
2022 LGBTQ+ Business Summit & Expo
July 13-14, 2022
OUT Georgia Business Alliance is proud to hold the Power of Connection: 2022 LGBTQ+ Business Summit & Expo, hosted by the Atlanta Braves. This special two-day experience will be held virtually on July 13 and in-person at beautiful Truist Park on July 14.
This year’s theme Power of Connection explores meaningful and measurable impact for those LGBTQ+ businesses, organizations, communities, and Georgia residents who stand to benefit most from intentional support, resources, visibility, and action.
“We have an opportunity to bring folks together to learn, grow, and explore how we truly connect to those who most need our time, energy, and commitment here in Georgia,” said Chris Lugo, Executive Director of the OUT Georgia Business Alliance. “For the 2022 LGBTQ+ Business Summit & Expo, we invite small business owners, young professionals, and nonprofit and business leaders together for two days of keynotes, peer-led sessions, networking, inspiration, and action!”
Registration Includes
2-Day Hybrid Access
Powerful Keynote Speakers
Action-Oriented Sessions
Virtual & In-Person Expo
Roundtable Discussions
TGX Business Pitch
Power Connect Networking Reception
NGLCC/Grubhub Grant Presentation
Summit Agenda
Wednesday, July 13 Virtual
11:00am | Virtual Expo Hall
11:00am | OUT @ Work ERG Roundtable (invite only)
1:00pm | Day 1 Opening Plenary
Dr. Tyler Reinagel, Associate VP for Economic Development, Kennesaw State University
Terri Denison, Georgia District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Candice Blacknall, CEO & Founder, GABA
2:00pm | The Current State of LGBTQ+ Legal and Legislative Fights
Michael Shutt, Southern Regional Director, Lambda Legal
Eric Paulk, Deputy Director, Georgia Equality
Dani Alexander-Burk, Regional Program Coordinator, Lambda Legal
3:00pm | LGBTQ+ Tourism Across Georgia
Takya (tuh-KEY-yah) Browning, Past President, Augusta Pride
Dusty Church, Director of Owner Services and Business Development, Tybee Vacation Rentals
Bill Kaelin, Founder, Bill Kaelin Marketing
Michael Vescio, Director of Sales, Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau
4:00pm | Beyond Visibility: Exploring What’s Next to Advance DEI and Belonging
Dionne Kettl, Co-Founder & Deputy Director, TRANScending Barriers
Sarah Al-Khayyal, Policy Manager, Partnership for Southern Equity
Dorian Rhea Debussy, Director of External Affairs, Equitas Health
Dalia Kinsey, Owner, Kinsey Wellness & Communications
Humberto Orozco, President, Latino LinQ
5:00pm | TGX Business Pitch Event
Thursday, July 14 @ Truist Park
10:00am | Nonprofit Roundtable (invite only)
11:00am | TGX360 Roundtable (invite only)
11:00am | Expo Hall
1:00pm | Day 2 Opening Plenary
Mayor Andre Dickens, City of Atlanta
Adam Zimmerman, Senior VP of Marketing, Atlanta Braves
Alicia Greene, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Jorge E. Esteban, Vice President Southeast Region, Visa
Amazin LeThi, Keynote Conversation, Championing Equality through the Lens of Sports
2:00pm | Next Level: Inclusive Strategies for Business Innovation & Impact
Rosan Petrillo, Manager of Equity, Inclusion & Diversity, Kaiser Permanente
Gabrielle Claiborne, Co-Founder & CEO, Transformation Journeys Worldwide
Alicia Greene, Director of Supplier Diversity, NGLCC
DeRetta Rhodes, Executive VP and Chief Culture Officer, Atlanta Braves
Betsy Robinson, Founder, Tier4 Group
3:00pm | OUT 4 Good: Businesses and Organizations Making an Impact in Georgia’s LGBTQ+ Community
Dr. Annise Mabry, Founder, Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation
TAYLOR ALXNDR, Co-founder and Executive Director, Southern Fried Queer Pride
Chad Dillard, Chief Development Officer, United Way of Greater Atlanta
Scott Mitchell, Owner, Travis Jean Emporium
Erica Wright, Founder, U First Inc.
4:00pm | Be Bold: LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs and Businesses on the Rise
Roy Broderick, Jr., President & CEO, Authentique Agency
Dr. Elijah Nicholas, Author and Entrepreneur
Juan Smalls, Owner, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar