From panels to special events, here's your complete guide to Derby Diversity Week
Derby Diversity Week is back and with it comes an all-star lineup of notable speakers, a long list of events and countless opportunities to network with well-known executives.
The minority business development, economic empowerment and entertainment event brings together the world’s top suppliers, buyers, executives, and business leaders, inclusive of all diverse groups to network, develop, and enjoy the Kentucky Derby. Guests will participate in panel discussions, hear from highly sought-after speakers, and engage in networking opportunities.
Now in its fourth year, the premier business event is presented by the Global Economic Diversity Development Initiative, a Black-founded and predominantly Black-led nonprofit. Derby Diversity Week continues to attract some of the world’s top suppliers, buyers, executives, and business leaders for four days of networking, plus the inaugural $50,000 Ideathon tech competition, the Derby Sneaker Ball, and two days at Churchill Downs to enjoy the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby race, the release states.
“Every year, on the first Saturday in May, Louisville becomes the international epicenter of fortune, fashion, food, and fun,” Tawana Bain, Derby Diversity Week founder, said in the release. “What better opportunity to expand economic opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs of color, the LGTBQ+ community, and other diverse groups than by providing unequaled access to national and international titans of industry — and, at the same time, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Kentucky Derby.”
Here's what else you need to know about the Derby Diversity Week:
When and where is Derby Diversity Week?
The 2022 event runs May 2-7. The majority of the events are being held downtown at the Kentucky International Convention Center, 221 S. 4th St.
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Who is speaking at Derby Diversity Week?
The event is broken down into four categories: Monday, May 2 is Entrepreneurship and tech, Tuesday, May 3 is Workforce Diversity, Wednesday, May 4 is Sports, Entertainment and Consumer Marketing and Thursday, May 5 is Global Supply Chain.
Speakers include Derby Diversity Week Founder Bain, Desmond Davidson, CEO and Founder of Total 360 Management, Susan Elkington, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Kentucky, and many more.
“I love the energy of Derby,” Elkington said in the press release. “DDW builds on this energy to have important conversations on diversity and inclusion while making connections that last beyond the race.”
For a full list of speakers, visit derbydiversity.com.
What is the Ideathon at Derby Diversity Week?
The tech competition will give entrepreneurs a unique chance to partner with tech designers to build out a tech-based prototype and compete for a $50,000 investment, made possible by Curaleaf and Churchill Downs Inc.
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What is the International Derby Travels the Runway show?
The "International Derby Travels the Runway" fashion event, held on May 3, is curated by Christine Fellingham, who is also the creative force behind the annual Kentucky Derby Festival Macy's Spring Fashion Show. Fellingham has gathered an eclectic mix of fashion visionaries from Kentucky for a high-energy show set to strut down an elevated runway at Fourth Street Live, the Courier Journal previously reported.
"The eyes of the world are on Kentucky the first Saturday in May so we've created an exciting new fashion event that celebrates both the global fashion moment that is the Kentucky Derby and the global fashion industry that is emerging in our city," Fellingham said.
Fashion inspirations from Asia to Africa and everywhere in between will be modeled by a diverse group of Heyman Talent models while DJ Samosa mixes global fusion music. The evening’s festivities will also include live performances by Chase Dean, NCrediblez and B Simm, and local performer and owner of CC’s Low Carb Kitchen, Corey Milliman, who will host a special scene featuring Style Icons of Louisville.
What is the Derby Sneaker Ball?
The Derby Sneaker Ball will be held Thursday, May 5 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. 6th St. Guests are encouraged to pair dresses and suits with their flashiest sneakers. Tickets are on sale at derbydiversity.com.
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How much does it cost to go to Derby Diversity Week?
Four-Day Summit Passes are being sold for $795. Besides the Ideathon, the Summit Pass allows entry to all daytime conference activities, scheduled meals, the opening reception and Brims, Bowties, Bourbon, and Buyers. Guests can also purchase a Summit Fest pass that covers other nighttime events such as the inclusive of the Block Party, Isaac Murphy Legacy Awards and the International Derby Travels the Runway Fashion Show.
To purchase a Summit Festival pass, visit derbydiversity.com.
Culture and diversity reporter Jason Gonzalez can be reached at jgonzalez1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KY Derby Diversity Week 2022: Summit speakers, dates, ticket costs
