Events

9th Annual MBEP State of the Region

We are delighted to announce that our 9th Annual State of the Region event will take place in person on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Seaside. Join us for a day filled with insightful cross-sector conversations addressing key regional issues.

This year’s State of the Region event will feature a diverse range of topics aimed at driving regional economic recovery and development. We will explore strategies for ensuring housing for all, reducing the digital divide, and examining the impact of policy and legislation on our region. The event promises to be an informative and engaging experience for all attendees.

Stay tuned for updates on our esteemed speakers and the detailed program. We are working hard to bring together a lineup of experts who will provide valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.

Mark your calendars and register today! We look forward to welcoming you at the 9th Annual State of the Region event. Join us as we come together to shape the future of our region. See you there!

2023 DART Symposium

The 2023 Monterey Bay Drone Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Symposium will bring together experts and enthusiasts in the field of drone, automation, and robotics technology with entrepreneurs, policy makers, educators and community-based organizations. The symposium will be held from Wednesday, October 11th to Friday, October 13th, 2023, at the California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) University Center. The event will attract a wide range of participants from academia, industry, and government agencies who are interested in exploring the latest advancements in drone technology and its applications.

The Symposium will cover three main topic areas:

  • DART-related Workforce Development
  • Central Coast Innovation Ecosystems
  • Interfacing with the next generation.

The first topic area will focus on how to train and develop the workforce required to keep up with the rapid advancements in drone automation and robotics technology. This will involve discussions on topics such as educational programs, internships, and mentorship opportunities. The second topic area will cover the central coast innovation ecosystems, including companies such as Joby Aviation, Farm N-G, and Advance Air Mobility, and their contributions to the development of drone technology. The third topic area will be focused on engaging the next generation through job fairs, poster sessions, and round table discussions.

Overall, the 2023 Monterey Bay Drone Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Symposium promises to be a comprehensive and informative event that will provide a platform for participants to learn about the latest advancements in drone technology and its applications. With a diverse range of topics and participants, the symposium is expected to foster collaborations and partnerships that will drive innovation and growth in the field of drone automation and robotics.

Startup Monterey Bay Connect

Innovative Spaces in Monterey Bay

Join the June Startup Monterey Bay Connect featuring Innovative Spaces in Monterey Bay!

Be part of the growing entrepreneurial community in this region at this monthly meeting. Find out about the latest innovations, trends in business and technology, or the latest and greatest ideas. Meet other founders, investors, and local businesses. Join us as we build the Monterey Bay startup community.

For details and ticket information: 

Startup Challenge Monterey Bay 2022 Finale

Meet the emerging businesses of Monterey Bay at the biggest startup competition in the region!

Prior registration is required for in-person attendance. The number of in-person tickets available is limited.

The Monterey Bay community is invited to join us for a public event to showcase all of the finalists from this year’s Startup Challenge Monterey Bay competition. Attendees will have the chance to meet the 25 finalists during the Venture Showcase, vote for Crowd Favorite, enjoy refreshments, and tune in for the awards ceremony!

The Startup Challenge Monterey Bay is an annual new business competition for entrepreneurs in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Prospective entrepreneurs, startups, and emerging companies showcase their ideas and business concepts, receive helpful advice from mentors, and compete for over $32,000 in prizes.

This event is open to the public; prior registration is required. There will be an award presentation in addition to refreshments provided.

For more information and details visit the Startup Challenge website.

Monterey Bay Business Summit

Monterey Bay Business Summit is comprised of two events in one day.

Startup Investment and Community Capital Expo 8:00 a.m. – 12:00  p.m.

Business Solutions Forum and Expo 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Regional Cannabis Policy Forum

DESCRIPTION

How will local governments and businesses prepare for the new landscape of legalized adult-use cannabis? The “Monterey Regional Cannabis Policy Forum” will bring together community and industry leaders to discuss the development of this emerging industry. The forum will be held December 13th at the Seaside Community Center at Soper Field from 11:30PM-4:20PM, and will include lunch. The forum will be comprised of two panels that will discuss a variety of topics from local level policies, best practices, revenue projections, economic impacts, banking, the future of the industry and much more.

Agenda

    • 11:30-12:00 Arrival, Networking, and Box Lunch
    • 12:00-1:00 Welcome, Introductions, Overview, State Policy Status
    • 1:00- 2:00 Panel #1: ” Wait, I Thought this was Legal Now!” (Navigating the Regulatory Morass to Bring Your Business Into the Open)
    • 2:00-2:10 Break
    • 2:10-3:10 Panel #2: ” Great, There goes the Neighborhood!” (What can Jurisdictions do to Ensure the Cannabis Industry is a Good Neighbor?)
    • 3:10-3:20 Break
    • 3:20-4:20 Panel #3: ” So, Um, is This Going to Work Out?” (What does the Crystal Ball say about the future?)
    • 4:20 Thank You and Dismiss