Juan Pablo Segura

Bismah Ahmed

Sarah Wolek

Ahmed Khattak

Shaarik Zafar

Adil Husain

Building Influence in the DMV and Beyond: The OPEN DC Conference and Gala

OPEN Washington DC is a 501c3 not for profit organization that promotes entrepreneurship across communities in MD, VA and DC by bringing together founders, entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, executives, professionals in high quality events for education and networking

OPEN Washington DC

Building Influence - in the DMV and Beyond

Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center

Power. Access. Voice. Influence isn’t given. But it can be built.Join the DMVs most dynamic entrepreneurs, executives, and changemakers for an afternoon and evening of conversation, connection, and community at the OPEN DC Conference and Gala, 2025.This year’s theme: Building Influence — in the DMV and Beyond, explores how immigrant and minority founders and executives can strategically build influence, learning from leaders in business, media, entertainment, and politics who have done exactly that:<ul><li>Juan Pablo Segura, Virginia Secretary of Commerce &amp; Trade — on how immigrant business communities drive impact.</li><li>Ahmed Khattak, Founder &amp; CEO of US Mobile — on scaling a $200M business without paid marketing.</li><li>Sarah Wolek, Delegate, Maryland State Legislature - on turning civic engagement into real political influence.</li><li>Shaarik Zafar, Public Policy, Meta — on navigating power in Washington.</li><li>Bismah Ahmed, former Miss DC and lobbyist — on turning visibility into voice.</li><li>Plus founders, investors, and policymakers shaping influence across the DMV.</li></ul>Then stay for the evening gala, dinner, and live music where deals are made, partnerships begin, and new leaders emerge.Seats are limited, and this event always sells out.Register now to be part of the movement redefining influence in the DMV and beyond.

Agenda

Registration and Networking

Welcome, and Why Influence Matters

Building Influence Through Public Policy

Scaling to a $200 Million ARR Consumer Business without Paid Marketing

Building Influence Through Media and Entertainment

Immigrant Business Communities, Influence, and the state of Virginia's economy

Building Influence Through the Democratic Process

OPEN DC as a Vehicle for Influence

Networking Break

Seating for Dinner

OPEN DC Highlights and Recognition

Building Influence in the DMV and Beyond

Live Music and Social

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Building Influence in the DMV and Beyond: The OPEN DC Conference and Gala

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Building Influence in the DMV and Beyond: The OPEN DC Conference and Gala

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