Innovate Mississippi

Magnolia JS Event
2020-04-15 - 2020-04-16 | Jackson Convention Complex, 105 E. Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Last year was our inaugural year for MagnoliaJS, and it was amazing. Planned in only 2 months, we still had 130+ attendees and top-tier speakers who flew in from all around the country to take part.
This year we are returning to continue our mission of growing the developer community in Mississippi and putting Mississippi “on the map” in tech.
Another novel thing about MagnoliaJS – everything is planned in public! You can always see our todos in our GitHub repo.
Speakers (more to be announced soon)

Nashlie Sephus, Amazon / The Bean Path – (@nashlie_s)
Jay Phelps – (@_jayphelps)
Tejas Kumar, G2i (@TejasKumar_)
Kayla Sween (@_KaylaSween)
Nader Dabit, AWS Mobile – (@dabit3)
Chris Ball, Echobind – (@cball_)
Tyler Clark – (@iamtylerwclark)
Michael Liendo, John Deere – (@mtliendo)
Chris DeMars, Tuft & Needle – (@saltnburnem)
Justin Samuels – (@ThugDebugger)

Additional Speakers
Additional speakers will be announced soon!

The Frontier 2021: Industrial Innovation Conference
2021-04-12 - 2021-04-14
In 2018, over 200 innovation leaders representing 130 organizations from 20 states and 5 countries 17 major industrial disciplines attended. The next edition of The Frontier Conference 2021 is scheduled for April 12-14, 2021 in Birmingham, Ala., engaging an even wider spectrum of disciplines shaping the future of the industrial world.

CollabSouth Conference
2022-08-26 08:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | The Country Club of Jackson
The Southern Business Institute is excited to bring CollabSouth to Mississippi on August 26, 2022, at The Country Club of Jackson. A one-day event open to the Mississippi business community.
The event will bring together businesses, business owners, and business resources to collaborate and share valuable information. Come listen to other business owners share about how they have met the challenges of business ownership in Mississippi and explore the resources available to Mississippi businesses. Throughout the day, ask questions of the experts, meet and talk to others who may be able to provide you the resources you need and get practical information for your day-to-day business.
Register below:
https://form.jotform.com/221456324121141

The 23rd Annual Conference on Technology Innovation
2022-11-08 - 2022-11-09 | The Westin Jackson, 407 South Congress Street , Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Now in its 23rd year, Accelerate, the Conference on Technology Innovation, offers Mississippi stakeholders an annual gathering to network, explore, learn and be inspired. Convened by Innovate Mississippi, we welcome attendees, vendors and sponsors from across the state and across the country to join us in building Mississippi’s future economy.
This year at Accelerate 2022 explores a critical component in the success of Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: collaboration.
Today, we’re seeing the fruits of a major focus on collaboration in recent years—investors, private industry, government agencies, universities and the nonprofit sector are all working together to lift up entrepreneurs and turn them into major contributors to the Mississippi economy.
Join us at this year’s conference as we explore how to deepen those collaborations, find efficiencies in these partnerships and further expand opportunity for entrepreneurs in our great state!
For details and sponsorship opportunities, contact Janet Parker at jparker@innovate.ms.
Register to attend. https://accelerate.innovate.ms/

Business Development Mission to Western Canada
2023-09-11 - 2023-11-15 | Western Canada, Canada
The Mississippi Development Authority invites you to participate in a multi-industry business development mission to WESTERN Canada from September 11-15, 2023.

The mission will include one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, and joint venture partners. Stops in additional cities are available upon request.

Click here to REGISTER. (Registration deadline: July 7)

OCEANS 2023 Conference
2023-09-25 - 2023-09-28
After a virtual conference in 2020, the OCEANS conference returns to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2023 for a hybrid event! Participants can enjoy the in-person experience we all know and expect from OCEANS conferences, with the convenience of online access for those who are unable to attend.
jhhgThe theme is Blue Economy: Locally Sourced, Globally Driven, emphasizing the fact that the local efforts are integrally linked to the larger world-ocean, and we must all work toward sustainability together.
The Mississippi coast is home to a number of U.S. Navy and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offices. It only makes sense that both would serve as Federal Honorary Co-Chairs for OCEANS 2023. This year we welcome two honorary members as co-chairs, Rear Admiral Ron Piret and Dr. William (Bill) Burnett.
Representing the U.S. will be Rear Admiral Ron Piret, USN Commander Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Rear Ad. Piret is a native of Chico, California. He graduated in 1993 from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Oceanography. Admiral Piret currently serves as the Commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NMOC) at Stennis Space Center, is the Oceanographer of the United States Navy, and Hydrographer of the United States Navy.
The NMOC mission is to define and apply the physical environment, from the bottom of the ocean to the stars, to ensure that the U.S. Navy has the freedom of action to deter aggression, maintain freedom of the seas and win wars.
Representing NOAA will be Dr. William (Bill) Burnett, Director of the NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center. He received a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from the University of Oklahoma in 1988. Dr. William continued his education and received his master’s and doctoral degrees in Marine Science from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Dr. Burnett leads a large government/industry staff at the Stennis Space Center located along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He has also served as a Computational Technology Area Leader in Climate Weather and Ocean for the Department of Defense’s High-Performance Computing Modernization Program.
Read more about our honorary co-chairs.

