TODAY’S AGENDA
10:30AM - 11:00AM
Attract, Identify, and Grow: Automating Lead Generation
Liz Ferguson, ActiveCampaign
How can you save time and money in lead generation? By elevating your strategy with insights that matter. Learn how to collect valuable interest and behavioral data to gain profound insights into your audience. This session will guide you in leveraging contact information to effectively identify new business and prioritize the most impactful marketing channels through automation— saving you from unnecessary trial and error.
W Proven Landscaping Strategies for a Stunning Outdoor Space
Tom Marsan, Beverly Companies
First impressions are everything! Join us for a dynamic workshop led by an industry expert, where you’ll uncover essential strategies to create lasting impressions. Your journey to outdoor excellence starts here!
W Crucial Tax Tips for Entrepreneurs Starting and Operating a Business
Christine Footit, IRS
Tired of being a backseat driver with your small business taxes? It’s time to take the wheel! Join us to revolutionize your tax handling with expert strategies and insider tips. Navigate tax challenges with confidence and steer your business toward a profitable, tax-trouble-free future!
(Booth 606) Exhibitor Hall
W Get Your Piece of $1.3 Billion in Government Money!
Richard L. Martinez, Jr., Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)
Tired of being a backseat driver with your small business taxes? It’s time to take the wheel! Join us to revolutionize your tax handling with expert strategies and insider tips. Navigate tax challenges with confidence and steer your business toward a profitable, tax-trouble-free future!
10:40AM - 11:00AM
Meet-Up
11:00AM - 11:20AM
Real Estate, Finance, Investors Industry Meet-Up
11:00AM - 11:45AM
11:15AM - 11:45AM
W Engagement & Growth: Owning Your Customer Base
Liz Ferguson, ActiveCampaign
Congratulations — you’ve gained a new customer! Now, let’s turn that moment into a strategic opportunity. In this session, we’ll share the power of data-driven insights to identify and engage customers effectively and explore strategies for re-engaging them to foster continued growth in your business. This session is your guide to turning every customer interaction into a meaningful and prosperous relationship.
W Get Your Products into Walmart
Scott Gutche, Walmart Inc.
Luke Schneider, Fire Department Coffee Inc.
Jeff Klimkowski, DUDE Wipes
Get your products on shelves at America’s largest retailer: Walmart! Come learn how to navigate their Open Call process with confidence.
W Corporate Transparency Act: How to Comply with New Federal Reporting Law on Beneficial Ownership
David King, FinCEN & Phil Lam, FinCEN
Please join FinCEN, a bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department, to learn more about new beneficial ownership information reporting requirements, which companies will need to file, how to file, and where to find resources to simplify compliance.
11:15AM - 11:45AM
W Are Your Documents and Data Putting Your Business At Risk?
Jim Lekovich, Iron Mountain
Join us for this can’t-miss workshop where we’ll unravel the mysteries of managing your documents and data and empower you to take control with confidence.
11:20AM - 11:40AM
Social Media, Marketing, Advertising, PR Industry Meet-Up
11:40AM - 12:00PM
Web Services, Apps, IT, Software, Technology Industry Meet-Up
12:00PM - 12:45PM Speed Networking Session
12:00PM - 12:45PM
FEATURED KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Unlock Small Business Success: Insights from Local Amazon Selling Partners
Abby Malchow, Amazon
Join us for an exclusive panel discussion moderated by Abby Malchow, Manager of Small Business Partnerships & Education at Amazon. Hear firsthand from two thriving Chicago-based small business owners as they share their entrepreneurial journeys. Featured Panelists: Robin Schulze, Owner, Brasstache LLC, & Jay Gonzalez, Founder & CEO, Selsela
Learn how these experienced small business owners grew and scaled their brands by leveraging Amazon. Discover the steps they took, the challenges they overcame, and the strategies that led to their success. This in-depth discussion will provide valuable insights for any small business owner interested in selling in Amazon’s store. You’ll also get tips and tricks for making the most of Amazon’s suite of resources and programs tailored to support small business growth. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain actionable advice from seasoned entrepreneurs. Register now to secure your spot!
1:00PM - 1:30PM
W Customer Advocacy: Empowering Your Superfans
Liz Ferguson, ActiveCampaign
Elevate your marketing strategy by discovering how a super fans can be more than just an enthusiastic customer – they can be a strategic asset for your business. In this session, we will discuss the art of identifying and empowering these super fans to become advocates for your brand.
