EntreFest! 2008 has come and gone, but definitely made its mark on small business owners and budding entrepreneurs from all across Iowa. Well over 200 people packed the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls during the two-day event, mingling with and learning from each other.  Energetic, enlightening speakers covered a variety of topics significant to today’s business owners. Participants were enthusiastic about the messages received from the two dynamic keynote speakers. And attendance at the pre-conference eBay workshop was standing room only (until we switched rooms!), with over 60 participants learning how to incorporate eBay sales into their business.

Thursday night’s networking reception, complete with a live band and hors d'oeuvres created from Iowa products, helped attendees wind down from their exciting day. After the reception, EntreFest! participants could also enjoy a night on the town with shuttles to the area’s unique eateries, pubs and entertainment. 

Thursday’s energy and excitement spilled into Friday as entrepreneurs continued to network with one another, attend more informative sessions and, in a special hour-long session, meet with specialists in finance, law, health care, marketing and other key business development areas for on-the-spot advice. Capping off the two-day event was the announcement of the winner of the $10,000 market research award, as well as a drawing for great prizes including a brand-new Dell laptop, an iPod and a few surprises. EntreFest! 2008 wrapped up with the BANG with a confetti cannon send-off, and an invitation for all to attend next year’s event.

Don’t miss out! Next year promises to provide even more great sessions and surprises. Be sure to check back often for details about EntreFest 2009! Plus, be on the lookout for EntreBash!, a series of local networking events in your own backyard, to be rolled out throughout 2008.

Looking for the Session PowerPoints?
Click here.

See what happened at EntreFest! 2008
in our photo gallery.