DARPAConnect Mississippi Regional Pop-up Event
2023-11-03 08:00 - 18:00 | Lake Terrace Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401, United States
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Office of Senator Roger Wicker are excited to invite you to the DARPAConnect Mississippi Regional Pop-up Event on Friday, November 3rd. Through DARPAConnect, DARPA aims to discover new talent, identify opportunities for collaboration, and facilitate a path for new and diverse performers to contribute to and help grow the innovation ecosystem for national security. Our shared goal is to eliminate barriers to entry and empower you with knowledge and confidence to engage with DARPA.
Event Details:
Date: November 3, 2023
Location: Lake Terrace Convention Center, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Registration for on-site participants ends at 5:00 PM ET on October 27, 2023.
RSVP Here to Reserve Your Spot
This full-day event is your unique opportunity to learn more about DARPA through dynamic sessions led by DARPA office directors, program managers, and staff, with topics to include:
Understanding DARPA Announcements and Contract Vehicles
Engaging DARPA Program Managers Using the Heilmeier Catechism
Interpreting and Shredding DARPA Solicitations
Strategies for Crafting a Winning DARPA Proposal
We are eager to have you join us, whether in-person or virtually. Please note that one-on-one conversations with DARPA leaders and Program Managers will exclusively be available to our in-person attendees, and space is limited. This event is hosted as a partnership between the Office of Senator Roger Wicker, the Applied Research Institute (ARI), Tougaloo College Research and Development Foundation (TCRDF), the University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson State University.
The DARPAConnect Mississippi Regional Pop-up event promises to be a day filled with knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and the chance to be a part of something truly transformative. Your participation is invaluable to us, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with you.
We look forward to seeing you on November 3rd.

Accelerate 2023: The Conference on Technology Innovation
2023-11-08 - 2023-11-09 | The Westin Jackson, 407 South Congress Street , Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Now in its 24th year, Accelerate, the Conference on Technology Innovation offers Mississippi stakeholders an annual gathering to network, explore, learn, and be inspired. Convened by Innovate Mississippi, we welcome innovators in the public and private sectors from across the state and the country to join us in building Mississippi’s future economy.
This year you will experience two great events in one, with CoBuilders “Pitch Day” taking place on Wednesday, November 8, from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Mississippi Museum of Art, and the chance to hear from Mississippi’s hottest new startups! Pitch Day will be followed by an exclusive Speaker and Sponsor Reception on Innovation Alley back at the Westin including a full array of beverages, appetizers, and live music!
We will reconvene the next day, Thursday, November 9, from 8:00 am – 1:30 pm, for a day packed with fascinating keynote speakers and breakout sessions diving deep into subjects such as opportunities to bolster Innovation and Technology in Mississippi, Generative AI, Founders Panels, and why founders need to know that Mississippi has the resources to help them grow and stay in Mississippi. In addition, Innovation Alley will be lined with exhibitors, an investor and mentor lounge, a CoBuilders Company Showcase, an AI Experience Lab, and meaningful networking opportunities! You don’t want to miss this event!

Sponsorship opportunities are available now! Contact Janet Parker at jparker@innovate.ms or 601-960-3611 for more information!
For more information about Accelerate visit https://accelerate.innovate.ms/

New Orleans Entrepreneur Week
2024-03-11 - 2024-03-16 | New Orleans, LA, New Orleans, Louisiana
NOEW unites innovators and visionaries to explore, learn, and connect throughout this impactful week in the spirit of innovation x culture.
For 13 years, New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) stands as an anchor gathering for entrepreneurs in and beyond New Orleans, coming together each year for a dynamic week-long experience.
Attendees can immerse themselves in an array of focused, business content, and excitement spread across diverse programming, including panels, sessions, summits, pitches, networking, partner events, and more.
Register Here

