Loading…
or to register for this event.

Add sessions to your personal schedule to register your attendance (Check-In).

Monday, March 10
 

5:00pm MDT

Kick Off Social (Offsite)
Monday March 10, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Join us for our kick off social to meet fellow attendees, volunteers, and the community. We'll also hear from two local entrepreneurs about their journey and how they've navigated the challenges of founding and growing their business.

Kick Off Social takes place downtown at the Visit Fort Collins Welcome Center on Mountain Ave. We recommend parking in the garage across the street.
Moderators
avatar for Jana Sanchez

Jana Sanchez

Chief Alchemist, Alchemy With Words
Jana Sanchez has been helping companies get results for more than 20 years. With an extensive background in organizational management, marketing, and facilitation, she helps companies get clarity to know where they need to go, and which tools will get them there. She’s an entrepreneur... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Dain Johnson

Dain Johnson

Engineer-turned-Psychologist, Rev 0 LLC
Dain Johnson is an engineer-turned-psychologist who coaches technical experts to become high-performing organizational leaders. Dain spent ten years working on and leading high-tech projects destined for the ocean floor to the lunar surface before becoming a leadership coach. He began... Read More →
avatar for Jamie Blanchard-Poling

Jamie Blanchard-Poling

Founder/Owner, Compost Queen PBC
Jamie Blanchard-Poling is the founder and owner of Compost Queen PBC, located in Fort Collins. Jamie's desire to create a better environment through sustainability has led her to be an entreprenuer, educator, sustainability expert, and expert certified composter (CCOM). She started... Read More →
Monday March 10, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Visit Fort Collins Welcome Center [Offsite]
 
Tuesday, March 11
 

8:30am MDT

Coffee
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

8:30am MDT

Registration
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Entrance 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

8:30am MDT

Business Resource Hub
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:30am - 4:30pm MDT
Visit local businesses, discover community resources, and enjoy coffee.
Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:30am - 4:30pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

9:00am MDT

Unlocking Peak Performance: Strategies for Thriving in Business & Life
Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
You've read the books... heard the speakers... met with the consultants... but you sense there's got to be more - less theories and more real-world guidance. You're seeking practical, evidence-based strategies you and your team can integrate to boost not only your entrepreneurial pursuits but also personal outcomes. This is it.

While "resilience" gets the headlines, the real opportunity for business owners & leaders exists through application of the fMT Strategic Model of High Performance. Developed by Dr. Cooper as part of his PhD work, the fMT (functional mental toughness) Model uncovers social media mental toughness myths and shifts the focus toward real world approaches any business leader can integrate. Attendees will garner a clear understanding of the fMT bank, its drivers, and the practical steps available to enhance both individual & organizational peak performance.

Integrating stories from his 19 years as a business owner, elite masters athlete (winner of Race Across America cycling race, 11X Ironman including 4x at World Championship and national class runner) and his academic research, you'll learn how you and your team members can bolster your outcomes in any area of work or life.
Speakers
avatar for Brad Cooper

Brad Cooper

CEO, Catalyst Coaching
Dr. Cooper is CEO of Catalyst Coaching, a Fort Collins-based firm founded in 2007 to provide best-in-class, health, wellness & performance coaching for organizations nationwide. He has spoken professionally in all 50 states and across Europe, is host of the popular Catalyst 360 podcast... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Thematic Keynote
  • format csv

10:00am MDT

AI for Beginners: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence for Small Businesses and Non-Profits SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Summary:
This session provides an accessible introduction to AI, breaking down complex concepts into practical, real-world applications for small businesses, solopreneurs, and non-profits. Attendees will learn how AI can help automate routine tasks, improve customer service, enhance marketing efforts, and optimize fundraising, all while saving time and resources. With examples of affordable, easy-to-use tools, this session empowers participants to confidently begin incorporating AI into their operations, regardless of technical expertise. By the end, attendees will understand the fundamentals of AI and how it can transform their organizations.
Speakers
avatar for Beth Bostwick

Beth Bostwick

Serial Entrepreneur, Mainn
Beth Bostwick has experience in large organizations as well as the startup space in Silicon Valley. She cofounded, built and exited an early SaaS company that transformed the food service and vending industry. She is also a published co-author. Her book, You Can Choose, is a collection... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:00am MDT

Winning with Clarity: How to Stop Confusing Your Customers and Start Building Trust SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Brands of all kinds struggle to build trust and demonstrate authority to their customers, but in today’s crowded digital era, this is more important than ever. Effective communication about your products, services, or organization is what sets you apart from your competitors.

The human brain is drawn to CLARITY and away from confusion. Most organizations are confusing their customers, and they don’t even know it, causing them to lose sales, and donations, or be passed up by their competition. In this session, Ian will teach you how to tell your story using the StoryBrand framework, giving you the tools to clarify your message and get your customers, donors, event attendees, or audience to respond.
You will walk away with a plan to effectively communicate about your organization and be able to start applying what you have learned that day.
Speakers
avatar for Ian Stewart

Ian Stewart

Build Trust. Demonstrate Authority., Whole Brand Agency
With a team of experienced professionals, Ian Stewart supports local and national businesses in crafting branding, messaging strategies, and content to build client trust, demonstrate authority, and increase online visibility to generate leads and drive conversations. As the founder... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:00am MDT

Creating stock for successful grant writing SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
competing for grant funding is highly competitive. You can set your organization up for success by developing quality stock. In this case, stock is a supply of writing and documents accumulated for future use. When seeking support from family foundations, corporations, and government grantors, nonprofit organizations can greatly increase their capacity to respond to funding opportunities by building up their stock.

Easy-to-use stock is boilerplate language for frequently-posed questions, a cover letter, a program budget and additional required attachments. For nonprofit organizations that are new to grant writing, the Colorado Common Grant Application (CCGA) is the optimal starting point. Ashley Kasprzak will refer to the CCGA and share what funders expect when evaluating requests for support. She will help you and your organization become better prepared to respond to grant opportunities.
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Kasprzak

Ashley Kasprzak

Partner for Purpose, Ashley Kasprzak Consulting, LLC
Ashley Kasprzak believes that creative people make our community more interesting and unified. Artists are as valuable to community as business leaders, professionals and service workers. They can benefit from residency programs and to often do not apply. Ashley wants to artists thrive... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:00am MDT

From Plans to Progress: Unlocking Strategic Planning through Action-Packed “Strategic Doing” SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Tired of plans that collect dust? This session dives into the art of Strategic Doing—a dynamic, action-oriented approach to strategic planning that moves beyond rigid frameworks. Participants will explore how technology and AI can enhance the planning process by increasing efficiency, streamlining decision-making, and strengthening alignment. Through creative challenges and collaborative exercises, attendees will learn to build agile strategies, leverage AI for data-driven insights, and pivot quickly in response to change. By harnessing tech tools and innovation, participants will leave with practical strategies to involve their teams, sustain momentum, and turn plans into real-world results.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Toll

Rebecca Toll

Co-Founder + Consultant, Periscope Theory, LLC
Rebecca has dedicated her life and career to spanning boundaries across issues, geography, and sectors. Her portfolio includes business development and revitalization projects, securing funding for capital improvements and programmatic needs, strengthening state and local government... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:00am MDT

Steps to Starting a Nonprofit SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Do you want to form your own nonprofit but don’t know where to start? In this session we will walk through all the steps to file the paperwork to obtain your 501c3 tax-exempt status. Learn how to meet all the requirements for the 1023 application.

Learn the elements of a healthy nonprofit
Clarify your vision and mission
Draft and file the Articles of Incorporation
Determine your Bylaws and establish your Board of Directors
Speakers
avatar for Kim Fisher

Kim Fisher

Nonprofit Strategist, Vision Catalyst
Kim Fisher is the CEO of Vision Catalyst. She specializes in creating and implementing infrastructure for nonprofit start-ups. Kim does everything from completing the IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit application requirements, to board training and development.Kim has over 30 years-experience... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  NonProfit Track
  • format csv

10:00am MDT

Roots of Resilience: 3 Key Relationships for the Well-Balanced Entrepreneur SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
In the demanding world of entrepreneurship, success isn't just about business metrics—it's about maintaining balance, mental health, and a strong support system. This presentation explores three crucial relationships that serve as the roots of an entrepreneur's resilience: the Mentor, the Spouse/Life Partner, and the Best Friend. Discover how nurturing these key connections can help you stay grounded, supported, and mentally healthy while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Speakers
avatar for Kathy Rushing

Kathy Rushing

Founder, Lodestar Relationship Coaching
Kathy Rushing, M.S. helps couples build strong, lasting marriages, with a special focus on entrepreneurial couples. She founded Lodestar Relationship Coaching in 2023 to guide couples through life's challenges. Kathy's secret sauce? She combines 30 years of experience as a Marriage... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:00am MDT

How to Tell Your Brand's Story Like Netflix SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT
In this session, participants will learn how to repeatedly capture their audiences' attention through powerful Netflix-style video storytelling.

Brandon, a former television editor and producer for Netflix, History Channel, and FOX will teach the fundamentals of what makes engaging video content and how to translate that to your own brand.

During the session, Brandon will guide participants using their own smart phones through the process of capturing and creating engaging content that builds brands and grows client base.

Workshop / Session Breakdown:

I. How to Entertain an Audience (Even if you're not an extravert)
In a series of short and fun exercises, Brandon will demonstrate how easy it is for session participants to capture brand stories like storytellers working on the most captivating films and tv series.

For example, Brandon will break down the anatomy of the session participants' favorite films, so that they can see WHY they're entertaining. He will then translate these principles into easy to implement steps that participants can use to tell their own brand stories with little to no budget.

II. The Minimum Viable Equipment Needed
This part of the session will go over the bare minimum equipment needed to tell high quality stories, and what the most important things to focus on are. For example, Brandon will cover how to shoot cinematic content on a smart phone, what affordable, but good investments can be made for sound and light. And how to design equipment around your own storytelling style (and how to keep equipment from getting in the way of the story).

III. The Three Essential Videos Every Brand Needs
In this session Brandon will help participants cut through the noise and focus on the main fundamental videos that every brand needs to succeed.

IV. Make A Video
In the final part of the session, Brandon will have the audience pair off and film with each other, applying the information learned.
Speakers
avatar for Brandon Wasserburger

Brandon Wasserburger

Founder and Creative Director, Fire Tribe
Brandon started making videos on his dad's VHS camera telling stories about giants and G.I. Joes, many years later he would be working on some of the biggest hit series on History Channel, HGTV and Netflix.After creating pure escapism for millions of viewers across the country, Brandon... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track, Workshop

10:45am MDT

Morning Break SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:45am MDT

Quiet Room: Recharge In The Park - Day 1
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 4:00pm MDT
Recharge In The Park is a space dedicated to recharging your energy levels as you charge your electronic devices. Walking into this relaxing space, you'll notice plants, nature sounds, comfy places to sit, and phone chargers. You'll be invited to silence your devices, sit quietly, and just breathe. A table will be set up with additional relaxation tools such as journal prompts, essential oils, magazines/books, herbal tea, and community resources to support your mental health.

