ABOUT THIS YEAR'S EVENT
Since 2011 the Entrepreneurs Forum has brought entrepreneurs, business owners and influencers together to network, share ideas and discuss the issues that matter most. This event provides numerous opportunities for learning, growth and connection, featuring world class speakers, quality networking opportunities, exhibitors, breakfast and lunch. Our theme this year is Innovation and will focus on new ideas to help entrepreneurs and business owners create value and grow using the latest innovations in technology, marketing and business.
Full conference registration $97. NEA member discount available with promo code. Parking is free.
Questions? Call 248-416-7278
Sponsored by
Confirmed Speakers
2025 Keynote Speaker Gregory Shepard
Entrepreneur and Former Chief Technology Officer at eBay
Topic: Innovations in Business Tech and AI for Entrepreneurs
Gregory Shepard is a serial entrepreneur, author, and business strategist with a passion for building and scaling companies. Over his career, he has founded, grown, and sold twelve successful businesses across BioTech, TransitTech, AdTech, and MarTech, demonstrating an exceptional ability to navigate the startup lifecycle. His most notable achievement came in 2016 when he sold two of his companies as part of a $925 million cross-brand deal, earning four private equity awards for transactions between $250M – $1B. Humble beginnings molded by struggles with neurodivergence and poverty haven’t stopped Greg from becoming the successful entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist he is today. Greg’s success story of overcoming obstacles is what drives him to support young entrepreneurs looking to spark positive change in the world around them. ​At the 2025 Entrepreneurs Forum: Innovation you'll learn how successful entrepreneurs are using tech and AI to level up.
Kickoff Speaker Award Winning Entrepreneur Beverly Hannah
President and CEO of HANNAH Architects, Inc.
Beverly Hannah has successfully operated the firm, Hannah Architects, Inc. for the past 32 years. A native Detroiter, Hannah Jones began her education as an engineering student at MSU, but soon discovered a passion for architecture and design and transferred to Lawrence Tech where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree in 1985 and a Master of Architecture degree in 2000. She earned her architecture license in 1991 and launched her firm in 1993. Notably, her firm is the first African American Woman Owned Architectural firm in the State of Michigan, and one of only twenty architectural firms owned and operated by a licensed African American Female Architect in the United States. In 2009, she was the recipient of LTU’s highest award for its graduates, the Alumni Achievement Award, and is the first African American in LTU’s history to receive this distinguished award. Her significant projects in Detroit include the Curtis L. Ivery Health & Wellness Educational Center at Wayne County Community College District, the newsroom and office renovation at WDIV-TV, the Shed at Valade Park for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Skillman Foundation Headquarter renovation, and the Lear Innovation Center. Current projects include AOR for new projects at the Michigan Central Train Station, Pistons Mixed Use Facility and U of M Innovation Center Interior FF&E.
Nick Mattar
CEO of Digital Detroit and Marketing Instructor at
Mike Ilitch School of Business Wayne State University
Innovations in Marketing Panel
Nick Mattar is active in Michigan's digital marketing community, wearing many hats and constantly working to stay on top of new trends. He teaches digital marketing at multiple colleges and universities, including Wayne State’s Mike Ilitch School of Business in Detroit. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Digital Detroit, working with businesses to upskill their marketing teams and consult on all things digital marketing. Nick published his first textbook, Content Marketing Strategies: Planning, Creating, and Distributing Content in 2021 and is currently writing his second textbook, Digital Marketing: A Practical Approach. Recently, Nick has taken an interest in generative AI programs and websites, using them to save time and resources for his own small business. He has tested and used more than 100 AI programs since the start of 2023 but still believes he has barely scratched the surface of this budding new industry.
Breona Clawson
Founder of Eloquent Digital Marketing
Innovations in Business Resources Panel
Breona is a seasoned entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and nonprofit founder dedicated to helping businesses thrive in the digital space. As the founder of a successful digital marketing agency, she specializes in providing tailored strategies, including virtual assistant services that streamline operations and enhance business efficiency. In addition to her work in marketing, Breona is a student at the Apple Developer Academy, where she is developing expertise in coding, UX design, and project management to create innovative digital solutions. Beyond business, Breona is deeply involved in community service. She serves as a board member of the Waterford Community Coalition and as the Beneficiary Coordinator for Revamp Detroit, working to support local initiatives and economic development. Recognized for her leadership, she was honored as a Young Professional Awardee for her contributions to entrepreneurship and community impact.
