout the evolution of an ERG and what topics can jumpstart ERG programming. All participants will have an opportunity to share their best practices and contribute to Q&A.

Speakers: Michelle Tomallo, Plexus; Joe Matuszewski, Plexus and EY; Jason Rae, NGLCC and Wisconsin LGBT Chamber

Construction Industry Council Meeting

Building a More Inclusive Economy, One LGBTBE at a Time!* Diversity in the construction industry is such an essential priority that many of the nation’s largest firms and development companies now join over 1/3 of the Fortune 500 to actively include NGLCC Certified LGBT construction and related industry companies when seeking diverse suppliers, talent, and innovative ideas to build a more inclusive economy.   *This meeting is not by invitation, all LGBTBEs and Corporate Partners in these industries are welcoem to attend.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Luncheon Plenary: NGLCC Family Portraits - Personal Stories of Adversity, Opportunity, and Success (sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline and Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Our communities are rich with stories of hope, struggle, challenge, and triumph. The personal stories of these amazing speakers have helped move the NGLCC’s mission forward, ensuring greater opportunity and inclusion at home and around the world. Hear directly from LGBT and allied business leaders, community champions, and their families about how each of us can tell our own stories for even greater success and LGBTUNITY.

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Breakout Sessions

Corporate Track: Responsible Sourcing - How Supplier Diversity Professionals Go Beyond Diversity & Sustainability to Manage Risk and Reputation in Supply Chains

Corporations are increasing their commitment to diversity and sustainability matters.  The session will explore key impacts and guidelines around managing risk and reputation in supply chains with industry experts involved in supply chain, supplier diversity, and sustainability initiatives.

Moderator: Joan Kerr, PG&E; Sam Hummel, Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council; Nedra Dickson, Accenture
Panelists: Bridget Carter, Caesars Entertainment; 

ERG Track: Understanding, Reaching and Serving the Aging LGBTQ Population, and the Businesses Who Care For Them 

Maintaining the dignity of LGBTQ 45+ older adults in a challenging political climate is a big job, and we’ve all got to do our part as champions and allies. But what do we need to know, and where do we start? AARP recently commissioned a national LGBTQ research survey through Community Marketing & Insights, to examine the challenges, opportunities, perceptions, and unmet needs of LGBTQ older adults on issues related to health security, housing security, and personal fulfillment. As the country’s population ages and need for senior care and support increases, the caregiving market offers many growth opportunities but remains challenged in providing culturally competent services for LGBTQ older adults. If your industry matters to aging LGBTQs and their nearly 40 million family caregivers across America – come to gather some fresh insights and learn how we might together create a more affirming marketplace for older LGBTQ adults.

Speakers: Nii-Quartelai Quartey, AARP; David Paisley, Community Marketing & Insights (CMI)

Supplier Track: Is My Marketing Working? Using Data-Driven Marketing to Reach Your Prospects

Choosing the best media is extremely important since your budget is not unlimited, but before you do, you want to develop a marketing strategy that will bring you the most customers for your money. This session will teach you the basics of using consumer behavioral data to better know your own customers, your target audience, what their media preferences are, what messaging will work, and where to find them.

Speaker: Chuck Dinsmore, Data Clique Market Intelligence

Supplier Track: How To Manufacture Your Idea and Manufacture Direct With the Factory

Have a product idea but not sure where to start? Thinking of buying factory direct? This panel will provide the tools necessary for the creative attendees to understand the steps necessary in getting an idea manufactured as well as seasoned buyers of large quantities of products who are interested in sourcing directly from the source. Learn what you need to know from prototype development, finding manufacturers through shipment and logistics.