This space is perfect for those who may need some quiet, non-talking time to recharge and rebalance their nervous systems so they can continue enjoying an otherwise high-energy conference.
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 4:00pm MDT
Art Studio 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

11:15am MDT

Strengthen the Bones of Your Business SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
When we started our business, we filed our Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation. Getting tax numbers and bank accounts was next and away we went. As we go forward, it is important to protect the owners of the company, as well as the owners know the tools of ownership. These are outlined in our ownership documents of an operating agreement, bylaws, or shareholder agreements. It is time to update to take the next step in growing your business. Join this session to feel confident with your ownership documents and how they interact with your Articles.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Hanning

Brian Hanning

Hanning Law Ltd., Hanning Law
Brian Hanning is the attorney owner of Hanning Law Limited, a law firm serving Northern Colorado. Hanning Law is focused on assisting small businesses with their legal structure, contract, and intellectual property. Brian volunteers with Colorado Attorneys for the Arts and local Small... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

11:15am MDT

Building Trust to Achieve Big Outcomes SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Trust based philanthropy was one positive outcome of the COVID pandemic, where grant makers extended flexibility to nonprofits as we all adapted to challenging circumstances. The trust placed in us during that period allowed us to focus on the big picture, rethink our roles, and make investments in long-term outcomes rather than short-term outputs. The result was more durable solutions, driven by the communities we serve. Why is this not the norm? In this presentation I'll share why it should be and how we can get there.
Speakers
avatar for Sebastian Africano

Sebastian Africano

Executive Director, Trees, Water & People
Sebastian has worked for Trees, Water & People for 20 years, including the last seven as executive director. During this last period his primary focus has been creatively improving the viability of nonprofit careers by reducing friction in the nonprofit workplace, from both internal... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

11:15am MDT

What Makes an Event go from Good to Great? SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Learn from some of NoCo's premier event coordinators how they have built highly effective and profitable events that people are excited to attend. Our panel represents a cross section of widely different but effective events and will be sharing tips and strategies with the audience.
Moderators
avatar for Alex Koenigsberg

Alex Koenigsberg

Fundraising, Philanthropy, Biz Dev, Arula
Alex founded Arula Fundraising in 2019 and grew the company to eight staff before making it an employee-owned company. He co-founded 1+ to help people start and administer philanthropic foundations. Alex also serves as the Business Development Officer for Quorum Prosthetics, the country's... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Susan McKenzie

Susan McKenzie

Fundraising & Development Manager, Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy
Susan McKenzie is a seasoned event planner and fundraising expert with a profound impact on the nonprofit sector. She brings over 15 years of experience in designing and executing large-scale events that elevate brand presence and foster community engagement. Her career has been defined... Read More →
avatar for Kaitlin Bjork

Kaitlin Bjork

Development Director, Respite Care, Inc.
Kaitlin joined the Respite Care team in November of 2021. She oversees all fund development and relationship building activities in the community. She also manages the Development Team and the planning and execution of all fundraising and donor events to support Respite Care’s work... Read More →
avatar for Abbi Lockner

Abbi Lockner

Development Manager, Respite Care Inc., Respite Care Inc.
Abbi has been at Respite Care since August of 2017. She works on the development team managing fundraising events and community outreach. She organizes Respite Care's two major fundraisers annually (the Holiday Ball and the Luncheon) and leads community tours, as well as oversees... Read More →
avatar for Wally Van Sickle

Wally Van Sickle

President/Founder, IDEA WILD
Wally Van Sickle III Wally Van Sickle’s lifelong passion for wildlife conservation, research and travel led him to pursue volunteer conservation work in Kenya, Belize, and Australia in addition to his field work as a mountain lion researcher in the U.S. After experiencing firsthand... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  NonProfit Track
  • format csv

11:15am MDT

You Don’t Find Fulfillment, You Build It: How to Build a Culture of Fulfillment Where People Thrive SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
You’re a purpose-driven leader on a mission, charging ahead to achieve your goals. You’ve got drive and momentum. And yet, the rapidly changing landscape of work has left you and your team feeling exhausted and in reaction mode. What you want is to thrive, but how do you get there? Whether you’re leading a small business or a larger team and organization, thriving starts with intentionally investing in a culture of fulfillment. In this session, learn how to lead through the six drivers of fulfillment so you can fulfill goals in ways that also fulfill people. Through evaluation of current practices and creation of a priority goal, you’ll walk out with the model, awareness, and action steps to start building a culture of fulfillment where you support yourself, your team, and your organization to thrive.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Delorey

Andrea Delorey

Founder and CEO, WellVenture Consulting
For more than 30 years as a leader and educator, Andrea has supported individuals’ growth, driven organizations to build positive cultures, and led people to achieve strategic goals, operational excellence, and purposeful impact. Andrea builds cultures of fulfillment by guiding... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  NonProfit Track

11:15am MDT

Hit It Off: Connect, Create, and Celebrate! SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Meet other attendees by taking the plunge into this lively, fun-filled session! Break down barriers, make new friends, and have a blast together.

No stiff suits, trust falls, or awkward handshakes here! Play interactive warmups, exercises, and games designed to connect you with like-minded folks, laugh alongside each other, and celebrate each other's entrepreneurial spirits!

Whether you're a one-person powerhouse, a small business dynamo, or a nonprofit superhero, this is your chance to mingle, mix, and make memories that'll last long after the conference is over.
Speakers
avatar for Gus Vieweg

Gus Vieweg

Professional icebreaker & friendmaker, Improvisational Thinking
Gus Vieweg is a writer, educator, and emcee with over a decade of facilitation experience. He facilitates workshops for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and students who want to improve their communication, adaptability, and listening skills in a fun and engaging way. Gus's refreshing... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

11:15am MDT

Making Your Map: Navigating the Journey from Concept to Launch SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Are you ready to launch a new product, expand your business, or bring your brilliant idea to life but unsure where to begin? While having a great idea is a fantastic start, it's just the beginning of the journey. If you're a creative person, you might find the next steps challenging to navigate.

Join product deployment expert Kristen B. Hubler for a transformative 45-minute session. Kristen will inspire and guide you in creating a roadmap to take your idea from concept to reality. She'll help you break down the necessary steps, provide tips for building successful habits, and equip you with the project management mindset needed to turn your dream into a tangible success. By the end of this session, you'll have the clarity and confidence to start making your vision a reality.
Speakers
avatar for Kristen B. Hubler

Kristen B. Hubler

Author of The Impossible Box | Founder, Workshops by Kristen
Kristen holds an M.Ed, a mini-MBA in Lean Six Sigma, is a certified Change Management Specialist, and certified Scrum Master. As a change and adoption specialist she uses change management and learning best practices to help organizations achieve successful adoption of their software... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

12:00pm MDT

Lunch SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Tuesday March 11, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Speak Inarguably: Leadership Communication for Psychological Safety and Business Success SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Workplace conflict can arise even when everyone involved has the best of intentions. What's commonly considered "professional communication" encourages leaders to express their arguable opinions as inarguable facts. When combined with positional power, this style of communication creates a psychologically unsafe environment for all. In response, colleagues feel the need to defend, explain, and raise their voices to feel heard--increasing the chances of an unproductive conflict. Alternatively, colleagues can go silent and disengage from work. Both strategies--silence and violence--create an unhealthy work environment.

When leaders speak arguably, they get resistance. When leaders speak inarguably they get safety, engagement, and results.
Speakers
avatar for Christopher Arnold

Christopher Arnold

Transforming managers into leaders for people-first companies., Care Deeply Consulting
Christopher Arnold believes the world needs force-for-good businesses to succeed. He founded Care Deeply Consulting in 2018 to transform managers into leaders so people-first companies can grow. As principal advisor, he teaches conscious leaders how to leverage their care to navigate... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Success Through Succession: Hire and Outsource the Right Way SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Succession planning isn’t just about who will take over for you—it’s about setting yourself and others up for success now. Learn how to uncover the more than 30 hidden roles in your business using role charts and role descriptions (not org charts and job descriptions!) to delegate effectively, set expectations, and foster accountability. This approach also helps small businesses outsource the right tasks and hire for the most critical roles first, positioning your business for long-term success.
Speakers
avatar for Dain Johnson

Dain Johnson

Engineer-turned-Psychologist, Rev 0 LLC
Dain Johnson is an engineer-turned-psychologist who coaches technical experts to become high-performing organizational leaders. Dain spent ten years working on and leading high-tech projects destined for the ocean floor to the lunar surface before becoming a leadership coach. He began... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Capitalism for Creatives: Leverage the System, Fuel Your Art SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Many creatives harbor a deep disdain for capitalism, viewing it as a barrier to their artistic success. However, what if capitalism wasn’t the enemy, but a tool to empower your creativity? In this session, we'll break down what capitalism truly means and how artists can use it to create sustainable, balanced lives. I’ll share practical strategies and examples of creators who have developed useful skills, made over $100,000 per year, and still preserved space for their art. You’ll leave with a new mindset and actionable steps to build a thriving career while protecting your creative passion.

Takeaways:

1. Reframe capitalism as a system to leverage, not fight.
2. Learn how to build lucrative skills that complement your creative work.
3. Discover ways to generate a sustainable income without sacrificing artistic integrity or time.

Target Audience: Creatives, solopreneurs, and freelancers looking to shift their mindset and improve their financial independence.
Speakers
avatar for Jake Jorgovan

Jake Jorgovan

Creative & Capitalist, Alpha Apex Group / Content Allies
Jake Jorgovan is a unique blend of creative and capitalist, combining his passion for art with his entrepreneurial drive. As the Founder of Alpha Apex Group, Content Allies, and Listen Network, he has helped B2B companies like Meta, Siemens Energy, and Gusto grow while generating... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

5 Simple Techniques to Help With Startup Stress For You and Your Team SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
During the session I will be workshopping these 5 techniques in the following order, and the attendees will experience a measurable release in stress levels, while learning tools they can use themselves in their day to day challenges. First we will introduce the techniques, while also introducing concepts for perspective and reframing of their opportunities.

1. Breath exercise
A simple breathing exercise to help immediately calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress while increasing focus and clarity.

2. Reframing/Take Two Exercise
A cognitive technique to help shift perspective by “reframing” stressful situations in a more positive or productive light.

3. EFT (Tapping)
EFT combines acupressure and neuro linguistic programming (NLP) to release emotional tension by tapping specific meridian points while focusing on stressors.

4. Hero’s Exercise
Participants identify three heroes or role models, focusing on the traits they admire. This exercise helps individuals recognize those same qualities within themselves.

5. Gratitude Exercise
A powerful tool to reduce stress by intentionally focusing on gratitude, promoting positive changes in brain function.

Concepts we will introduce:

Guided Neuroplasticity
A practice that intentionally rewires the brain by focusing on empowering thoughts and habits, improving stress resilience over time.

Guided Visualization
A relaxation technique where participants use mental imagery to reduce stress and enhance performance in stressful situations,

Wabi-Sabi and Kintsugi
Introduction to the Japanese philosophies of Wabi-Sabi and Kintsugi.
Wabi-Sabi teaches acceptance of imperfection, while Kintsugi is a pragmatic example of transforming perceived defects into new strengths, aesthetics and opportunities.
Speakers
avatar for Eliana Salter

Eliana Salter

I will help you "shift your heart and mind", Shift Your Heart Consulting and Coaching
In 1992, I was in a very horrible car accident, where my mother, father and first husband were all killed. I survived with some relatively minor physical injuries, but emotionally I was devastated and completely traumatized. Since then, I have been on a long healing journey, where... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

From Basics to Best Practices: Strengthening Nonprofit Boards Together SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
As an executive director, your leadership is key to fostering a high-performing board that supports your organization’s mission. This session is designed to empower executive directors with the knowledge and tools to build and sustain strong board relationships. We’ll explore topics such as clarifying roles and responsibilities, cultivating trust and collaboration, and enhancing board-CEO partnerships. Through interactive activities and peer discussions, you’ll gain actionable strategies to strengthen governance, build board alignment, and drive long-term success for your nonprofit—all in a supportive and engaging setting.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Toll

Rebecca Toll

Co-Founder + Consultant, Periscope Theory, LLC
Rebecca has dedicated her life and career to spanning boundaries across issues, geography, and sectors. Her portfolio includes business development and revitalization projects, securing funding for capital improvements and programmatic needs, strengthening state and local government... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Mission-Driven Story Marketing: People Buy What You Stand For (not what you sell) SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Wondering how to stand out among the AI content, the online noise, the cluttered inboxes, and your next networking event?

Mission-driven stories are the answer.

M. Shannon Hernandez is a messaging and marketing strategist, author, and keynote speaker who teaches business owners and leaders around the globe how to generate revenue, partnerships, and endless opportunities using mission-driven storytelling.
Whether using stories for stage, sales copy, email campaigns, social media, brand sponsorships, or in everyday conversations, your content has the power to build bridges of belonging, break down barriers, and bring humanity back to business.

