By Jake Zimmer
Six years ago this February, the executive board of Bryant’s chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) had the realization that in the Northeast, Bryant wasn’t too well-known in the entrepreneurship space. They decided to reach out to CEO’s National Headquarters about putting Bryant on the map. The staff there suggested hosting a small conference to get the word out about Bryant’s award-winning CEO chapter.
After five conferences, BUNEEC is about to make a major ripple in the entire region.
The Bryant University Northeast Entrepreneurship Conference (abbreviated BUNEEC, pronounced “be-unique”) will be held once again on the Bryant campus this Saturday, March 4th, from 12-6pm. Put on by CEO every year, BUNEEC’s mission is to inspire a culture of innovation in its attendees, so that they can implement the ideals of a Bryant education in their everyday life. Attendees can expect a day of world-class networking, lessons that are immediately relevant in all career paths, and, of course, complimentary food.
“This conference is a culmination of all the progress our organization has made this past year,” said CEO President Josh Velez. “It is our hope that BUNEEC 2017 makes a lasting impression on the Bryant community and the Northeast region for years to come.”
CEO’s executive board has worked tirelessly to bring a wonderful lineup of keynotes to campus. Kevin Harrington, former judge on ABC’s Shark Tank and the inventor of the infomercial, will headline the event at 4:45pm. Shark Tank will be making a noteworthy presence at BUNEEC 2017; preceding Mr. Harrington will be Dave Greco ’00, contestant on the show for his sales consulting firm that was acquired a just few years ago. In the early afternoon, a double-keynote session will be held featuring serial social entrepreneur Radha Agrawal, and former Google consultant & co-founder of Tokyo Smoke, Alan Gertner.
Breakout sessions include Bryant alumni John Duke Logan, Digital Content Associate and Team Magician for the New England Patriots – Alex Stone, founder of Athletes of Valor – John Collins, founder of Cape Cod lifestyle business Bros of Our Lives – among many others.
BUNEEC 2017 is free to all current Bryant students, faculty, and staff. Doors open at 11:00am, and the event begins with lunch at 12pm in the MAC. All keynote sessions will be held in the MAC – both from 12:30pm to 2pm, and 4:15pm to 5:30pm. Breakout sessions will be held from 2:15pm to 4pm in both the Academic Innovation Center and Bello Grand Hall. Community members that wish to register can do so for free today at BUNEEC.com.