3rd Coast Venture Summit
2024-03-13 15:00 - 2024-03-15 11:00 | New Orleans, LA, New Orleans, Louisiana
Mississippi founders who are raising investment capital and investors should put the 3rd Coast Venture Summit on their calendars for March 13-15 in New Orleans. www.3rdcoastventuresummit.com This event is targeting founders and investors from Texas to Florida and founders need to apply as soon as possible to secure a spot at the event.
The Gulf South, lovingly referred to as the 3rd Coast, is home to a burgeoning startup ecosystem where talent and world-class resources come together to tackle interesting problems and build forward-thinking ventures.
The 3rd Coast – Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida – joins the East and West coasts as a vibrant startup hub catalyzing and scaling venture-ready companies.
The inaugural 3rd Coast Venture Summit places Gulf South startup founders and nationwide investors, business leaders, & corporate partners at the center of a venture collision.

Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum
2024-04-03 16:00 - 2024-04-04 14:30 | Tougaloo College, Bennie G. Thompson Academic Center, 500 West County Line Road, Tougaloo, MS, 39174, United States
“The Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum provides a vital venue for entrepreneurs, economic developers, innovators and future business owners,” UM Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “It is especially impressive how this event brings together colleges and universities to promote entrepreneurship, inform best practices and discuss community and economic development in Mississippi. This collaborative approach is essential to priming the conditions and fostering the talent for the emergence of breakthrough ideas that will lead Mississippi forward.”
Register Here

For more information, contact Dr. JR Love at jrlove@olemiss.edu

Women in Economic and Community Development: Spring Seminar 2024
2024-04-11 10:30 - 13:30 | Rickhouse by The Manship, 717 Poplar Blvd, Jackson, 39202, United States
Enhancing women in economic development’s resources and peer network through professional development, while raising awareness of the profession to emerging females in the workforce. With this group, we strive to provide the means to give women a place to grow and give support to others; to make a positive impact not just in their professional lives but within their personal life as well.
Register here

Black Business Funding Convening
2024-04-17 12:00 - 17:00
This event will be dedicated to supporting Black business owners in the most beneficial ways.
Register Here and fill out the form to make sure that we can adequately support you.
For additional information, please contact Oni Omoregie at (oni@higherpurposeco.org).

Mississippi Aerospace & Defense Symposium
2024-04-30 08:00 - 2024-05-02 13:00 | The University of Mississippi, Oxford
Join aerospace and defense industry leaders and experts for the Second Annual Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium as we explore opportunities and challenges facing the sector in Mississippi during a productive two days of discussions and networking.
Register here

Southern Spark: Mississippi's AI Conference
2024-07-12 - 2024-07-13 | Mississippi Museum of Art, 380 S Lamar St, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Join us at the Mississippi Museum of Art on July12-13, 2024
380 S Lamar St, Jackson, MS 39201

Early Bird Registration Available until May 15, 2024
Call for Proposals | Sponsorship Packages

The Mississippi AI Collaborative is revving up for Southern Spark, the must-attend conference for anyone passionate about artificial intelligence! Buckle up and prepare for an electrifying experience to spark innovation and collaboration across Mississippi and the Southern US.

Southern Spark is your chance to connect with a vibrant community of industry leaders, educators, researchers,and community innovators who are all eager to push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI. Register for our business, education, or community track for a customized experience. Prizes for the Mississippi AI-thon will be announced at the conference.

Sharpen your skills: Learn from the best and refine your AI expertise in our “Cafe Co-Pilot” sponsored by Microsoft.
Fuel your passion: Discover new ways to leverage AI in your business or learning environment.
Collaborate: Network with a vibrant community driving the future of AI.
Spark a revolution: Be part of the movement shaping the South’s AI landscape.

Keynote Speakers:
Kristina Ishmael, Strategic Advisor, Ishmael Consulting and Former Deputy Director Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education.

Dr. Nashlie Sephus, Principal AI/ML Evangelist for Amazon; Founder and CEO of The Bean Path

Krystal Chatman, Co-founder of the Mississippi AI Collaborative and Computer Science Teachers Association Mississippi President

MEDC EXCHANGE 2024 Annual Conference
2024-07-17 - 2024-07-19 | Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39530, United States
We look forward to seeing you at MEDC’s Annual Conference, EXCHANGE 2024, that will be held at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS, this summer!
Check the website for the agenda and registration link coming soon.

Mississippi Science Fest Tech Summit
2024-09-18 08:00 - 14:00 | Jackson State University Student Center, 1328 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
Join us on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 for our Tech Summit at Jackson State University, powered by Great City Mississippi Foundation and Amazon Web Services InCommunities! Topics during this day will include STEAM education, preparing the workforce for the technology and AI-based jobs of the future, and how communities can develop plans to capitalize on the new technological opportunities for growth.
Keynote speakers will discuss topics related to the future of tech in Jackson, Mississippi including “The Jackson Research Hub,” “The Promise of Technology for Educators and the Workforce,” and “Today’s Tinkerers are Tomorrow’s Innovators.”