Get ready to rethink your marketing efforts –because it’s time to capture the hearts and minds of your community by sharing what matters most to you and your brand. Remember, they buy what you stand for, not what you sell.

In this interactive presentation, you will:
Understand how story-driven marketing campaigns center your values, mission, and commitments, so your stories are remembered long after they are shared.
Dive into the psychology of messaging–and discover how to craft messaging that inspires AND creates sales.
Learn how mission-driven stories shorten the buying cycle, simply by taking your ideal clients on a journey that captures their hearts and minds.
Speakers
avatar for M. Shannon  Hernandez

M. Shannon Hernandez

Founder & CEO; Speaker, Author, Business Growth Consultant & Marketing Strategist, Joyful Business Revolution
M. Shannon Hernandez is ALL ABOUT THAT JOY in life and biz. She is specifically known around the globe for The Content Personality® Wheel and is the Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™, a business growth strategy and consultancy company that works with coaches, consultants... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

What It Takes to Lead Differently: Equity, Justice, and Meeting Community Needs SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
This diverse panel of non-profit leaders will share their experiences around inclusive approaches to more effectively meeting community needs. We will discuss the principles that inform how they make decisions to better serve those who are most often overlooked and underserved by dominant service models and business practices, and the benefits of doing so. By honoring differences in lived experiences within existing systems, we will learn how these non-profit organizations are putting values of equity and justice into practice, and why everyone should do so.
Moderators
avatar for Cori Wong

Cori Wong

Positive Philosophy Consulting
Dr. Cori Wong (she/her) is a queer, biracial Asian American feminist philosopher and owner of Positive Philosophy Consulting. She’s a passionate speaker, writer, and community-centered educator. Values of liberation, love, creativity, and freedom inform the means and ends for her... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Dexter Beasley

Dexter Beasley

Executive Director, Feeding Our Community Ourselves, Inc. (DBA FoCo Cafe)
Dexter Beasley serves as the Executive Director of FoCo Cafe, a nonprofit restaurant in Fort Collins, Colorado that operates on a pay-what-you-can model. With a background in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University, Dexter brings a unique perspective to... Read More →
avatar for Caitlin Wyrick

Caitlin Wyrick

Executive Director; Assistant Vice President of Branch Banking with Fnbo, Heart and Sol
Caitlin Wyrick was born and raised in Northern Colorado. Her Mother's side of the family has called Northern Colorado home for over 100 years (Indigenous to New Mexico) while her Father immigrated from Mexico in the 1980's as a teenager. Working to create a more welcoming, inclusive... Read More →
avatar for Jesus Castro

Jesus Castro

Programs Director, ISAAC
Jesús is a DACA recipient who came to the US as a child. He has worked with numerous community-based organizations, has special expertise in cultivating adult and youth leadership, and has a passion for advocacy, theater and the arts. Jesús has a curiosity to learn, loves creative... Read More →
avatar for India Phoenix

India Phoenix

Community Organizer, The BIPOC Alliance
India Phoenix (she/they) is a dynamic community organizer and specialist in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). With a deep commitment to creating equitable spaces, they bring a wealth of experience in grassroots organizing, leadership development, and strategic consulting... Read More →
avatar for Hannah Norris

Hannah Norris

Founder and Executive Director, Arboretum Coffee
Hannah Norris (she/her) is the Founder and Executive Director of Arboretum Coffee, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to empowering refugee and immigrant communities through dignified, holistic job training, education, and mentorship. With nearly a decade of experience in the... Read More →
avatar for Kyle Rogers

Kyle Rogers

Reentry Navigator, Yarrow Collective
As a dedicated member of the Yarrow Collective, Kyle focuses on supporting the re-entry population by providing essential resources, a compassionate listening ear, and a dependable shoulder to lean on. Motivated by his own journey toward freedom—both physical and mental—Kyle is... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  NonProfit Track

2:00pm MDT

How to Build an AI Assistant that Frees Up Your Time as a Small Business Owner FILLING
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Are you a small business owner feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks that take time away from growing your business? Imagine having an AI-powered assistant that handles repetitive tasks, manages customer inquiries, and even automates parts of your workflow—giving you back hours in your day to focus on the big picture.

In this session, we’ll dive deep into building and using an AI assistant tailored specifically to the needs of a small business. I’ll walk you through the process of creating an AI system that can handle everything from scheduling and client follow-ups to data analysis and task management. We’ll also explore how AI can streamline operations, allowing you to scale your business without burning out.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to:

Identify the right tasks for AI automation: Understand which of your daily activities can be handed off to AI, and how to do it efficiently.

Build or customize your own AI assistant: Learn the tools and strategies to create an assistant that handles real-time customer interactions, appointment scheduling, and more—without needing to code from scratch.

Integrate AI into your existing systems: Discover how to seamlessly incorporate AI into the platforms you already use, from your CRM to your email and calendar tools.

Free up your time for strategic growth: With an AI assistant in place, you’ll reclaim time to focus on scaling your business, developing new strategies, or simply enjoying a better work-life balance.

This session is perfect for business owners ready to step into the future by leveraging AI to reduce workload and focus on what truly matters: growing their business.
Speakers
avatar for kateryna quinn

kateryna quinn

Founder, ASTASH | Uplify AI
Kateryna Quinn is a mom, an immigrant, and a proud small business owner in Northern Colorado. Recognized as a Forbes Next 1000 honoree and one of NOCO's 30 Under 30, she has made a name for herself as a leader in marketing and web design. As the founder of ASTASH an award-winning... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:00pm MDT

10 Most Common Problems SMB's Face FILLING
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
In my consulting work, I've found that these are the 10 most common problems that small businesses face. Many owners aren't even aware they are problems! I'll discuss these topics: Hiring your first employee; 1099 vs. employee classifications; property taxes; sales taxes; being profitable on each product/service you offer; raising prices without losing customers; W-9s & 1099s; business loans; preventing fraud/embezzlement; and financial statements.
Speakers
avatar for Geneve Huxley

Geneve Huxley

Fractional CFO; Owner & CEO, Huxley CPA Consulting, LLC
Geneve has more than 25 years of success in finance and accounting. She's a licensed CPA and her love language = spreadsheets. She's frequently been described as having "a lot of personality for an Accountant," which she takes as a win. When she's not interpreting numbers, she loves... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:00pm MDT

Your niche in the Creative Ecosystem: Mutual Aid in our Artistic Landscape SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
In the vast, ever-evolving world of music and creativity, the only myth is that we do this alone. Our session will invite participants to redefine what it means to thrive in the music ecosystem. Instead of viewing our journey as isolated individuals, we’ll explore the idea of becoming students of our creative landscape—understanding our roles and identifying the roles we need fulfilled. This session will embody the spirit of mutual aid: learning how to actively survey our resources, the people who possess them, and understanding the resources we can personally offer.

Imagine a scene where creative minds come together not just for individual success but to sustain a vibrant, interdependent music scene. We’ll delve into the power of collaboration, how to form lasting partnerships, and create networks that provide safe harbors for musical and artistic aspirations. Participants will leave equipped with the knowledge and actionable tools to co-create sustainable communities of support and opportunity in the arts.

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion where the goal isn’t just to play the right notes but to amplify each other's voices. By understanding our collective potential, we’ll contribute to a flourishing creative community that celebrates, uplifts, and sustains each member.
Speakers
avatar for Stephen Brackett

Stephen Brackett

Trickster, Teacher, chain breaking consultant, Foundation Music School
Stephen Malloy Brackett, a proud Denver native, embodies the heart of artistic activism in Colorado. His journey from computer science student to philosophy graduate at Colorado State University laid the groundwork for a career that is equal parts creative and purpose-driven. As... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Creative Track
  • format csv

2:00pm MDT

Nonprofit Lifecycles - Knowing Which Lever to Pull Next SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
As a nonprofit leader, you're probably used to putting out fires. Whether inside the business, with your board, or somewhere in the external operating environment, I know your attention is constantly pulled in several directions at once, everything seems urgent, and it's often difficult to prioritize.

Nonprofit Lifecycles is a simple way to assess organizational health by diagnosing where your organization falls across five operational categories. This tool will help you reinforce your strengths, and objectively identify your weaknesses. What you learn will help you decide what's most important to focus on TODAY to improve your organization's performance.

Join Sebastian Africano to lean how his 26 year old nonprofit grew, then collapsed, then turned itself around by reconnecting with its purpose, reframing its priorities, and pulling the right levers to drive the organization into eight years of consecutive growth.
Speakers
avatar for Sebastian Africano

Sebastian Africano

Executive Director, Trees, Water & People
Sebastian has worked for Trees, Water & People for 20 years, including the last seven as executive director. During this last period his primary focus has been creatively improving the viability of nonprofit careers by reducing friction in the nonprofit workplace, from both internal... Read More →
avatar for Jana Sanchez

Jana Sanchez

Chief Alchemist, Alchemy With Words
Jana Sanchez has been helping companies get results for more than 20 years. With an extensive background in organizational management, marketing, and facilitation, she helps companies get clarity to know where they need to go, and which tools will get them there. She’s an entrepreneur... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:00pm MDT

Marking Your Domain For SEO SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
As a small business owner, your business tells the world you exist with your website. In order for people to find your website, you need a good domain name that is designed to be memorable and catchy. This session will talk through how to find a domain name you can use as the basis of your website, and how trademarks can help you protect that domain name through the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Hanning

Brian Hanning

Hanning Law Ltd., Hanning Law
Brian Hanning is the attorney owner of Hanning Law Limited, a law firm serving Northern Colorado. Hanning Law is focused on assisting small businesses with their legal structure, contract, and intellectual property. Brian volunteers with Colorado Attorneys for the Arts and local Small... Read More →
avatar for Rina Bindi

Rina Bindi

CEO, Tipping Point Digital
Rina Bindi, CEO and Founder of Tipping Point Digital, a leading search engine optimization agency in Loveland, Colorado. I specialize in empowering businesses with knowledge and by managing their digital presence, allowing them to focus on their core competencies. With a background... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:00pm MDT

Lost and Founded: Using Federal Resources to Start, Build, and Grow Your Business SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Starting and building a business can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Join the SBA Colorado District Office as we walk through a practical roadmap that can be used by any business owner at any stage of business development. We will share information on accessing free business development resources, learn the ins and outs of capital access & business lending, and how to decide if government contracting is right for your business.
Speakers
avatar for Steve White

Steve White

Lead Lender Relations Specialist, SBA, US Small Business Administration (SBA)
Steve began working for the SBA as a Lender Relations Specialist in the Colorado District Office in 2013. Steve was later promoted to Senior Area Manager for Western North Carolina prior to returning as the Lead Lender Relations Specialist for the Colorado District Office in 2017... Read More →
avatar for David Wentzel

David Wentzel

Marketing and Outreach Specialist, SBA Colorado District Office
Dave Wentzel has had an unconventional career path, balancing a professional career as a strategic communicator, while serving 20 years as an enlisted soldier in the Field Artillery, retiring as a First Sergeant. Throughout his career, Dave has found himself thriving in public service... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:45pm MDT

Afternoon Break SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

The Life of a Product - Growing, Learning & Pivoting for Market Resiliency!
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
As a founder, product manager or a hobbyist, taking care of your product is more than just a full time job. It is a personal commitment you made when it was just a small idea, your idea, to change the world.

The life of a product is a complex journey, one of self-discovery, creativity, adversity and truths. In this session, we will explain the highs and lows of product development, learning from real-world examples that reveal the raw truths of the process. We will dive into the techniques that fuel growth, the lessons learned from failures, and the art of pivoting when faced with inevitable market shifts. By the end, you’ll not only understand how to breathe life into your dream product, but also gain the insights and tools needed to nurture your ideas into resilient game-changing realities.
Speakers
avatar for Aakash Singhal

Aakash Singhal

Managing Director, Ellofant, LLC
Aakash is a Lean Engineering Leader with experience in leading complex transformations in disruptive markets. Aakash is able to broker trusted relationships quickly, coupled with a strong executive presence to influence across organizations on how to build world-class product experiences... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

Unlock Business Growth & Thought Leadership Through Podcasting SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Description:
Imagine turning everyday conversations into powerful business development tools. With niche podcasting, you can create authentic relationships, elevate your brand, and generate measurable growth. In this session, you’ll learn how to strategically use podcasting to connect with potential clients, build industry authority, and transform interviews into sales opportunities. Whether at conferences, events, or on the road, discover how podcasting can unlock doors you never thought possible.

