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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.innovate.ms
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Innovate Mississippi
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T100000
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DTSTAMP:20260520T113409
CREATED:20260209T230814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T222706Z
UID:937450-1777543200-1777567500@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:Mississippi Polymer Institute Pitch Competition
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Mississippi Polymer Institute Pitch Competition for a high-energy event where founders pitch their businesses\, compete for cash prizes\, and connect with Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This event is part of Mississippi’s statewide pitch network\, powered by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network\, bringing together entrepreneurs from across the state. \nThe competition features two pitch tracks—Scalable Business and Traditional Business—and is one of eight regional pitch events held statewide\, with over $200\,000 in total prize money available across all eight events. Participants gain access to experienced mentors\, receive valuable feedback from judges\, and ventures with high-growth potential may be invited to join Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders Accelerator\, beginning August 2026. \nThis project is being supported\, in whole or in part\, by federal award number SSBCI-21034-0003 awarded to Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/mississippi-polymer-institute-pitch-competition-2/
LOCATION:Mississippi Polymer Institute\, 46 Shelby Thames Drive\, Hattiesburg\, MS\, 39402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hattiesburg
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Pitch-Day-Hattiesburg-Wide-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T183000
DTSTAMP:20260520T113409
CREATED:20260107T165820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T190946Z
UID:936878-1769099400-1769106600@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:CONNECT Hattiesburg
DESCRIPTION:Attention Startups and Entrepreneurs: Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Join MPI in Hattiesburg for a CONNECT event\, a monthly\, informal gathering designed for startups and entrepreneurs in the area. \nThis is a casual\, come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can gain insight\, meet potential collaborators\, and tap into local resources to help move your business forward. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale\, this is your opportunity to exchange ideas\, tackle challenges\, and build relationships with like-minded individuals who understand the entrepreneurial journey.  Make connections\, seek and give guidance\, and strengthen the local startup community on Thursday\, January 22nd at 4:30 PM at Glory Bound in Hattiesburg\, MS. \nCONNECT is brought to you collaboratively by the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at USM\, which offers hands-on support and technical expertise for inventors and businesses\, and by Innovate Mississippi\, the state’s driver for entrepreneurial growth. \nRegister Here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/a0418899-008c-4851-98b6-c0b9b1293389
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/connect-hattiesburg-7/
LOCATION:Glory Bound Gyro Co.\, 6174 US Hwy. 49\, Hattiesburg\, MS\, 39401\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hattiesburg
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/January-CONNECT.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251209T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251209T183000
DTSTAMP:20260520T113409
CREATED:20251203T200412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T200412Z
UID:936341-1765297800-1765305000@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:CONNECT Hattiesburg
DESCRIPTION:Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Join us in Hattiesburg for CONNECT\, a monthly networking event designed for small business owners and startup founders in the Pinebelt region. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale\, this is your chance to exchange ideas\, tackle challenges\, and build relationships with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey. \nCONNECT is co-hosted by Innovate Mississippi\, the state’s leader in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship\, and the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at USM\, which offers hands-on support and technical expertise for growing businesses. Together\, they bring valuable connections\, guidance\, and tools to help strengthen the local startup community. Our next event takes place after our Winter Practice Pitch event on Tuesday\, December 9th at 4:30 PM at Patio 44 in Hattiesburg. Expect a casual\, come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can gain insight\, meet potential collaborators\, and tap into local resources to help move your business forward. \nRSVP here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/075a79d2-20d3-4bb0-8e22-ae9421833366
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/connect-hattiesburg-6/
LOCATION:MS
CATEGORIES:Hattiesburg
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/connect-hattiesburg-12-9.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251209T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251209T160000
DTSTAMP:20260520T113409
CREATED:20251124T183640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T183640Z
UID:936185-1765285200-1765296000@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:Winter Practice Pitch
