CCEI’s 2023 GCEC Conference | UT Dallas

Posted on by
From left to right: Rory McGloin, Michaela Hartl, Alycia Chrosniak, Kate Savinelli, Rachel Borden, Jennifer Mathieu, Rachel Ayers, Michelle Cote

This past weekend marked a pivotal moment for the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI) as we attended and participated in the prestigious 27th annual Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) conference, held at UT Dallas in Texas. With an array of engaging sessions and countless valuable networking opportunities, the conference was a melting pot of ideas, strategies, and insights that worked to shape the future of entrepreneurship. It was the largest conference in the history of GCEC, with more than 600 university entrepreneurship leaders from 300 universities in 19 countries. UConn was also recognized as a “Gold” Leadership Circle school.

CCEI made a significant impact at the conference by leading three impactful sessions throughout the weekend, each addressing different yet significant facets of entrepreneurship.

Rory McGloin and Jennifer Mathieu in front of their panel session.

“Utilizing The Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile To Help Develop Start-Up Teams & Promote Individual Growth Related To Accelerator Participation” with Jennifer Mathieu & Rory McGloin

In this session, CCEI’s Executive Director Jennifer Mathieu and Associate Director Rory McGloin were featured as part of a panel as they delved into the practical applications of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile (EMP). They provided attendees with valuable takeaways on fostering individual growth and optimizing startup teams for success in accelerator programs.

Alycia Chrosniak and Kate Savinelli during their presentation.

“From Influence To Impact: A Case Study on Content Creation As A Marketing Tool” with Alycia Chrosniak & Kate Savinelli

CCEI’s Assistant Director of Brand & Venture Development Alycia Chrosniak and Marketing & Database Assistant Kate Savinelli explored the power of content creation as a marketing tool for entrepreneurship centers. Through a compelling breakdown of individual personas, they showcased how strategic video content can elevate a center’s influence, ultimately translating it into meaningful impact within the larger entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Michaela Hartl and Rachel Ayers during their presentation.

“Developing The Next Generation: Implementing A Student Ambassador Program Within Your Entrepreneurship Center” with Michaela Hartl & Rachel Ayers

Engagement & Outreach Coordinator Michaela Hartl and Program Assistant Rachel Ayers shared their expertise on developing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders through implementing a Student Ambassador Program. Their session provided practical information into establishing and maintaining a successful program within an entrepreneurship center, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community building.

Not only was the conference inspiring — the activities planned to foster connections were also just as exciting! CCEI was able to visit: 

  • Community Beer Company (for a tour of their brewery facility … and surprise! We got to ride a longhorn bull!)
  • The Star in Frisco (although many of us up in New England aren’t Dallas Cowboys fans, we will admit that the tour of their headquarter’s practice facility was more than impressive)
  • The Kendra Scott | The Shops at Legacy (Kendra Scott’s Women in Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute was gracious enough to host a “Women In Entrepreneurship Meetup” … and if you think we all didn’t get customized jewelry, you’re sorely mistaken!)
  • The Perot Museum of Nature and Science (we quite literally dined among the dinosaurs … what’s a better closer than that?)

A heartfelt shoutout goes to the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UT Dallas for hosting GCEC’s 2023 conference. Their commitment to fostering innovation and providing a platform for collaboration has undoubtedly contributed to the success of the event. The beautiful campus and warm hospitality created an ideal setting for attendees to connect, share ideas, and ignite the sparks of innovation.


As we at the center reflect as a whole, it’s evident that the conference was a transformative experience for each of us. The sessions led by our center not only showcased our commitment to entrepreneurship, but provided a platform where members from other entrepreneurship centers could collaborate with CCEI to shape our ecosystem’s future.

Here’s to a future brimming with innovative ideas and empowered entrepreneurs … We can’t wait to see what’s in store next year!