Tim and Thom DeWitt (David Taffet/Dallas Voice)
The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce meeting at the Omni Dallas Hotel began this morning with a pre-convention including a boot camp for LGBT-certified businesses. The skill-building session is designed for LGBT entrepreneurs to learn to connect with larger corporate partners looking for diverse suppliers.
Dallasites Tim and Thom DeWitt were setting up an American Airlines display in the third floor lobby of the hotel where most of the conference is taking place. The airline is the presenting sponsor of the conference.
The DeWitts’ OBOX Solutions was the chamber’s first LGBT-certified business to win a contract with a corporate partner through the chamber. One of the highlights of the conference is a matchmaking session that puts LGBT entrepreneurs together with decision makers from major corporations.
NGLCC spokeswoman Laura Berry said the conference is virtually sold out with more than 600 registrations, but local attendees may register onsite and attend workshops, plenaries and breakout sessions.
A second track of the conference is for local chamber staff. North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce CEO Tony Vedda is among the speakers for this afternoon’s local chamber staff academy. A welcome party tonight takes place at the Perot Museum.
The general conference opens Wednesday. Registration is on the third floor of the hotel.
For a full schedule of the conference, go here.
