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Thrive Business Summit + Matchmaker

January 29, 2026 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (CST)

Description

Beyond the Pivot - Business Unleashed
Strategy • Stability • Opportunity

🗓️ Thursday, January 29, 2026  |  🕗 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 
📍 The Ballroom at Tanglewood, 5430 Westheimer Way, Houston, TX 77056


In a changing economy, standing still isn’t an option.

THRIVE 2026 will deliver the real strategies, relationships, and industry access that business leaders need to adapt, scale, and stay ahead.

Strategy • Stability • Opportunity

In an unpredictable economy, standing still isn’t an option. THRIVE SUMMIT 2026 brings together business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and resource organizations for a full day focused on strategy, stability, and opportunity.

Powered by the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, this is the third year for this annual Summit.  THRIVE 2026 is where you tap into the insights, tools, and connections we are bringing to you—so your business is better prepared for what’s next.

Markets are shifting, costs are rising, and the political and economic landscape grows more complex by the day. No business—large or small—can afford to navigate that alone.



THRIVE 2026 SUMMIT: Beyond the Pivot — Business Unleashed is designed to help you cut through the noise. You’ll gain practical strategies to strengthen your bottom line, insights into what’s ahead, and direct access to lenders, advisors, and corporate buyers who can open doors to new opportunities.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you’re an established company or an emerging venture, this Summit is your space to step back from day-to-day firefighting and focus on what matters most: building a business that can adapt, compete, and grow.

The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce has spent a decade building an ecosystem of businesses, partners, corporate buyers, and resource organizations.

At THRIVE 2026, you don’t have to be a Chamber member to benefit from that network—but you do need to be in the room. This Summit is your gateway to the people and programs that help businesses stabilize, grow, and seize new opportunities in a changing economy.


Keynote Speaker


We are thrilled to welcome Steve Kean as our Keynote Speaker for the Summit.

Steve Kean (he/him)
President & CEO
Greater Houston Partnership


Panelists, Speakers, & Moderators


We have an exciting lineup of panelists, speakers, and moderators who will be sharing their insights.  

Susanna Baker (she/her)
Content Director
Wide Angle Creative
Rachel Bickham, CDT (she/her)
CEO
Bickham Services Unlimited, LLC
Dr. April Day, PHD, MBA (she/her)
President
Women's Business Enterprise Alliance
Alicia Gates (she/her)
Design Director
Wide Angle Creative
Cylenthia Hoyrd (she/her)
Director
Office of Business Opportunity, City of Houston
Tim Kollatschny, ACC (he/him)
Founder & Executive Coach
Coach to Elevate
Miriam Lopez (she/her)
Principal/Consultant
seEQmore Consulting Group

Marla Martinous (she/her)
Owner/Partner
The Doggie Express

Heather McKinley (she/her)
Founder/Creative Director
Wide Angle Creative




Tiko Reynolds-Hausman (she/her)
Executive Director
Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity



Program

Morning Panel Discussion
Beyond the Pivot: What Businesses Must Do Differently Now

Lunch Plenary
Steve Kean, Greater Houston Partnership

Breakout Sessions
  • Beyond the Hire: Retaining, Scaling, and Future-Proofing Your Workforce in 2026
  • Three Hard-Won Principals That Can Change Your Leadership
  • Is Your Brand Findable in an AI-Driven Search World?
  • More to be announced soon!
Matchmaker

Resource Expo

Plus, we'll have a host of resource partners tabling to connect with and learn more about how they can support your business.



🔗 THRIVE Matchmaker

The THRIVE Matchmaker connects businesses with corporate buyers, supplier inclusion leaders, and LGBTQ+ B/ERG representatives through pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings designed to spark real contracting and partnership opportunities.

Matchmaker Tracks
  • B2B / Supplier Connections – Meet buyers and procurement partners.
  • Supplier-to-Supplier Collaborations – Explore teaming and tiered contract partnerships.
  • B2E / ERG Connections – Connect with LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups to showcase your business as they consider their Pride Month and year-round supplier needs.

👉 Click here for Matchmaker information.

Reserve Your Spot:

👉 SUPPLIER BUSINESSES:  Please indicate your participation when registering for the event.

👉 BUYERS / IMPACT PARTNERS:  Complete the Buyer Matchmaker Form.

👉 B/ERGS:  Complete the B/ERG Matchmaker Form to participate in the B2E matchmaker.

Buyers and Suppliers must be current Chamber members or Impact Partner companies.  

Suppliers must be registered for the Summit to participate in the Matchmaker.

Must register by Wednesday, January 21 to participate in the Matchmaker. 


SPONSOR & HOST


Thank you to Chamber Member, The Ballroom at Tanglewood, for hosting and sponsoring THRIVE 2026!


Sponsor THRIVE 2026!


Partner with the Chamber to fuel small business success and strengthen our region’s economic ecosystem. Sponsoring THRIVE 2026: Beyond the Pivot — Business Unleashed positions your brand at the center of strategy, stability, and opportunity for growing companies and entrepreneurs.

Why Sponsor?

Purpose with Impact: Support diverse small businesses navigating real economic challenges during this volatile time.

Strategic Visibility: Engage directly with entrepreneurs and emerging suppliers driving regional growth.

Credible Alignment: Stand with the Chamber in advancing inclusive economic opportunity and long-term business prosperity for the LGBTQ+ community.

Empower the learning, relationships, and opportunities that make businesses stronger.


             



Thank You to Our Sponsors!


Visionary Sponsor

Matchmaker Sponsor


Champion Sponsors


Supporter Sponsor

Endless 8 Marketing
Regions Bank


Media Partners


Exhibitors & Resource Partner Showcase

Showcase your services, tools, and business support to entrepreneurs and growing companies at the THRIVE 2026 Business Summit & Matchmaker. Connect directly with attendees seeking expertise, guidance, and solutions that help businesses scale. 

         





 


By registering and/or attending a Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce program or event, you agree to the Chamber's Terms of Use & Policies available online at https://www.houstonlgbtchamber.com/terms-of-use-policies/.

Location

The Ballroom at Tanglewood

Complimentary parking is available in the lots adjacent to the venue. 

Pricing


Member Registration: $50
Non Member Registration: $80

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