For information on each speaker, click the speaker name.
Thursday, February 25
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8:00-10:00
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Conference Registration
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8:30-9:45
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Recipe for Business Success
Whether you are a well established company or start-up - this session is guaranteed to provoke strategic thinking throughout your organization. Many, if not most companies, no matter how successful or established, run out of balance. That lack of balance is either never addressed or dealt with only when the outcome is unbearable. The net cost to the organization is lost opportunity, and in some cases the demise of the business altogether. In this engaging program, you will explore the foundation of a complete business "Recipe." You will learn from Nelson's 30+ years of experience and you will be able to apply what you learn directly to your business.
Presented by: Curt Nelson, President & CEO, Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc.
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10:00-10:15
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Welcome!
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10:15-11:15
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Networking for Success
Networking is the primary need of small business startups, independent professionals and ongoing concerns - for short term survival and long term sustainability. It is attributed as the number one reason most companies are successful, and knowing how to do it the right way can increase your network, referrals and results significantly. But it’s more than just showing up for events. Networking in the most efficient way will skyrocket your sales, prospecting efforts and profits. In this inspiring keynote address, Al will share with you, easy-to-use tips and techniques on how to improve your networking skills instantly so you can Network for Success.
Presented by: Al Lautenslager, Principal, Market for Profits
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11:15-12:30
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Lunch
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12:30-1:30
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Necessity Entrepreneurship: You may have been pushed into it but you're going to love it!
Why are 530,000 new companies starting each and every month in U.S.? What is the appeal of working long hours, taking risks and pushing yourself to the limit? You hear about all the scary things associated with being self-employed come hear about the benefits of entrepreneurship. From taxes to trips, pay raises to partying, respect and rewards you'll come away amazed at the benefits of being an American entrepreneur!
Presented by: Maureen Collins-Williams, Director, UNI Regional Business Center & UNI Business Development and Incubation
|
Quit Competing on Price Alone: Creating the Value that Customers Will Pay!
Are you struggling with separating your company from your competition? Differentiating your company is one of the largest challenges you will face. How do some companies successfully address these challenges while others struggle?That is the question Jim Lobaito started asking years ago and went in pursuit of the answer. What he found was that some companies were just luckily unique. However, he also found companies without exclusive products that were equally as successful by applying principles that created sustainable long term value. In this session, learn and apply the 3 key principles behind value differentiation. Discover how real companies like yours can use these principles today to sell at higher margins!
Presented by: Jim Lobatio, Founder and President, The Performance Group
|
Understanding the ABCs of the XYZ Generations
We’ve all asked ourselves “what’s the matter with the kids today?” only to find that, at times, we are or have been “those kids”. Join Kris Jensen with Wisdom Worker Solutions in an interactive session to learn what creates the behavior of each generation, how each generation is currently reshaping the workplace and the best practices for leading this generational mix.
Presented by: Kris Jensen, Vice President - Corporate Services, Wisdom Worker Solutions
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1:30-2:00
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Networking Break - Exhibit Area
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2:00-3:00
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Selling Your Business Plan to A Lender
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Guerrilla Marketing
What to do if you aren’t sure how to put the marketing pieces together or can’t stay motivated and focused? Are you stretching your dollars to meet your commitments and wondering what can go and what must stay? The marketing strategies and tactics you have used in the past either don’t work or you feel the budget just won’t allow any more spending. But…you also know that if you don’t get the word out, you are not going to have the customers you need. Join national speaker, Al Lautenslager, to learn the secrets of Guerrilla Marketing, and learn tactics you can use to increase your sales in 30 days!
Presented by: Al Lautenslager, Principal, Market for Profits
|
Using Google (and the other search engines) to GROW your business
Search engines are now the number one source of information for Americans. It's the first place they go for everything, including looking for what your business has to offer. Learn how to use paid ads on Google and other search engines to generate additional revenue for your business. This workshop will cover specific strategies that will drive more customers to your website and ultimately lead to greater profitability. Presented with real life case studies, this workshop will cover many things you need to know to thrive in your market.
Presented by: Jason Trout, Founder, BlueBrain Consulting
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3:00-3:30
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Networking Break - Exhibit Area
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3:30-5:00
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The Biz Info Smorgasbord
Do you have business issues that wake you up in the middle of the night? Could you benefit from the guidance of an expert? The EntreFest! Smorgasbord is here to help! Get expert advice from an assortment of qualified specialists providing a buffet of business expertise in 12 different areas including, accounting, advertising, business planning, insurance, growth management, human resources, legal, market research, money issues, succession planning, technology, and taxes. These experts will offer you with some straight advice that may just help you sleep better!