W Should You Expand by Franchising?
Emiliano Jöcker, iFranchise Group
Expand through replication! Get information to determine if your business is franchisable, the process of franchising, legal requirements, quality control, best practices, costs, and potential returns. You’ll even learn about other growth strategies, in case franchising isn’t for you.
W Thriving Through Turmoil: Five (5) Strategies to Recession-Proof Your Business
Kirsten Elise Dunn, Recession Proof Collective
This workshop, presented by the Recession Proof Collective, equips businesses with actionable strategies to navigate economic uncertainty. Learn to diversify revenue, strengthen finances, prioritize customers, and innovate for resilience. This session, led by industry experts, provides invaluable insights tailored to your business stage, helping you adapt and emerge stronger.
W Secrets of Top Sales Producers
Philip Krone, Productive Strategies Inc.
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What do the top 20% of B2B and B2G sales people do that others don’t? Find out here and transform your entire team into a sales machine!
1:00PM - 1:20PM
Keynote Theatre
1:00PM - 1:45PM
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1:20PM - 1:40PM
1:40PM - 2:00PM
1:45PM - 2:30PM FEATURED KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
K From Shark Tank to Top Tycoon: Navigating the Waters of Entrepreneurship
2:45PM - 3:15PM
W Merchant Services – Accepting Card Payments From Your Customers
Tracy Oliver, Wells Fargo
Merchant card services offer a range of options that enables businesses to accept and process payments made via credit and debit cards. These services are essential for businesses wanting to offer their customers the convenience of paying with cards, either in-person, online, or over the phone.
Jay Kriner, Entrepreneur featured on Shark Tank 3:30PM - 4:00PM
Join Shark Tank alum Jay Kriner on his entrepreneurial journey from pitching a beverage-holding belt buckle to becoming a celebrated serial entrepreneur and author. Gain insights into engaging investors, captivating audiences, and turning ideas into viable ventures. Learn essential strategies for starting or growing a business, from leveraging media exposure to scaling diverse ventures. This session will inspire you to channel your inner shark, offering knowledge and inspiration for pursuing your business dreams with confidence.
2:00PM - 2:45PM
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2:45PM - 3:15PM
W Automate to Captivate: Building and Engaging Your Customer Base with Marketing Automation
Liz Ferguson, ActiveCampaign
As a marketer, your goal is to guide the customer through each stage of the customer journey, providing the right information and experiences to move them towards a purchase and beyond. Join this session as we discuss ways to reliably attract new followers and convert them into fans, engage your audience, and easily identify super fans to advocate for you.
W How to Get Booked & Paid to Speak® as a Small Business Owner!
Brittany Richmond, The Speaker Lab
Ready to learn the exact system thousands of speakers use to get paid speaking gigs? Here’s your chance! Whether you’ve ever stepped foot on a stage or not, don’t miss out on this surefire way to boost your brand and reach more people.
W Cybersecurity Made Easy: Protecting Hybrid Work with ITsavvy
Timothy Connley, Cisco
Organizations must prioritize their critical information assets. Powered by Cisco, a conversation with IT Solutions provider and Cisco Partner, ITsavvy, about how SMBs can secure their employees, information, and devices no matter where they work.
EVENT BADGES
Upgrade Your Badge in our Registration Area or the App
Pavilion (Booth 606)
W Proven and Effective Cybersecurity Solutions for Any Size Budget!
Frank Stephens, Computing Technology Solutions
Fortune 500 companies spend millions of dollars on cyber protection yet they have breaches on a DAILY basis. Malicious hackers know that small businesses have small to limited budgets to prevent a cyber attack. You are a target and we have solutions!
W Get the Bank to say YES
Yusef Muhammad, SCORE
Find out what bankers think when they see your business plan and loan application. Learn about funding sources, the six Cs of credit, banking relations, and more.
W The Delegation Advantage: How to Stay in Your Genius Zone and Grow Your Business
Gwendolyn Young, Your Virtual Admin Expert
Overwhelmed with tasks pulling you away from your core strengths? Want to scale your business without burning out? Join “The Delegation Advantage” workshop to reclaim your time, reduce stress, and confidently grow your business.
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