Key Takeaways:

Podcasting as a Strategic Tool: Understand how podcasting goes beyond content creation to drive business development, client acquisition, and relationship building.
Real-World Case Studies: Explore how consultants, solopreneurs, and B2B businesses have turned podcast interviews into high-value client deals and long-term partnerships.
Tactical Steps for Growth: Learn actionable strategies to launch, scale, and leverage your podcast to boost credibility and open new business avenues, even in competitive markets.

Outline:
1. Introduction: Jake Jorgovan on using podcasting for business growth.
2. How to target and interview key industry leaders or prospects to drive meaningful conversations.
3. Leveraging podcast content at conferences, events, and while traveling for maximum ROI.
4. Case studies of businesses successfully integrating podcasts into their sales funnel.
5. Q&A and actionable steps for attendees.

Outcome:
Attendees will walk away with a clear, actionable framework to start or improve a podcast that drives business results. You’ll understand how to build thought leadership, forge valuable connections, and grow your business by using podcasting as a powerful tool for relationship-building and sales.

Target Audience:
Entrepreneurs, business owners, consultants, and creatives who want to learn how to transform podcasting from a hobby into a powerful business growth engine.
Speakers
avatar for Jake Jorgovan

Jake Jorgovan

Creative & Capitalist, Alpha Apex Group / Content Allies
Jake Jorgovan is a unique blend of creative and capitalist, combining his passion for art with his entrepreneurial drive. As the Founder of Alpha Apex Group, Content Allies, and Listen Network, he has helped B2B companies like Meta, Siemens Energy, and Gusto grow while generating... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

Nonprofit Lifecycles ​II - ​How To Prepare for Strategic Planning SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
T​his is a followup session to Nonprofit Lifecycles - Knowing Which Lever to Pull Next​. Attendance at the previous session is not required.

Nonprofit Lifecycles is a simple way to assess organizational health by diagnosing where your organization falls across five operational categories. ​In this session we'll dive deeper into how the tool can be used and why it should be used prior to starting your strategic planning process. You'll see how to assess where the organization is today and how to build a Competency Improvement Plan to ensure you have the skill sets needed to accomplish your next big goals.

Join ​J​ana Sanchez ​and Sebastian Africano to learn how ​and when to implement the Nonprofit Lifecycles framework in your organization and how your results impact your strategic planning process.
Speakers
avatar for Jana Sanchez

Jana Sanchez

Chief Alchemist, Alchemy With Words
Jana Sanchez has been helping companies get results for more than 20 years. With an extensive background in organizational management, marketing, and facilitation, she helps companies get clarity to know where they need to go, and which tools will get them there. She’s an entrepreneur... Read More →
avatar for Sebastian Africano

Sebastian Africano

Executive Director, Trees, Water & People
Sebastian has worked for Trees, Water & People for 20 years, including the last seven as executive director. During this last period his primary focus has been creatively improving the viability of nonprofit careers by reducing friction in the nonprofit workplace, from both internal... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  NonProfit Track
  • format csv

3:15pm MDT

Speed Dating for Cross Sector Collaborations SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
In this dynamic and interactive session, nonprofits will engage in a "speed-dating" style networking activity designed to spark new partnerships and collaborative projects. Participants will rotate through short, focused conversations with potential partner organizations to quickly identify shared goals, complementary strengths, and opportunities for collaboration. The session will begin with a group discussion on best practices for forming and sustaining partnerships, as well as tips on turning initial connections into successful joint initiatives. Perfect for nonprofits seeking to expand their impact through collaboration!
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Martin

Elizabeth Martin

Connector, Communicator and Creator, Museum of Art l Fort Collins
Supporting Social Sector Leadership in: Creative Solutions l Sustainable Futures l Inspired Leadership I work with leaders in the social sector--arts and culture, foundations, nonprofits, and municipal governments- to create strategies to change, manage transitions and create an... Read More →
avatar for Alex Koenigsberg

Alex Koenigsberg

Fundraising, Philanthropy, Biz Dev, Arula
Alex founded Arula Fundraising in 2019 and grew the company to eight staff before making it an employee-owned company. He co-founded 1+ to help people start and administer philanthropic foundations. Alex also serves as the Business Development Officer for Quorum Prosthetics, the country's... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

The Non Profit Accounting Difference SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Dive into the distinctive challenges and opportunities in non-profit accounting with Becky Ezzell, a seasoned expert in mission-driven bookkeeping. As the owner of Keep Smart Books and the founder of Keep Smart Books Academy, Becky has dedicated her career to supporting non-profits and businesses with a purpose, through premier accounting services and education. This session offers non-profit professionals actionable insights into navigating the financial landscape unique to their sector, emphasizing the importance of principled bookkeeping in achieving their mission.

Becky’s approach is deeply rooted in her experience with non-profits, understanding their specific needs and the critical role of transparent accounting in fostering long-term relationships and community impact. Attendees will learn strategic financial management practices tailored to non-profits, alongside the benefits of developing a solid accounting foundation to support their organization's goals.

Join us to gain from Becky’s decade-long journey of empowering non-profits through effective financial stewardship, demonstrating her commitment to community service and the success of mission-driven entities. This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to enhance their non-profit's financial practices with expert guidance.
Speakers
avatar for Becky  Ezzell

Becky Ezzell

Founder & Owner, Keep Smart Books
Becky Ezzell, founder/owner of Keep Smart Books, began her career in the insurance and legal services industries where she gained a thorough understanding of the “bottom line.” Becky followed her dream in 2010 of owning an accounting firm that would truly help people put their... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  NonProfit Track
  • format csv

3:15pm MDT

Creative Creatures Colluding and Conversing SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Three amazing entrepreneurs a shoe school dean, a rage roomer and a mermaid walk into a bar..... and have a conversation about how they took their wildest/weirdest idea and are making a living at it. Followed by an interactive brainstorm in an attempt to answer; if you could? Would you?
Speakers
avatar for Nathan Scott

Nathan Scott

Auctioneer, creative, event planner, very low level super hero., Betty Botter Auctions
MA in Communications, 2x Americorps member, US Navy Vet, Up With People, picker, grinner, lover, sinner.
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

Public Speaking: How to Create Clients Quickly Without Social Media SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Do you work in a high-trust industry?
And you want to keep your marketing of social media?
But still want to get the word out in an efficient way?

The most effective one-to-many marketing strategy also happens to be one of the most authentic strategies as well - it's public speaking. But not just any type of speaking will allow you to build the type of credibility and connection that clients need to trust you with their problems.

This session will show you the critical elements you need to share in any talk, whether it's 10 minutes or 60, in order to gain the 3 Types of Credibility your high-trust clients are looking for. You'll be able to share the story of your company in a compelling way that increases your Visibility, Relatability, and Refer-ability.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Fuel

Amanda Fuel

Speaking Coach for Leaders & Thought Leaders, Next Level Fuel
Amanda Fuel is here to shake things up in the world of leadership. Her secret mission is to inspire the best parts of ourselves to come out to play, even around serious topics (like emotions), and to make space for uncommon voices - are you an Introvert? Neurodivergent? Don’t fit... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

4:30pm MDT

Happy Hour @ Simmer SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 4:30pm - 6:00pm MDT
You're invited for a casual happy hour at Simmer Fort Collins (just across the street!).

*A limited number of drink tickets will be available; first come, first serve*
Cash bar; you're welcome to order from the menu.

Come for happy hour, then head back over for BrainChange, a special evening of honest storytelling with a twist. More info here >
Speakers
avatar for Gus Vieweg

Gus Vieweg

Professional icebreaker & friendmaker, Improvisational Thinking
Gus Vieweg is a writer, educator, and emcee with over a decade of facilitation experience. He facilitates workshops for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and students who want to improve their communication, adaptability, and listening skills in a fun and engaging way. Gus's refreshing... Read More →
Tuesday March 11, 2025 4:30pm - 6:00pm MDT
Simmer Fort Collins [Offsite]

6:00pm MDT

BrainChange: Thought-Provoking Speakers Who Foster Connection and Inspire
Tuesday March 11, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
What if you could turn your thoughts and feelings into action and connection—right in the moment? Welcome to BrainChange, a one-of-a-kind speaker event designed to foster connection, spark innovation, and give back to our community.

Please note: This featured evening event requires a separate ticket (not included in General Admission). Click the button above "Get Your BrainChange Ticket."

As you step into the venue, you’ll receive $5 in quarters. At each table, you’ll find a coin jar waiting. Throughout the night, a lineup of incredible speakers will present powerful ideas, unspoken truths from a place of radical transparency, and thought-provoking insights designed to inspire you.

When an idea resonates with you—whether it challenges your thinking, makes you laugh, or stirs your emotions—put a quarter in the jar and shake it.

As the room fills with the sound of coins clinking in the jars, a truth rings out: we are not alone in our thoughts. BrainChange transforms the passive act of listening to a speaker into a powerful communal participative experience—an audible connection binding us as a community.

At the end of the night, all the quarters will be donated to the Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County, helping to fund mental health initiatives that make a real difference in our community.

BrainChange isn’t just about hearing great ideas—it’s about making them count. In a world where connections shape our future, BrainChange a unique way to find your people. Bring your own quarters if you’d like and amplify the good we can do together!

Why It Matters: In a time when connection is more important than ever, BrainChange provides an innovative platform where shared ideas create real connection, which builds the capacity for lasting change. By aligning audience engagement with charitable giving, we offer more than inspiration—we offer action. BrainChange embodies the spirit of being future-ready/future-proof by blending ideas with connection and community impact, ensuring that every idea, every quarter, makes a difference.
Speakers
avatar for Nick Armstrong

Nick Armstrong

Geek-in-Chief, WTF Marketing
I’m Nick Armstrong and I’m #2 on the speed dial of most small business owners, right after mom. When they’re stuck in a rut and need a whiteboard-worth of fun, profitable marketing strategies to fill up client waitlists and bank accounts for a year, they call me.
Sponsors & Partners
Tuesday March 11, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
 
Wednesday, March 12
 

8:30am MDT

Coffee SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Wednesday March 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

8:30am MDT

Registration
Wednesday March 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Wednesday March 12, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Entrance 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

8:30am MDT

Business Resource Hub
Wednesday March 12, 2025 8:30am - 4:30pm MDT
Visit local businesses, discover community resources, and enjoy coffee.
Wednesday March 12, 2025 8:30am - 4:30pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

9:00am MDT

No-Code AI for Business Processes with Real Customer Use Cases
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Join us for the "No-Code AI for Business Processes" session and discover how to transform your operations without needing a team of data scientists or huge budgets. Learn how to save thousands of hours and streamline your business processes using practical no-code AI solutions.

This session will highlight real customer use cases and demonstrate the incredible potential of various tools:

Microsoft AI Builder and Power Automate to create business process workflows.

Natural Language Machine Learning to ‘talk’ with your Oracle database.

Custom knowledge chatbots tailored to your business with AWS.