Presented by: Iowa Service Providers
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5:00-7:00
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Reception
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Friday, February 26
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7:30-8:30
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Breakfast
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8:30-9:30
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Get Action - CONNECT to the Right Resources!
This session will drive your idea to success. Learn from someone who has been there about the value of connecting with the right resources at the right time.
Presented by: Jenny Condon, Director of Business Development, VentureNet Iowa
Presented by: Bob Rees, President, Bubble-Worm, LLC
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Using Facebook to Build Your Business
Facebook is a powerful platform for building an organic, grassroots community around your brand or organization. In this session we'll cover how to set up a Facebook Page, events, measurement of analytics and micro-targeted advertising opportunities.
Presented by: Nathan Wright, Founder, Lava Row
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Grow Your Business While You Sleep!
Join nationally acclaimed entrepreneur Susan Wilson Solovic as she shares key power strategies to help you leverage your personal power for great success. Discover how you may be sabotaging your own business and develop an action plan to make things happen. Like a wise and encouraging mentor, Solovic offers frank advice and hard -won lessons including how to:
- Think bigger and bolder.
- Hire the right people - and keep them, so you can manage for growth.
- Boost profits by taking financial risks.
- Learn how to take control of your time and still manage a successful business.
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9:45-10:45
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I Know I Can Do It - I Just Don't Know What 'It' Is!
You're ready to make the leap into entrepreneurship but well, you're just not sure what kind of business you should open. You're not alone- for many, finding a business idea is the greatest barrier to start up. In this session you'll learn how to select a business idea that makes sense for you and, we'll show you some of the best business ideas emerging in today's marketplace! If you a pre-venture entrepreneur, don't miss this session!
Presented by: Maureen Collins-Williams, Director, UNI Regional Business Center & UNI Business Development and Incubation
|
"Marry" the Right Customer - Marketing to Build Sustainable Loyalty & Profitable Relationships
Selecting the right person to marry is a process of time, understanding and trust. The same process should be applied to selecting your customers. The selection process involves a mutual trusting relationship based on value and expectations. Many businesses have the philosophy that customers choose the business… this session provides the key steps to focus more clearly on the profitable and loyal customers desired for businesses sustainability and growth.
Presented by: Marty Stratton, President, Strat Exe, Inc.
|
From Tweeting to Blogging - How to Harness the Power of Social Media
You can't avoid the frenzy of buzz about social media. But what does it actually mean to be a business owner? Should you be there? Where the heck is "there?" What are the dangers of not being there? Whether you're ready to explore dipping your toes into the social media waters or you want to dive in head first - this presentation is for you. Come learn about both the thrills and the threats of social media for today's business leader.
Presented by: Drew McLellan, Creator, McLellan Marketing Group
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10:45-11:15
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Networking Break-Exhibit Area
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11:15-12:15
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Successful Entrepreneur Panel
This year’s panel includes some surprising new business models, a basement entrepreneur doing good, (more then good!), a truly ‘social’ entrepreneur, and a seriously serial entrepreneur. Hear their stories and how these models might work for you!
Presented by: Janice Baldes, Founder, Bagolitas
Presented by: Zachary Mannheimer, Executive Director/Founder, The Des Moines Social Club
Presented by: Jane Whalen, President, Midwest Project Partners
|
Lions and Tigers and Employees - Oh My!
Yikes – you have 37 balls in the air and not enough hands to juggle them! Is now the time to hire? Is it as easy as just posting an ad? Once you hire, do you know what is required? And how do you handle those sticky situations that sometimes pop up with employees? If you’ve got staffing questions – this session is for you!
Presented by: Lori Day, President, FocusFirst, Inc.
|
Engaging Hearts & Minds: Motivating Yourself & Your Employees
Better business results require highly motivated employees. A highly motivated team of employees begins with leadership. Leaders set the tone!
This session will supply insight and action steps on:
- Removing barriers to employee motivation
- Creating employee autonomy and accountability...at the same time
- Why your leadership vision never makes it to the minds and hearts of your team
- Why you and your team can’t focus...and what it’s costing you
- How your leadership style can change employee motivation
- Why motivation isn’t “just” about costly incentives and pay
Presented by: Mike Wagner, President, White Rabbit Group
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12:30-1:00
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Lunch
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1:00-2:00
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The Keys to Building a Million Dollar Business
Whether you are just starting your own business or are an experienced entrepreneur looking to grow you business, Susan will show you how to meet and master the challenges of taking your business to the next level. She shares with you all the strategies and tools that will enable you to build your own million -dollar business!
Presented by: Susan Wilson Solovic, CEO, SBTV.com
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2:00-2:30
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Closing Remarks
Grand Prize Drawing
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For information on each speaker, click the speaker name.
