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Second Annual CEO Conference Focuses on Sustainability

Keynote speaker Doug Humphrey kept the crowd laughing as he shared about the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur at the Second Annual Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) Conference. The event, held at the University of Maryland’s Shady Grove campus, brought together 180 students and professionals with an interest in entrepreneurship and was completely organized by students in the Entrepreneurship Fellows Program in Shady Grove. Throughout the day participants had the opportunity to hear from professionals, walk around the entrepreneur business exhibition and network with each other. Participants also had the chance to win $500 in a Pitch Dingman Competition that took place during the afternoon panels.

The event this year centered around E*Generation: Entrepreneurship and the Environmental Renaissance. The theme was carried through the day with speakers and panels that focused on current and timely issues in entrepreneurship, including environmental issues, intrapreneurship and opportunities in technology. The day’s schedule started in the morning with discussions about growing markets and the future of the economy and making green while being green. In the afternoon participants had the option of attending a panel on starting a business while still in school, environmental entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship or the Pitch Dingman Competition. Faculty advisor of the conference Oliver Schlake said, “Green Entrepreneurship can be political: You have the "green" ideas coming from the left, and the “capitalist” coming more from the right, meeting in the middle and finding out that “going green” and “making serious money” can coexist.”

Notable industry professionals participated in the event to share their expertise and help budding entrepreneurs in their pursuit of their dream. Keynote speaker Doug Humphrey is a serial entrepreneur who knows what it takes to get a business off the ground. His first company was called Digex and was one of the first internet service providers. In addition to starting three companies Humphrey has also sat on 20 boards. He was able to answer questions on when you should replace yourself and the biggest problem that he sees with entrepreneurs.

The panels featured entrepreneurs from companies such as Trees for the Future, emPivot and GreeNEWit. With over 30 years experience as a social entrepreneur Doug Deppner, from Trees for the Future, was able to provide an abundance of advice including, “You will succeed if you have a vision.” Other advice from panelists included making sure you are constantly revisiting your original vision and the important role that a mentor plays in an entrepreneur’s life.

To find out more about the panelists at the event or the schedule for the day visit http://www.smithceoconference.com/agenda.html

▓ Loretta Goodridge, MBA Candidate 2008, Smith Media Group

http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu – info@rhsmith.umd.edu