Dennis G. Shaver
Director of Product Development, Centrepolis Accelerator Lawrence Technological University ​
Dennis G. Shaver is a Product Development Director & Entrepreneurship Catalyst, empowering new product innovators to vet, validate and navigate creative ideas into commercially viable products. With 30+ years of experience working in key manufacturing positions at General Motors, Clorox Corporation, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, and several startup businesses, Dennis specializes in innovation, product development strategy and successful entrepreneurship. As a Director of Product Development at the Centrepolis Accelerator on the Lawrence Technological University campus and an internationally recognized keynote speaker on entrepreneurship and innovation, he empowers early stage and growth stage business ventures with sustainable growth strategies. Fueled by unwavering determination, Dennis conquers personal challenges, including six marathons and pacing in the Leadville, CO 100-miler. His enduring commitment to excellence drives him to push boundaries and inspire others. Dennis is also a 2x Amazon best-selling author on Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Dr. Janice Cardwell, MBA, PhD
CEO of Conceivers, LLC & National Entrepreneurs Association Board Chair
​Dr. Jan Cardwell is a uniquely experienced educator and leader with 30+ years of experiences across industry sectors. Formally trained with a Ph. D in Education and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), she is a retired education administrator holding titles of Vice President/Campus Director, Campus and Academic Director for the University of Phoenix Detroit Branch Campus (14 years). She is CEO and Executive Coach for Conceivers Leadership and Learning Company, an executive think tank that focuses on research, coaching and training for leaders with a specific focus on women in leadership roles. Community service includes Board of Directors leadership to several local non-profit organizations, in Southeast Michigan, which includes, Chair of the Board of Directors Matrix Human Services (6 years); Board Member: Matrix Human Services, Board Chair for National Entrepreneur Association, Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club, Association of Leadership Educators. She was 2019 Chair of the International Leadership Association - Leadership Development Community.
NEA 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Greg Bennett
Speaker|Author|Marketing Entrepreneur
Greg Bennett has pioneered some of the most memorable marketing campaigns of the past 35 years. He has worked with icon brands including CBS, Disney, Unilever, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Walmart, M&Ms, Nissan, Lincoln Motor Cars, GMC, BMW, Virgin, Sony, Nestle, FOX, Nike, Miller Beer, Coke, Pepsi and Apple. His work has been recognized within the communications industry through awards such as Globes, Addys, Emmys and Diamonds for creative and marketing excellence. In 1990, he founded Los Angeles based Luna Bacardi Group (LBG). Within a decade, LBG became the third largest privately held integrated marketing agency in the world, as selected by Brand Week and Promo Magazine.
​In 2000, Greg founded O! Branded Entertainment. The Santa Monica, California based agency which worked with leading brands, film studios and television networks in the development and production of branded entertainment centric projects. Greg joined CBS Television Distribution in 2007 and launched the network’s Branded Entertainment & Digital division. He developed and produced branded content for hit shows such as Oprah, Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray, Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, Judge Joe, and The Doctors among other projects. The new division became the golden standard within the television branded entertainment space while winning numerous industry awards.
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​In 2010, he formed Iconoclast Brand Marketing & Entertainment. Over the years Greg employed several hundred amazing individuals, over three thousand parttime employees and an exit value of 47 Million Dollars. With a vision to impact the world, Greg launched his foundation ... “the Genius stage” in 2019. A non - profit platform that is placing brilliant academic thinkers and powerful entrepreneurs on a global stage solving global challenges while moving humanity forward. He is the author of “I Can Make Caffeine Nervous” Lessons from an entrepreneur… who used his six senses to win multimillion-dollar clients, create billion-dollar paradigm shifts & build a global marketing agency.
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MORE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON!
Entrepreneurs Forum: Innovation Event Highlights
09:00am – 09:30am Registration and Breakfast
09:30am – 10:00am Kickoff Speaker (Innovation in Action)
10:00am – 11:00am Panel Discussion (Innovation in Digital Marketing)
11:00am – 12:00pm Panel Discussion (Navigating Today’s Business Landscape)
12:00pm – 12:30pm Power Networking Lunch
12:30pm – 1:30pm Fireside Chat (Business Acquisition & Growth Strategies)
01:30pm – 02:30pm Keynote Speaker (Innovation in Business Tech & AI)
02:30pm – 03:00pm Speaker Book Signings
03:00pm to 05:00pm – Break: On Your Own
05:00pm to 06:30pm - Entrepreneur Awards Reception at the Westin Hotel
06:30pm to 08:00pm - Networking
Venues
Lawrence Technological University &
The Westin Hotel Southfield - Detroit
Lawrence Technological University
21000 W 10 Mile Rd Buell Management Bldg
Southfield, MI 48075
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Awards Reception (5pm to 8pm)
The Westin Southfield Detroit
Southfield Town Center
1500 Town Center, Southfield, MI 48075
Phone: 248-827-4000​
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12 Minute Walk to LTU
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Free Parking
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Stylish Guest Rooms
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Wifi Available
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Health Club
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Bar / Lounge
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Ride Service
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Business Center
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Internet Access
CONNECT WITH OUR EXHIBITORS AND VENDORS
Pictures from 2024 NEA Entrepreneurs Forum
Attention entrepreneurs and professionals! Don't miss the opportunity to be a vendor at the 2025 Entrepreneurs Forum: Innovation and connect with hundreds of professionals. Register on Eventbrite using the register link below.
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2025 Vendor Space Includes
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2 Full Conference Registrations
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6 Foot Table and 2 Chairs
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Table Cloth
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Listing in Program
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Social Media Mentions
Questions? Call 248-416-7278