OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS—NOW WHAT?
Presented by Kabbage

Small businesses dream of opportunities presenting themselves. But what happens when they do? Find out how to turn an idea into a real initiative and where to secure funding to pounce on these opportunities and more for the betterment of your business.  

SPEAKER: Rob Frohwein, co-founder and CEO, Kabbage

MODERATOR: James Ledbetter, editor in chief, Inc. and Inc.com

ONE-ON-ONE WITH BEN CHESTNUT

Ben Chestnut and his team built an amazing business that boasts 700 employees, 16 million customers, and $600 million in revenue. It took them only 19 years to do it. Learn how to grow not just for growth’s sake. And gain best practices in leadership, rebranding, and more from the co-founder of the marketing empire Mailchimp.

SPEAKER: Ben Chestnut, co-founder and CEO, Mailchimp

MODERATOR: Eric Schurenberg, CEO, Mansueto Ventures

THE RISE OF MOBILITY AS A SERVICE
Presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Thanks to new technologies and new ways of thinking about transportation, how we travel is changing profoundly. Whether it’s ride-sharing services, electric scooters, or bike sharing, the movement toward mobility as a service (MaaS) is gaining momentum. The advent of self-driving cars is certain to add to this momentum. What will this mean for the concept of car ownership, auto sales, and manufacturing? Discover the impact of MaaS on mobility operators, communities, and end users.

SPEAKERS: Emily Heintz, founder and managing director, EntryPoint; Seun Phillips, director, PlanetM at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; and Amber Quist, CMO, Silvercar by Audi

MODERATOR: Burt Helm, editor-at-large, Inc.

THE BUSINESS OF DOING GOOD

Founders Kristen Bell, Ryan Devlin, Todd Grinnell, and Ravi Patel launched This Bar Saves Lives (TBSL) to aid in the fight against malnutrition. For every purchase, the social enterprise sends life-saving food to a child in need. Actor and comedian Ravi Patel will share how personal passions led him to TBSL. Find out how to do good and still make money; when (and when not) to leverage high-profile partnerships to promote your brand and amplify your message; and what the future of social impact looks like.

SPEAKER: Ravi Patel, cofounder, This Bar Saves Lives

MODERATOR: Burt Helm, editor-at-large, Inc.

CASE FOUNDATION FOUNDER JEAN CASE IN CONVERSATION WITH ELIZABETH GORE

How do you build a life of breakthroughs and purpose? Case Foundation CEO and AOL alumna Jean Case helps create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. In this conversation, the tech pioneer will offer leadership lessons learned throughout her diverse career and advice on how to build impactful mentor/mentee relationships. Plus, discover what the most fearless leaders know about tackling audacious goals.

SPEAKER: Jean Case, co-founder and CEO, Case Foundation; and author, Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose

MODERATOR: Elizabeth Gore, president and chairwoman, Alice

THE MAKING OF A LIST: ONE-ON-ONE WITH CRAIG NEWMARK

Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, will discuss the early days of Craigslist, why he decided to leave the company, and the new ventures he’s focused on today. The conversation is all about the making of a list and what do to when you step away from it.

SPEAKER: Craig Newmark, founder, Craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies

MODERATOR: Jon Fine, executive director, editorial, Inc.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Miguel Garza has built a booming business around the culinary inventions of his sister, Veronica. Now, seven members of the Garza family work for the company, Siete Family Foods, and a network of mentors has helped lift the brand to national prominence. Hear how the Garzas turned relationships and community into their biggest assets.

SPEAKERS: Miguel Garza, co-founder and CEO, Siete Family Foods; and Veronica Garza, co-founder, president, and chief innovation officer, Siete Family Foods

MODERATOR: Tom Foster, editor-at-large, Inc.

THE THRILL OF THE START

Those who launch and invest in startups usually know a good idea when they hear it. What’s the right combination of aptitude, acumen, and luck needed for success? And what happens when it doesn’t work out? We will explore the pearls and perils of serial entrepreneurship.    

SPEAKER: Stephen Lease, co-founder and CEO, Goodr; and Morris Miller, CEO, Xenex Disinfection Services; managing partner, Tectonic Ventures; and co-founder, Rackspace

MODERATOR: James Ledbetter, editor in chief, Inc. and Inc.com

THINK (AND WORK) OUTSIDE THE BOX

Chieh Huang and his co-founders launched bulk-grocery e-commerce business Boxed in 2013 from his parents’ garage in New Jersey. The risk paid off when Boxed grew from $40,000 in sales to more than $100 million in just three years. Chieh will share how he raised $132 million in venture capital, why he feels responsible for each of the company’s 400 employees, and what it really takes to compete with Amazon.

SPEAKER: Chieh Huang, co-founder and CEO, Boxed

INTRODUCTION: James Ledbetter, editor in chief, Inc. and Inc.com

INC. MIX & MINGLE HAPPY HOUR

GUEST BARTENDERS: Chieh Huang, co-founder and CEO, Boxed;
and Stephen Lease, co-founder and CEO, Goodr

INC. FOUNDERS PROJECT: GROWING TOGETHER

This year, Inc. will honor its 40th anniversary by linking 40 successful entrepreneurs with 40 businesses facing a crossroads. During this session, we will introduce you to one of these special pairings. Find out what it means to lead by example and how to develop strategic relationships that can help take your business to the next level.

SPEAKERS: Carey Smith, founder, Big Ass Fans; Chris Anderson, founder and president, Ledge Lounger

MODERATOR: James Ledbetter, editor in chief, Inc. and Inc.com