INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Black Expo (IBE) and Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) announced today that it has enhanced its partnership during IBE’s 2023 Summer Celebration which will take place from Thursday, July 6 through Sunday, July 16th. The expanded partnership consists of the following:
- PS&E will participate in IBE’s Business Conference workshop that will provide information to business owners interested in available opportunities during the 2024 NBA All-Star weekend,
- PS&E will host an exhibit inside IBE’s three-day exhibition hall,
- PS&E will serve as the title sponsor of IBE’s Corporate Luncheon on Friday, July 14 where Indiana Pacer George Hill will be honored,
- PS&E will promote the NBA All-Star 2024 weekend during the free outdoor concert at American Legion Mall on Friday, July 14, and
- PS&E will serve as the presenting sponsor of IBE’s All White Affair concert on Saturday, July 15 that will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Other events during Summer Celebration include the largest Black and minority health fair in the country, an Education Conference that provides professional development training to Indiana educators and administrators, and a host of other events and initiatives. For a full calendar of events, visit summercelebration.net.
“PS&E and IBE have enjoyed a partnership aimed at enhancing outcomes for diverse communities in the state of Indiana for decades. In advance of next year’s 2024 NBA All-Star Game, it was natural to join forces to highlight the event and initiatives that will take place in Indianapolis as well as provide pertinent information to businessowners interested in participating in the NBA’s supplier diversity program,” said IBE President Alice Watson. Watson is also co-chair of the XBE Committee.
"Indiana Black Expo has been one of Indiana’s key organizations for more than five decades, elevating the voices of African American Hoosiers and attracting thousands of visitors to our capital city each year,” said Rick Fuson, PS&E Chief Executive Officer. “We have been a long-time partner of the Summer Celebration, and with the All White Affair coming to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, we are excited to make this a true All-Star Celebration in advance of next year’s game!”
The events highlighting IBE and PS&E’s partnership are:
- Monday, July 10: Delta Faucet Business Conference
Time: 2:00PM – 3:30PM
Workshop Title: “Strengthening Your Opportunities Through Capacity Building and Contract Negotiations"
Description: This panel discussion on Capacity Building, Partnership, and Contract Negotiation will provide insights and practical advice on how businesses can enhance their capacity, form strong partnerships, and negotiate contracts effectively for preparation for NBA opportunities. The panel will also cover best practices in contract negotiation, including identifying critical contract provisions, leveraging negotiation tactics, and managing risk.
Facilitator: Camille D. Blunt, Director of Public Affairs, Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP
Presenters: Daune Conwell, Senior Director, Procurement & Supplier Diversity at Pacers Sports & Entertainment; Kyle Fairchild, Corporate Counsel, Penske Entertainment Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Friday, July 14: Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon
Time: 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Indiana Pacers George Hill will be honored for the Excellence in Sports Award during this year’s luncheon Additional honorees include Linsey Davis, Richard Roundtree, and Jim Irsay. - Friday, July 14: Music Heritage Festival Outdoor Concert
Time: 6:00PM
The free concert will feature The O’Jays, Stephanie Mills, El Debarge and Howard Hewett. VIP tickets are on sale at https://summercelebration.net/2023-outdoor-concert/ - Saturday, July 15: IBE All White Affair Concert presented by Pacers Sports & Entertainment
Time: 10:00 p.m.
Thanks to the expanded partnership, IBE will host its All White Affair concert at a new venue, Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With its recent improvements and history with housing IBE's paid concert during Summer Celebration, this move will enhance the experience of IBE's All White Affair attendees. The concert will feature Juvenile, 112and DJ Kid Capri. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.
About Indiana Black Expo, Inc.
Indiana Black Expo, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) statewide organization with 12-chapter affiliates. The mission of IBE is to serve as an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of AfricanAmericans. IBE is known for its two major events, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic® and provides year-round youth and family initiatives, including its Education Conference, recent Black Business Training
Institute, Performing Arts Academy, Community Learning Hub, Education Day (college fair), Summer Internship Program, Scholarship Fund, Statewide Anti-Tobacco Initiative, Youth Leadership Summit, Talent Day (Career Fair), and Business Series and Conference.
About Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E)
Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) is the corporate identity exemplified by the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Pacers Gaming, Pacers Foundation, Inc., and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Its team of inspired and dedicated employees promises to deliver quality entertainment and unparalleled service.