Join us for our 15th Anniversary Conference - February 22, 2024

Founded in 2009, MBE Night in Annapolis has anchored as the largest conference for minority businesses in the state of Maryland. We are excited to welcome you to our 15th anniversary conference!

Advancing Economic Opportunity for Black Entrepreneurs

The 2024 MBE Night in Annapolis will celebrate 15 years of serving as a significant platform for fostering diversity, inclusion, and economic empowerment within the minority business community in the state of Maryland. Last year, MBE Night in Annapolis welcomed over 1,000 attendees from across the state. Join us for an evening of economic opportunity.

Engage. Discuss. Connect. Learn.

Location: The Westin Annapolis | 5 pm - 9 pm
100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401

About MBE Night in Annapolis

Founded in 2009 by former Delegate Herman Taylor in partnership with state officials and civic organizations, MBE Night in Annapolis was established to address some of the obstacles that prevent these businesses from achieving success.

Since its inception, MBE Night in Annapolis has served as an integral advocacy partner in supporting the Legislative Black Caucus, fostering collaboration to dismantle systemic barriers and amplify businesses while addressing historical disparities to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable Maryland.

2024 Legislative Black Caucus Priority Agenda

2024 Special Guests & Speakers

SPECIAL GUEST

Wes Moore

Governor of Maryland
View Bio
SPECIAL GUEST

Aruna Miller

Lieutenant Governor of Maryland
View Bio
SPECIAL GUEST

Jheanelle Wilkins

Chair, Legislative Black Caucus of MD
View Bio
SPECIAL GUEST

Brooke Lierman

Comptroller of Maryland
View Bio
SPECIAL GUEST

Anthony Brown

Attorney General of Maryland
View Bio
SPECIAL GUEST

Adrienne Jones

Maryland Speaker of the House
View Bio
SPECIAL GUEST

Dereck Davis

State Treasurer of Maryland
View Bio
SPECIAL GUEST

Kevin Anderson

Maryland Secretary of Commerce
View Bio
SPECIAL GUEST

Herman Taylor

Founder, MBE Night in Annapolis
View Bio
PANELIST

Warren Thompson

CEO, Thompson Hospitality
View Bio
PANELIST

B. Doyle Mitchell

CEO, Industrial Bank
View Bio
PANELIST

Dr. Aminta Breaux

President, Bowie State University
View Bio
PANELIST

Dr. Anthony Jenkins

President, Coppin State University
View Bio
PANELIST

Dr. Heidi Anderson

President, UMES
View Bio
PANELIST

Dr. David Wilson

President, Morgan State University
View Bio

A Night of Economic Opportunity

MBE Night in Annapolis has served as a cornerstone in connecting legislators, state agencies, business leaders, and underrepresented groups to share insights, resources, and strategize tangible actions to strengthen minority businesses in the state.

MBE Night is an exciting opportunity to:
Engage in thought-provoking discussions led by industry experts and business leaders.
Gain insights into legislation and procurement opportunities
Network with legislators, state agency officials, business leaders, and community groups

Event Program

5:00 pm

General Reception & Networking

Several exhibitor tables will be available throughout the event to provide information on state resources for MBEs

5:45 pm

Greetings from Hosts of Ceremonies

  • Larry Webb - District Director, SBA Washington Metropolitan Area

  • Tetiana Anderson - National Host of Comcast Newsmakers

5:50 pm

Welcome

Herman Taylor - Founder, MBE Night in Annapolis

5:55 pm

Remarks from the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland

Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins - Chair, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland

6:00 pm

MBE Legislative Overview

Senator Nick Charles, District 25

6:05 pm

Special Remarks

  • Anthony Brown, Maryland Attorney General

  • Brooke Lierman, Maryland Comptroller

  • Adrienne Jones, Maryland Speaker of the House

  • Dereck Davis, Maryland State Treasuer

  • Kevin Anderson, Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary

6:25 pm

Panel 1: Black CEOs on Growth & Success 
Delegate Jazz Lewis, District 24

  • Warren Thompson - CEO, Thompson Hospitality

  • Doyle Mitchell - CEO, Industrial Bank

7:15 pm

Special Remarks

  • Audrey Johnson - Executive Director, Office of Social Equity

  • Troy LeMaile-Stovall - CEO, TEDCO

7:25 pm

Special Acknowledgments

  • Larry Webb - District Director, SBA Washington Metropolitan Area

  • Tetiana Anderson - National Host of Comcast Newsmakers

7:35 pm

Introduction of Governor Moore

Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins - Chair, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland

7:40 pm

Governor's Remarks

Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland

7:55 pm

Panel 2: HBCU Presidents on Black Economic Mobility 
Delegate. N. Scott Phillips, District 10

  • President Aminta Breaux, Bowie State University

  • President Heidi Anderson, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

  • President Anthony Jenkins, Coppin State University

  • President David Wilson, Morgan State University 

8:55 pm

Closing/Special Acknowledgements

  • Larry Webb - District Director, SBA Washington Metropolitan Area

  • Tetiana Anderson - National Host of Comcast Newsmakers

A Special Thanks To Our 2024 Partners

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