During the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Medellín, Colombia, this March, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and policymakers from 160 countries will gather together to share ideas and best practices – and have a lot of fun in the “City of Eternal Spring.”
The GEC not only focuses on the issues that matter – including new policies and programs that are promoting real growth; efforts to map, measure and understand startup ecosystems; and using entrepreneurship as a tool to promote peace in conflict areas – but it also allows delegates to network and explore different ways entrepreneurship is scaling all over the world. The theme for GEC 2016 is the “Business of Next,” and conversation in Medellín will focus on what’s next in a variety of different areas.
Jerry Michalski, founder of the Relationship Economy eXpedition (REX) will help kick-off the GEC with a conversation about seven new economies and businesses that will change the way we know the world.
Meanwhile, Maria Contreras-Sweet, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration will lead an invite-only ministerial for high-level government leaders from some of those countriess and more -- discussing public sector efforts to stimulate new firm formation.
This year’s GEC speakers will cover a variety of topics and delegates will hear from some of the world’s leading entrepreneurship experts as well as entrepreneurs themselves.
Bill Aulet, author and managing director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, will outline what's next in efforts to increase entrepreneurship education and create an entrepreneurial mindset. Juan Manuel Barrientos, entrepreneur and chef of the restaurant franchise El Cielo, will discuss what’s next in the food industry and the future of gastro entrepreneurship. William Shaw, founder of VivaColombia, will talk about disrupting traditional industries. Plus a variety of other speakers with thought provoking presentations.
Parallel sessions offer delegates the chance for a deeper dive into specific topic areas.
The Global Business Angels Network is leading a session on What's Next in Early Stage Capital. The Kauffman Foundation and Endeavor explore the latest trends in measuring and mapping ecosystems. Bancolombia and Sura examine challenges with Bitcoin and the Blockchain. UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) outlines the latest developments in its Empretec program to help entrepreneurs flourish in developing economies around the world. LIONS Africa explores What's Next for Africa. Mayor Federico Gutierrez and the City of Medellin outlines its unexpected transformation during a session on smart and thriving cities. Leading research institutions will gather for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Network annual meeting. And there are many more.
But the GEC doesn’t just consist of speakers and discussions – it is also a platform for startup battle.
The global finals for the Future Agro Challenge and Get in the Ring will also take place during the GEC – where promising startups will battle it out to be the best the in the world.
The GEC runs from March 14-17. Registration is free and still open to all those who wish to participate. To learn more or to register, visit the GEC homepage.