Breakfast & Lunch Included
Free & Open to Public
Registration Required

Student Center at Jackson State University
8:00am – 2:00pm
Registration Opens at 7:30am
Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdv2Dp_By2F4fVKdbhn9OpRkggYQUTeBDQG31FL9R6pmrdzuw/viewform?fbzx=-9065760812562570815

Accelerate 2024
2024-11-19 - 2024-11-20 | The Westin Jackson, 407 South Congress Street , Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Get ready for Accelerate 2024, happening November 19-20 at The Westin Jackson! This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of innovation with the theme, “You Can Build It Here.” This annual event is all about collaboration—bringing people together, sharing resources, and building partnerships to strengthen Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. And the best part? You can do all of this right here in Mississippi! If you’re passionate about fostering a vibrant environment for startups to thrive and succeed, this is the event you won’t want to miss.

The Conference on Technology Innovation offers a unique opportunity to connect with Mississippi’s leading stakeholders, network with industry experts, explore cutting-edge trends, and gain inspiration for your next big idea. Hosted by Innovate Mississippi, we’re excited to welcome attendees, vendors, and sponsors from across the state and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to shape Mississippi’s future economy. Secure your spot today and join us to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and groundbreaking achievements!

Learn More and Get Your Tickets Here: https://accelerate.innovate.ms/

Ignite Leadership Conference
2025-01-30 08:00 - 12:00 | The Orchard, 1379 N Coley Rd, Tupelo, MS, 38801, United States
The Community Development Foundation believes at our community’s core, the ultimate catalyst for growth is the ability to identify, engage and ignite the right people. Ignite is a leadership conference featuring world-class speakers, incredible peer-to-peer interaction and an energizing atmosphere. Ignite will get you what you need to grow your leadership skills or those of your entire team.
Three impactful speakers will guide the day through an inspiring journey to ignite the leader in you and your community.
Ignite is not just a chance to hear some incredible speakers, but it is also your opportunity to build your network with other great leaders in your community.
Ignite will be held at The Orchard located at 1379 N Coley Rd Tupelo, Mississippi 38801 on January 30th from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Learn more and register here: https://www.igniteleadership.com/

Mississippi Health Innovation Conference
2025-02-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Christian Center at Millsaps College, 1701 N State St, Jackson, 39202, United States
Some of the most important leaders in healthcare attend MSHIC
The Mississippi Health Innovation Conference is a collaboration between the School of Business Administration at University of Mississippi and some of the most renowned physicians, innovators, educators, investors, payers, providers, and policymakers who are leading the future of healthcare in the US.
Time: February 24, 8am – 5pm
Location: Christian Center at Millsaps College, 1701 N State St, Jackson, MS 39202
Register here: https://mshic.org/

Southern Spark 2025
2025-06-16 - 2025-06-17 | Mississippi E-Center at Jackson State University, 1230 Raymond Rd, Jackson, MS, 39204, United States
Get ready for Southern Spark 2025, Mississippi’s premier AI conference, hosted by the Mississippi AI Collaborative. This two-day event will take place on June 16–17 at the Mississippi E-Center at Jackson State University and is designed to ignite innovation, foster collaboration, and accelerate AI adoption across the Southern U.S.

What to Expect:

Keynote Speakers: Gain insights from leading figures in AI and education, including David Collins, Management Consultant at Innovate Mississippi and CEO of Read Beans Group; Bob Buseck, Executive Director at Mississippi Coding Academies; and Shaina Glass, Director of Education at the Computer Science Teachers Association.
Tailored Tracks: Choose from specialized tracks in education, business, and community engagement, each offering sessions, panels, and workshops tailored to your interests and professional needs.
Hands-On Learning: Participate in interactive workshops and demonstrations that showcase practical AI applications, providing you with tools and knowledge to implement AI solutions effectively.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with educators, industry leaders, technologists, and community innovators from across Mississippi and the Southern region to foster partnerships and collaborations.
Showcasing Local Initiatives: Learn about impactful programs like the AI Educator Accelerator and the AI Agency, which are driving AI integration in education and supporting small businesses through AI-powered solutions.

