2023 Youth Business Summit

April 17 - 19, 2023

Javits Center | United Federation of Teachers | Long Island University Brooklyn

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Overview

The Youth Business Summit brings together thousands of rising young professionals, budding entrepreneurs, educators, school/district administrators, business leaders and industry professionals from around the world for a one-of-a-kind global convention.

During a dynamic week of business competitions, leadership events, and professional networking, rising talent from middle and high schools around the world display the professional skills and business acumen they have developed by running a Virtual Enterprise company during the school year.

2023 Youth Business Summit Schedule

4,000+

Students

160+

Schools

18+

States

300+

Partners and Supporters

7+

Events

6+

Countries

For Schools

Registration and booth selection is now open for all participants. To register, review the Booth and Pricing Overview document and follow the step-by-step instructions below. The deadline for registration is March 31, 2023, but we advise registering soon to secure your booth and electricity selections. 

  1. Sign into the hub by going to hub.veinternational.org 
  2. Click on “Marketplace Tools”
  3. Click on “Firm Admin”
  4. Choose the Firm you want to register with
  5. Click on “Trade Show Registration” 
  6. Once registration is completed, you will receive a confirmation and a quote. This will be followed by an invoice within 3-5 business days after registration. 
YBS Booth Overview and Pricing

For international firms, please refer to the following:

YBS Overview
Registration Link

Competition Details

The 2023 Youth Business Summit features eight competitive opportunities for VE students. Competitions include the National Business Plan Competition, National Finance Competition, National Human Resources Competition, National Marketing Competition, National QuickBooks Competition, Global Innovation Challenge, Best Booth Competition, and Sales Pitch Competition.

Competition Results

Competition Results will be available after the 2023 Youth Business Summit on the Competition Results page.

Click here for description of each competition

Exhibitor Guidelines

Important Note: Exhibitors must review the Event and Registration Overview and learn the International Trade Exhibition Guidelines. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in your team being asked to remove prohibited items and potentially lead to disqualification from competitions.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED IN BOOTHS: 

  • NO HELIUM BALLOONS, 
  • NO POPCORN MACHINES, 
  • NO PROPANE-BASED EQUIPMENT, 
  • NO MICROWAVES, 
  • NO COOKING EQUIPMENT OF ANY KIND & NO COOKING IS ALLOWED.

Any food or beverage samples that a firm plans to offer at their booth must be commercially prepackaged. 

Booths

Booth registration is now open for all participants. 

YBS Booth Overview and Pricing

Exhibitor List

The 2023 YBS Exhibitor List will be available in March.

Booth Map with Booth Numbers

The 2023 YBS Booth Map with Numbers will be available in March.

Point of Sale System

The Trade Exhibition Point of Sale System is provided by VEI to firms with a trade show booth to easily process trade exhibition sales payments. This system can be used on a smartphone, iPad/tablet, or laptop with a WiFi or cellular data connection.

Personal Bank Debit Cards for Students

Students can use their personal bank account to make purchases at trade shows. This system can be used to pay throughout the entire exhibition period.

US Network Bank Card

Cards are only available for non-VE guests and visitors and can be obtained at the registration desk.

Visitor Resources

Please review the Visitor Resources section to book hotel rooms, find tourist discounts to iconic NYC experiences including entertainment, restaurants, landmarks, and other attractions, and explore travel information.

Monday, April 17, 2023 – National Business Plan Competition at the United Federation of Teachers 

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for participants.

Monday, April 17, 2023 – National Competitions (Finance, Human Resources, Marketing) at Long Island University Brooklyn Campus 

Food will NOT be provided for participants. There will be a list of restaurant options for food purchase. 

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 – National QuickBooks Competition at the United Federation of Teachers 

Food will NOT be provided for participants.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 – National Business Plan Competition Championship Round at United Federation of Teachers

Food will NOT be provided for participants.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 – Global Innovation Challenge Sponsored By HSBC at Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for participants.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 – International Trade Exhibition at Javits Center

Food will NOT be provided for participants. There will be a list of restaurant options for food purchase.

Photos and Videos

Photographers and videographers will be covering the 2023 Youth Business Summit. Please ensure your school has Photograph and Video Consent Forms filled out and on file.

Digital Event Booklet

The 2023 YBS/Gala Event Booklet will be available for viewing and downloading prior to the events. Physical booklets will be distributed at all events.

View the 2022 Media Center for photos, videos, and competition results from last year’s Youth Business Summit – Link coming soon

Become an Exhibitor

We thank and recognize our partners and sponsors who support our mission to prepare students for fulfilling, financially-secure futures. Through their generous support, we are able to provide all Youth Business Summit participants with a life-changing experience.