DESCRIPTION:Get a head start on your big ideas! Our Winter Practice Pitch is an opportunity for innovators\, entrepreneurs\, and students to test their concepts in front of a supportive audience before the main pitch competition in May. Participants will receive constructive feedback to strengthen their presentations\, refine their messaging\, and boost their confidence. Whether you’re polishing a business plan or exploring a new idea\, this practice round is designed to help you grow and prepare for success. \nRegister here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fhm67w9
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/winter-practice-pitch/
LOCATION:MS
CATEGORIES:Hattiesburg
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/winter-pitch-practice.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251120T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251120T180000
DTSTAMP:20260520T113409
CREATED:20251117T185344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T185344Z
UID:936081-1763654400-1763661600@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:CONNECT Hattiesburg
DESCRIPTION:Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs in the Pinebelt? \nJoin CONNECT in Hattiesburg\, a monthly networking event for small business owners and startup founders. Whether starting out or scaling up\, it’s your chance to share ideas\, solve challenges\, and build relationships with people who understand the journey. Co-hosted by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Polymer Institute at USM\, CONNECT offers tools\, guidance\, and resources to strengthen the startup community. The next event is on November 20th at 4 PM at the Brass Hat in the Hotel Indigo in Hattiesburg. \nThe event is free. RSVP and let us know you are coming. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/1d68d49f-88f8-4c87-b814-91bd65681f41
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/connect-hattiesburg-5/
LOCATION:MS
CATEGORIES:Hattiesburg
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/November-Connect-Hattiesburg-Event.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251014T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251014T180000
DTSTAMP:20260520T113409
CREATED:20251010T170642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251010T170905Z
UID:935632-1760457600-1760464800@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:CONNECT Hattiesburg
DESCRIPTION:CONNECT at Keg & Barrel \nWant to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Join us at Hattiesburg CONNECT\, a monthly networking event designed for small business owners and startup founders in the Pinebelt region. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale\, this is your chance to exchange ideas\, tackle challenges\, and build relationships with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey. \nCONNECT is co-hosted by Innovate Mississippi\, the state’s leader in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship\, and the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at USM\, which offers hands-on support and technical expertise for growing businesses. Together\, they bring valuable connections\, guidance\, and tools to help strengthen the local startup community. Our next event takes place on Thursday\, October 14th at 4:00 PM at Keg & Barrel Downtown in Hattiesburg. Expect a casual\, come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can gain insight\, meet potential collaborators\, and tap into local resources to help move your business forward. \nRegister Here! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/4ced561f-d39e-4788-be36-cf4285f95d67
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/connect-hattiesburg-4/
LOCATION:Keg & Barrel\, 1315 Hardy St\, Hattiesburg\, 39401\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hattiesburg
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/October-Connect-Event-sm.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250821T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250821T173000
DTSTAMP:20260520T113409
CREATED:20250807T154807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T154914Z
UID:934818-1755792000-1755797400@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:CONNECT Hattiesburg
DESCRIPTION:Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Join us for CONNECT\, a monthly networking event designed for small business owners and startup founders in the Pinebelt region. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale\, this is your chance to exchange ideas\, tackle challenges\, and build relationships with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey. \nCONNECT is co-hosted by Innovate Mississippi\, the state’s leader in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship\, and the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at USM\, which offers hands-on support and technical expertise for growing businesses. Together\, they bring valuable connections\, guidance\, and tools to help strengthen the local startup community. Our next event takes place Thursday\, August 21st at 4:00 PM at Glory Bound in Hattiesburg. Expect a casual\, come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can gain insight\, meet potential collaborators\, and tap into local resources to help move your business forward. \nThursday\, August 21\, 2025\n4:00 PM to 5:30 PM \nGlorybound\n6174 US 49\, Hattiesburg\, MS 39401 · Hattiesburg\, MS \nRegister Here: https://www.meetup.com/launch-mississippi/events/310275602/
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/connect-hattiesburg-2/
LOCATION:MS
CATEGORIES:Hattiesburg
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/connect-hattiesburg.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250515T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250515T180000
DTSTAMP:20260520T113409
CREATED:20250327T201315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T211247Z
