Emerge: Young Innovators Summit

Where Innovation Begins.

The Emerge: Young Innovators Summit is a regional entrepreneurship summit designed for high school students (grades 9–12) enrolled in business or entrepreneurship-related courses across Southeastern Indiana. The summit brings together students, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and innovative thinkers for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection. Through keynote talks, hands-on sessions, and networking opportunities, students gain real-world insight into what it takes to succeed in today’s evolving business landscape.

Whether participants dream of starting a company, leading innovation within an organization, or simply building confidence and career-ready skills, Emerge ignites curiosity, expands perspective, and empowers the next generation of innovators.
The Emerge: Young Innovators Summit is designed for individuals and organizations invested in the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in Southeastern Indiana, including:
- High school students (Grades 9–12) enrolled in business or entrepreneurship-related courses who are curious about innovation, leadership, and real-world career pathways.
- Educators seeking professional development opportunities to strengthen entrepreneurship education, explore community-based resources, and integrate emerging tools—such as Artificial Intelligence—into classroom instruction.
- Businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals who want to: 1) inspire and mentor the next generation of innovators, 2) share real-world experiences and insights, 3) build early connections with future talent, and 4) support workforce development and entrepreneurial growth in the region.
Participants will engage in a dynamic mix of learning formats, including:
- Keynote Addresses: Hear directly from accomplished entrepreneurs as they share real stories of success, failure, and growth — and what it truly takes to build ideas into impact.
- Break-Out & Skill-Building Sessions: Students choose sessions aligned with their interests to build practical skills in areas such as:
  - Business ideation & innovation
  - Marketing & branding strategies
  - Financial planning & entrepreneurship fundamentals
  - Communication & leadership
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, business leaders, and potential mentors while exchanging ideas and building relationships that extend beyond the summit.

2026 Emerge Summit: Expanding Impact. Elevating Innovation.

Featuring attendance from Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich.

Date: November 4, 2026

Event Time: 8:30 AM — 2:00 PM

Location: Lawrenceburg Event Center - 91 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Teacher/Classroom Registration

Meet This Year’s Keynote Speaker

Olivia Fitchett

Olivia Fitchett is a distinguished professional speaker and coach with a passion for helping others speak confidently and lead authentically. In 2020, she launched Olivia Fitchett Coaching and Speaking to help others do just that. Olivia's diverse professional journey includes nationwide travel as a senior consultant for Sigma Kappa Sorority, corporate experience, and a notable tenure at The White House. There, she learned invaluable lessons, particularly the power of one's unique influence on the world.

Renowned for her energetic presence, Olivia is a sought-after speaker who captivates audiences from local communities to Fortune 500 and 200 companies. She is celebrated as a "force of light" by all who encounter her.

Olivia’s keynote for the 2026 Emerge: Young Innovators Summit is:

Rise Together: Building the Team That Moves You Forward
- This high-energy keynote helps students turn inspiration into action by focusing on one truth: no one succeeds alone. Students will explore how to build a strong support system—friends, mentors, teachers, and family—and why those relationships matter. They’ll also learn how to show up for others in a meaningful way. But the most important teammate? Themselves.