MOBFEST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Interested in participating in MOBFEST™?

Complete the form to be considered. A member of our team will follow up with selected brands.

PARTICIPATION DEADLINES

Early Bird Application Deadline: July 19, 2026
General Application Deadline: August 29, 2026

Once approved, you have seven (7) days to submit payment. Please note that your spot at MOBFEST™ is not reserved until payment has been received.

PARTICIPATION INVESTMENT

Early Bird Investment
$150 – Authors/Nonprofit Organizations (501(c)(3) only)
$250 – General Brands (Product/Service)
$300 – Food Trucks

Standard Investment (After Early Bird)
$200 – Authors/Nonprofit Organizations (501(c)(3) only)
$300 – General Brands (Product/Service)
$350 – Food Trucks

Optional Add-On
+$250 – Sponsorship Opportunity (for enhanced visibility and brand positioning). Enhance your visibility and expand your reach with a MOBFEST™ sponsorship. Sponsoring brands receive additional recognition and promotional opportunities before and during the event, including placement on select marketing materials, event signage, and digital platforms.

+$50 - Mobfest™ Swag Bag

Selection & Participation Process

Complete the MOBFEST™ Participation Form on this page.
The MOBFEST™ team will review all submissions and notify selected participating brands.
Approved brands will receive a participation agreement for review and signature.
Once the agreement is fully executed, an invoice will be issued for payment.
After payment is confirmed, a MOBFEST™ representative will follow up with next steps regarding event details, planning, and setup.

PARTICIPATION EXPECTATION

By submitting this form, participating brands acknowledge that MOBFEST™ is designed as an immersive experience centered on Black ownership, entrepreneurship, and community.

Brands are encouraged to engage with attendees beyond transactions—sharing experiences, insights, and encouragement when appropriate—to help create an environment where attendees leave inspired, informed, and empowered.

Examples may include demonstrations, tastings, consultations, customizations, hands-on activities, workshops, live recordings, content creation stations, creative installations, and interactive experiences related to beauty, wellness, food and beverage, fashion, art, and professional services.

We're NOT asking you to become a coach or consultant—simply to contribute to an environment where people leave informed, encouraged, and empowered. This expectation reflects the spirit of MOBFEST™ and applies to all approved participating brands.

EVENT DATE

September 12, 2026

Bowie, Maryland

GENERAL INFORMATION

MOBFEST™ is a one day cultural and economic experience designed to strengthen the ecosystem that helps businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, creators, and communities thrive.

Hosted by Mob the Block, MOBFEST™ combines education, shopping, networking, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and community engagement into one immersive experience where ownership is visible, accessible, and celebrated.
MOBFEST™ is powered by Mob the Block, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing visibility, opportunity, and economic growth for small businesses.

Over the past year, Mob the Block has:

Generated more than 2 million digital impressions

Supported more than 30 businesses

Raised over $18,000 in six days to help save a local business

Mobilized hundreds of community members across the DMV
MOBFEST™ will take place on:

Saturday, September 12, 2026

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Hosted at Howard University in Washington, DC

Presented by Howard University + PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship
MOBFEST™ isn't just a vendor market or conference.

It brings together entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporations, nonprofit organizations, students, investors, professionals, and consumers in one place to create real opportunities for visibility, collaboration, education, and economic growth.

It's where business meets culture.
MOBFEST™ is for:

Authors

Entrepreneurs

Small business owners

Creators

Artists

Professionals

Students

Aspiring business owners

Families

Community leaders

Consumers who love supporting local businesses

Whether you're launching a business or looking to discover new brands, MOBFEST™ has something for you.
Yes.

MOBFEST™ welcomes families and attendees of all ages.
There is no formal dress code.

Come comfortable attire, along with comfortable shoes since you'll be exploring the marketplace and participating in activities throughout the day.
Yes. Students are encouraged to attend MOBFEST™ to gain exposure to entrepreneurship, ownership, career pathways, and real-world business experiences.
Yes. Nonprofit organizations can participate as vendors, partners, or sponsors depending on their level of involvement. MOBFEST™ welcomes mission-driven organizations that support community development and economic empowerment.
Yes. If you're interested in becoming a MobFest Brand Ambassador, please complete the Brand Ambassador application. Brand Ambassadors will assist with event operations, guest experience, and programming. If your application is approved, you'll be notified with next steps and additional information.
MOBFEST™ curates speakers based on alignment with entrepreneurship, ownership, innovation, and economic empowerment. Individuals interested in speaking can submit their information through our official Speaker/Press form for consideration.
Mob the Block offers ongoing opportunities for collaboration through visibility campaigns, community activations, business support initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Interested organizations and individuals can connect with our team through our website.