Speaker: Andy Church, Insight Quality Services; Ed Roth, Stencil1; Christie Maier, Grace Industries

Entrepreneur Track: Effectively Using Legal Counsel to Transact Business

Years ago, many people conducted business on a handshake. The deal still needed to go through the lawyers, but that was the detail and it didn’t change the basic nature of a deal. Today, conducting business has become more complicated with each side having their own agreements and contracts which their lawyers have drafted for their respective clients’ protection and with strict instructions that there be no deviations or changes. Should lawyers be involved in how you conduct your business? If they should, then how does one transact business without spending all their profits on legal fees? This session will discuss these and other pertinent issues faced by business owners who are deciding whether they should hire an attorney to assist them in the business negotiations.

Speaker: Ronald Hicks, Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP and Mark Winner of TierPM, LLC

General Track: An Intersectional Approach to Business Building

Historically, members of underrepresented, marginalized, oppressed communities have fought for inclusion in business for members of our own groups. We have built business partnerships within those same silos as well. But the future of our country is multicultural, multiracial, and non-binary. We must all be instruments for prying open the door for anyone who is truly ready to walk through it. This interactive presentation will explore how we can break down the barriers that exist between our diverse business communities and truly realize the promise of diversity in business

Speaker: Marc Coleman, The Tactile Group

We're living through a tremendously difficult time—with uncertainty, challenge, and disruption at every turn. But some people show remarkable resilience: They can face uncertainty with courage; they build companies that beat the odds, and they use the best in themselves to inspire the best in everyone around them. And, this kind of resilience is critical for LGBTQ+ business owners, especially right now. This workshop will show you how to use resilience as a source of empowerment: How to become more resilient yourself; how to inspire resilience in others; and how to build resilience into your company.

Speaker: Gerry Valentine, Vision Executive Coaching

Global Track: Doing Business with Canada

Learn how Canada’s unique capabilities can help your business, what the current trade challenges mean for Canada-U.S. business relationships, and hear first-hand experiences on successful partnerships and relationships between American and Canadian companies.

Affiliate Chamber Council Track: Engaging Young Professionals in Your Chamber

In order to keep your Chamber relevant for years to come, work needs to be done to make sure that young professionals are engaged in our work. Learn from a panel of Chamber professionals about what they are doing locally through programming and events to support this important segment of the population.

Speakers: Scott Bader, Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; Louise Chernin, GSBA (Greater Seattle Business Association);
Moderator: Pete Dohan, NGLCC

Affiliate Chamber Council Track: TransWork - A Philadelphia Model for Economic Development in the Transgender Community

TransWork is a program in Philadelphia intended to create opportunity in the transgender community. It fills a critical gap in addressing economic disparity by connecting trans folks with supportive employers and promoting and supporting transgender entrepreneurship. Our presentation will focus on the key aspects of the model and the critical lessons learned as we designed and implemented a pilot. We will also discuss initial outcomes. This program is intended for activists and advocates who would like to start an employment or entrepreneurship program for trans communities in their region.  Our hope is that the model can be adopted by chambers and organizations in other cities and localities to help expand economic opportunity for our community.

Speakers: Marcus Iannozzi, Message Agency and Chair, TransWork committee for IBA; Jone Elle Magagna, Maycorr Print Group and TransWork committee for IBA; Zach Wilcha, Independence Business Alliance

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

Corporate Track: Influencing Corporate Policy (sponsored by EY and Pfizer)

Presented by EY and Pfizer, this session will highlight the strides made to launch a new global non-discrimination policy and a supplier diversity code of conduct, as well as initiatives that increase access and inclusion, such as gender-neutral benefits and facilities, and that cross-function to ensure our people have what they need to feel they belong in the workplace.

Presented by: Jamie Bergeron, EY

Entrepreneurial Track: How Much Is Your Business Worth?

Understanding the value of your business is a critical component of effective business planning, including succession, retirement and estate planning.  MassMutual’s latest Business Owner Perspective Study revealed that most business owners do not fully understand the value of their business and how it changes over time.  Join us for an interactive session where attendees gain key insights into what’s top-of-mind when running a business.  During the session, you will understand the importance of knowing the value of your business, identify the key drivers to success, highlight areas of concern and learn some basic strategies of how to mitigate your risk and manage your business on your terms.

