Shifting TidesHalifax Convention Centre

BLACK BUSINESS

SUMMITHalifax 2019

Event Program

Presenting Sponsor

About our keynoteBozoma Saint John

BLACK BUSINESS

SUMMITHalifax 2019

Over the course of her career, Bozoma “Boz” Saint John has earned a formidable reputation as a trail blazing brand marketing executive and change agent. With almost 20 years of experience that spans multiple industries including digital music/entertainment, consumer packaged goods, fashion, sports and automotive, Boz is uniquely qualifi ed for her current role as the Chief Marketing O� cer at Endeavor. Previously, she was Chief Brand O� cer at Uber, ran Global Consumer Marketing of Apple Music and iTunes, and was the head of the Music and

Entertainment Marketing Group at Pepsi-Cola North America.

These are only some of Boz’s many accolades: She was featured in Fortune Magazine’s Disruptors, Innovators & Stars 40 Under 40 feature; Ad Age’s 50 Most Creative People; 2016’s Executive of the Year by Billboard Magazine; Black Enterprise’s Most Powerful Women in Business; and is currently serving on the board of Girls Who Code, and Vital Voices; as well as an executive mentor for the Levo League.

Ross Simmonds is the founder of Foundation Marketing, a content marketing agency that combines data and creativity to develop & serve ambitious brands. Foundation Marketing provides content marketing services to organizations all over the world ranging from some of the fastest growing startups & consumer products to global Fortune 500 brands.

Ross and the team at Foundation have launched marketing initiatives that reach millions of people on channels like Instagram, Slideshare Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more. In addition to running Foundation Marketing; Ross is the founder of a wide range of di� erent businesses including Hustle & Grind, an ecommerce brand described as the voice of modern entrepreneurs. Ross has invested in a handful of start ups and sits on the board of director for a handful of non-profi t organizations

Summit Chair: Ross Simmonds INNOVATING TOGETHER

At Dalhousie, we recognize that successful innovation comes from working together

and welcoming different points of view. That’s why we’re committed to initiatives

like Imhotep’s Legacy Academy, PLANS (Promoting Leadership in Health for African

Nova Scotians), the Transition Year Program and the Black Student Advising Centre,

which support diversity of perspective by improving student success.

DAL.CA

BLACK BUSINESS

SUMMITHalifax 2019

Welcome 10:15am - 11:10am (Room B2)

Workshop #1: The 4th Industrial Revolution

Host: Burtley Francis, Partner, Stewart McKelvey Presenters: Michael Forrest, Founder & Chairman, Canadian Black

Chamber of Commerce, Tash Je� eries, Founder, Diversa.work, Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson, IT Executive and Founder, Empowered in My Skin

Businesses are presented with a new and unique set of challenges and opportunities as technology continues to change the way that we’ve operated, collaborated, and thrived in the workplace. How do we expand our current businesses and networks beyond borders and industries to access our full potential? Unsatisfi ed with the status quo, each panelist has disrupted their industry, creating their own innovative paths. Join us for an engaging workshop to learn best practices to thrive in this new digital age, panelists will share their journey successes and challenges.

11:10am - 11:50pm (Room B2)

Workshop #2: Global Storytelling in a Digital Age

Host: Keith Gordon, Director of Marketing, Spring Loaded TechnologyPresenters: Ross Simmonds, Strategist, Foundation Marketing Nadia Theodore, Consul General of Canada to the Southeast USA

Throughout the world, storytelling is prominent across cultures, and for generations, has been connecting communities. In this new digital age, how do you build and expand on a narrative that resonates internationally? Ross Simmonds and Nadia Theodore have built their successful brands on their abilities to inspire audiences by authentically communicating their value propositions and expertise through stories. How has innovation, strategy, and technology infl uenced these internationally-recognized entrepreneurs? Join these business leaders for an energizing and interactive workshop to discover how stories, one of the oldest forms of connecting, can make or break your business in the 4th Industrial Revolution.

8:00am - 2:00pm

Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:45am – 9:00am (Room B2)

Conference Opening & Special RemarksSummit Chair: Ross Simmonds

9:00am - 10:00am (Room B2)

Opening Plenary: Shifting Tides

Host: Dr. Kevin Hewitt, Dalhousie Professor and Chair of Senate Presenters: Alexandra McCann, Executive Director - ONSIDE, Nadine Spencer, President, Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) & CEO, BrandEQ Agency

As entrepreneurs and business-owners, how are we di� erentiating from the competition to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the new digital age? In today’s fast-changing economic ecosystem with innovation at the forefront, we are required to be fast and adept in all our operations to e� ectively tap into opportunities on a local and global scale. Business owners and supporters risk being left behind if not prepared to ride the wave through innovative strategies and to develop disruptive and technology-based companies. Join us as we celebrate 22 years of business excellence at the Black Business Summit 2019, Shifting Tides. Creating businesses without boundaries.

10:00am – 10:15am

Networking and Nutrition Break

12:00pm - 2:00pm (Room B1)

Keynote Luncheon with Bozoma Saint JohnPresented by

Introduction by: Eve Wedderburn, Imhotep’s Legacy Academy Participant

Bozoma Saint JohnChief Marketing O� cer at Endeavor. Previously, held executive roles at Uber, Apple Music and iTunes, and Pepsi-Cola North America. She was featured in Fortune Magazine’s Disruptors, Innovators & Stars 40 Under 40 feature; Ad Age’s 50 Most Creative People; 2016’s Executive of the Year by Billboard Magazine; and Black Enterprise’s Most Powerful Women in Business.

Moderator : Cassandra Dorrington, Dalhousie University Board of Governors, President & CEO - CAMSC

2:00pm - 3:00pm (Room B1)

The PitchHost: Duane Jones, Creative Director, Art Pays Me

Black-owned businesses are positively impacting the economy but are rarely spotlighted in mainstream business media. Join us as we celebrate them and showcase the innovative solutions they are creating.

5:30pm - 7:00pm (Ballroom Salon)

Awards Dinner Networking Reception

7:00pm - 1:00am (Room B1)

Awards Dinner & Gala Join us for a special evening in celebrating the best in the business

community. Awards to be distributed: Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Hector Jacques’ Award of Business Excellence, and the Dr. Rudy Ffrench Youth Trailblazer Award, followed by a dance hosted by DJ, R$ Smooth.

Keynote Presenting SponsorSilver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Contributors -

Gold Sponsor Awards Dinner & Gala SponsorsSilver Sponsors