View 2023 YBS Exhibitor OpportunityRegister as a 2023 YBS Exhibitor

Why Become an Exhibitor?

Showcase Your Brand

  • 4,650 attendees
  • 6 countries
  • 1,000 daily website visitors
  • 6,500 social media followers
  • 32,000 email subscribers

Meet the Future of Work

VE leads the way the world empowers students through career-based education. The 5,000 students at the YBS are future superstars for your organization.

Employee Engagement Opportunities

Engage your employees in 5-10 hours of meaningful, skills-based volunteering, through competition judging and professional workshops for students.

Provide a Life-Changing Experience

The culminating event of the VE school year, the Youth Business Summit opens up a world of possibility for students with opportunities to connect to government officials, business professionals, and global peers, and to put their entrepreneurial learning into practice.

Registration

If you are interested in being a partner or a sponsor for the Youth Business Summit, please contact Erika Apupalo via e-mail at eapupalo@veinternational.org.

Title Sponsor

HSBC is the title sponsor for the 2023 Youth Business Summit. HSBC and VE have been working together since 1999 to prepare students for meaningful careers through program expansion, job readiness training support, direct funding to schools, support for the Youth Business Summit, and engaging HSBC employees as competition judges and classroom mentors.

HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world, with operations in 66 countries and territories. They aim to be where the growth is, enabling businesses to thrive and economies to prosper, and, ultimately, helping people to fulfill their hopes and realize their ambitions.

Judging Opportunities

A significant element of VEI’s program is the opportunity for students to meet with and learn from business leaders.  We continuously cultivate a large network of industry professionals and change makers who inspire, empower, and mentor our students as well as guide them in applying business strategies that will help them develop and manage their businesses.

To that end, we invite you to judge in one or more of the 7 competitions that comprise the YBS.  This dynamic three-day event on April 17-19 brings together 5,000 young people from high schools across the U.S. and around the world to compete, attend leadership events, and network with peers and professionals.

Please join us for one (or all) of the judging opportunities described here, and let us know in which event you would like to participate.  Your participation is not only a great opportunity to share your skills-based expertise but to make a positive impact in the lives of high school students. By providing feedback on business plans, marketing, HR, and finance competitions, you can help students gain a deeper understanding of the realities of running a business and providing valuable insights to help them succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.  Judging details will be provided after you register.

Erika Apupalo 

eapupalo@veinternational.org 

Description of Competitions

National Business Plan Competition

📍United Federation of Teachers – 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

The Business Plan Competition is a rigorous competition that challenges student teams to demonstrate their business acumen through written submissions and oral presentations. After receiving top honors in local and regional business plan competitions during the school year, these teams have earned the chance to compete in the country’s premier national business plan competition in New York City. The competition showcases best practices, rewards excellence, and trains students to apply sophisticated knowledge and skills attributed to business professionals and college students.

Sign up to judge on 4/17

National Competitions (Human Resources, Marketing, Finance)

📍Long Island University (Brooklyn) – 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Teams of employees from VE companies will deliver oral presentations to inform judges of their work on various department priorities and activities.

Sign up to judge on 4/17

National Competitions (QuickBooks)

📍United Federation of Teachers – 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

Teams of employees from VE companies will deliver oral presentations to inform judges of their work on various department priorities and activities.

Sign up to judge on 4/18

Global Innovation Challenge

📍Long Island University (Brooklyn) – 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201

The Global Innovation Challenge (GIC) is a competition in which students work in multi-national teams to identify the challenges, opportunities, and risks involved in a global business by examining a real-world business case study. After two hours of analysis and deliberation, teams present their findings to a panel of judges.

Sign up to judge on 4/18
Challenge Schedule & Competition Details

International Trade Exhibition

📍Javits Center – 429 11th Ave, New York, 10001

The International Trade Exhibition is the largest exhibition of practice businesses in the U.S. Bring together more than 4,000 students, educators, business leaders, and industry professionals, the International Trade Exhibition is VE’s largest and most dynamic live event. Every industry, from entertainment and business services to travel and tourism, is on display as 200+ student businesses exhibit and sell their products and services in a competitive marketplace. Students also compete for Best Booth Design and Best Sales Pitch during the event.

