Celebrating Entrepreneurship

Global Entrepreneurship Events for 2025

Please join the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute as we celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week in November.

November 18, 2025

Fireside Chat with Christiana Mann

11 a.m. AJ 175

Christiana Mann is a faculty member at Ball State University’s Miller College of Business, where she teaches in the Applied Business Studies department with a focus on hospitality, innovation, and leadership. With more than 40 years of experience in the food service industry, she brings a wealth of real-world expertise into the classroom to prepare the next generation of business and hospitality leaders.

In addition to her academic role, Christiana is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-owner of Three Bears Concessions and proprietor of The Culinary Cottage, ventures that showcase her passion for food, service, and community. Her diverse career has spanned nearly every corner of the industry — from retail and brick-and-mortar establishments to mobile, temporary, and seasonal operations. She has also managed large-scale contracts with state parks and universities and has unique insight from her work in public health enforcement with federal, state, and local health departments.

Known for blending practical industry knowledge with an innovative teaching style, Christiana is dedicated to helping students and colleagues connect theory to practice.

Registration Closed.  Educators can contact Candy Dodd for more information about next year's event.

Innovation Fest

L.A. Pittenger Student Center | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Ball State University’s Entrepreneurship Center and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute are joining forces to bring campus and community members together to highlight local entrepreneurial activity.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a student eager to explore opportunities, or a community member invested in the future of entrepreneurial behaviors, Innovation Fest is your launchpad for inspiration and collaboration. This event celebrates innovation by showcasing groundbreaking ideas and high-impact programs designed to empower the next generation of change-makers.

 

Do you have an innovative idea that you would like to share? To secure a table at the event, contact Candy Dodd by November 7, 2025. This event is free and open to the public.

 

November 20, 2025

Fireside Chat with James Payne (JP)

11 a.m. AJ 175

Although the third in the line of James Payne’s, he tops the charts at Number 1 when it comes to his skills and experience in creating world class guest experiences. He developed fundamentals in Marketing and Public Relations from Ball State University, as well as Adult Training and Consulting from North Carolina State University. He harnessed veteran customer service skills acquired at Disney Institute Training. He works around people, with people, and for people. He earned a Hospitality Certification from IUPUI, venturing into positions with small and large organizations alike. In February 2024, he served as lead concierge to the NBA All-Star game and host committee. In February 2011, he worked as the Chief Concierge and Hospitality Training Specialist during Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. James has developed a trained team of hospitality professionals to create memorable Game Day/Fan Experiences for the Indianapolis Colts, resulting in club and suite renewals.

 

Unlocking Creativity in Business

4-5:30 PM at the Innovation Connector

In order to engage your team, you need to tap into each person’s unique creative perspective. This drives collaboration and proactive problem solving leading to operational efficiencies, new markets, and a culture that is more reactive to market changes. In this session, we will explore skills and behaviors that encourage engagement and creative collaboration.

This event is free and open to the public. Register here!

 

November 21, 2025

Women's Networking Breakfast

Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute | 8–9:30 a.m.

Join local female professional groups and entrepreneurs for a time of networking and learning. Click here for more information.

Space is limited. Register here!