The Grommet’s Co-Founder and CEO Jules Pieri to Deliver Keynote Address at ACE ’15
Product launch platform and startup-to-high-growth company evolution fuel real world insight that Pieri will share with entrepreneurs attending the 15th Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship (ACE ‘15)
ANN ARBOR, MI January 6, 2015 – Michigan born entrepreneur and The Grommet CEO Jules Pieri will draw on her years of experience reshaping how customer products get discovered, shared and bought in her keynote address to ACE ’15, the 15th Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship event to be held Thursday, January 29, 2014 from 2-8 p.m. at Burton Manor in Livonia, MI. Pieri’s extensive resume includes industrial design for technology companies and senior executive for large brands such as Keds, Stride Rite and Playskool. Pieri attended the University of Michigan and Harvard Business School, where she is currently an Entrepreneur in Residence.
Pieri was named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs in 2013 and in June 2014, she was invited to the White House Maker Faire to launch The Grommet Wholesale Platform, connecting Makers and Main Street Retailers. The Grommet is her third startup, following roles as VP of Design at Continuum and President of Ziggs.com.
In her keynote speech Pieri will bring the energizing perspective of a Detroit native and successful entrepreneur giving back. “It’s been a long strange road for me, since growing up in Detroit and working to build three startups.” said Pieri. “I look forward to sharing some of my true tales from the entrepreneurial front at this exciting event.”
Organizers of ACE ’15 anticipate attendance to include more than 800 entrepreneurs, investors and business enthusiasts to participate in Michigan’s largest gathering devoted to education, connecting, and participating in new business startups. “We’re thrilled to have Jules Pieri as our keynote speaker.” According to Diane Durance, Chair of the ACE’15 Planning Committee and President of MiQuest. “She was introduced to us through the Crain’s Homecoming event last fall, where she was among 150 successful Michigan expats that came back to see how they might contribute to their home state.” In addition to the keynote, ACE’15 will feature the ACE Challenge, Consultants’ Corridor, eight breakout sessions, and an exhibit area for high-tech business startups and support organizations.
ACE ’15 will be Michigan’s standout entrepreneurial event in 2015 and is not to be missed. Online registration is now open and admission is $25 through January 27. If space permits, walk-in registrations will be available at $40 on the day of the event. Exhibitor space is available to entrepreneurs and non-profit entrepreneurial support organizations for $145 and applications will be accepted until noon, Tuesday, January 20. For more information or registration, go to www.ACE-event.org.
About the Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship
The Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship (ACE) began as an Ann Arbor event in 2000. In 15 years, it has grown from a modest local business-building event into the largest event of its kind in Michigan. Partner organizations and lead sponsors include: MiQuest, MIT Enterprise Forum of the Great Lakes, New Enterprise Forum, Ann Arbor SPARK, Atomic Object, Automation Alley, Brinks Gilson & Lione, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, New Economy Initiative, Rehmann, and the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship. For more event information visit www.ACE-event.org
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