Kent State Hosts Sixth Annual Entrepreneurship Extravaganza on Oct. 6

Kent State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation hosts its sixth annual Entrepreneurship Extravaganza on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This year’s event carries the theme “The Big Bang: Create Your Universe” and will include a workshop, panel discussions, speakers and networking based on common business ideas. Held in the Kent Student Center Kiva, Entrepreneurship Extravaganza is free and open to the community and to all students.

Starting at 9 a.m., Entrepreneurship Extravaganza opens with the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour, a program of young entrepreneurs who will share their stories and business lessons. One of the featured speakers from the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour will be Lauren Berger, CEO of Intern Queen Inc., an online internship destination that helps students find and apply for internships while also educating them on how to make the most of their experiences. BusinessWeek magazine named Berger number 5 on its annual “25 Under 25” list of America’s top young entrepreneurs. Bert Gervais will serve as moderator. Gervais, also known as “The Mentor Guy,” is one of America's most in-demand professional speakers. He is a national bestselling author, speaker and award-winning entrepreneur.

At 11 a.m., a panel of Kent State students and recent alumni will present the Student Entrepreneur Panel.

“Attendees of this year’s event will hear fresh perspectives on entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Julie Messing, director for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation at Kent State. “We’ll also discuss the development of business ideas based on strengths and passions as well as the principles of success.”

At noon, the event moves to the Kent Student Center Ballroom for “Lunch with an Entrepreneur.” Participants will enjoy lunch along with roundtable discussions with local entrepreneurs.

All participants in this year’s Entrepreneurship Extravaganza will receive a complimentary entrepreneurial took kit. All events are free and open to the public, however, registration is requested by Monday, Oct. 3. To register or view a full schedule of events, visit www.kent.edu/academics/extrav. For more information, contact Kent State’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation at 330-672-9430 or cebi@kent.edu.

# # #

Media Contacts:
Julie Messing, jmessing@kent.edu, 330-672-9430
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595