Editor’s note: WRAL TechWire expands again today its coverage of North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by featuring an upcoming conference sure to be of interest to entrepreneurs, investors and more. These event previews, which will be featured on Mondays, are written by Shannon Cuthrell, who also handles our other calendar posts. The weekly package includes previews of upcoming Triangle events, a separate overview of events across the state, a look at future events in coming months, and an extensive list of Triangle startups that is compiled by the City of Raleigh’s Derrick Minor. 

CHARLOTTE – Three days of quality networking, expert insights and growth opportunities are in store for the annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit, coming to Charlotte next month.

The event, set for June 6-9 at the Charlotte Convention Center, is designed for both established business leaders as well as entrepreneurs who are just getting started with their first venture.

The programming is dynamic and interactive, featuring one-on-one business coaching sessions, fireside chats, topical insight sessions and a “Business Hub” exhibitor expo.

Headlining the event are several high-profile speakers, including:

The Summit opens on June 6 with a speed networking session, followed by a “Carolina(s) On My Mind” panel highlighting all the entrepreneurial and business development resources offered by North and South Carolina. The panel, moderated by Black Enterprise SVP and Chief Content Officer Derek Dingle, features City of Charlotte Economic Development Director Kevin Dick, Columbia (SC) Mayor Stephen Benjamin and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.

Later, a fireside chat with Mark Cuban will kick off the main event. He’ll tell of his entrepreneurial journey and the milestones and pitfalls he encountered along the way to the top. An opening reception hosted by Nationwide will be held after the talk.

Day two carries a lineup of interesting presentations covering everything from data mining to startup funding to cryptocurrency to monetizing social media to ecommerce. Fireside chats with Troy Taylor and Byron Allen will be held in the morning. On Thursday evening, Black Business of Charlotte (BBOC) is hosting a Black Food-Truck Thursday, in which 20 food truck vendors will serve up regional cuisines.

Day three continues with sessions tackling airport retail, franchise branding, corporate contracts, the cannabis industry, and advice for women entrepreneurs. A fireside chat with Janice Bryant Howroyd will be held in the morning. Around lunchtime, the Summit is hosting a diversity recognition ceremony to honor executives who are walking the talk on diversity by creating opportunities and eliminating bias. An elevator pitch competition will also be held on Friday, with a $10,000 prize awarded to the winning entrepreneur.

Closing out the event is a bonus session on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Doing Business in Charlotte. Richard Payne of ReNew Petra Investments, Doug Harris of The Kaleidoscope Group, Tanya Dial-Bethune and Travis Rouse of M&F Bank will lead participants through all the ways they can take advantage of Charlotte’s many business growth opportunities.

If you’re interested in attending, tickets for the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit are priced as follows:

  • $395 registration, which includes access to all sessions, meals, receptions and the business expo.
  • $225 for Thursday only, including access to the day’s sessions and the business expo.
  • $225 for Friday only, including access to the day’s sessions and the business expo.
  • $2,500 for a dinner table of 10.

Register on the event website here. Follow along with event hashtag #BESummit.