Co-Presenters: Tracy Shaw and Cathie Cannon, MassMutual

CMI's LGBTQ Community Survey® is the longest-running (12 years), largest (40,000+ participants), most representative (130+ countries) and diverse (LGBTQ+) study of its kind. Gain practical insights about the demographics, purchases, interests, and motivations of the community, across the spectrum of LGBTQ demographics. Is there an LGBTQ “market?” Or are there sometimes separate, distinct L, G, B, T, Q “markets?” Based on research and relevant case studies, we look at similarities in purchase motivations, sensitivities and community recognition. And we’ll discuss the distinct opportunities found within these segments, to help participants make more authentic LGBTQ connections for your product, service or employment outreach. Note: All workshop attendees will receive a copy of the full market report.

Speakers: Thomas Roth and David Paisley, Community Marketing & Insights

Global Track: The Power of the LGBT Token & Blockchain

This session will explore how digital apps aim to harness the power and potential of blockchain technology, alongside other technological innovations, for the global good of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.  Learn how the LGBTQ Token and blockchain can help all members of the LGBTQ Community, around the world, to achieve equal rights and acceptance by tokenizing the $4.6T Pink Global Economy.

Speaker: Sean Howell, LGBT Foundation

Supplier Track: Dismantling Workplace Barriers for Transgender & Non-Binary People

Do you want to create a more inclusive organization for transgender and non-binary (TNB) employees and entrepreneurs? If so, join fellow chamber leaders, LGBT-BEs, and corporate partners and understand the role you can play to dismantle workplace barriers endured by TNB stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to network and learn about cutting-edge leadership, culture, and design strategies through a mini-lecture, a small group activity, and a group discussion. After the workshop, you will leave empowered to take your trans inclusion efforts to the next level. The topics discussed work particularly well with leaders ready to enrich their awareness, knowledge, and leadership skills. Leaders that develop empathy, awareness and skills are more effective collaborators in creating inclusive workplace cultures that truly welcome TNB people.

Facilitators: Marcus Iannozzi, Message Agency and Chair, TransWork committee for IBA; Jone Elle Magagna, Maycorr Print Group and TransWork committee for IBA; Rhodes Perry, Rhodes Perry Consulting; Joel Sanders, JSA and MIXdesign

Entrepreneur Track: Cyber Terrorism & Security

In 2013, a large Fortune 500 company was breached by attackers who stole network credentials resulting in over $300M in damages and costs. The perpetrator accessed the company’s infrastructure through their supply chain–an HVAC vendor. Third-party cyber breaches, unfortunately, are becoming more common. Over the last 12-24 months, even small and medium businesses have come under siege. In the war on cyber terrorism, SMBs are quickly becoming the worst casualties. In fact, 43% of cyber-attacks are against SMBs. And 60% of SMBs that suffer a breach are out of business in 6 months.

That massive breach and the many others since highlighting the importance of managing privacy and security issues at the prime and subcontractor levels. During this session, we’ll share information that will enable businesses of all sizes to better protect themselves against cyber terrorism through education and knowledge. You’ll learn what due diligence should be done within your company’s data security and privacy programs, what contractual language is needed, and what preventive measures you need in place to ensure you are not the cause of the next $300M loss. This session will be beneficial in setting expectations, requirements, and general best practices for Corporate Partners, Government Entities, and NGLCC-certified vendors in protecting themselves.

Speakers: Lynn Souza, Kyber Security; Glenn Ballard, The Dragonfli Group

Rethinking Leadership with a Creative Mindset and Working with Corporate America (sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Target)

Being creative is critical for professional and entrepreneurial success. But how can you be creative in the face of everyday obstacles like limited resources, time, bureaucracy, and work environments that stifle innovation? Have you wondered if the way you think about creativity and innovation is impacting both you and your business? In this session, Monica Kang, Founder & CEO of InnovatorsBox®, and key Bristol-Myers Squibb executives will discuss how you can transform with creativity regardless of your job or industry. You’ll learn how to rethink familiar challenges and leave with actionable tools to reshape your perspective on creativity and innovation. This section will be interactive, reflective, and playful to spark your creativity and entrepreneurial thinking and help you to better understand how to work with corporate America.

