Summit Agenda

Diamond Challenge Summit Schedule

April 25 – 27, 2024

Below are the events, workshops, and keynote for Summit Day 1.

Innovation Tour

Location: Clayton Hall
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:45 PM ET

The Innovation Tour is offered as a pre-conference activity on Thursday, April 25. The tour showcases some of the Mid-Atlantic’s leading university and industry innovation hotspots. Stops include the Gore Capabilities Center and University of Delaware’s MakerGym, Science Technology Advanced Research (STAR) campus, and the Venture Development Center. Lunch will be provided. Attendees will check in at 10:00AM at Clayton Hall Conference Center before starting the tour at 10:45AM.

Welcome Workshop

Location: Room 101A&B
Time: 3:15 – 4:00 PM ET

Led by: Rich Keller

Can you describe your personal brand in ’One Word’? WithΒ CATALYST, as his β€˜One Word’ personal brand, Rich Keller is on a mission to transform one million lives, β€˜One Word’ at a time. Sharing brand examples from his professional career, he guides young entrepreneurs via a transformational journey by demonstrating how the power of just β€˜One Wordβ€˜ (their core value) can transform how they and their business ventures are seen by the world so they canΒ Stand-outΒ ConquerΒ ObstaclesΒ ReachΒ Excellence…andΒ SCORE.

Networking Reception

Location: Clayton Hall Lobby
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM ET

Practice Pitch Sessions

Location: RM 119, 123, 124, 125
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 PM ET

Below are the events, workshops, and keynote for Summit Day 2.

Breakfast

Location: RM 101A&B
Time: 8:00 AM ET

Pitch Round 1

Location: RM 119, 121, 122, 125
Time: 9:00 – 10:40 AM ET

See Finalists

Workshop: Pitching to Win: The Power of Self-Belief

Location: RM 120
Time: 9:00 – 10:40 AM ET

Led by: Debra Cooper
Through engaging discussions, activities, and examples, we will explore how confidence in our own abilities can transform our approach to pitching, collaboration, and overcoming challenges. This session aims to equip participants with strategies for building self-belief, leveraging personal strengths, and adopting a growth mindset for sustained success and impact.

Pitch Round 2

Location: RM 119, 121, 122, 125
Time: 10:55 AM – 12:25 PM ET

Workshop: Make Me Believe!

Location: RM 120
Time: 10:55 AM – 12:25 PM ET

Led by: Erin McNichol
Stories directly impact our emotions, and these emotions change our behavior far more than data ever can. Learn how to harness the power of a personal story for your brand or business, and walk away with powerful storytelling techniques.

Lunch & Keynote: Ellie Stang

Location: RM 101A&B
Time: 12:30 – 1:20 PM ET

Pitch Round 3

Location: RM 119, 121, 122, 125
Time: 1:30 – 3:10 PM ET

Pitch Round 4

Location: RM 119, 121, 122, 125
Time: 3:25 PM – 4:55 PM ET

Glow Gala

Location: RM 101A&B
Time: 6:30 – 9:00 PM ET

Light up the night at the Glow Party Gala!

We will be spotlighting student performers and dancing the night away. Get ready for an unforgettable night! Please note the Glow Gala is student-only.

Below are the events, workshops, and keynote for Summit Day 3.

Donuts & Diamonds Breakfast

Location: RM 101A&B
Time: 8:00 – 8:45 AM ET

Activity Round 1

Location: RM 119, 120, 125
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM ET

Megatrends Innovation SprintΒ 
Recycled Materials Innovation SprintΒ 
Lightning Talks: Leveraging Others to Increase ImpactΒ 

Activity Round 2

Location: RM 119, 120, 125
Time: 10:15 – 11:15 AM ET

Eco-Friendly Packaging Innovation SprintΒ 
Recycled Materials Innovation SprintΒ 
Panel Discussion: Investor Insights

Activity Round 3

Location: RM 119, 120, 125
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM ET

Eco-Friendly Packaging Innovation Sprint
Megatrends Innovation Sprint
Creative Conversations: Mastering ChatGPT for Entrepreneurial SuccessΒ 

Lunch

Location: RM 101A&B
Time: 12:30 – 1:00 PM ET

Awards Ceremony & Keynote: Sarah Chen-Spellings

Location: Auditorium
Time: 1:10 – 2:30 PM ET