See firsthand how these tools can simplify AI integration, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Discover how real customers have unlocked new efficiencies, insights, and enhanced customer engagement and support.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into enhancing operational efficiency, driving innovation, and making AI a key part of their business strategy. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and make AI work for you.
Speakers
avatar for Becky Wagner

Becky Wagner

Founder, CEO, and AI Architect | Data & Analytics Leader | Tracking IT issues backwards since 2004..., Iris Blue Technology
Becky Wagner is the Founder, CEO, and AI Architect at Iris Blue Technology, an AI and Automation services and consulting company focused on making AI easy, accessible, and fun for everyone. Becky has over 20 years of IT experience, specializing in AI/ML, Analytics, and Cloud Architecture... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

9:00am MDT

Conquering Founder-Led Sales: Thriving In The Uncomfortable SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
The session is designed for B2B founders, entrepreneurs, and startup leaders who don't have a background in professional sales and find themselves tasked with driving their company's sales efforts. We will provide strategic and tactical guidance plus examples of what good looks like.
Speakers
avatar for Corey Litwin

Corey Litwin

Managing Partner, The Revenue Accelerators
My journey began with a web design firm I founded straight out of college. This endeavor provided me with a solid foundation in the world of technology and ignited my passion for entrepreneurship. I honed my skills and expertise at Thomson Reuters, for 12 years. During my tenure... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track
  • format csv

9:00am MDT

Collaboration for Impact: Building Strong Partnerships in the Nonprofit Sector SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Collaboration is the key to amplifying your nonprofit’s mission and tackling the challenges we face together. In just 45 minutes, learn how to share resources, stretch charitable dollars, and boost your chances of funding through impactful partnerships. From programmatic collaborations to fiscal sponsorships and advocacy coalitions, discover real-world examples and actionable strategies to identify partners, align goals, and sustain strong relationships. Walk away with tools, fresh ideas, and a clear plan—because when we work together, we can make lasting, meaningful change.
Speakers
avatar for Maureen Ewing

Maureen Ewing

Consultant & Coach, Justice Together Project
Maureen Ewing (she/her) is a results-and-heart driven social sector leader in the social sector, with over 20 years of experience empowering nonprofit organizations. She has a proven track record of building capacity for organizations that serve traditionally overburdened communities... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  NonProfit Track
  • format csv

9:00am MDT

Next Level Nonprofit: Build a Dream Team + Increase Lasting Impact SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
As nonprofit leaders, all of us are convinced the people we serve deserve the highest levels of excellence we can possibly give them. However, most of us are so focused on serving those outwardly, we don’t invest enough time, talent, and energy on our inward, internal systems that would actually ensure greater impact and greater reach. Next Level Nonprofit is a series of timeless principles that ensure all of us can build the dream teams we’re longing for, serve more people, and serve them far more effectively.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Lambert

Chris Lambert

Life Remodeled, CEO, https://liferemodeled.org/
Dr. Chris Lambert is the founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, award-winning author of Next Level Nonprofit, and founder of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system. It’s not the career trajectory Chris envisioned when he studied marketing at Indiana University, planned... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  NonProfit Track
  • format csv

9:00am MDT

Strategic Planning: Aligning Purpose and Plans for Nonprofit Impact. SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Strategic Planning is an important part in preparing nonprofits for greater focus and impact in their work. But many nonprofits are neither prepared for the strategic planning process nor for implementing their strategic plans to achieve their goals. This session offers an engaging overview on how nonprofits can align their mission and purpose to their plans and create an effective strategic planning and implementation process that allows them to successfully achieve greater impact.
Speakers
avatar for Sosamma Samuel-Burnett

Sosamma Samuel-Burnett

Founder/President, G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice
Sosamma Samuel-Burnett is Founder/Pres of G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice, a nonprofit that serves as a resource on a range of justice issues by providing programs, projects, services, and events that inform, impact, & inspire local, national, & international individuals, organizations, sectors... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

9:00am MDT

No Hashtags, No Problem: Marketing Beyond Social Media SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Marketing can be a great big dark hole. You know you need to do it for your business, but all the blogs say you should focus on social media.

The problem is, you hate social media. Staying on top of trends, fighting the algorithm, engaging with everyone who comments or messages you - it’s a never-ending cycle that doesn’t leave you enough time do the work you love.

Great news: You can build and grow a business without social media.

The best marketing channel for your business is something that you enjoy doing.

From word of mouth, referral programs, content marketing, presentations, email marketing, partner collabs, podcasts, paid ads, cold outreach, sponsorships, there are endless ways to get the word out about your business.

In this talk, we’ll cover different marketing strategies that don’t require you to fight an algorithm. You’ll walk away with a marketing strategy that plays to your strengths and helps you build the business you want.
Speakers
avatar for Stacey Nicholls

Stacey Nicholls

Founder + Designer, Space Cookie Designs
Stacey Nicholls brings over 17 years of creative experience to Space Cookie Designs, where she helps small business owners connect to their audience through intentional, accessible website design. With a background in photography and graphic design, Stacey began working in website... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

9:00am MDT

1 Million Cups: Connecting Entrepreneurs, One Coffee at a Time SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups in 2012—a free program designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country. Through the power of volunteers, 1 Million Cups has grown to more than 180 communities.

As a program of the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups works with entrepreneurs, empowering them with the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing their businesses.

We meet in a hybrid model every Wednesday morning at 9am to hear presentations from 2 business owners. Join us!

March 12th session will take place on-site at the Fort Collins Senior Center as part of Founded in FoCo.

Learn more about their weekly meetup here >
Speakers
avatar for Jana Sanchez

Jana Sanchez

Chief Alchemist, Alchemy With Words
Jana Sanchez has been helping companies get results for more than 20 years. With an extensive background in organizational management, marketing, and facilitation, she helps companies get clarity to know where they need to go, and which tools will get them there. She’s an entrepreneur... Read More →
avatar for Sharon Pitkin

Sharon Pitkin

Content that connects, Something Polished
Sharon is a (primarily technical) communicator, connecting experts with the customers who need to understand what they do. With careful editing and content writing, she gets your words out to the right audiences. Together, you’ll create something polished: an RFP bid, website copy... Read More →
Sponsors & Partners
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

9:00am MDT

Quiet Room: Recharge In The Park - Day 2 SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 4:30pm MDT
Recharge In The Park is a space dedicated to recharging your energy levels as you charge your electronic devices. Walking into this relaxing space, you'll notice plants, nature sounds, comfy places to sit, and phone chargers. You'll be invited to silence your devices, sit quietly, and just breathe. A table will be set up with additional relaxation tools such as journal prompts, essential oils, magazines/books, herbal tea, and community resources to support your mental health.

This space is perfect for those who may need some quiet, non-talking time to recharge and rebalance their nervous systems so they can continue enjoying an otherwise high-energy conference.
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 4:30pm MDT
Art Studio 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

9:45am MDT

Morning Break SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am MDT
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:15am MDT

AI Revolution in Design: Transforming Ecological Landscape Architecture
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT

Join Patrick Padden, founder of Padden Permaculture and eco-social designer, for an immersive workshop, exploring how AI is reshaping the future of design—especially in the realm of ecological landscape architecture. This session will delve into the evolving role of artificial intelligence as a transformative tool, enabling designers to create sustainable, functional, and innovative landscapes faster than ever before.

Discover how AI-driven technologies, such as generative design, 3D scanning, and computer vision, are helping professionals integrate ecological principles more effectively into their projects. Whether you’re a landscape architect, urban planner, or small business owner in the design field, you’ll gain insights into how AI can enhance decision-making, streamline workflows, and revolutionize how we interact with the environment.

Learn to apply cutting-edge tools to real-world ecological challenges, and leave with actionable strategies that can be implemented in your next design project. This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve and harness the power of AI to shape a greener, more resilient future.

Perfect for designers, architects, planners, and innovators looking to future-proof their projects with the latest in AI technology!
Speakers
avatar for Patrick Padden

Patrick Padden

Founder, Padden Permaculture
Patrick Padden is an eco-social designer, permaculture expert, and founder of Padden Permaculture, based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 16 years of experience, Patrick specializes in regenerative land projects, ecological landscape design, and sustainable systems. He holds a... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:15am MDT

Cultivating Cultures of Care - The Power of Compassion at Work SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Despite our best-laid plans, life has a way of throwing things off kilter. A willingness to cultivate compassion at work can increase engagement, improve collaboration, and create a sense of belonging for your team. Katie Huey, Founder of Messy Work, is here to help us unpack what gets in the way for leaders and employees. Together, we’ll explore how to infuse more compassion into our leadership styles and company cultures.
Speakers
avatar for Katie Huey

Katie Huey

Coach. Facilitator. Writer., Messy Work
Katie specializes in exploring the intersections of lived human experiences and business needs. She believes the world needs more leaders who embrace the complexities of being human while also striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Work need not cause more... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track
  • format csv

10:15am MDT

Intentional Fundraising: Know why you need money and where to get it SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Are you feeling lost in the fundraising maze? We’ll demystify business finance and provide practical tools and real talk, all to support you in achieving your business’ financial goals. You’ll leave empowered to make educated decisions and attract the right capital for your business. Brought to you in a vocabulary you already use, you’ll expand your understanding of when, how, and why to think about business funding.
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Crawford

Rachel Crawford

Business Resource Navigator + Capital Stack Specialist, Capital Access Manager @Prairie Rose Development
I started my small business in 2014, naively imagining it would be easy. By 2016, I couldn’t take the endless waves of needless stressors. For over 10 years, I have coached small businesses, helping them achieve sanity and their business goals at the same time. I support the work... Read More →
avatar for Allie Reitz

Allie Reitz

Entreprenerd, Founder, Meep
I'm Allie. I'm a founder, business coach, product consultant, and UX designer with 8 years of on-the-ground experience launching impact businesses. My Mission: to increase success rates for impact initiatives by replacing outdated startup culture and education with humble, iterative... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track
  • format csv

10:15am MDT

Get Into Your Donor's Head SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Engaging a donor is a delicate communication built over a significant amount of time. Every approach is a building block to a long-term financial relationship. Your job as a fundraiser, is to identify every opportunity to maximize the donor's impression of your nonprofit organization as a worthy recipient of their limited disposable income
Speakers
avatar for Carol Bennis

Carol Bennis

Principal, Riverside Consulting Partners
Results-driven strategist with success in product/service positioning, competitive intelligence, and campaign design for measurable market share, revenue growth, customer experience, and audience engagement with a resolute end-target focus.
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  NonProfit Track
  • format csv

10:15am MDT

Smart Strategies for Startups: Drive Innovation with No-Cost Marketing SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT

Looking to grow your startup without stretching your budget? Join us for "Smart Strategies for Startups: Drive Innovation with No-Cost Marketing", an interactive training session packed with actionable, zero-cost marketing tactics. You'll learn how to maximize your brand's visibility through creative social media strategies, content creation, and innovative partnerships. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the tools to adapt, connect, and thrive in a competitive market—all without spending a dollar. Get ready to future-proof your startup with smart, budget-friendly strategies!
Speakers
avatar for Kay Emerson

Kay Emerson

Founder, SheRen Consulting
Kay Emerson, MS, brings over 15 years of expertise in public administration, focusing on improving health equity, education, and economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities. With a strong background in program development, grant management, financial oversight, and... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:15am MDT

Communication that Connects: writing to build relationships and get results SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
As a small business owner, you write a lot for work. And you want your writing to connect with your audience and get work done. That kind of writing is more about the reader: how they read, where they look for information, how they feel about that information, and what they do after reading your message. To ensure your writing gets the results you want, this session will help you think about your writing from the perspective of the person who reads your message—which isn’t what we’re taught in school. When we craft messages that are easy for other people to read, they respond the way we want and take the actions we expect. This session will give you five simple tricks to ensure that your messages at work connect with your readers so they are more likely to do what you want them to do (and leave you alone).
Speakers
avatar for Jenny Morse

Jenny Morse

Business Writing and Communication Expert, Appendance, Inc
Jenny helps professionals develop their confidence and credibility as business writers through her company Appendance, Inc, which offers corporate seminars and online courses. She has had the privilege of training employees at CoBank, Hunter Douglas, Adobe, Larimer County, Digicomm... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:15am MDT

Network Like a Pro: How to Stand Out (and Do It on Purpose!) SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Ready to turn those awkward handshakes into meaningful connections? Join us for a power-packed, one-hour session that will transform how you approach networking. We’re diving into the art of standing out in a crowd—on purpose! Whether you’re looking to land new clients, find your next big opportunity, or simply up your social game, this event is your fast pass to mastering the networking dance.

