A Guinness World Record holder, a free exhibition, and 550 young Marylanders under one theme: You Can
BALTIMORE, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Friday, October 30, 550 high school seniors, college students, and early-career professionals will fill the Gordon Center for Performing Arts in Owings Mills for NextGen Summit. Built around the theme “You Can,” the one-day event gives young Marylanders what they say they’re missing most: funding, connections, and a clear path to their purpose and career goals.
The opportunity is specific. Ten young founders, 25 and under, will pitch live to a panel of business and community leaders, and the top three will share $10,000 to launch their ideas. The public votes one finalist onto the stage. Founders can apply through October 20 at nextgensummit.us. A free exhibition puts young entrepreneurs in front of attendees, customers, mentors, and potential partners.
Speakers:
- Tisha Edwards, President & CEO of the Maryland Bankers Association and former Chief of Staff on Governor Wes Moore’s campaign, on building a career in banking, business, and leadership
- Tunde Onakoya, Guinness World Record holder and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, who turned a single chessboard into a program that has reached more than 10,000 children
- Kennedy Ekezie, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and founder of Kippa, who started his first organization at 16
The day runs on TED-style talks, podcast-style conversations, and audience discussion and ends with every attendee writing down their next step.
“Every generation is told what is wrong with it. In one day, NextGen Summit will show these young people the greatness already in them. This may be the generation that preserves the future,” said Pastor Deji Olubusi, Chairman, NextGen Summit.
DETAILS
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Exhibition: 2:00 PM | Main Stage: 4:15 to 7:00 PM
Location: Gordon Center for Performing Arts, Owings Mills, MD
Tickets: $20, or $10 each for groups of three or more.
Registration required at nextgensummit.us.
ABOUT NEXTGEN SUMMIT
NextGen Summit is a Maryland platform that puts funding, connections, and direction in front of rising leaders, built on one message: You Can.
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SOURCE NextGen Summit