Judging positions for 4/19 have been filled!
2023 YBS Volunteers Need Information

2023 YBS Schedule

National Business Plan Competition Hosted at United Federation of Teachers

8:00 AM – 12:30 PM          Preliminary Round and Recognition of Top 20 Teams

   1:30 PM – 3:30 PM         Semifinal Round & Announcement of Top 8 Teams

National Competitions at Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus

8:00 AM – 10:30 AM          Finance Presentations

 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM         Marketing Presentations

   2:00 PM – 4:30 PM         Human Resources Presentations

National Competitions at United Federation of Teachers

9:00 AM – 11:30 AM            QuickBooks Competition

National Business Plan Competition Championship Round at United Federation of Teachers

12:30 PM – 4:30 PM           Championship Round

Global Innovation Challenge Sponsored By HSBC at Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus

8:00 AM – 3:30 PM            Preliminary Round

                    3:45 PM          Announcement of Top 3 Moving onto Championship Round

4:00 PM – 5:15 PM            Championship Round

International Trade Exhibition at Javits Center

2:30 PM – 6:00 PM            Early Registration & Booth Set-Up for Exhibitors

International Trade Exhibition at Javits Center

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM                     Registration & Booth Set-Up for Exhibitors

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM                   Opening & Awards Ceremony, Keynote Address, Ribbon Cutting

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM                   Exhibition & Trading

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM                 Sales Pitch & Booth Design Competition Judging

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM                 Lunch Period

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM                     Awards Ceremony for Sales Pitch & Booth Design Competitions

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM                    Event Breakdown

Visitor Resources

The Jacob Javits Convention Center:  Home of the 2023 YBS Trade Exhibition

The Javits Center is more than just a convention center. Named after the legendary and lifelong New Yorker, Senator Jacob K. Javits, this self-sustaining New York icon has become a wildlife sanctuary, a community partner and a nationwide nexus where the latest ideas in business and pop culture converge under one very green roof. With a significant investment in our infrastructure, we have quickly become a leader in sustainability, security and technology, setting a new standard for convention centers throughout the country. We employ thousands of experienced event and construction professionals dedicated to coordinating and constructing events with major brands from around the world, generating waves of economic activity across the region. And with a historic expansion project underway, we‘re preparing to host an even wider variety of events in the years to come, attracting new generations of visitors to Manhattan’s West Side.

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Virtual Enterprises International

 

Please CLICK HERE to book your flights.

 

You may also call Delta Meeting Network® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code  NM2E7

*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

VE has arranged blocks of rooms at the following hotels. Students, teachers, and guests have until mid-February to mid-March to utilize the blocks at these hotels otherwise they will be released to the public. Schools are responsible for the payments of all hotel rooms. More hotels will be added to this list as opportunities arise. Please note that each hotel is unique and rooms vary in size. We recommend visiting the website prior to making arrangements.

The Westin at Times Square

The Westin at Times Square (Midtown Manhattan)  – Group Rate Ends March 27, 2023

270 W 43rd St
New York, NY 10036

Cost: $339/night 

Amenities:

  • Westin Heavenly Bath® with an invigorating rainfall showerhead
  • Shower / Tub combination
  • Hair Dryer
  • Robe
  • Coffee / Tea maker
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Safe (in-room)
  • Desk / Chair
  • Alarm Clock
  • Iron / Ironing Board
  • Complimentary 24-hour WestinWORKOUT fitness center
  • Wireless internet access

Nearby Attractions:

  • In the heart of the famed Broadway theatre district & Restaurant Row
  • Close to the New York financial, fashion and commercial districts
  • One block from major NYC subway hubs and the NY/NJ Port Authority
  • Conveniently located one mile from the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
  • Easy access to LaGuardia, JFK and Newark International Airports
  • Just blocks from Grand Central Terminal & Penn Station

Booking: 

  • Identify your group with “Youth Business Summit” to ensure group rate.

The Holiday Express at Wall Street

The Holiday Express at Wall Street – Group Rate Ends March 17, 2023

126 Water Street
New York, NY, 10005, US

Cost: $209 per room per night plus tax for king bedded rooms | $229 per room per night plus tax for double bedded rooms

Amenities: 

  • Complimentary breakfast and internet access
  • Complimentary Fitness Center
  • Internet Access
  • Business Services

Nearby Attractions: 

  • Wall Street
  • NYSE New York Stock Exchange
  • City Hall
  • Federal Reserve Bank
  • Ground Zero
  • South Street Seaport
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Century 21
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Battery Park
  • Little Italy
  • Chinatown
  • SoHo Boutiques and Galleries
  • Tribeca
  • NYC

Reservations: 

