New offerings promise elevated experience at this year’s “The Gathering”

Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe. 

Written By: Rachael Schuit

(CHOCTAW NATION) The Gathering Business Summit is the American Indian Chamber of Oklahoma’s (AICCO) largest event of the year, and organizers say this year’s event is bigger and better than ever before thanks to innovative thought leaders and input from the community. 

“We are excited to bring you three days of dynamic sessions, robust networking, and the chance to connect with both old friends and new,” AICCO State President Bailey Walker said. “After last year’s summit, we took our member feedback seriously. Our community said they wanted more public access to the trade show and fresh, inspiring programming. We are delivering on both counts.” 

The summit is slated for July 10 through 12 at Choctaw Casino and Resort Durant. Opportunities for AICCO member and non-member business professionals to learn from each other will include expert panels and business-to-business matchmaking. 

New this year-  a free trade show day on July 10, providing public access to dozens of Tribal, Native-owned, and Native ally businesses. 

July 11 is the summit’s main programming day, featuring speakers like Steven Hollabaugh, CEO and President of Native Strategies, LLC, and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. 

“I’m honored and excited to be speaking on Empowering Tribal Nations through Engineering Solutions for Infrastructure and Economic Development at the Gathering Business Summit,” Hollabaugh said. “In April 2020, I recognized a critical need for engineering and design professionals completing and delivering services in tribal communities. Assisting Tribes in the expansion of their infrastructures and in the improvement and renewal of their communities is at the core of our firms’ values, purpose, and on-going mission.”

Hollabaugh’s company is also currently constructing Native Spaces, a Native-owned co-working and event space in Broken Arrow. 

J.T. Petherick, Associate Vice President of Government Relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, is another community leader bringing his wisdom and expertise to The Gathering. 

Petherick says he looks forward to speaking about the ways legislation and business intersect during his discussion “The Voice of the business community matters at The Capitol”. 

“We all know that Indian Country’s voice is strong,” Petherick said. “As the cost of doing business continues to rise, the Gathering Business Summit is the perfect forum to discuss how legislation impacts the business environment and how attendees can be engaged. AICCO has always been a strong advocate and we look forward to strategizing on how we can all move forward together.”

Panels scheduled for this year’s breakout sessions include “Leading through Change with Emotional Intelligence”, “Financing and Lending for Indian Country,” Public Resources for your Business”, “Tribal Broadband 101”, and a “Preferred Vendors” panel with Q&A. 

And there’s plenty of fun to be had as well, starting with a Decadence Luau for attendees staying at the hotel. Sponsored by Choctaw Conference Center, this pre-Gathering event is taking place at the Aqua Cabanas the evening of July 9. Tickets can be purchased here. 

The award-winning Blazing Bear Drum Group is one of the summit’s cultural performances, scheduled during the annual AICCO awards on July 11. 

And an Attendee Appreciation breakfast will be held on the morning of July 12 before the summit adjourns, providing the opportunity for those in attendance to win vendor-provided prizes. 

The full agenda for the 2024 Gathering Business Summit can be found online. 

Registration for The Gathering Business Summit is open until June 26 through Eventbrite, consisting of full conference registration, one day passes, and add-ons.

Vendor and artisan booths are also still available for purchase online. 

“Come out and see for yourself what makes AICCO and our Indian Country businesses so spectacular,” Walker said. “We’re more than a network; we’re a family. Growing together, getting better together. And we want you a part of it.” 

For more information, visit aiccok.org/events/business-summit/