The annual Inc. 500 Conference and Awards Ceremony is the preeminent event for entrepreneurs who run high-growth companies. For 2008, the Inc. 500 Conference and Awards Ceremony will head to Washington, D.C. and bring together both a new class of Inc. 500 and 5,000 honorees and the list's alumni for three days of powerful networking, inspired learning, and momentous celebration.

The Inc. 500 Conference and Awards Ceremony is an invitation-only event. If you are not a current Inc. 500 or 5,000 honoree or and Inc. 500 alumni but would like to request an invitation, please e-mail events@inc.com.

Business owners agree that the #1 hurdle in growing a business is being able to leverage time effectively. What's the best way to create that needed leverage? Your people.

The next installment in the SunTrust Committed to Growth seminar series will show you how to invest your time in putting the "right people in the right seats" to create the most profit growth and leverage. Learn the five keys in finding, hiring and developing your most important asset -- your employees.

Click here for more info http://inc.com/events/suntrust/

America's Small Business Summit 2008 provides an opportunity for small business supporters to participate in thought-provoking sessions on relevant policy and management issues while bringing the collective voice of business to Congress.

Reserve your seat to hear from Congressional representatives at the rally on Capitol Hill and meet individually with members of Congress to address your personal policy concerns. www.uschambersummit.com

The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) will celebrate its 25th annual Venture Conference, scheduled for April 16-18, 2008 at the Washington Duke Inn on Duke University's Campus. CED's Venture conference is the Southeast's largest and most established industry conference, uniting more than 800 of the nation's top tier investors and the region's high growth companies. Venture promises to be a powerful event showcasing over 65 of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic's most dynamic and promising business opportunities. CED's Venture conference will also feature remarks from long-time Quintiles CEO, Dr. Dennis Gillings. Register Today to Save! To register or learn more visit http://www.cednc.org/venture.

Running a fast-growth company is a remarkable task, one that is not without sacrifices and struggles. However, it is equally difficult to sustain the growth that made your company a success in the first place. Inspired by the popular Inc. feature, "How I Did It," learn how to drive growth and stay competitive from technology evangelist Ramon Ray, Margot McDonnell of IT services firm Biz Tech, and Sudi Bindiganavile, CIO of Inc. 5,000 member, Primavera Systems. The group will share the solutions that will help your company innovate within its industry and deliver products that meet the evolving demands of consumers.

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Time: 8:30 - 11:00 AM

The Down Town Club
Philadelphia, PA 19106
REGISTRATION is FREE.

Philadelphia Union League Philadelphia, Pa Now in its 14th year, the Bennies honors regional companies that are fast emerging on the business scene. Founded by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania and The Entrepreneur's Forum of Greater Philadelphia, the awards afford stellar young companies the opportunity to be recognized for their tireless efforts. Winners receive seed money, contacts, and exposure, which help them further accelerate their business growth. For more information visit the website.

600 Women Presidents and CEOs will gather for the annual conference of The Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), entitled Innovation: Maintaining the Competitive Edge, at the Westin Copley Place. This year's key note speakers include Malcolm Gladwell, Sung-Joo Kim, chairperson of the SungJoo Group and Marc Lautenbach, General Manager, Americas, IBM.

Now 14 years strong, the 2008 Life Science Venture Forum is the largest - and longest running - showcase of early stage innovation and entrepreneurship. It is the must-attend event for those seeking access to untapped quality deal flow from around the world. The Venture Forum is Larta Institute's landmark annual investment and partnering event and this year will showcase the most promising seed & early stage life science opportunities.

Register at www.theventureforum.com/registration.asp

Don't miss your opportunity to hear from policy experts and lawmakers in Washington, D.C. on key issues for small business. Held at the Capital Hilton Hotel just blocks from the White House, you will get the inside scoop on the elections, share breakfast with influential members of Congress, and make important hill-visits to lobby on the issues that matter to you.

Please click here to register!

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) organizes independent businesses to green and strengthen their local economies. Our 6th Annual Conference (June 5-7, in Boston) will be the year's most powerful gathering of sustainable business, government, and community leaders. Hear speakers such as Bill McKibben, Judy Wicks, and Majora Carter explore the power of businesses that are local, green, and fair. Learn more and register at www.livingeconomies.org.

The LOHAS 12 Forum is a four-day business conference that will bring together leaders from LOHAS businesses, the entertainment industry, major corporations, and entrepreneurial companies, to focus on how businesses, media and entertainment can be leveraged to educate, shape and influence consumer behavior and purchasing decisions while promoting lifestyles of health and sustainability. If you or your business is involved in conscious commerce, this is an event that should not be missed. www.lohas.com/forum.