Speakers: Monica Kang, InnovatorsBox, Paul Ashley and Rondu Vincent, Bristol-Myers Squibb

General Track: LGBT Social Media & Brand Adaptability 

Every business, every brand, is going through some level of disruptive change. Societal evolution, globalization versus nationalism, e-commerce over bricks and mortar - nobody is immune to evolution.  One of the most persistent drivers of this change is social media. We can’t avoid the far-reaching effects of social on our brands, so why don’t we embrace new media and use it to drive our growth? Join us as we share some of our recent insights into how a company can promote its positions on core social media channels, taking into account some of the recent changes in platform algorithms in 2018.

Attendees will leave with the following insights and tools:

• Learn how organizations have successfully embraced emerging content trends, creative storytelling, and various social media platforms to ensure their brand’s integrity and make an impact on business goals.
• How you can apply these lessons to your brand or small business and gain experience with new media.
• How an in-depth analysis of campaign strategies, HOW to post, WHAT to post and WHY to post, all with a focus on social as a unique language, coupled with the ENGAGEMENT that is the cornerstone to a successful social strategy.
• Twitter’s history and current position in the social ecosystem. Learn the language and rules to create posts that work for your business.
• How to create visual brand strategies, particularly on Instagram. Learn how to use this emerging Gen Z platform which is a crucial element in the modern digital marketing formula.

Speakers: Matt Skallerud, Pink Banana Media; Evan Urbania, ChatterBlast Media

Affiliate Chamber Council Track: Leverage Your Leader Types for Success!

Through a blended learning approach (reflection, discussion, kinesthetic activity, and presentation), participants will discover and learn how to leverage their innate, personality-based leadership style. The session will begin with realizing the incredible diversity of what it means to be a ‘leader’, and the absolute necessity to know oneself before leading others. Participants will learn their dominant and back-up LeaderType(s). They will engage with others of the same LeaderType, and discuss its ‘best use’ and what happens when it’s overused.

Speaker: Cash Keahey, Keahey Consulting Group, Inc.

Affiliate Chamber Council Track: Social Media and Messaging

Are you using social media and other tools successfully to get your Chamber message out there? If not, you are probably missing out. In this session, you'll learn some best practices about what affiliate Chambers can be doing online and leave with some tactical steps you can take to grow your Chamber.

Speakers: James Gleason, NGLCC; Jason Rae, NGLCC & Wisconsin LGBT Chamber

NGLCC National Legal Industry Council & Construction Council Reception (by invitation; sponsored by JURISolutions)

Meet inspiring LGBT leaders from NGLCC’s National Legal Industry Council at a private meetup designed to foster new opportunities among business owners and legal industry professionals.

Trans & Gender Non-Conforming Mixer*

Join us for the 2nd Annual Trans & Gender Non-Conforming mixer for business owners and professionals. Come out to network with like-minded leaders and allies. This is a great chance to meet other LGBTBEs, corporate and affiliate leaders, and volunteers.

*This event is officially sanctioned as part of the Conference, though not NGLCC sponsored.

Canada Cocktail Reception

Meet Canada and network with Canadian LGBT-owned businesses, The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, senior Government of Canada officials and key stakeholders in Canada’s LGBT community!

Northeast Chamber Mixer*

*This event is officially sanctioned as part of the Conference, though not NGLCC sponsored.

Field House

1150 Filbert St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

Women of NGLCC Cocktail Hour*

*This event is officially sanctioned as part of the Conference, though not NGLCC sponsored.

