ABOUT THIS EVENT
Bringing together young professionals from across the greater Houston region, the third annual Houston Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) Summit is an interactive and engaging day-long conference featuring panel discussions with business and thought leaders, workshop-style breakout sessions, and multiple opportunities to connect and build your network.
This year’s theme – Step Into the Spotlight – empowers the next generation of business and community leaders to take ownership of their career journey and raise their hand for growth opportunities.
Featured Speakers:
- Veronica Breckenridge, Managing Director, First Bight Ventures
- Xiaodi Hou, Founder and CEO, Bot Auto
- Caroline Verot Moore, Executive Vice President and Houston Market Executive, Regions Bank
- Will Womble, CEO, Umbrage
Agenda
Open All
Check In and Registration
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- Doors Open: 8:30 a.m.
- Registration: 8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Fuel Your Passion Expo - Grand Lobby
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- Speakers: Nora's Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, and The Menil
Morning Plenary Agenda
9:35 - 10:10 a.m.
- “Setting the Stage”
- This opening act draws back the curtain on leadership lessons, career-defining roles, and the possibilities available for young professionals to grow their careers in Houston – inviting attendees to take center stage in their career journey.
- Speaker: Carlecia Wright, Chief People Officer and Will Womble, CEO, Umbrage
- Moderator: Richard Mann, Houston Regional President, Frost Bank
Networking in Action
10:10 - 10:45 a.m.
- “Casting Call: Make Your Entrance”
- Take the spotlight in this fast-paced networking experience, where three minute conversations serve as auditions for future collaborations, connections, and career breakthroughs.
Breakout 1 Session Agenda – (2 concurrent breakouts)
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
- “Creating a World Premiere: Grit, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation”
- The dramatic arcs of venture capitalism and tech entrepreneurship take center stage, featuring behind-the-scenes insight of both roles, plot twists of success and resilience, and advice for young professionals ready to launch their own career productions.
- Speaker: Veronica Breckenridge, Managing Director, First Bight Ventures and Xiaodi Hou, Founder and CEO, BotAuto
- “Career on Cue: A Career Journey Produced, Directed and Starring You”
- Reflections of career highlights illuminate how you can play the lead role in shaping your career narrative — exploring how to script strategic career moves; cast co-collaborators, mentors, and sponsors; and direct personal growth to deliver standout performances.
- Speaker: Caroline Verot Moore, Executive Vice President and Houston Market Executive, Regions Bank
Lunch Program Agenda - Grand Lobby
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Lunch
- 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- "Behind the Curtain: The Business of Performing Arts”
- 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Peek behind the curtain to uncover the impact of the arts in our community and career lessons that transcend industry – offering a script full of insight to help you take the stage with confidence.
- Speaker: Hillary J. Hart, Executive Director, Theatre Under the Stars
- Moderator: Katie Pryor, Chief Operations Officer, Greater Houston Partnership
Breakout 2 Session Agenda – (2 concurrent breakouts) - Founders Circle & Mezzanine
1:15 - 2:00 p.m.
- “Command the Stage: Leadership in Action”
- Maximize your performance and command the stage by learning how to transform your mindset, build resilience, and empower the cast surrounding you.
- Speaker: Lisa Shumate, Founder and CEO, Maximum Q
- “Yes, And: From Improv to Impact”
- Using improv to explore how spontaneity and collaboration can transform the way we build consensus and navigate the workplace.
- Speaker: Elizabeth Marshall Black, Partner, K Harvey Brand Partners
Breakout 3 Session Agenda – (2 concurrent breakouts) - Founders Circle & Mezzanine
2:15 - 3:00 p.m.
- “Command the Stage: Leadership in Action”
- Maximize your performance and command the stage by learning how to transform your mindset, build resilience, and empower the cast surrounding you.
- Speaker: Lisa Shumate, Founder and CEO, Maximum Q
- “Yes, And: From Improv to Impact”
- Using improv to explore how spontaneity and collaboration can transform the way we build consensus and navigate the workplace.
- Speaker: Elizabeth Marshall Black, Partner, K Harvey Brand Partners
Closing Plenary - Grand Lobby
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- “Encore: The Spotlight’s Yours”
- Envision your role in shaping the greater Houston region’s next act of growth, innovation and opportunity guided by the lessons, leadership, and legacy of today’s principal performers.
- Speaker: Brandi Harleaux, CEO, South Post Oak Recycling Center
Networking Happy Hour - Grand Lobby
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
- “Cast Party”
- Wrap the day with a celebration to connection, career, and community – an informal networking time to unwind, mingle, and revel in the shared spotlight of continued dialogue and creative sparks.
August 28, 2025
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
800 Bagby St
Houston, TX 77002
Become a HYPE Subscriber
Individual Admission
Member - HYPE Subscriber
Individual Admission
ComplimentaryMember - Non-HYPE Subscriber
Individual Admission
$80Non-member
Individual Admission
$95Group Registration
Member Bundle of 4
$300
Non-member Bundle of 4
$360