The Midwest’s biggest Hispanic business gathering is coming

By Esteban Montero, Negocios Now

CHICAGO — Business owners, corporate executives, government officials and professionals from across Illinois and beyond are expected to gather at Navy Pier on Thursday, Aug. 27, for the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) Annual Business Conference & Expo, one of the Midwest’s largest single-day business conferences.

The event will combine networking, procurement opportunities, educational workshops and discussions focused on the future of the Illinois economy, including artificial intelligence, innovation and the changing workforce.

Register here for free

The day will begin with a ticketed Opening Breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., featuring former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, former Secretary of the Interior and former U.S. Senator Ken Salazar as the featured keynote speaker.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is also scheduled to deliver remarks, while Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will address attendees through a prerecorded video message.

One of the morning’s main discussions will focus on the state’s economic future during a panel titled “Illinois 2030: AI, Innovation, and the New Economy – Future Ready?” The panel will be moderated by Ramiro Cavazos, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Panelists will include Michael Frerichs, Illinois state treasurer; Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871; and Oscar Bedolla, chief strategy officer at PsiQuantum.

The breakfast program will also feature executive remarks from Fellicia Foster, chief human resources officer for U.S. Banking at BMO, and Elizabeth Nieto, senior vice president of Talent and Culture at American Airlines. Argentine comedian Eliana La Casa will serve as master of ceremonies.

Expo focuses on business opportunities

Following the breakfast, the conference’s free public portion will open at 11 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m.

The Expo will feature more than 90 exhibitors and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners to connect with corporate procurement and recruitment teams, government agencies and financial institutions.

Participating organizations are expected to include major corporations such as Amazon, American Airlines, BMO, Chase, McDonald’s, Verizon, ComEd, and Peoples Gas, along with transportation and infrastructure agencies, including CTA, Metra, IDOT, Illinois Tollway, MPEA, MWRD, and RTA.

The event will also feature 15 free workshops covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to digital marketing, business credit, access to capital, financial forecasting, legal issues, workforce health, energy savings, franchising, and starting a business.

Spanish-language interpreters will be available at select workshops.

Another feature, The Mercadito, will showcase 16 local Latina-owned small businesses, giving attendees an opportunity to discover products and services from community entrepreneurs.

The conference will also include an invite-only contract-matchmaking suite, designed to connect pre-vetted, diverse suppliers directly with corporate buyers.

The day will conclude with a ticketed cocktail reception at Bar Sol.

IHCC said admission to the afternoon Expo and workshops is free, although attendees must register online. Separate tickets are required for the Opening Breakfast and closing reception.

For registration, tickets, tables or media credentials: tinyurl.com/ihccexpo.