Expect to learn:

How to make a lasting first impression without being that person.
Secrets to sparking conversations that people actually remember.
Strategies for following up that don’t involve boring emails.
Bring your business cards, your best smile, and get ready to network with intention. Because in this room, everyone’s a potential connection—you just need to know how to stand out!
Speakers
avatar for Romia Pritchett

Romia Pritchett

Sukless coaching coaching and training owner founder RC Auto Detail and Carpet Cleang Serving NOCO since 2006, RC Auto Detail & Carpet Cleaning
**Romia Pritchett** is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in management and ownership. As the owner of **RC Auto Detail & Carpet Cleaning**, Romia has successfully expanded the business, opening a second location in Fort Collins in 2017... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

11:15am MDT

JoyFueled™ Entrepreneurship: Growing with Community, Connection & Conviction SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Sustainable and successful business ownership depends on embracing the journey of entrepreneurship characterized by risk and uncertainty, as well as embarking on an ongoing journey of personal development, creation, and impact. This path is rarely smooth and easy—yet we continue to make a choice each day to put one foot in front of the other, taking pride in our effort to build something meaningful and bigger than ourselves.

The 3 keys to making this journey of entrepreneurship a JoyFueled™ initiative and a long-term success? Community. Connection. Conviction.

Join M. Shannon Hernandez for an inspiring keynote as she takes you behind the scenes of growing nearly a $1 million/year brand, by doing the unthinkable: Practicing JOMO. The Joy of Missing Out is a refreshing mindset and lifestyle that celebrates the freedom and contentment found in stepping back from the constant hustle of modern life and business growth. JOMO encourages individuals to savor their own experiences, prioritize growing in alignment with their highest values, and find joy in going at their own pace.

In a world that often glorifies busyness, quick fixes, and fast results, The JoyFueled™ Journey reminds us that all sustainable and fulfilling businesses are cultivated by harnessing the power of community, connection, and conviction. Shannon invites you to join this session and hear how you can get even more aligned to your purpose, passion, and profit by embracing JOMO.
Speakers
avatar for M. Shannon  Hernandez

M. Shannon Hernandez

Founder & CEO; Speaker, Author, Business Growth Consultant & Marketing Strategist, Joyful Business Revolution
M. Shannon Hernandez is ALL ABOUT THAT JOY in life and biz. She is specifically known around the globe for The Content Personality® Wheel and is the Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™, a business growth strategy and consultancy company that works with coaches, consultants... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Thematic Keynote
  • format csv

12:15pm MDT

Lunch SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Wednesday March 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Stories that Sell SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Most entrepreneurs and business owners understand how important their sales and pitching skills are. Some of them see the benefit of leveraging stories as part of the sales process. Few have a deep understanding of how to craft and deliver those stories so that they actually work to influence.

In this session, we'll dive into both the art and science of stories designed to affect how people think or act. We'll look at what a story is, why it works, and common mistakes storytellers make. You will walk away with simple frameworks that you can leverage to craft your next story for maximum impact.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Judd

Stephanie Judd

Managing Partner, Wolf & Heron | Speaker, Author, Coach, Facilitator, Wolf & Heron
Stephanie is a Founder and Managing Partner of Wolf & Heron, a leadership development firm that specializes in the skills necessary to engage and inspire others. The cornerstone skill that Wolf & Heron teaches is storytelling. Stephanie holds a B.A from Cornell University, an MBA... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

How to be a Wealthy Musician SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Using our Seven note Financial Scale, we provide financial literacy to the music community. Our mission is to show that no artist or anyone in the music business needs to give up their ambitions because of money. Built on our successful course taught at the University of Colorado Denver and shared with the community on our popular podcast, Musicians Tip Jar, we provide simple actions and solutions to manage and grow wealth as a musician.

Speakers
avatar for Chris Webb

Chris Webb

Chris Webb Co-Founder, Musicians Tip Jar
Chris Webb is a Denver based musician who has successfully maintained a full-time career in music for over two decades. He owns the booking agency called "Colorado Professional Performers," teaches at the University of Colorado Denver in the music program and Co-founded Musicians... Read More →
avatar for Dave Tamkin

Dave Tamkin

Musicians Tip Jar - Co-Founder, Musicians Tip Jar
Dave combines his collaborative management style with an energetic focus on networking and developing strategic partnerships. In 2009, Dave was instrumental in founding an online marketing agency, helping marketers and advertisers gain access to cleaner online traffic and enhanced... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Amplifying Impact: Advocacy Strategies to Elevate Your Nonprofit Mission SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Nonprofits are the heartbeat of change, but recent trends show we’re losing momentum. Did you know only 31% of nonprofits have engaged in advocacy or lobbying in the past five years? That’s down from 74% in 2000.

This dynamic, interactive workshop will spark your passion and reignite your nonprofit’s advocacy efforts. You’ll discover the building blocks of effective advocacy, break down the myths about lobbying, and walk away with practical strategies to influence public policy.

Participants can anticipate engaging hands-on activities, such as developing impactful elevator pitches and identifying a network of key allies to strengthen their advocacy efforts. Whether you are new to advocacy or seeking to enhance your existing skills, this session provides an opportunity to empower your organization to create lasting and transformative impact.
Speakers
avatar for Maureen Ewing

Maureen Ewing

Consultant & Coach, Justice Together Project
Maureen Ewing (she/her) is a results-and-heart driven social sector leader in the social sector, with over 20 years of experience empowering nonprofit organizations. She has a proven track record of building capacity for organizations that serve traditionally overburdened communities... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  NonProfit Track
  • format csv

1:00pm MDT

Selling Without the Ick SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Is selling a curse word to you?

Does sales make you feel insecure?

Would you make more money if you felt more comfortable with sales?

I used to overthink sales. I wanted to be amazing, but I thought it was hard, stressful, and uncomfortable.

Even though we have no problem buying, we can get in our heads when we go to sell to others. Selling seems icky and slimy.

Do you have this relationship to sales? If you do, it will limit your success and income.

Want sales to become effortless and enjoyable? Join Rich Life at Founded in FoCo.

Sales is a powerful relationship skill. We sell ideas, beliefs, and behaviors to others every day. Yet something changes in our minds when we go to sell an offering for money.

We worry, stress, and fret. Some have such an aversion to selling that it becomes like a curse word.

Imagine if selling became as natural as breathing. When we don’t overthink it, sales can be that simple. Instead of a stressor, it can be a beautiful exchange.

Easeful sales is possible for anyone. The good news is that when we drop sales stress, we get even better at it. Making deals becomes no more than an interesting game, and the more we play, the more we improve.

Everyone is born to sell. We cover up this innate ability with thoughts and beliefs that sabotage our efforts.

Are you in your own way?

Learn:
How to drop overthinking around sales
How society conditioned you to dislike sales
Why sleazy sales tactics don't work
That selling is not about you
How to listen deeply to create connection
To handle objections with grace and curiosity
How to make more money in sales

Fall in love with sales by approaching it with fresh eyes.

With over 7 years experience in weight loss and membership sales, Rich Life has the record of a top salesperson.

Rich combines his extensive sales experience with a transformative understanding. This understanding helps professionals “drop thought" and leads to more clients, sales, and success.
Speakers
avatar for Rich Life

Rich Life

Owner, Rich Life Realization
Business owner and speaker, Rich is an educator and coach with more than 10 years experience. He uses metaphor and in the moment wisdom to help achievers stop striving and start flowing. As a 3 Principles Apprentice Practitioner, his approach is based on the 3 Principles understanding... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Writing with AI: What you don't know could kill your business SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
It’s really tempting to pop an AI open and ask it to do your boring tasks for you: email, reports, job descriptions, cover letters, and all that marketing content you’re supposed to be churning out. But when we’re telling brand stories in a sea of robot regurgitation, we have to use our tools effectively: AI is just a fancy calculator using language instead of numbers. Before you get too intoxicated watching your empty page fill, remember that AI can’t write for you, and come to our workshop to get a refresher on its strengths and weaknesses, and a structured approach for producing usable, effective writing using AI as a tool in your kit. You’ll leave with some prompts, a method for reviewing and adapting AI outputs, and a much more nuanced understanding of appropriate AI usage and just why it is that most of us can recognize unadulterated AI content.
Speakers
avatar for Sharon Pitkin

Sharon Pitkin

Content that connects, Something Polished
Sharon is a (primarily technical) communicator, connecting experts with the customers who need to understand what they do. With careful editing and content writing, she gets your words out to the right audiences. Together, you’ll create something polished: an RFP bid, website copy... Read More →
avatar for Jenny Morse

Jenny Morse

Business Writing and Communication Expert, Appendance, Inc
Jenny helps professionals develop their confidence and credibility as business writers through her company Appendance, Inc, which offers corporate seminars and online courses. She has had the privilege of training employees at CoBank, Hunter Douglas, Adobe, Larimer County, Digicomm... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  AI Track, Workshop

1:00pm MDT

Traction: How to Get a Grip on Your Business SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Is your business controlling you, or are you controlling your business?

Being an entrepreneur is exciting—until it's not. The chaos of keeping things together feels like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Blindfolded. Over a pit of fire.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Business owners everywhere face the same uphill battle: mounting fires, leadership tension, and a nagging suspicion that your business might actually be running you. It doesn’t have to be this way.

As an EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Implementer, I help frazzled founders, weary leaders, and overwhelmed teams regain control. This workshop unpacks the simple, powerful tools of the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®) to help you:

+ Gain clarity on your vision (because guessing isn't a strategy).
Build a healthy, aligned leadership team (goodbye, endless bickering in meetings).
+ Establish consistent, accountable processes (yes, people will actually follow through!).
+ Solve issues at the root, not just slapping on duct tape (we're looking at you, 'quick fixes').

You’ll leave with the tools and confidence to run your business, rather than letting it run you into the ground. And hey, you might even start enjoying being the boss again.

So, if you’ve ever felt like the captain of a ship that’s constantly one storm away from sinking, join us for this workshop. Together, we’ll turn your team into a well-oiled machine that runs like clockwork, leaving you free to enjoy life, lead well, and maybe—just maybe—sleep through the night.

It’s time to get a grip. Because the only thing worse than being overwhelmed by your business is realizing it’s been controlling you all along.

This workshop isn’t just about survival. It’s about thriving. It’s about gaining the traction you need to move forward, not just spin in circles.

And let’s be honest—there are enough things in life that control us (hello, social media algorithms). Your business shouldn’t be one of them.
Speakers
avatar for Justin Boling

Justin Boling

I help entrepreneurs & business owners take control of their business!, EOS Worldwide
I am a dedicated husband, father to 5, serial entrepreneur, Coach, and Small Business Owner committed to empowering fellow entrepreneurs. Previously, I grappled with the commonplace notion that success meant sacrificing personal well-being and relationships. In my pursuit of climbing... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Art is Not a Business SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Why is it so many artists/creatives resist creating business plans? Why do we dread engaging in marketing and sales? Why do we struggle to price our art? Because art, unlike business, is not "the practice of making one's living by engaging in commerce." But it's also not charity. Artists are not "poor businesspeople," we are just not traditional business people, and judging us by those standards keeps us in low-earning positions, stifles innovation, and pits us against each other. In this session, author and arts advocate Teresa Funke will lead the audience in a fast-paced, whine-free, out-of-the-box, open discussion of how we artists could potentially carve out a space for ourselves that operates somewhere between business and charity and redefines what "business success" looks like.
Speakers
avatar for Teresa Funke

Teresa Funke

Author, Arts Advocate, Community Catalyst, Owner Teresa Funke & Company, LLC
Teresa Funke is an author, speaker, blogger, playwright, part-owner of Blue Moose Art Gallery, and an arts and community catalyst. She is the founder and owner of Teresa Funke & Company, LLC and Victory House Press. She also owns and operates the Bursts of Brilliance® website, brand... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Nonprofit Planned Giving Consultation SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Whether your nonprofit has an established planned giving program or is new to the concept of planned giving, this session is designed to meet you where you’re at. Sit down one-on-one with the NoCo Foundation to discuss actionable steps to incorporate or elevate planned giving and non-cash donations in your fundraising strategy. Come prepared with an understanding of what your organization is doing (or not doing) to promote, execute, and steward planned gifts.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Ericson

