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

5:30pm | Power Connect Closing Reception & Grubhub Community Impact Grant Presentation

Summit Sponsors