Mixto

1141 Pine St. Philadelphia, PA 19107

8:00 PM

Dine Out! 

Be sure to check the local LGBTBE and LGBT-supportive business guide available in your NGLCC Conference App or in print near Registration.

Thursday, August 16 | Conference Day Two

Time

Title

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Morning Group Exercise Yoga

All Levels Vinyasa Yoga by City Fitness. Start your day with a Vinyasa yoga practice, focusing on breathing and rhythmic movement and flow, taught by City Fitness' Program Director for Yoga, Mairin Matthews. This practice is appropriate for all levels of yogi.

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Corporate/Supplier Walk & Talks (sponsored by Humana)

Get a healthy start to your morning and make fresh business connections with Supplier Diversity representatives and fellow entrepreneurs. Join fellow attendees for early-morning networking walks along a course on the resort. Designed to connect LGBTBEs with each other and corporate buyers, participants should come prepared to chat about potential business opportunities, to seek business advice, or just to connect with a fellow member of the LGBT business community. No sign up required; casual summer attire encouraged.

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Registration (sponsored by American Airlines)

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Continental Breakfast (sponsored by Southwest)

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Morning Plenary Session: Spotlight on Achievement - Affiliate Chamber Awards & Panel Discussion: Beyond Borders - Succeeding in the Global Landscape  (sponsored by Accenture & Wells Fargo)

The essential complement to NGLCC’s LGBTBE certification is membership in a local NGLCC affiliate chamber of commerce. Join the NGLCC family as we bestow the 2018 Chamber Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in empowering our LGBT businesses owners nationwide. During this session, the NGLCC and Wells Fargo will also award over $50,000 in program grants to NGLCC affiliate chambers.

Special Remarks: The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, Canada                           

Moderator: Nedra Dickson, Global Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability Lead at Accenture | NGLCC Board Member

Panelists: Her Excellency Karin Olofsdotter, Ambassador of Sweden to the United States; Dr. Betilde Muñoz-Pogossian, Director of Social Inclusion at the Organization of American States (OAS); Jami Bliss, Global Head of the Procurement Center of Excellence – GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Trans Inclusion Town Hall

The mission of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Trans Inclusion Task Force is to convene a group of diverse leaders that will improve and advise upon efforts to procure goods and services from trans and non-binary business owners, with the ultimate goal of economic empowerment for some of the most vulnerable members of the LGBT community. Join us to share your thoughts related to this important dialogue as the Trans Inclusion Task Force forms its action plan and recommendations for the NGLCC Corporate Advisory Council.

11:15 AM - 12:45 PM

Marketplace Expo (presented by Toyota; in partnership with Chevron & MGM Resorts International)

11:15 AM - 12:45 PM

Corporate Matchmakers (sponsored by Monsanto; by appointment)

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Luncheon Plenary - Martha Stewart  (sponsored by US Bank)

Business icon and LGBT ally Martha will bring her years of entrepreneurial expertise, powerful stories of triumphing over setbacks, and touching personal connections to the LGBT community to the 2018 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference. Join us for an unforgettable luncheon conversation that will show you why she was named as one of Forbes’ “100 Greatest Living Business Minds” in 2017.  Be sure to Tweet your excitement to @MarthaStewart using @NGLCC and #NGLCC18

2:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Marketplace Expo (presented by Toyota; in partnership with Chevron & MGM Resorts International)

2:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Corporate Matchmakers (sponsored by Monsanto; by appointment)

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Networking Reception (sponsored by Bristol Myers-Squibb, Allstate & Comcast; beverage sponsor Diageo)

Join the NGLCC and our sponsors for an evening of networking as we savor the memories of this year’s conference and look forward to our 2019 International Business & Leadership Conference.

Round-trip motor coach transportation will be provided beginning at 6:00 PM.  Shuttle pick-up location is located at the 13th Street entrance of the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.