Mary Ericson

Development Officer, Community Foundation of Northern Colorado
In her role at the NoCo Foundation, Mary serves as a charitable advisor, helping individuals and businesses create customized and strategic giving plans. She is passionate about the nonprofit sector and has served as development director for two local human services nonprofits. A... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:00pm MDT

Beat Writing Roadblocks: Utilizing a Writing Community, Finding Your Voice, and Publishing Your Work
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
This session will focus on helping writers (from beginning to advanced) find and foster their own unique voice, write about their experience and get it out into the world. We'll talk about local support systems for writers, options for publication and promotion, and how to deal with the normal fears and roadblocks of writing your first novel, memoir, or article.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Reichert

Sarah Reichert

Director, Writing Heights Writers Association
Sarah Reichert (S.E. Reichert) is a writer, novelist, poet and blogger. She is the author of the Sweet Valley Series (nominated for the Colorado Book Awards in 2024) and is the Director and the Youth Coordinator of the Writing Heights Writers Association. Her work has been featured... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Creative Track
  • format csv

2:00pm MDT

Gather with Purpose: Elevate your Organization with Magic Moments SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Inspired by Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering, this condensed session will focus on key principles nonprofits/businesses can use to elevate their events and meetings. We’ll cover essential strategies for designing gatherings that inspire connection and purpose. Attendees will walk away with practical, actionable tips to make their events more meaningful, whether they’re planning a fundraiser, a board meeting, or a community workshop. Ideal for nonprofit professionals, creatives, freelancers, and entrepreneurs looking to maximize impact in every interaction.
Speakers
avatar for Analia Weber

Analia Weber

Development Director, Mover & Shaker, Community Connector, The Family Center/ La Familia
Analía Weber is a dynamic force on a mission to foster community wherever she goes. Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Analía spent the initial chapters of her life gracing stages nationally and internationally, sharing her passion for dance and presenting her choreographic creations... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:00pm MDT

Mastering Grant Finances: Best Practices for Today's Leaders SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
In today’s competitive funding landscape, nonprofit leaders and grant managers need more than just a great proposal. We need solid financial management practices to ensure our organizations are prepared for success from start to finish—before, during, and after the grant is awarded.

Join SheRen Consulting for the 45-minute session, Mastering Grant Finances: Best Practices for Today's Leaders, that will provide nonprofit leaders, grant managers, and program staff with the practical tools and strategies we need to manage grant finances effectively.

Participants will dive into the essentials of building strong financial foundations, from submitting proposals to ensuring compliance throughout the life of the grant.

What You'll Learn:

Financial Stewardship: Understand the key financial principles that guide successful grants—from budgeting to compliance and everything in between.

Best Practices for Grant Submissions: Learn how to prepare accurate, comprehensive financial documentation that aligns with funder expectations and sets you up for success.

Post-Award Management: Master how to track expenses, maintain internal controls, and stay audit-ready with strategies for managing funds after the grant is awarded.

Practical Tools & Resources: Take home useful templates, checklists, and financial planning tools that you can start using right away to streamline your processes and improve financial transparency.
Speakers
avatar for Kay Emerson

Kay Emerson

Founder, SheRen Consulting
Kay Emerson, MS, brings over 15 years of expertise in public administration, focusing on improving health equity, education, and economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities. With a strong background in program development, grant management, financial oversight, and... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:00pm MDT

Elevate Your LinkedIn Game: Strategies to Increase Reach and Engagement SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Do you have a LinkedIn strategy? Is it working?

Most small businesses are using LinkedIn for marketing. But they’re missing key elements that can make a huge difference.

Join this session to reset your approach to LinkedIn. Candyce will share real-life strategies to build your personal and company brand, increase your reach, enhance your audience engagement, and get leads to reach out to you.

You’ll discover how to:

- Build your personal professional brand on LinkedIn
- Avoid mistakes that most businesses make every day
- Use 2 little-known LinkedIn features to attract leads
- Optimize content for engagement
Speakers
avatar for Candyce Edelen

Candyce Edelen

LinkedIn Social Selling Expert, PropelGrowth
Candyce Edelen is a seasoned entrepreneur with plenty of road rash earned by co-founding two fin-tech companies, one of which made the Deloitte Fast 50 list in 2004. In 2018, she and her partner decided to pivot to a new target market where they didn’t have an existing network... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:45pm MDT

Afternoon Break SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT
Wednesday March 12, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

Failure as Fuel: How to Purposefully Fail to Success with Design Thinking
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
The key to innovation is failing successfully. You can’t innovate without it. The design thinking process is a tool for failing forward on purpose, and with intent and focus. Innovation can feel like wondering through a dark room, not knowing the way to the door. The design thinking process is your flashlight to help guide you through the dark, to a meaningful and innovative solution. It’s a tried and true process that was most famously popularized by IDEO, a famous design consultancy out of San Francisco.

This content is for creatives and entrepreneurs that are interested in learning how to be more creative and innovative, and be able to do it consistently, whether that’s innovating creative endeavors, innovating products or services, or simply tackling difficult obstacles with innovative approaches.

My passion for failing comes from my years in Industrial Design. I got my master’s degree in Industrial Design from Auburn University. Since then I have taught college level design courses at CollegeAmerica, Co Instructed in the Nancy Richardson Design Center at Colorado State University, and spent years designing jewelry, among other things, like playground equipment. Through all of that I have been taught over and over again the value of failing, in order to learn, and how to utilize the unique nature of the design thinking process to learn and innovate.
Speakers
avatar for Alex Reynolds

Alex Reynolds

Founder, Charming Quail™ Jewelry Design
Alex, the founder of Charming Quail™ Jewelry Design, was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, the melting pot of the south. After growing up a southern gentleman, he ventured out to Colorado to study engineering at CSU. After over a year of closing the library down every night... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track
  • format csv

3:15pm MDT

How to find, evaluate and secure a residency SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Discover how to search for residency opportunities. Build your capacity to successfully apply for residencies without having to set all of your creative work aside. Develop high-quality descriptions to be able to convey a short bio, your personal philosophy, what inspires you, and why you are interested in the residency offered.
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Kasprzak

Ashley Kasprzak

Partner for Purpose, Ashley Kasprzak Consulting, LLC
Ashley Kasprzak believes that creative people make our community more interesting and unified. Artists are as valuable to community as business leaders, professionals and service workers. They can benefit from residency programs and to often do not apply. Ashley wants to artists thrive... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

Leveraging and Protecting Your Creative Work SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Whether you are a painter, performer, artisan or other type of creative entrepreneur, your original creative output is the lifeblood of your business. The creative expression in your work is your own intellectual property that can be leveraged, licensed, or protected to bring you profit and sustainability. This session, presented by Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA), will cover the basic principles of copyright law and how it can be used to safeguard or harness your valuable creative assets.
Speakers
avatar for Meredith Badler

Meredith Badler

Deputy Director, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA)
Meredith Badler is the Deputy Director at Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA). She enjoys making a positive impact in Colorado through creativity and community partnerships every single day. Meredith oversees all of CBCA’s programs, major events, research and trainings... Read More →
avatar for Brian Hanning

Brian Hanning

Hanning Law Ltd., Hanning Law
Brian Hanning is the attorney owner of Hanning Law Limited, a law firm serving Northern Colorado. Hanning Law is focused on assisting small businesses with their legal structure, contract, and intellectual property. Brian volunteers with Colorado Attorneys for the Arts and local Small... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Creative Track
  • format csv

3:15pm MDT

Bring Your Soma to Work SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Owning a business, running a nonprofit, or being an entrepreneur is a never-ending rollercoaster of meeting deadlines, managing team dynamics, communicating value, meeting financial goals, and trying to get ahead. The world moves at lightning speed and asks us to adapt, innovate, and keep moving. Anxiety abounds.

But what if the secret to doing it all well wasn't a new technology, but instead was an invitation to slow down and recenter ourselves?

Our brains are useful tools when it comes to analysis, evaluation, computation, and composition. But they aren't the most effective tools for regulation, connection, adaptability, and creativity when used in isolation. Instead, we have an entire network in our bodies that can support us.

Through this workshop, Bring Your Soma to Work, we'll learn how the somatic system plays a role in our decision making, communication, boundary setting, and stress regulation. We'll explore some concrete practices that can reset our nervous systems so we can be experience greater clarity, presence, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose in our work.
Speakers
avatar for Colleen Stanevich

Colleen Stanevich

Somatic Coach and Leadership Consultant, CEO and Founder
Colleen Stanevich is a recovering strategic planner who saw first-hand the toll of ignoring human-centered practices and the resulting effects on an overspent, exhausted, burned out, physically ill workforce. Through her own embodied transformation and somatic training, Colleen now... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

Ditch the Drama - Build Healthy Connections on Your Team SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Raise your hand if you can think of recent drama at work? Sometimes we find ourselves asking, “Why can’t I just do my job and stop dealing with all these people problems?!” Too often, teams become mired in unhealthy dynamics. While levels of drama on teams vary, we know it’s easy to get stuck in emotions, reactions, and power plays.

Stats tell us this problem is pervasive. A Gallup poll found 71% of employees are disengaged to the point that they consider quitting their jobs about once a day. A different study found that the average leader spends 2.5 hours per day dealing with drama that creates “emotional waste” at work.

Getting unstuck from disempowering team dynamics can be tricky AND it can be powerful. Join us to learn how to move your team forward.
Speakers
avatar for Erin Hottenstein

Erin Hottenstein

Senior Advisor and Confidence Cultivator, Trebuchet Group
Erin Hottenstein brings 20 years of experience as a consultant, trainer, facilitator, and coach in business, collegiate and community settings. She helps clients move from feeling stuck to moving forward with clarity and confidence. She helps leaders get their messages across with... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

Master Your Message: How to be comfortable networking and speaking about your non profit SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Sue Sutton will start with a short history of her radio career and then move into an interactive mastermind-style session. Participants will discuss some fears about networking and speaking and how they solved or moved past those fears (or not).
Sue will then outline the material to be covered, including how to use radio copyrighting for networking, a couple of exercises that participants will engage in, and a fun and possibly a little scary audio assignment to practice what they've learned. Sue will provide tip sheets with a place for notes and will answer questions as the session progresses.
By the end of the session, participants will know how to write their message, and then be concise when speaking and networking in various settings. They will have mastered their message (or at least made a good start) and will feel more confident and comfortable in their networking efforts.
Sue will also offer a free 5-7 minute interview on her radio show to promote the participants' nonprofit and showcase what they have learned. She is also available to speak to groups and companies about this topic for no charge.
Speakers
avatar for Sue Sutton

Sue Sutton

Radio Personality and Media Coach, Pirate Radio 93.5 FM
I am a Radio Personality and Media Coach. I've been in radio for 38 years and am currently the morning show host on Pirate Radio 93.5 FM in Fort Collins. We are a non-profit community radio station that offers FREE 5-7 minute interviews for your business, non-profit, or event. As... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

Capturing Opportunities and Avoiding Pitfalls: Foundational steps to starting a business in 2025 SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Small Business Attorney and entrepreneur Rachael Ardanuy will provide an overview of the legal aspects and practical steps to opening a business in 2025.

At RZA Legal, Rachael has spent nearly a decade guiding Colorado entrepreneurs through the often confusing maze of local, state and federal requirements, choice of entity and related tax considerations, relevant laws and regulations, business licensing and permitting, and drafting charter documents like operating agreements and shareholders agreements. This presentation will highlight various legal issues facing entrepreneurs in Colorado, as well as tips to avoid costly pitfalls in bringing your business concept to a successful reality.
Speakers
avatar for Rachael Ardanuy

Rachael Ardanuy

Business Attorney & Founder, RZA Legal
Rachael Ardanuy is a distinguished attorney, thought leader and founder of RZA Legal. With over a decade of experience, Rachael excels at guiding clients through starting up and building their business foundation, negotiating real estate transactions, buying and selling businesses... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

5:00pm MDT

Trout Tank: NonProfit Pitch-a-Thon SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
This event is inspired by “Shark Tank,” but way more kind! Trout Tank is a pitch-a-thon event where local nonprofits pitch in-person to corporate and individual sponsors (Trouts!) at Founded in FoCo. The nonprofit can pitch a program or event that needs additional funding. Sponsors then choose from the pitches presented to make a direct donation.

