Vanessa McNeal, Speaker, Certified Life Coach, and Faculty at mindbodygreen Institute

The Readiness Myth
You've been waiting to feel ready—ready to take that leap, launch that idea, or claim the success you've earned—but what if that feeling of readiness you're chasing is actually the very thing keeping you stuck? Your biggest competition isn't in the marketplace, it's in your mind, where invisible forces quietly sabotage your potential before you even step into the arena. In this eye-opening keynote, you'll discover the surprising science behind why your brain keeps you waiting in the wings and learn to recognize the hidden patterns that masquerade as wisdom but are actually rooted in outdated survival mechanisms. Through a blend of neuroscience, compassionate insight, and real talk about the inner game we all play, you'll walk away with a radically different relationship to readiness itself—feeling lighter, more connected to your authentic power, and equipped with the permission you've been waiting for someone else to give you.

10:15 a.m. | Break

10:30 a.m. | Session One: Marketing & Media

Startup Track — Foundations: Brand Basics
From “what do I say?” to “here’s my pitch.” Clarify your brand identity, craft your origin story, and leave with foundational marketing pieces that make you findable and credible. Best for founders still shaping their offer and voice.

Panelists: Lexi Marek-Beeler, Ashley Craft, Lisa Taft, & Natalina Sents-Bausch

Scaling Track — Strategic Growth: Your Marketing Growth Playbook
Upgrade from ad-hoc marketing to a system. Learn how to evaluate hiring needs, set goals and budgets, and choose the right channels and materials for a scaling brand. Best for established businesses aiming to expand capacity and increase consistent demand.

Panelists: Amber Selman, Barb Determan, & Delaney Howell

11:15 a.m. | Session Two: Financial Literacy

Startup Track — Foundations: Ask the Expert: Risk & Reserves
Your capital roadmap, minus the jargon. Compare funding paths (banks, CDFIs, SBA, grants), build a simple ask, and leave with a lender checklist you can use immediately to be ‘lender-ready’. Plus, we will uncover insurance basics to cover your key exposures. We’ll also build a simple hiring model to decide if it’s time to bring someone on, including a clear ROI so you know when a new seat pays for itself. Best for side-hustlers and new businesses building their first financial toolkit.

Panelists: Jennifer Thomas, Melissa Johnson, & Emily Schwickerath

Scaling Track — Strategic Growth: Protecting your Business’s Values & Legacy
In this session, we will discuss not only the mechanics of succession planning but also the reasons why succession planning is critical, but often difficult to focus on.  We will delve into the process for business owners to develop their succession plans, with a focus on valuation and drivers of value.  Additionally, we will look at why having a well-funded plan in place can be critical for business owners.  This session will also cover the different types of buyers, such as family members, business insiders, and outside buyers, as well as the challenges and opportunities unique to each situation. Featuring insights from Nationwide’s Technical Director, Gail Brannock.

12:00 p.m. | Lunch & Lightning Resource Round

Lightning Resource Round
Refuel and connect over lunch while discovering powerful business resources available right here in Iowa and beyond. During this “speed-dating” style session, you’ll hear quick-hitting presentations from programs like the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Drake Business Clinic, Iowa Center for Economic Success, and more. In just a few minutes each, they’ll spotlight the tools, training, and opportunities they offer to help you grow and strengthen your business.

Presenter: Chase Spencer, Program Manager, Entrepreneurship Centers, Drake University
The Drake Business Clinic is an 11-week program designed for entrepreneurs who are just starting out or ready to take their business to the next level. Through a comprehensive, hands-on approach with weekly topics, mentorship, and a strong support community, the clinic helps business owners clarify ideas, solve problems, and build a solid foundation for growth.

Presenter: Jennifer Thomas, The Iowa Center for Economic Success

The Iowa Center is a non-profit dedicated to empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs across Iowa. Through the Women’s Business Center, we offer coaching, classes, programs, and networking events. Additionally, we also offer credit and lending programs, tax services, coaching, education, and access to capital so business owners can start, grow, and thrive. From one-on-one advising and workshops to micro-loans and tax assistance, our mission is to help Iowans build strong businesses and stronger communities.

Presenter: Jacki Boldt, Executive Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a national education program provided to small business owners focused on growth.  Iowa's 12-week program provides a best-in-class curriculum directly applicable to your business.  Through the program, you will work closely with other like-minded small business owners from across the state, experiencing the same challenges and focused on the same goals.  Additionally, business advisors provide individualized support and guidance throughout the entire program at no cost. 

1:00 p.m. | Session Three: Business Development

Startup Track — Foundations: She Means Business: Plan it, own it, celebrate it.

You don’t need a corporate title to run your business like a boss. At She Creates Rural, speaker Heather Gieseke is bringing the energy, the strategy, and the fun to help you set goals, build a pipeline, and stay motivated, without the anxiety and burnout. This session is packed with simple, tactical steps to grow your business and amplify your wins. Come ready to shift your mindset from surviving the work week to celebrating it, and leave with a roadmap that actually makes sense.

Insights from Heather Gieseke, Bounce Ag

Scaling Track — Strategic Growth: You’re Worth It! Making the Most Out of Your Business

There’s no magic formula for growth, but there are consistent actions that set successful businesses apart. Join Stacia Skinner, Founder of Creative Training Solutions, for a dynamic session designed to help you make the most of your business and strengthen your competitive edge.

You’ll learn how to elevate your customer relationships, replace “hopium” with real opportunities, and stay proactive instead of reactive. Most importantly, you’ll discover how to communicate the impact you bring, helping customers increase, decrease, or eliminate what truly drives their success.

Walk away with practical insights to sharpen your focus, boost your confidence, and grow your business with purpose.

Insights from Stacia Skinner, Creative Training Solutions

1:45 p.m. | Break

2:00 p.m. | Networking Roundtables

Moderated by Jennifer Simpson

3:15 p.m. | Fireside Chat

Charise Flynn, COO and Co-Founder of Hummingbirds

4:00 p.m. | Final Remarks