TICKETS

Yes.

All attendees must register in advance.
The MOBFEST™ Marketplace and educational breakout sessions are free and open to all attendees.

For guests seeking an elevated MOBFEST™ experience, the Founder's Lounge Pass is available for purchase and provides exclusive access to more intimate conversations and networking opportunities with our Main Stage and educational breakout session speakers.
General Ticket includes access to:

Marketplace

Main Stage programming

Breakout Sessions

Entertainment

Food vendors

Author experiences

(Some experiences may require an upgraded pass.)
Take your MOBFEST™ experience to the next level.

The Founder's Lounge Pass provides exclusive access to the MOBFEST™ Founder's Lounge, where guests will have the opportunity to engage in more intimate conversations with our Main Stage and breakout session speakers.

While all MOBFEST™ educational breakout sessions are free and open to attendees, the Founder's Lounge is the only premium experience offered during the event. Designed to foster meaningful connections and authentic conversations, the lounge creates a unique environment for networking, collaboration, and relationship building.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, student, professional, or aspiring founder, the Founder's Lounge offers an opportunity to connect more deeply with the people, ideas, and opportunities shaping the culture of ownership.

Cost: $50

VENDORS

Complete the vendor application.

Applications will be reviewed by the MOBFEST™ team and follow up with selected businesses.
Early Bird Application Deadline: July 19, 2026
General Application Deadline: August 29, 2026

Once approved, you have seven (7) days to submit payment. Please note that your spot at MOBFEST™ is not reserved until payment has been received.
Once approved, you have seven (7) days to submit payment. Please note that your spot at MOBFEST™ is not reserved until payment has been received.
Each standard vendor space includes:

One 6-foot table

Two chairs
No.

Each booth is reserved for one approved business to ensure a diverse marketplace and provide equal opportunities for all participants.
No.

Vendor fees are non-refundable.
Yes.

All vendors must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before the event.

Certificate of Insurance (Required for All Vendors) – Due by August 31, 2026

All vendors must submit a valid certificate of insurance (COI) listing Howard University as an additional insured prior to participating in MOBFEST™.

Food and beverage vendors will be required to obtain all permits, licenses, and approvals required by Howard University and the applicable health department. We are currently working with Howard University to confirm the applicable guidelines and will provide updated information as soon as it becomes available.
Only approved food vendors may sell food or beverages. No outside is permitted.

Food vendors must also comply with all Prince George's County Health Department requirements.

If you are a food/beverage vendor you must obtain a one day Temporary Food Service Facility Permit for any single-day event. You must apply at least 14 business days before the event per Prince George's County Health Department.
The following items may not be sold:

Alcohol

Tobacco products

Illegal substances

Firearms or weapons

Counterfeit merchandise

Any item prohibited by Bowie State University or local regulations
Approved vendors will receive instructions, arrival times, parking information, and event logistics approximately two weeks before MOBFEST™.

PROGRAMMING, EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITY

The Founder's Lounge Pass provides exclusive access to the MOBFEST™ Founder's Lounge, where guests will have the opportunity to engage in more intimate conversations with our Main Stage and breakout session speakers.
Writers Block is a curated literary experience within MOBFEST™ that highlights authors, publishers, and storytellers. It provides a dedicated space for book showcasing, storytelling, and connection between writers and readers.
Yes! MOBFEST™ will feature educational breakout sessions designed to provide valuable insights, resources, and strategies for entrepreneurs, creators, professionals, and aspiring founders. These sessions are free and open to all attendees, offering opportunities to learn from experienced business leaders, industry experts, and community builders.

Hotel & Travel

We are currently working with nearby hotels to secure discounted room blocks for attendees and guests.

Please check back soon for updates.
Howard University does not offer designated parking for MOBFEST™ attendees. However, street parking is available throughout the surrounding area. We encourage guests to arrive early and allow additional time to find parking.

Event Policies

No Outside food and beverages is permitted.
Yes.

By attending MOBFEST™, you consent to photography and video recording that may be used for promotional purposes.
Only service animals are permitted.
MOBFEST™ will take place rain or shine unless conditions create a safety concern.
Our team is happy to help.

Please contact us at info@mobtheblock.org, and we'll respond as soon as possible.