Friday, August 17 | Conference Day Three

Time

Title

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Morning Group Exercise Yoga

All Levels Vinyasa Yoga by City Fitness. Start your day with a Vinyasa yoga practice, focusing on breathing and rhythmic movement and flow, taught by City Fitness' Program Director for Yoga, Mairin Matthews. This practice is appropriate for all levels of yogi.

7:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Registration (sponsored by American Airlines)

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Morning Coffee (sponsored by Marriott)

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Breakout Sessions

Supplier Track: Your Small Deals Are My Big Deals (sponsored by Verizon)

Most of the NGLCC corporate partners deal with contracts and buys in the multi-millions of dollars and consider $20,000 or $50,000 contracts minuscule or not even worth tracking. But for a majority of LGBT-BEs who are entrepreneurs and small businesses, a $20,000 or $50,000 contract can make or break the business and help catapult the small company to sustainability and long-term profitable success. Both corporate partners and LGBT-BEs are invited to this presentation and panel discussion which will feature sets of corporate partners and their business-winning LGBT-BEs telling the stories of how contracts were landed and the impact on their businesses.

Moderator: Stan Kimer, Total Engagement Consulting by Kimer
Panelists: Charles Jordy, Jordy Construction; Christie Maier, Grace Industries; Tim Ruddell, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Logan Wick, Power of Two Promotions; Tiffany Williams, Verizon

Supplier Track: Best Practices for Recruiting, Developing and Promoting Diverse Talent

With diversity in the workforce steadily on-the-rise companies must create strategies and programs to better attract, engage, mentor and promote diverse talent. Beyond programs and strategies, employers must learn to create authentic cultures of inclusion by living their values daily. In our panel discussion, we will explore three “best in class” programs and discuss the strategies and tactics that have made them effective for First Data, Cox Enterprises, and SunTrust.

Moderator: Jack Kinley, Lab Monkey Communications
Panelists: Dionne L. Mack, Cox Automotive; Russell Jolivet; SunTrust; Sandy Mollett, First Data

Supplier Track: Preparing for Negotiations, A Secret Weapon of Effective Negotiators

Being prepared for a negotiation often means a real difference in its ultimate success, so why do so many people fail to take this most important step? There are a thousand excuses, but  they boil down to this: most people really don't know how. In this presentation, you will learn a practical, easy to implement approach you can use when preparing for negotiations. This presentation includes how others have used the 3 R’s of effective negotiation preparation successfully. Once you understand and begin to practice the process, you'll reap the benefits of being a more effective negotiator.

Speaker: Susan Borke, BorkeWorks

General Track: Your Next Generation Customers - Exploring Gen Z and Expanding the "Q" in LGBTQ

This session will explore what the mindset of Gen Z is as it relates to sexuality, gender expression, their desire for inclusivity and ultimately how that impacts their decisions as consumers. Recent research has shown that less than half of Gen Z (13-20 yr olds) identify as strictly heterosexual. Still, only 7% identify as gay or lesbian, which means there is a rapidly growing population of “sexually fluid,” and “Q.” In addition, according to GLAAD and other studies, the number of self-identified allies in this segment is larger than ever and continuing to grow. Layer this with the known trend of this generation being the most diverse, that inclusivity is largely an expectation, along with the trend of consumers spending with their values, there is a clear shift in what motivates consumer purchase and what inclusive marketing looks like.

Speakers: Joe Keenan, IMRE; John Lake, Wells Fargo; Justin Leach, Toyota/Lexus Financial Services

General Track: Leverage Your Rainbow Superpowers In Business - The Out Entrepreneur

Do you want to connect with some of today’s most authentic and inspiring LGBTQ entrepreneurs? If so, join the host and creator of The Out Entrepreneur for an inspiring conversation exploring the entrepreneurial journey for some of the 1.4 million out bosses crushing it in business all while bringing their whole self to work. Hear from fellow LGBT-BEs, chamber leaders, and corporate partners ready to share some of their personal strategies on how to be more authentic at work. The conversation will explore what it takes to have an out boss mindset, how to gauge when to come out to business partners, colleagues, clients, etc. (even for those who are implicitly out), and ways you can leverage your unique rainbow superpowers gleaned from years of lived experiences to build a thriving business. If you’ve ever wondered if, or how, your LGBTQ identity offers a competitive edge in the world of business, this session is for you!