Use this reservation link to book:

https://www.hiexpress.com/redirect?path=hd&brandCode=EX&localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=NYCSF&_PMID=99801505&GPC=VIR&cn=no&viewfullsite=true

Contact Alexis Ortega if you have any questions at alexis.ortega@hhmlp.com

Courtyard Long Island City

Courtyard Long Island City/New York Manhattan View – Group Rate Ends TBD

29-15 Queens Plaza North
Long Island City, New York, 11101

Cost: Courtyard Long Island City/New York Manhattan View for 199 USD – 219 USD per night

Concessions: 

  • nosh! Bistro Café serving Breakfast
  • 24 Hour Market (Food & Beverage Pantry)
  • 24 Hour Fitness Center
  • Self-Service, Coin-Operated Laundry Facilities
  • Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel

Nearby Attractions: 

  • Times Square 
  • JetBlue
  • Queensboro Plaza Station
  • Citi Field
  • Queens Plaza Station
  • National Sept 11 Memorial & Museum
  • Silvercup Studios
  • NYU
  • Radio City Music Hall
  • Madison Square Gardens
  • MoMA PS1

Reservations:

Book your group rate for Virtual Enterprises Youth Business Summit

Start Date: Sunday, April 16, 2023
End Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Last Day to Book: Monday, March 6, 2023

The Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown

The Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown – Group Rate Ends March 5, 2023

300 Schermerhorn St
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Cost: $149.00 per night plus tax for king bedded rooms |$179.00 per room per night plus tax for queen bedded rooms

Amenities: 

  • Pool
  • Fitness center
  • Meeting facilities
  • WiFi included

Nearby Attractions 

  • Barclays Center
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • NY Transit Museum
  • Coney Island
  • World–renowned universities such as LIU Brooklyn, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn College. 

Booking

  • Use this BOOKING LINK to receive the preferred room rates for the YBS
  • Contact Michelle Madrazo at mm@nyhotelmgmt.com and identify 2023 YBS if you have specific requests or inquiries

The Holiday Inn at Wall Street

The Holiday Inn at Wall Street – Group Rate Ends March 17, 2023

51 Nassau St
New York, NY 10038

Cost: $199 per room per night plus tax for king bedded rooms | $219 per room per night plus tax for double bedded rooms

Amenities: 

  • Complimentary Internet Access
  • Fitness Center

Location: 

  • Wall Street
  • NYSE New York Stock Exchange
  • City Hall
  • Federal Reserve Bank
  • Ground Zero
  • South Street Seaport
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Century 21
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Battery Park
  • Little Italy
  • Chinatown
  • SoHo Boutiques and Galleries
  • Tribeca
  • NYC

Use this reservation link to book:

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/new-york/nycmf/hoteldetail?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99801505&icdv=99801505&qSlH=NYCMF&qGrpCd=VEI&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=HI&qDest=51+Nassau+Street%2C+New+York%2C+NY%2C+US&srb_u=1

Contact Alexis Ortega if you have any questions at alexis.ortega@hhmlp.com

If you need any further information about the hotel options or locations, please reach out to Lily Thompson at ethompson@veinternational.org

Travel To and Around Brooklyn

  • How do I get to Brooklyn?
  • How to get from Brooklyn to JFK and vice versa: train, bus, and car
  • How To Get Around Brooklyn
  • Transportation Maps
  • Shuttle Schedule

Travel to United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Headquarters

UFT Headquarters
Address: 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
Public Transportation: 4 or 5 trains to Broadway; 2 or 3 trains to Wall Street; R or 1 trains to Rector Street; J or Z trains to Exchange Place and Broad Street

Travel to Long Island University Brooklyn

Long Island University Brooklyn
Address: 1 University Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11201
Public transportation: Q, B, R trains to Dekalb; A, C, F, R, W trains to Jay Street/Metrotech

Travel to Jacob Javits Center

Jacob Javits Center
Entrance on 11th Avenue
Address: 445 11th Avenue, New York, NY, 10001
Public transportation: 7 train to 34th street/Hudson Yards

Things To Do

As a proud partner of the NYC & Company, VE would like to share some of the following activities and resources provided by NYC & Co. A complimentary Delegate Discount Pass, the ultimate guide to traveling New York like a local, and NYC & Co’s suggestions for attractions, tickets, restaurants, galleries, and more are available to guide you through the Big Apple. Enjoy!

Make sure to check out https://www.nycgo.com/ for the official guide to NYC!

Attractions

Broadway

Restaurants 

Museums 

Shopping

Tours in NY

Share your Youth Business Summit journey with #2023YBS on social media.

2022 YBS Recap