The Launch Pad’s weeklong showcase of events promoting entrepreneurial activities continues with panel discussions, networking opportunities, and talks by savvy entrepreneurs from just about every discipline one can imagine. The event is part of activities across six continents that celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, an initiative to inspire young people to embrace innovation, imagination, and creativity.

The Lectures, workshops, and networking events expose students, alumni, and the entire South Florida community to information that will help with their goals. Last year’s festivities brought noted author and business journalist Suzy Welch and Brazilian artist Romero Britto, among others.

The Launch Pad was the top-ranked U.S. Global Entrepreneurship Week partner in 2008 and again received the Campus Award for top programming in 2009. Some of this year’s highlights include an “Elevator Pitch” contest and themed days for Arts & Entertainment, Women in Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Science & Technology, and A Taste of Entrepreneurship.

During Global Entrepreneurship Week, November 15-19, millions of people around the world join a growing movement of innovative thinkers to promote entrepreneurial activities internationally. It is administered globally by the Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.

At the Launch Pad, which opened at the beginning of the fall 2008 semester, participants learn that entrepreneurship is a career choice, one that can be started right away. The center offers guidance in learning business basics, developing ideas, networking with industry experts, and strategizing to take a venture to the next level. The Launch Pad believes entrepreneurship training is for everyone including but not limited to scientists, engineers, and artists.

Highlights during the rest of this week include:

Exporting your Entrepreneurial Dreams
Thursday, November 18 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., University Center Ballrooms
Lunch and learn with a U.S. National Champion Exporter of the Year: Neal Asbury, CEO of The Legacy Companies. Asbury will sign free copies of Conscientious Equity, his plan of action based on the firsthand experience of a seasoned entrepreneur working nationally and abroad. Copies made available thanks in part to Asbury and Macmillan publishing.

Tech Talk
Thursday, November 18 from 3:30 to 9 p.m., various locations
The afternoon in technology begins at the University Center with entrepreneurs and Internet security specialists from AuthenWare, Ligatt Security, KRAA Security, and Third Solutions. Later, join MIT Enterprise Forum and RefreshMiami at the Rathskellar for free beer, wings, and networking with Web and technology professionals. The evening concludes at Storer Auditorium with a case study of two new “gadgets” – Ankit Earphones and MobileHelp medical alert – and a panel of tech experts from Athena Marketing, Greenberg Traurig, Max Borges Agency, and OpenPeak.

Miami Startup Weekend
Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 21
Build a website or mobile application to form the basis of a credible business in just one weekend. For more information and to register, visit www.miami.startupweekend.org. Use promo code LaunchPad and save $25.

To see the complete Global Entrepreneurship Week agenda and event details, including locations and speakers, visit www.thelaunchpad.org/GEW. Please note that some events require pre-registration.