(Detroit, MI) April 8, 2009—The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes current and aspiring entrepreneurs to Detroit, May 17-20, for the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo. Hosted by ExxonMobil and longtime supporter GM, the event is the country’s premier business conference and networking event for African American entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and professionals.

This year’s conference theme is “Shifting Gears: New Realities, New Rules, New Opportunities.” Attendees can expect innovative strategy sessions; high-powered speakers; and an early introduction to products, trends, and services to help you stay competitive and ahead of the curve in the months ahead. 

The conference is expected to attract 1,100 attendees and generate $2,000,000 in direct spending. “Top-notch conferences like the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference are important for showcasing creativity and entrepreneurship, especially during these challenging economic times,” says Larry Alexander, president & CEO of the Detroit Michigan Convention & Visitors Bureau. “These talents may be the key to creating opportunities for future jobs.”

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Event highlights:

·         The Deal Makers Expo—where entrepreneurs and the nation’s top corporate executives connect

·         The Small Business Success™ Boot Camp, plus affordable franchises you can buy now

·         Securing credit and building strategic alliances in a harsh economy 

·         Opportunities in the green industry and how to profit in the era of Obama

·    Kidpreneur/Teenpreneur Conference hosted by Wendy's International

·         Plus more than 16 sessions on growth and development, globalization, new trends, and social technology

Confirmed speakers include:

·         R. DonahuePeebles, Chairman & CEO, The Peebles Corporation

·         Kedar Massenburg, President & CEO, Kedar Entertainment and Korus Wines

·         Judge Glenda Hatchett, TV judge and President, Judge Glenda Hatchett Enterprises

The 2009 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo is hosted by ExxonMobil & GM. Presenting sponsors include OPEN from American Express, Ariel Investments, EMC², Frito-Lay, Pepsi, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart. Platinum sponsors are IBM and Wendy’s International. Corporate sponsors include Cisco, Detroit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Google, Kodak, UnitedHealthcare and YUM! Brands. 

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