UID:932672-1747303200-1747332000@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:Mississippi Polymer Institute Pitch Competition
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Mississippi Polymer Institute Pitch Competition for an action-packed event where bold founders will hit the stage to pitch their big ideas\, compete for cash prizes\, and connect with Mississippi’s vibrant entrepreneurial community. \n\nWhether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur\, a seasoned business leader\, or an investor scouting your next great prospect\, you’ll find energy\, innovation\, and inspiration in every pitch. Come for the ideas\, stay for the connections\, and be part of the movement shaping Mississippi’s future. \n\n\nLocation: Mississippi Polymer Institute\, 46 Shelby Thames Drive\, Hattiesburg\, MS 39402\nTime: 10am-6pm \nInterested in applying to pitch? Sign up below!\nhttps://www.thepolymerinstitute.com/pitch-event \nThis event is part of Mississippi’s statewide pitch network\, powered by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network. Together\, they provide two pitch pathways—one for high-growth startups and another for traditional small businesses. If a founder’s venture shows strong high-growth potential\, they may even earn an invitation to join the CoBuilders Accelerator. \n\n\nThis project is being supported\, in whole or in part\, by federal award number SSBCI-21034-0003 awarded to Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/mississippi-polymer-institute-pitch-competition/
LOCATION:Mississippi Polymer Institute\, 46 Shelby Thames Drive\, Hattiesburg\, MS\, 39402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hattiesburg,Pitch Competition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Pitch-Day-Hattiesburg-Wide-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250128T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250129T153000
DTSTAMP:20260520T113409
CREATED:20250115T195434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T195509Z
UID:931796-1738053000-1738164600@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:Connect & Emerge Event Planning Conference
DESCRIPTION:Get inspiration\, resources\, and connections that will transform your work. \nWhat You Will Experience: \n\nEngaging sessions with important topics for anyone involved in events\nSponsor tables showcasing the latest products\, services and information\nDelicious meals provided by local chefs and caterers who will share powerful insights to enhance food and beverage at your events\nOpportunities to share your resources at our Attendee Resource Table (bring your info!)\nLight bulb moments and serendipity as you find new ideas\, inspiration\, and new connections for future collaborations\nAll-day hot and cold beverages\, including a coffee and tea bar\, to fuel your day\nMaybe most importantly\, a chance for you to take time for YOU. The events industry is HARD. Let us take care of you for a day or two!\n\nConference topics include: \n\nResources\, tips\, tricks and trends for events\nEvent regulations and permits\nEvent marketing\nEvent safety and risk management\nFood and beverage trends and demos\nManaging music and entertainment\nAttendee management and the attendee experience\nFundraising and sponsorships\nVolunteer and event staff management\nEvent setup and logistics\nTechnology and events\nAccessibility at events\nFinding and managing event speakers\nPower of collaboration\nEvents on a budget\nAnd more!\n\nRegister here: https://www.emergeevents.com/connect/
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/connect-emerge-event-planning-conference/
LOCATION:PRCC Woodall Center\, 906 Sullivan Dr\,\, Hattiesburg\, 39401\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hattiesburg
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/472713671_1122984913169093_4476880038022068125_n.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T120000
DTSTAMP:20260520T113409
CREATED:20241011T192559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241011T192711Z
UID:930773-1730966400-1730980800@www.innovate.ms
SUMMARY:A Day With NASA Stennis Space Center
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to A Day With NASA Stennis Space Center! Join us on Thu Nov 07 2024 at 08:00 AM for an exciting event at The USM Innovation and Commercialization Park and Accelerator. We are excited to invite you to a unique event designed specifically for business owners interested in exploring opportunities to collaborate with NASA. This is a fantastic chance to learn how your business can engage with one of the most innovative organizations in the world. \nWhat to Expect: \n\nInsightful Presentations: Hear from experts on NASA’s procurement process and the types of projects available for collaboration.\nNetworking Opportunities: Connect with fellow business owners and potential partners.\nQ&A Session: Get your questions answered by NASA representatives and industry leaders.\n\nWhether you’re a seasoned contractor or new to government contracting\, this event will provide valuable insights and resources to help your business thrive. \nThursday\, November 7 · 8am – 12pm CST\nThe USM Innovation and Commercialization Park and Accelerator\n46 Shelby Thames Drive Hattiesburg\, MS 39402 \nRegister here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-with-nasa-stennis-space-center-tickets-1022836560687
URL:https://www.innovate.ms/event/a-day-with-nasa-stennis-space-center/
LOCATION:The USM Innovation and Commercialization Park and Accelerator\, 46 Shelby Thames Drive\, Hattiesburg\, MS\, 39402\, United States
CATEGORIES:Hattiesburg
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.innovate.ms/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/day-with-nasa-wide.jpg
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