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Annual Business Conference Sessions

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Making the Next Big Step: is your business ready to expand?

Breakout Sessions 1

Speakers
  • Jakob Pallesen, MBA - SBDC Director

Taming the Comment Section: Smart Settings & Tools to Protect Your Brand

Breakout Sessions 1

Speakers
  • Mindy Southern - Director of Communications
Summary
Negative reviews and inappropriate comments can feel overwhelming for small businesses, but you don’t have to face them unprepared. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to take control of your online presence by setting up your Facebook and Instagram accounts with the right protections and tools. From filtering profanity and blocking keywords to leveraging Meta Business Suite for monitoring, scheduling, and responding, we’ll cover the practical steps you can put in place right away. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or team member, you’ll walk away with a toolkit of strategies to help you: Reduce the stress of managing negative comments and reviews. Protect your brand’s reputation by filtering out harmful content. Use Meta Business Suite features to streamline engagement and save time. Confidently respond when feedback, positive or negative, shows up on your page. This 45-minute session blends step-by-step instruction with real-world examples so you leave feeling equipped to manage your business’s social media like a pro.

Developing Workplace Stability

Breakout Sessions 1

Summary
Employee turnover is costly — but stability is within reach. The Workplace Stability program, offered through the Missouri Department of Social Services, is a research-based, interactive training designed to help employers support and retain under-resourced, entry-level, and low-wage employees. Through this workshop, employers will gain a clearer understanding of the daily challenges their workforce faces and learn proven strategies to strengthen stability, improve retention, and foster long-term growth. Participants will walk away with tools to: Reduce turnover and cut the costs of replacing employees Increase engagement and retention among staff Build a stronger, more supportive company culture Equip managers with practical onboarding and retention strategies If you’re looking to create a workplace where employees thrive and businesses succeed, this session is for you.

Cultivating Executive Presence

Breakout Sessions 1

Speakers
  • Marcus Truman - Owner Archangel Performance Coaching
Summary
Executive presence is not about a title. It is about how you show up, inspire confidence, and lead with impact. In this session, participants will explore the key elements of executive presence, from clear communication and professional image to confidence and authenticity. You will gain practical strategies to strengthen how others perceive you, improve your ability to influence, and develop the leadership qualities that set top professionals apart. Whether you are advancing in your career or sharpening your leadership style, this session will give you tools to command a room, build trust, and leave a lasting impression.

Conflict Resolution

Breakout Session 2

Speakers
  • Lindsey Huggins - Human Resources Generalist
Summary
Conflict is a natural part of any workplace, but how it is handled can either strengthen or weaken a team. This session will focus on practical strategies to recognize, address, and resolve conflict in ways that build understanding and collaboration. Participants will learn techniques for improving communication, managing emotions, and turning disagreements into opportunities for growth. By the end of the session, you will be better equipped to handle difficult conversations, reduce tension, and create a more positive and productive work environment.

Building a Business Worth Selling

Breakout Session 2

Speakers
  • Paul Meinsen, CFP® - Financial Advisor
  • Chase Busenbark - Broker
Summary
Every business owner needs to think about the future, whether that means passing the company on to the next generation, selling it, or simply creating long-term stability. How to Value a Business – Learn proven methods to understand what your business is really worth. How Banks Analyze a Business – Discover the criteria lenders use to evaluate risk and approve financing. Marketing a Business for Sale (While Keeping It Confidential) – Strategies to attract qualified buyers without disrupting operations. Why It’s Important to Use a Professional – How expert guidance can protect your interests and help you achieve the best outcome.

Maximizing Impact: Making Billboards, Radio, Digital, and Social Media Work Together

Breakout Session 2

Speakers
  • Luke Roussin
Summary
Your customers are everywhere, and your marketing should be too. This session will explore how to maximize impact by aligning your message across billboards, radio, digital, and social media. Learn how to create consistent campaigns that boost visibility, strengthen brand recognition, and deliver better results by making every channel work together.

QuickBooks Basics: Simple Tools for Your Business

Breakout Session 2

Summary
Keeping track of your business finances does not have to be overwhelming. This session introduces the basics of QuickBooks and shows how to use it as a powerful tool for managing income, expenses, and reporting.

Creating a Positive Workplace Culture

Breakout Session 3

Likes vs. Leads: Where Should Your Business Focus?

Breakout Session 3

Summary
We’ll explore the difference between social media marketing and digital marketing, and help you decide where your business should invest its time, energy, and resources. You’ll walk away with clarity on: The strengths of social media marketing: building community, increasing brand awareness, and engaging directly with customers. The power of digital marketing: using SEO, email campaigns, and paid ads to generate leads and drive conversions. How to evaluate your business goals and choose the strategy—or combination—that works best for you. Practical tools and examples to connect your marketing activity directly to growth. Through real-world examples and a short interactive exercise, you’ll learn how to align your marketing approach with your business goals.

Managing Burnout: Feeling Burnout in the Workplace

Breakout Session 3

Speakers
  • Davine Conover - Business Development Specialist
Summary
Workplace burnout is more than just feeling tired—it’s the emotional, mental, and physical toll of prolonged stress that can leave employees drained, disengaged, and struggling to perform. In this session, participants will learn how to recognize the key signs of burnout, explore root causes, and discover practical strategies for recovery and prevention. We’ll cover the 3 R’s Method (Recognize, Relieve, Recover), ways to evaluate goals and pressures, and techniques to set healthy boundaries. Participants will also explore tools for shifting negative thought patterns, embracing “white space” in their schedules, and building resilience through physical and mental wellness practices. By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with actionable steps to manage stress, seek support when needed, and foster healthier, more supportive work environments where both individuals and organizations can thrive.

Next Level Connections: An Interactive Session

Breakout Session 3

Speakers
  • Kendall Bourne
  • Emily Dodd
  • Julie Estes
Summary
Step into a high-energy session designed to spark collaboration, creativity, and new relationships. In this game-style experience, participants will work together to tackle thought-provoking challenges that highlight leadership, communication, and career growth. With a focus on teamwork and shared ideas, this session blends the fun of interactive play with the value of professional networking. Walk away with fresh insights, stronger connections, and a clearer path toward your next level of success.
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