All attendees will enjoy catered meals and refreshments throughout the event. For accommodation, the Hilton on Capitol Street is the conference hotel of choice, with shuttle services provided between the hotel and the venue.
mississippiai.org

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of shaping the future of AI in Mississippi and beyond. Register now to secure your spot at Southern Spark 2025. https://whova.com/portal/registration/rhk70@wv3xz8BnArTFGR/

Oceans in Action 2025 Workshop
2025-08-26 - 2025-08-28 | Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, 2350 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39531, United States
Join the Marine Technology Society for Oceans In Action 2025 Workshop, an in-person event featuring the marine science and technology research efforts along the Gulf Coast that transform into operational missions worldwide.
Following the success of the larger OCEANS 2023 Conference, the workshop will host presentations from locally based federal agencies, state-led initiatives, and high-tech companies. This year’s event will once again highlight the results of the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) vignettes that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in 2024. In addition to the Department of the Navy, these vignettes are supported by NOAA, USM, and LSU and are the results of testing new technologies in an operational scenario.
Hosted by the Marine Technology Society’s Gulf Coast Section and the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology, the workshop takes place along the thriving Mississippi Gulf Coast and offers a number of networking opportunities for marine science and technology companies.
When: August 26-28, 2025
Where: Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, Biloxi MS. Ballroom A
Register Here: https://mtsociety.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mcform&view=ngforms&id=2217165#!/

DelTech 2025
2025-10-08 - 2025-10-10
DelTech is a premier regional conference dedicated to advancing technology and innovation across the Delta region. By bringing together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, DelTech fosters collaboration and accelerates solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges. With inspiring keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and startup showcases, DelTech is the hub for those passionate about driving a culture of innovation.
Epicenter Memphis
Oct 8 – 10, 2025
Learn more: https://whova.com/web/63P5WAhbUiPmJjutmc7Ij6dTh3I2ccbU2OaE1-giDfw%3D/
Register: https://whova.com/portal/registration/9Nh1lB6WCiO79WBm0czC/

Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium 2025
2025-10-22 - 2025-10-24 | Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino, 151 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39530, United States
SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 22-24, 2025

REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 13
The Mississippi Aerospace and Defense Symposium (MADS) is an annual event, co-hosted by Mississippi Enterprise for Technology and the Aerospace and Defense Alliance of Mississippi. MADS rotates between the state’s different research institutions to highlight business opportunities across the industry and bring together industry executives, academic institutions, government officials and economic developers. MADS features networking opportunities, presentations on industry forecasts and highlights Mississippi’s assets including research centers, workforce training programs, and contracting opportunities.
Learn more here: https://mset.org/mississippi-aerospace-and-defense-symposium-2025/

TEDx Southern Miss
2025-10-30 13:00 - 17:00 | The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park Campus Fleming Education Center, 730 E Beach Blvd, Long Beach, MS, 39560, United States
TEDx Southern Miss is coming to the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach on October 30.
This milestone marks the first-ever TEDx event hosted along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and at USM, creating an inspiring stage for innovation, leadership, and regional progress.
This year’s program will shine a global spotlight on the groundbreaking work, opportunities, and ideas emerging from our coastal region. You can get involved by attending in person, hosting a livestream viewing party, or supporting the movement as an event sponsor.
Learn more, view the flyer, and get involved: usm.edu/tedx

Ignite 2026 Leadership Conference
2026-01-29
Ignite is a half-day leadership experience designed to ignite your potential and elevate your impact, whether you’re a seasoned leader, an emerging talent, or part of a team that wants to grow together. Hosted by the Community Development Foundation, this conference brings world-class speakers, energizing peer-to-peer interaction, and practical takeaways all under one roof right here in Northeast Mississippi.
Expect a high-energy morning filled with powerful insights from dynamic keynote speakers, real-world leadership strategies you can implement immediately, and meaningful connections with other professionals who are passionate about growth, community, and influence. Ignite is more than just talks — it’s an opportunity to expand your network, sharpen your leadership skills, and come away inspired to lead with confidence.
What’s included:
✨ Insightful presentations from top leadership voices
✨ Networking with local and regional leaders
✨ Free coffee, soft drinks & snacks
✨ Practical tools and action steps for your leadership journey
✨ Optional continuing education credit information available onsite
Whether you’re building influence in your organization, developing your team’s leadership capacity, or simply ready for a spark that pushes you forward, Ignite 2026 delivers inspiration and practical value in a collaborative, upbeat environment.
Register here: https://www.igniteleadership.com/

Mississippi Health Innovation Conference 2026
2026-02-02 08:00 - 17:00
The Mississippi Health Innovation Conference is a collaboration between the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi and some of the most renowned physicians, innovators, educators, investors, payers, providers, and policymakers who are leading the future of healthcare in the US.
Register here: www.mshic.org