Thursday, February 25
|
|
8:00-10:00
|
Conference Registration
|
|
8:30-9:45
|
Recipe for Business Success
Whether you are a well established company or start-up - this session is guaranteed to provoke strategic thinking throughout your organization. Many, if not most companies, no matter how successful or established, run out of balance. That lack of balance is either never addressed or dealt with only when the outcome is unbearable. The net cost to the organization is lost opportunity, and in some cases the demise of the business altogether. In this engaging program, you will explore the foundation of a complete business "Recipe." You will learn from Nelson's 30+ years of experience and you will be able to apply what you learn directly to your business.
Presented by: Curt Nelson, President & CEO, Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc.
|
|
10:00-10:15
|
Welcome!
|
|
10:15-11:15
|
Networking for Success
Networking is the primary need of small business startups, independent professionals and ongoing concerns - for short term survival and long term sustainability. It is attributed as the number one reason most companies are successful, and knowing how to do it the right way can increase your network, referrals and results significantly. But it’s more than just showing up for events. Networking in the most efficient way will skyrocket your sales, prospecting efforts and profits. In this inspiring keynote address, Al will share with you, easy-to-use tips and techniques on how to improve your networking skills instantly so you can Network for Success.
Presented by: Al Lautenslager, Principal, Market for Profits
|
|
11:15-12:30
|
Lunch
|
|
12:30-1:30
|
Necessity Entrepreneurship: You may have been pushed into it but you're going to love it!
Why are 530,000 new companies starting each and every month in U.S.? What is the appeal of working long hours, taking risks and pushing yourself to the limit? You hear about all the scary things associated with being self-employed come hear about the benefits of entrepreneurship. From taxes to trips, pay raises to partying, respect and rewards you'll come away amazed at the benefits of being an American entrepreneur!
Presented by: Maureen Collins-Williams, Director, UNI Regional Business Center & UNI Business Development and Incubation
|
Quit Competing on Price Alone: Creating the Value that Customers Will Pay!
Are you struggling with separating your company from your competition? Differentiating your company is one of the largest challenges you will face. How do some companies successfully address these challenges while others struggle?That is the question Jim Lobaito started asking years ago and went in pursuit of the answer. What he found was that some companies were just luckily unique. However, he also found companies without exclusive products that were equally as successful by applying principles that created sustainable long term value. In this session, learn and apply the 3 key principles behind value differentiation. Discover how real companies like yours can use these principles today to sell at higher margins!
Presented by: Jim Lobatio, Founder and President, The Performance Group
|
Understanding the ABCs of the XYZ Generations
We’ve all asked ourselves “what’s the matter with the kids today?” only to find that, at times, we are or have been “those kids”. Join Kris Jensen with Wisdom Worker Solutions in an interactive session to learn what creates the behavior of each generation, how each generation is currently reshaping the workplace and the best practices for leading this generational mix.
Presented by: Kris Jensen, Vice President - Corporate Services, Wisdom Worker Solutions
|
|
|
1:30-2:00
|
Networking Break - Exhibit Area
|
|
2:00-3:00
|
|
Selling Your Business Plan to A Lender
|
Guerrilla Marketing
What to do if you aren’t sure how to put the marketing pieces together or can’t stay motivated and focused? Are you stretching your dollars to meet your commitments and wondering what can go and what must stay? The marketing strategies and tactics you have used in the past either don’t work or you feel the budget just won’t allow any more spending. But…you also know that if you don’t get the word out, you are not going to have the customers you need. Join national speaker, Al Lautenslager, to learn the secrets of Guerrilla Marketing, and learn tactics you can use to increase your sales in 30 days!
Presented by: Al Lautenslager, Principal, Market for Profits
|
Using Google (and the other search engines) to GROW your business
Search engines are now the number one source of information for Americans. It's the first place they go for everything, including looking for what your business has to offer. Learn how to use paid ads on Google and other search engines to generate additional revenue for your business. This workshop will cover specific strategies that will drive more customers to your website and ultimately lead to greater profitability. Presented with real life case studies, this workshop will cover many things you need to know to thrive in your market.
Presented by: Jason Trout, Founder, BlueBrain Consulting
|
|
|
3:00-3:30
|
Networking Break - Exhibit Area
|
|
3:30-5:00
|
The Biz Info Smorgasbord
Do you have business issues that wake you up in the middle of the night? Could you benefit from the guidance of an expert? The EntreFest! Smorgasbord is here to help! Get expert advice from an assortment of qualified specialists providing a buffet of business expertise in 12 different areas including, accounting, advertising, business planning, insurance, growth management, human resources, legal, market research, money issues, succession planning, technology, and taxes. These experts will offer you with some straight advice that may just help you sleep better!
