Girls Preparatory School announces the return of Mad, Bad and Dangerous, a community event to take place Friday, March 11, and Saturday, March 12. The conference is designed to inspire women to “ditch expectations and start something.” By validating the female voice in technology, startups and business, Mad, Bad and Dangerous equips women of all ages with the information and resources they need to become successful business and social entrepreneurs, said officials.
Due to the inaugural event’s successful turnout in February 2015, conference organizers have extended this year’s symposium by one day, adding a Friday community luncheon with celebrity keynote speaker Lori Greiner.
Ms. Greiner stars on NBC’s entrepreneurial reality show, “Shark Tank,” and has more than 500 inventions under her name. The luncheon will be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Tickets will be available beginning Jan. 4.
“We want women in our community to feel inspired and supported as they consider turning their ideas into real business ventures,” says Dr. Autumn Adkins Graves, GPS head of school. Dr. Graves originated the MBD idea to further GPS in its goal of serving as a convener of women’s issues in Chattanooga. “We know women are highly qualified to make it as entrepreneurs, yet they’re underrepresented in this arena. Mad, Bad and Dangerous is designed to help women and girls see themselves as capable, confident, and bold entrepreneurs in the making.”
The free conference on Saturday, March 12, will take place on the campus of GPS and will include the following:
Entrepreneurial education tracks built on last year’s topics and led by local and national experts, business leaders, and established entrepreneurs on beginner and advanced topics. New tracks will be offered for men and girls.
Opportunities for attendees to sign-up for office hours with panelists and presenters to receive direct consultation in 10-minute segments.
Co.Lab’s 24Hour Generator, where girls from area schools participate in an intensive period of mentoring, community building, and planning to solve a business problem. Their solutions will be presented in a three-minute pitch to a panel of judges for a cash prize.
A women’s marketplace of more than 50 vendors, featuring women and girl-owned businesses and businesses focusing on women’s services and products.
A Tech Tinkering Lab that features hands-on experiences, enhancing creativity and idea generation. Shelley Prevost, CEO of Torch and a 2015 attendee, says, “One of my favorite events was the 24Hour Generator. Seeing the girls’ determination throughout the process and eloquence of speaking during the pitches was very inspiring. I left Mad, Bad and Dangerous a much more confident woman and CEO. This event is so important.”
Sponsorship and symposium information is available at www.getyourmbd.com. Conference registration is free and begins on Jan. 4. Community luncheon tickets go on sale Jan. 4. Additional details and inspiration will be shared at fb.com/getyourmbd and twitter.com/getyourmbd.