SMITHFIELD, RI – Bryant University’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) will host the eighth annual Bryant University Northeast Entrepreneurship Conference (BUNEEC) on Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in The Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Wellness and Athletic Center.
Speakers and Schedule | Registration | Directions
One of the region’s largest educational events for young entrepreneurs, BUNEEC (pronounced “Be-Unique”) is expected to draw more than 500 students from colleges and universities throughout the Northeast. This year’s event is open to the public and will feature an impressive slate of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and motivational speakers that will help each attendee create their personal definition of what it means to be an entrepreneur.
“We searched for speakers from all careers ranging from biology to the arts, demonstrating that the entrepreneurial spirit can be found and celebrated in all facets of life, says BUNEEC Executive Director Melissa Gurzenda ’21 of Plantsville, CT. With a diverse set of intimate breakout sessions, attendees can explore a wide range of topics.
Keynote speakers:
The 2019 program will highlight two keynote speakers, Mitch Lowe, Co-Founding Executive of Netflix, CEO of MoviePass, and Former President of Redbox; and LaVonna Roth, Founder of Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E® (Self. Heart. Inspire. Navigate. Exceptional), and CEO of LaVonna, Inc.
In addition to his role as Co-Founding Executive at Netflix, Inc., Mitch Lowe served as Netflix’s Entertainment Domain Expert and as Vice President of Business Development & Strategic Alliances from 1998 to 2003. Since then Lowe has made many personal investments in start-ups primarily in the entertainment, blockchain, and social space. He is passionate about the success and business fulfillment of people in large businesses as well as first-time entrepreneurs.
Founded in 1997, Netflix, Inc. is an American media-services provider and the world’s seventh-largest internet company by revenue. “Netflix has achieved critical acclaim for many reasons, including investing in big data before it was a common tool,” said Trustee Professor of Management Mike Roberto. “Through the analysis of data for every show offered in its library, Netflix used real-world learning—something we emphasize here at Bryant—to guarantee success for its original programming. Our students will walk away invigorated and inspired by these entrepreneurs.”
Keynote speaker LaVonna Roth brings her passion for learning and education to help individuals, especially educators who are exhausted and burnt out, to rethink how we educate to best serve our students. Roth is the author of eight books, including Brain-Powered Strategies to Engage All Learners, and created the Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.® movement to fire up organizations, schools, and districts to create a place where everyone is cherished and valued.
Breakout session speakers include
- Jillian Diauto, Professional Boxer at USA Boxing, Inc. and Co-Founder of Living Proof
- Glen Gaudette, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at WPI
- Mr. Goodvibes, Founder and CEO of Good Vibes Enterprises, a Gen Z-focused marketing company
- Paul Fort, “Health Plans”
- Lindsey Lerner ’15, Founder of Level Exchange
- Jeff Merhige, Executive Director of Outdoor YMCA Center
- Marques Ogden, Current Best-Selling Author, Personality Keynote Speaker, Former NFL Athlete, Master Storyteller, and Business Leader
- Devonte Simons, Boys and Girls Club
BUNEEC is open to the public. Registration is free for Bryant students, faculty, and staff, $15 for high school students, $20 for Bryant alumni and $25 for general public and students, faculty, and staff from other colleges and universities.
For more information, and a schedule of events, visit https://buneec.com/.
About Bryant CEO
Bryant’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization attracts business leaders and highly motivated students who organize annual events that attract and enrich student entrepreneurs from all over the country. Bryant CEO, which has won the title of National Best Chapter six times in the last 10 years, was honored as one of the top three chapters in the nation in 2017.
About Bryant University
Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I., is a leading private university offering an innovative and uniquely integrated business and liberal arts education. The University's 3,700 undergraduate and postgraduate students study in an intensive and immersive learning environment that has been purpose-built for high achievement. Bryant’s groundbreaking academic programs have been nationally recognized by organizations including the Davis Educational Foundation and Hanover Research. Founded in 1863, Bryant is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, College Factual/U.S.A. Today, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, and Barron’s.