Presented by: Iowa Service Providers
|
|
5:00-7:00
|
Reception
|
|
|
Friday, February 26
|
|
7:30-8:30
|
Breakfast
|
|
8:30-9:30
|
|
Get Action - CONNECT to the Right Resources!
This session will drive your idea to success. Learn from someone who has been there about the value of connecting with the right resources at the right time.
Presented by: Jenny Condon, Director of Business Development, VentureNet Iowa
Presented by: Bob Rees, President, Bubble-Worm, LLC
|
Using Facebook to Build Your Business
Facebook is a powerful platform for building an organic, grassroots community around your brand or organization. In this session we'll cover how to set up a Facebook Page, events, measurement of analytics and micro-targeted advertising opportunities.
Presented by: Nathan Wright, Founder, Lava Row
|
Grow Your Business While You Sleep!
Join nationally acclaimed entrepreneur Susan Wilson Solovic as she shares key power strategies to help you leverage your personal power for great success. Discover how you may be sabotaging your own business and develop an action plan to make things happen. Like a wise and encouraging mentor, Solovic offers frank advice and hard -won lessons including how to:
- Think bigger and bolder.
- Hire the right people - and keep them, so you can manage for growth.
- Boost profits by taking financial risks.
- Learn how to take control of your time and still manage a successful business.
|
|
|
9:45-10:45
|
|
I Know I Can Do It - I Just Don't Know What 'It' Is!
You're ready to make the leap into entrepreneurship but well, you're just not sure what kind of business you should open. You're not alone- for many, finding a business idea is the greatest barrier to start up. In this session you'll learn how to select a business idea that makes sense for you and, we'll show you some of the best business ideas emerging in today's marketplace! If you a pre-venture entrepreneur, don't miss this session!
Presented by: Maureen Collins-Williams, Director, UNI Regional Business Center & UNI Business Development and Incubation
|
"Marry" the Right Customer - Marketing to Build Sustainable Loyalty & Profitable Relationships
Selecting the right person to marry is a process of time, understanding and trust. The same process should be applied to selecting your customers. The selection process involves a mutual trusting relationship based on value and expectations. Many businesses have the philosophy that customers choose the business… this session provides the key steps to focus more clearly on the profitable and loyal customers desired for businesses sustainability and growth.
Presented by: Marty Stratton, President, Strat Exe, Inc.
|
From Tweeting to Blogging - How to Harness the Power of Social Media
You can't avoid the frenzy of buzz about social media. But what does it actually mean to be a business owner? Should you be there? Where the heck is "there?" What are the dangers of not being there? Whether you're ready to explore dipping your toes into the social media waters or you want to dive in head first - this presentation is for you. Come learn about both the thrills and the threats of social media for today's business leader.
Presented by: Drew McLellan, Creator, McLellan Marketing Group
|
|
|
10:45-11:15
|
Networking Break-Exhibit Area
|
|
11:15-12:15
|
|
Successful Entrepreneur Panel
This year’s panel includes some surprising new business models, a basement entrepreneur doing good, (more then good!), a truly ‘social’ entrepreneur, and a seriously serial entrepreneur. Hear their stories and how these models might work for you!
Presented by: Janice Baldes, Founder, Bagolitas
Presented by: Zachary Mannheimer, Executive Director/Founder, The Des Moines Social Club
Presented by: Jane Whalen, President, Midwest Project Partners
|
Lions and Tigers and Employees - Oh My!
Yikes – you have 37 balls in the air and not enough hands to juggle them! Is now the time to hire? Is it as easy as just posting an ad? Once you hire, do you know what is required? And how do you handle those sticky situations that sometimes pop up with employees? If you’ve got staffing questions – this session is for you!
Presented by: Lori Day, President, FocusFirst, Inc.
|
Engaging Hearts & Minds: Motivating Yourself & Your Employees
Better business results require highly motivated employees. A highly motivated team of employees begins with leadership. Leaders set the tone!
This session will supply insight and action steps on:
- Removing barriers to employee motivation
- Creating employee autonomy and accountability...at the same time
- Why your leadership vision never makes it to the minds and hearts of your team
- Why you and your team can’t focus...and what it’s costing you
- How your leadership style can change employee motivation
- Why motivation isn’t “just” about costly incentives and pay
Presented by: Mike Wagner, President, White Rabbit Group
|
|
|
12:30-1:00
|
Lunch
|
|
1:00-2:00
|
The Keys to Building a Million Dollar Business
Whether you are just starting your own business or are an experienced entrepreneur looking to grow you business, Susan will show you how to meet and master the challenges of taking your business to the next level. She shares with you all the strategies and tools that will enable you to build your own million -dollar business!
Presented by: Susan Wilson Solovic, CEO, SBTV.com
|
|
2:00-2:30
|
Closing Remarks
Grand Prize Drawing
|
|