Speaker: Rhodes Perry, Rhodes Perry Consulting

Entrepreneur Track: Investing in Private Companies

Investing in private companies is different from investing in Public Companies for a host of reasons.  Come to learn from David Beatty, founder and Managing member of Gaingels about what they have learned in building a portfolio of over 40 LGBT-led companies.  The session will cover differences between public and private markets, types of investment, ownership profit share and control, how to reduce your risk and increase the likelihood of returns, know your risk tolerance level, and will cover how Gaingels seeks to drive social change by investing in LGBT-led companies.

Speaker: David Beatty, Gaingels

Entrepreneur Track: Managing Credit for Business Success

We will be focusing on the credit and financing needs of businesses like yours. We’ll cover how credit and lending work, explore the possibilities of credit financing during each stage of the credit lifecycle and show you how to make the most of your credit opportunities – both traditional and nontraditional.

Speakers: Roby Schapira and Christopher Pope, Wells Fargo

Corporate Track: Your Authentic Self

Everyone has a unique story of difference. Understanding and appreciating that diversity helps build stronger teams, better connect with clients or customers and better understand anyone that we meet. In just one hour, this workshop gives people the chance to finally blow past the surface level conversations they’ve been having and truly get the chance to not only learn more about their co-workers but have a deeper understanding of their true authentic self.

Speakers: Jacob Clark, Altria

Business Connect Program & Capitalizing on Hyper-Local Activities

This session features a panel of affiliate chamber leaders and LGBTBEs to discuss how affiliate chambers and certified suppliers can leverage NGLCC and certification to impact their chambers and businesses for hyper-local events. Come prepared to meet and hear from LGBTBEs who have successfully participated in the Business Connect program to win contracts for the NFL’s big game. You’ll also learn best practices from past chamber leaders for identifying new suppliers, preparing qualified area businesses, and ensuring that your chamber makes the most of America’s most watched annual sporting event coming to your city!

This event is for chamber leaders located in the identified cities for the next NFL Super Bowl.

ACC Session - Innovative Programming

If chambers want to be successful into the future, they need to do more than just networking events. Learn from a panel of Chamber leaders about events and programs they organize in their area to grow and support their members.

Speakers: Sheila Merritt, Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; Kellie Parkin, MBA Orlando, Thomas "TJ" Chernick, NGLCCNY

General Track: Lead With Your Brand

This session is specially designed for leaders and professionals to build winning, super-premium, personal brands using a real marketer’s toolkit. As a business owner, your brand IS your business! As a corporate diversity practitioner, your brand value IS the difference between being included in the conversation or waiting in the wings. Identify your business’ and your career’s target audience, define your value proposition, and determine how to thoughtfully “package” yourself for success. Build a plan to become your best professional self by turning up your brand volume while staying authentically you.

Speaker: Jayzen Patria, Speaker | Facilitator | Consultant

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Closing Plenary: LGBT Biz Pitch Competition  (sponsored by AT&T)

Buckle in for the 7th Annual NGLCC LGBT Biz Pitch Competition! Join in this fast-paced competition as LGBT entrepreneurs give their best pitch presentation for a chance to win cash and prizes. Along the way these contestants will receive invaluable advice from our esteemed judges and hone their pitch skills before the live audience of Conference attendees.  Get ready to show your support for your favorite candidate.  Who will the winner be? Find out at this exciting lunch plenary!

Judges: Chance Mitchell, NGLCC; Heidi Lehmann, Kenzen; David Beatty, Gaingels LLC

1:30 PM

Conference Concludes