A full complementary continental breakfast will be provided for business networking attendees.

Plenary Session

The opening plenary session will feature remarks from Ricky D. Smith, Executive Director, Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Aviation Administration and keynote remarks from Kathryn B. Freeland, M.B.A, Chief Executive Officer, A-TEK, Inc.

Presenter

Maryland MBE Program – A Historical Perspective – Maryland Room

It’s hard to know where you are going if you don’t understand where you have been. Gain a greater comprehension of the history and progress of the Maryland Business Enterprise program over the past 40 years. Learn what this program means to the small and minority business community and the State of Maryland.

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Accessing Capital and Growing Your Business – Delaware Room

Several participating lending institutions will provide unique insight and history in funding small, minority owned businesses in the Baltimore/Washington area. There will be an interactive discussion on the future of technology in the lending process. Expect to learn innovative steps being taken to embrace technology, streamline processes and better service future clients, including new banking trends. Also, don’t miss a great discussion on how the Small Business Administration can help grow your business.

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Airport Concessions – Everything you need to know about obtaining and operating an airport concession – Pennsylvania Room

Airport concessions are businesses that operate in the airport. They include food and beverage, retail and service businesses that sell goods and services to the traveling public. Minority and women-owned businesses must be certified as Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs) by the Maryland Department of Transportation to operate these concessions and/or participate in them in order for MAA to claim participation credit. This panel will discuss certification, the types of concessions operating at BWI Marshall and the process through which concessionaires are selected.

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CEO Wealthy U – Washington Room

What do CEO’s that scale beyond the seven-figure threshold know that most businesses don’t?
As a financial advisor and then consultant to small business owners, Deborah Owens saw firsthand that business owners who scale and grow their businesses think, act and manage their businesses differently than sole proprietors that barely make ends meet. In this workshop, business owners will learn the strategies and tactics that they can use to help their business go farther, faster.

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The Importance of Small Business Representation – Delaware Room

These organizations work with various minority owned businesses and their respective communities. This forum will explore their services, including what they do, what opportunities they offer to their members and what challenges confront small and minority businesses today.

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Minority/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification – Maryland Room

Find out if certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), and/or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) is right for your business. The Application Assistance Workshop demystifies the certification process and provides valuable information to firms considering certification as a strategy to grow their business. The workshop covers the benefits of certification, four steps to certification, the five certification eligibility standards, and other key certification information. This information session empowers participants to better position themselves to move through the certification process with confidence.

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How to Submit a Winning Bid and successfully perform the contract “Avoid the Fatal Flaws” – Pennsylvania Room

You won the contract; now it’s time to successfully perform!
Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Aviation Administration’s Procurement Officers and Contract Managers will discuss relevant procurement and contract compliance. Instructors will provide tips and resources to help avoid the most common pitfalls – “fatal flaws,” explain how to properly submit the required paperwork/forms and discuss contract management expectations.

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Innovative Marketing Strategies – Washington Room

Does your business have what it takes to win a contract? Business growth is contingent upon innovative marketing strategies. Learn how to stand out in a crowd using innovative marketing strategies that take your business to the next level.

What marketing strategies are most effective for your company? How do you communicate to your target markets about your products and services? Are you seeing a ROI on your marketing efforts? What creative elements are worth your investment? Are you using all your resources and tools to market your business? Learn how to use website, social media and networking to your advantage.

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Synergy business networking attendees are encouraged to attend and connect with one another, discuss information gained during the sessions and engage with BWI executives.

Power Hour: Business Connections Luncheon

The centerpiece of the day will be the Upcoming Contracting Opportunities panel, hosted during the luncheon. Entrepreneurs will learn how to do business with MAA and hear about open contract opportunities. Inspired by the success and demand of this Information Session during Synergy 17 and Synergy 18, the luncheon is guaranteed to be a success.

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Speed lending is a great option for starting your small business. Get in front of funding institutions/banks friendly towards working with and funding small and minority-owned businesses. Interested attendees will give a 60-second business pitch on why they are looking for funding and a featured funder will make an onsite decision as to whether to go on to the next step or not.

Checkout our Business Exhibitors

The Power of Networking – Making meaningful connections – Maryland Room

There’s an art to networking and this session will show you how it’s done. Join us for an interactive networking session to help elevate your connections, learn how to work a room and leave the session with tips on creating a lasting impression. Learn how the power of community can help you take the next step in your career. There are many ways to land a career and networking should be at the top of your list.

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Social Media’s Role in Employment & Strategies for Using it to Your Advantage – Delaware Room
The importance of social media has sky-rocketed over the past decade. Most companies, and individuals, have a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. With the use of social media increasing, do you know how to use it to your advantage? Did you know that your social media presence can weed you out of a desired job? It’s important to understand and learn how to use these platforms to your advantage when searching for a job. This workshop will teach participants: 1. Why social media became such a widely used tool for employers/employees; 2. Platforms for professional networking versus platforms for personal information; 3. How to increase one’s internet visibility; 4. How to use social media to create a professional network; 5. How to avoid the dangers of social media.

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Visit with local companies ready to hire! Also take advantage of the Resume Check-Up – Building a Winning Resume

Visit the Resume Check-Up area to give your resume a boost. Learn current resume trends and how they can help or harm your resume, writing strategies used in effective resumes, and techniques on formatting. Resumes are powerful tools that assist you in getting the interview and landing the job. Join us and allow the information to transform your resume!

Checkout our Career Exhibitors