Thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers in entrepreneurship and economic development from around the world will gather at the · Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) 2024 Conference in Bangkok, Thailand from Tuesday, September 10 to Thursday, September 12. Let’s come together to celebrate ANDE’s 15th anniversary to share our big ideas and collectively shape the future of entrepreneurship. ANDE will gather at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers for the multi-day event.
“We are delighted to host the ANDE Global Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2024,” said Devin Chesney, Interim Executive Director, Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE). “As it celebrates its 15th anniversary, ANDE remains in a strong position to deliver its global mission. Its regional chapters across Latin America, Africa, and Asia remain vibrant and are led by extraordinary leaders.”
This year’s conference will explore three key themes:
- Climate Action: Explore green value chains and innovative financing to drive sustainability.
- Digital Transformation: Leverage tech to boost financial inclusion and business growth.
- Gender Equality: Implement strategies to empower women entrepreneurs and close the finance gap.
- Inclusive Innovation: Build an ecosystem where every entrepreneur thrives.
Some Highlights of the Conference include a small sample of the sessions and conducted by ANDE members as presented in the event’s agenda:
Tuesday, September 10
Welcoming Remarks
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Ballroom 2-3
Description: Kick-start the conference with opening comments to set the tone for an enriching and productive conference experience.
Speaker: Devin Chesney, Interim Executive Director, Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE).
Unlocking Supply Chain Diversity: Empowering Small Businesses for Global Impact
10:05 AM – 10:15 AM
Ballroom 2-3
Description: FUNDES will present innovative approaches to addressing the lack of diversity in global supply chains. Through engaging success stories and compelling data, attendees will gain insights into the transformative power of diverse small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into corporate procurement practices.
Speaker: Elfid Torres, FUNDES, CEO
The Secret Small and Growing Business Climate Innovators – Sheltertech
9:55 AM – 10:05 AM
Ballroom 2-3
Description: Small and growing businesses (SGBs) are playing a crucial role in creating tools for low-income families to adapt their homes to the extreme weather conditions that come with climate change. This is an urgent theme for business development services to support.
Speaker: Nihar Agarwal, Green Banana, Founder
Wednesday, September 11
Entrepreneur Fireside Chat
9:45 am – 10:30 am
Ballroom 2-3
Description: ANDE’s Interim Executive Director, Devin Chesney, will host a conversation with successful entrepreneur Michael Chen, Chief Executive Officer of Buzzebees, to discuss Michael’s journey, including the challenges they faced and their success stories.
Speaker: Michael Chen, Chief Executive Officer, Buzzebees
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs in Africa: AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and the Future of Work
11:10 am – 12:40 pm
Riverside 6
Speakers: Gordon Adomdza, Associate Professor, Business Administration, Ashesi University, Margaret Jackson, Managing Partner, Rainbow Consult, and Tonisha Tagoe, Executive Director, Apples and Pears Holdings Ltd
Thursday, September 12
Connection Day: Meet, Mingle & Network
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Closing Reception, Co-hosted with Seedstars
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Grand Finale will be a spectacular reception in a surprise location to be revealed soon.
Final day is also for curated off-site excursions to discover Bangkok’s impact investment ecosystem and options can be viewed here.
