Top Five Reasons to Attend ICIB34
InBIA’s 34th Annual International Conference on Business Incubation (ICBI34) is just around the corner! Our goal is to impact the journey of over 20,000 startups by providing every attendee with the knowledge, resources, relationships, and inspiration to improve the practice of entrepreneurial support in communities across the globe. To get you excited, we have compiled a list of our top five unique ICBI experiences along with testimonials from your industry peers.
Regardless of what country you call home, the BIG Summit provides an unparalleled opportunity to establish valuable connections with global leaders to assist the early-stage companies in your community with expansion into international markets. Redesigned for 2020, the BIG Summit will feature several dynamic discussion panels and one-on-one matchmaking activities dedicated to increasing market connectivity of entrepreneurship centers by establishing independently sustainable partnerships and global alliances.
“Whether there are 25 or 100 people in the room, the people who attend are always engaged. Listening, asking questions, coming around at the end of sessions to discuss. It’s all about bringing people together and having new voices join the discussions.
—Carol Lauffer, Principal, Business Cluster Development
Preconference features premier, industry-specific certificate courses and in-depth topical training for entrepreneurship center managers looking for specialized professional development. Get best practices, extensive resources, and templates for launching an entrepreneurship center, starting a mentoring program, sustaining a university-based program, measuring program impact and more.
“I am not sure where I would be with the Innovation Connector if I had not connected with InBIA and attended their International Conference. This organization means business! The International Conference is where I first learned that I am not alone in this innovation journey. Attending is a must.”
—Ted Baker, CEO and Executive Director, Innovation Connector
InBIA is excited to have four dynamic keynote speakers this year who will collectively bring fresh and thought-provoking insights that will not only challenge your perspective but also inspire your work. The keynote speakers for ICBI34 are all passionate about the role of entrepreneurs in our communities and include: Gail Goodman, a Boston-based entrepreneurial support practitioner and former CEO of Constant Contact; Joseph Jaffe, an author, entrepreneur and thought leader in marketing and corporate innovation; Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, an award-winning business school professor, international speaker and entrepreneur focused on social entrepreneurship and inclusive innovation; and Michelle Royal, the founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Royal Innovation Design Group and mentor to several communities engaged in transforming their entrepreneurial ecosystems.
“I always look forward to ICBI. Inspiring keynotes, informative sessions, and, best of all, proven practices to take back to my community.”
—Krista Covey, VP Economic Development/Operations, Velocity TX
The Innovation Tour is an attendee favorite and tickets always go fast. This year, given all there is to see and learn in Boston, we have expanded to include two tours: the Massachusetts University Centers Tour, featuring programs and facilities at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Northeastern University; and the Boston Innovation Centers Tour, featuring community, corporate, social and food-based entrepreneurship centers.
“Great conference. I love the tours!! Great ideas to take back home. Thank you, InBIA.”
—Connie Bernal, Associate Director and Site Manager, Volusia County Business Incubator at Daytona Beach
Each year, InBIA recognizes entrepreneurship centers with track records of excellence. These organizations, and the outstanding companies they serve, are the foundation for regional economic growth in communities around the world. The categories for the ICBI34 Awards include rural, specialized, technology/science, mixed-use and most innovative programs. The top two entrepreneurship centers will receive the prestigious Dinah Adkins and Randall Whaley awards. Also, since the ultimate success of an entrepreneurship center is best measured by the success of their clients, we are bringing back the InBIA Outstanding Entrepreneurship Center Client award.
“I want our industry to be as strong and successful as possible.”
—Jim Greenwood, Founder and President, Greenwood Consulting Group Inc.
All of this plus more than 30 peer-led sessions and discussions – there is a reason why ICBI is a must for anyone who supports entrepreneurs. Register for ICBI34 today. See you in Boston!
“My first conference was the ICIBI32 at Dallas. it’s like an all-inclusive event where you can network (worldwide), matchmaking, best-in-class speakers, learn from other failures and success, tours, etc. It’s just amazing.”
—Julio Quiroga, Program Coordinator, UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center