Not all startup capital is created equal. Join seasoned investors and funding experts as they demystify options for financing your venture – from venture capital and angel investments to bootstrapping and non-dilutive funding sources. Our diverse panel brings real-world perspectives on when, how, and why to pursue different funding paths. Join Johanna Dutton, Josh Fleig, […]

Every successful startup begins with a founder who had to become their company's first salesperson. Join us for an actionable session on mastering founder-led sales—from crafting your first pitch to knowing when to build your sales team. Learn why outsourcing too early can stunt your startup's growth, how to translate sales conversations into product insights, […]

Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness - it's actually a skill that will supercharge your startups’ success. Join us for a panel discussion featuring 4 successful founders as they share their journeys of building strong partnerships and support systems that fueled their growth. Join Carleena Andrepont (Keepers), Rachael Sparks (Phase Advance AI), Logan […]

LinkedIn isn’t just a digital résumé—it’s a powerful tool for founders to build authority, attract opportunities, and grow their businesses. In this session, we’ll explore how to craft a compelling personal brand, create content that drives engagement, and use LinkedIn to connect with investors, partners, and customers. Whether you’re a startup founder or scaling your […]

Join us for an exciting event featuring networking & a panel discussion, launching the Lafayette Regional Technology Council. This panel discussion brings together members of the LRTC Steering Committee and a special guest from the Technology Council of West Michigan to discuss how this new organization will strengthen & grow Lafayette’s technology ecosystem. This is […]

The startup and innovator community is full of language around gaps, gulfs, and chasms that need to be crossed. One huge gap is the difference between a cool idea and a working, sustainable actual thing. Josh will discuss how AI can be used to help scaffold and engineer that crossing, not just for software development, […]

Take a break from the keynotes, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready for … not your average networking break. Get ready for a surprise twist — an intentional, interactive activity designed to bring out the best in your connections. Curiosity is key, and you won’t want to miss what’s brewing in this session!

In this keynote, we'll explore how cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum computing, and low-code platforms are transforming engineering and reshaping the modern workforce. Join us to discover the skills and innovations you need to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Join Terysa Ridgeway, M&A Data Integration Lead at Google, for Engineering the Future: How […]

The world's most valuable tech companies have been built with a radical focus on the customer. Learn why it's the only way to win, as well as actionable tips and tools for putting it into practice - and yes, a philosophical debate on whether it even matters in a world where AI can do everything […]

Join us for a live shark tank style pitch competition showcasing South Louisiana’s most innovative emerging tech startups!

Join us to for open networking to connect, network, and build relationships within the startup and tech communities of South Louisiana before you head outside into the heart of Downtown Lafayette to enjoy Festival International, the largest international music festival in the US!