INNOV8 Acadiana is putting on Acadiana’s premiere entrepreneurial and business event with a three-day Technology and Entrepreneurial Summit at the Cajundome Convention Center on Thursday, Nov. 12 that runs into the weekend. The event kicks off at noon with four of Acadiana’s top entrepreneurs taking center stage for the INNOV8 Acadiana 2015 Innovator of the Year Awards.
The INNOV8 Awards show will contain a keynote, panel, the IND Entrepreneur of the Year, the first Jillian Johnson Entrepreneurship in the Creative Economy Award, and the Dealmaker of the Year recipient, all leading up to an inspiring luncheon event.
The event continues with the Technology Career Fair, hosted by INNOV8 Acadiana along with Lafayette Economic Development Authority, UL Lafayette, and One Acadiana. The career fair is free and open to the public with no registration required, and will take place on Friday, Nov. 13 in the lobby of LITE.
Following the Technology Career Fair, Cajun Code Fest 4.0 returns to strategically bring more breakthrough innovations to the healthcare industry. This year’s Cajun Code Fest will span five months culminating with a Health Care Summit in April 2016. The event is free and open to the public, and will take place from 5 - 7 p.m. at Abdalla Hall on Friday.
The Entrepreneur Summit concludes on Saturday, Nov. 14 with more than 25 speakers and panels coming together for an entrepreneurial explosion of learning. There will also be an 8-State Delta Regional Authority Pitch Event being held with a variety of businesses pitching Shark-tank style in front of a live audience and panel of judges.
At this year’s event INNOV8 has also partnered with four downtown restaurants for INNOV8 the Plate, two nights of creative dishes and drinks that showcase restaurateurs’ innovative flair. The public is invited to taste great food, watch the LSU game and then share some laughs all evening at Nite Town where SNL’s Brooks Wheelan will be providing generous entertainment. INNOV8 the Plate takes place on Nov. 13 and 14.
For more information on the Technology and Entrepreneurial Summit, including a full schedule of the many events taking place, visit the INNOV8Acadiana.org.