This is a great opportunity to see business sponsors connect and support local nonprofit organizations that are working hard to improve our community. Come watch pitches to learn about what it takes to get people onboard for your organization, and connect with other nonprofits in the area.

Who should apply to participate to share their pitch?
501(c)3 nonprofits involved in a wide range of causes are encouraged to apply to Trout Tank. We will be looking for organizations primarily located in, or impacting the northern Colorado community. Organizations with a primarily religious or political mission are not eligible for participation.

If you are a non-profit you can apply here.
Applications open February 1!
Deadline: Feb 21st
Final Decisions Announced: Feb 25th

Who serves on the feedback panel as a Trout and provides sponsorship to NonProfits?
Trouts are individuals who listen live at the event to provide feedback and commit to distribute individual or corporate grants of $1,000 or more during the event. Anyone who is interested in being a potential trout at the event, please reach out to Alex Koenigsberg at alex@arulainc.com
Speakers
avatar for Maya Ortega

Maya Ortega

Maya Ortega is a writer, community leader, creator of rituals, bathing expert, and inter-personal consultant. She specializes in leveling things up by creating events and experiences to hyper-connect communities through communication, art, and collaboration.
avatar for Alex Koenigsberg

Alex Koenigsberg

Fundraising, Philanthropy, Biz Dev, Arula
Alex founded Arula Fundraising in 2019 and grew the company to eight staff before making it an employee-owned company. He co-founded 1+ to help people start and administer philanthropic foundations. Alex also serves as the Business Development Officer for Quorum Prosthetics, the country's... Read More →
Wednesday March 12, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
 
Thursday, March 13
 

8:30am MDT

Coffee SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Thursday March 13, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

8:30am MDT

Registration
Thursday March 13, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Thursday March 13, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am MDT
Entrance 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

8:30am MDT

Business Resource Hub
Thursday March 13, 2025 8:30am - 4:30pm MDT
Visit local businesses, discover community resources, and enjoy coffee.
Thursday March 13, 2025 8:30am - 4:30pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

9:00am MDT

Kung Fu Clarity - Ninja Strategies for Connection
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
What if you could stand out In today's fast-paced, noise-filled business landscape? More than just innovation; is required, it demands strategic clarity. This session will equip you with the "ninja" skills to navigate the complexities of modern business and forge meaningful connections.

Drawing inspiration from the ancient martial art of Kung Fu, you'll learn practical strategies to:

Cut through the clutter: Learn to identify and eliminate distractions that hinder your focus and progress.

Master the art of listening: Discover how to truly understand your clients, colleagues, and partners, fostering deeper connections.

Channel your inner warrior: Unleash your potential and build the resilience needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Forge lasting relationships: Develop effective communication and networking skills to build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Join us for an interactive and insightful session that will leave you empowered to navigate the complexities of the modern business world with confidence and clarity.

Julie is a martial arts student who has studied Kung Fu and Tai Chi in Northern Colorado for 10 years
Speakers
avatar for Julie Ulstrup

Julie Ulstrup

Business Strategist and Consultant for Ambitious Entrepreneurs, Julie Ulstrup Business Strategy and Consulting
Julie Ulstrup is THE go to business strategist and coach for experienced mission driven entrepreneurs who want to start or grow a profitable business so they can have more time and money freedom. With a lifetime spent perfecting the art clarity, she helps ambitious clients 2X their... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

9:00am MDT

Quiet Room: Recharge In The Park - Day 3 SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm MDT
Recharge In The Park is a space dedicated to recharging your energy levels as you charge your electronic devices. Walking into this relaxing space, you'll notice plants, nature sounds, comfy places to sit, and phone chargers. You'll be invited to silence your devices, sit quietly, and just breathe. A table will be set up with additional relaxation tools such as journal prompts, essential oils, magazines/books, herbal tea, and community resources to support your mental health.

This space is perfect for those who may need some quiet, non-talking time to recharge and rebalance their nervous systems so they can continue enjoying an otherwise high-energy conference.
Thursday March 13, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm MDT
Art Studio 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:00am MDT

Harnessing AI Responsibly: Ethical Practices for Business Growth and Trust SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
As AI becomes more integral to business operations, the need for responsible use is paramount. This session dives into the critical role of ethical AI, empowering small businesses and non-profits to harness the power of AI while maintaining integrity and building trust with customers. We’ll explore real-world examples of businesses that have successfully implemented AI while addressing concerns around data privacy, bias, and transparency. You'll walk away with actionable steps to integrate AI in a way that not only drives innovation and growth but also aligns with your company’s values and fosters long-term customer loyalty. In a world increasingly driven by technology, responsible AI use isn’t just an option—it’s a business imperative.
Speakers
avatar for Dayle Wickizer

Dayle Wickizer

Bridging Technology and Business, Simplifying Innovation for Real-World Impact, Intentional Results
With over 20 years of leadership experience in operations, strategy, and technology, Dayle Wickizer is passionate about helping small businesses thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. As the founder of Intentional Results, Dayle focuses on bridging the gap between innovative technology... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  AI Track
  • format csv

10:00am MDT

Being a Good Employer Improves Profits SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Is being a world-class employer too expensive? Owners of growing businesses yearn to offer jobs like they themselves would take. But what about the fear of high costs against low return on investment? Wise leaders learn methods to tie high performance of employees who earn a living wage and benefits to better services and better products. Learn cutting-edge methods to avoid the "Vicious Circle" of low pay, low service, declining revenues. Instead, set up the "Virtuous Circle" of decent pay, great service, and increasing revenues.
Speakers
avatar for Robert Anderson

Robert Anderson

Director, Business Navigators, Colorado Enterprise Fundm, Director, Business Navigators
• Manages CEF's team of in-house small business consultants trained to help our borrowers succeed. • Has a track record of small business success, identifying harmful constraints and implementing solutions to restore long-term organizational and financial health. Also served in... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track

10:00am MDT

Painted Baby: Connect with Clients Through Brave and Vulnerable Storytelling SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Painting a picture of perfection prevents true connection.

Every business leader has a dirty little secret tucked away, never dreaming they would share it with anyone, let alone prospective clients. But revealing it tells an important story and lays the groundwork for genuine connections between you, your clients, and those you serve. It inspires others, showing them that honesty is a priority and accountability is unconditional.

Revealing this secret empowers you to show the best version of yourself by sharing how you have handled your worst moments—which is exactly what your clients want to understand.

In Painted Baby, serial entrepreneur Matt Shoup shows how to establish real and deep connections, build true rapport, and create long-lasting trust with clients and others you serve. He invites you on an empowering journey to explore your imperfections and grow comfortable with your guard down, allowing the rawest, most compelling version of yourself to shine through. You’ll learn the tenets of great storytelling, why crafting your message counts, and how to communicate with conviction, even when you’re vulnerable. Are you ready for a challenge? Step outside your comfort zone with this innovative approach to embracing imperfection.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Shoup

Matt Shoup

Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, M & E Painting and Roofing and MattShoup.com
Matt Shoup is a Jesus follower, husband, father, an award-winning serial entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, Spain aficionado, aspiring paella chef, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, and Spanish coffee addict. Matt’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 10, when he started... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track
  • format csv

10:00am MDT

Stop the Revolving Door: Build and Motivate High-Performing Teams That Stay SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Are your top performers heading for the door while the ones you wish would leave stick around? Is turnover leaving you stuck in the weeds, tackling operational headaches instead of focusing on strategy? Retaining top talent doesn’t happen by accident—it takes the right systems, clarity, and leadership to create a workplace where high performers thrive.

In this session, we’ll explore what’s driving your retention challenges and the hidden factors pushing your best employees out the door. You’ll discover how to create a work environment that supports, motivates, and keeps top talent, while reducing the frustrations that hold your team—and your business—back.

This session will not only provide fresh insights but also give you actionable tools to slow the revolving door immediately. Turn your team into your biggest competitive advantage.
Speakers
avatar for Samantha C. Prestidge

Samantha C. Prestidge

Chief Solutions Enthusiast, I Help Owners & Leaders Overcome Growing Pains and Build High-Performing Teams
Samantha C. Prestidge is the founder of Auxo Business Services, a consultancy dedicated to empowering managers, streamlining operations, and building high-performing teams for growing businesses. With years of experience partnering with field-service companies, nonprofits, and entrepreneurial... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:00am MDT

How to Finish Unfinished Business in 90 Days SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Do you have a mile long To Do List that never seems to get any shorter? Are you running on fumes while still failing to check the box on what’s most important? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. The majority of our Western World is stuck in a constant uphill battle to strive and achieve more and more productivity, efficiency, and measurable outcomes while our health – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual - is overtaxed, rundown, and in desperate need of rest and restoration. In essence, we’re accumulating a bigger, heavier load of unfinished business while becoming less and less resourced and capable of resolving it.

In this session, together with presenter and guide Lisa Cheney-Philp, you will explore a less-traveled path to relief from the burden of unfinished business that can be meaningfully navigated within 90 days. First, Lisa will weave together insights and teaching from lifecycle theory, somatic psychotherapy, time management philosophy, and end-of-life care planning practices, so that you can gain a fresh perspective on all that is distracting, peripheral, and beyond your control. Second, from this perspective you will be invited to bring to the center that which remains incomplete, out of alignment with your core values, and longing for your care and attention (it’s probably not what you think!). Lastly, you will receive a holistic, intentional and restorative action planning tool, and be guided through the process of using it, to help you define and successfully complete the next steps that are yours to take within the next 90 days.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Cheney-Philp

Lisa Cheney-Philp

Founder & CEO, Women of the Water
Lisa Cheney-Philp is a Death Doula, Grief Practitioner, Creative Facilitator, Artist, River Guide, and the Founder of Women of the Water where she creatively and intuitively supports women, families, and groups moving through experiences of death, dying, grief and loss with companionship... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:00am MDT

Beat the Burnout! SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Most business owners are working harder, and working more, trying to get it ALL done, while burning out in the process. Get control of your time and energy and boost your professional success with a few simple and easy-to-implement productivity tools that will help you decrease stress while increasing your impact, and income!

In this interactive session, you'll learn strategies to manage your time and energy so you don't burn out, including:

1. How to use the 80/20 rule to get better results doing less
2. Get clear on your WHY and say no to everything else so you become THE expert in your industry
3. How to use your schedule to earn more working fewer hours
Speakers
avatar for Chrysta	Bairre

Chrysta Bairre

Mental Health Speaker and Author, Live Love Work
Chrysta Bairre is an advocate for herself and others. As a child she grew up in poverty, surrounded by family members with mental illness and addiction, while her own non-apparent disability went unrecognized and undiagnosed. A queer woman with several disabilities, she fought to... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:00am MDT

Messages from our Childhood That Hold Us Back SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Early in childhood, you were taught not to talk to strangers or take money from strangers, the two things you have to do in sales. In this session, we will review some of the common messages from childhood that hold you back in selling yourself, or product and your ideas.
Speakers
avatar for Wayne Dehn

Wayne Dehn

Author and certified sales trainer, 3D TRAINING LLC
After 15 years in non-profit management and two Emmy Nominations for Telethon production, Wayne began his journey in sales as a representative for a non-profit trade association offering benefits and services to Small Business America. Soon promotion to national management positions... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

10:15am MDT

Writing Your Artist Statement! SEATS AVAILABLE
Calling all artists, writers, and creatives: emerging or established, mid-career or hobbyist!

Stumped by your artist statement? Don’t know where to start, what to say, or how long it should be? Have an existing statement that feels out of date or doesn’t accurately represent you or your work?

Discover the answers to these questions and more at Writing Your Artist Statement, an interactive workshop led by Madeleine Boyson, regional arts writer and editor.

Together we'll discover your work in your own voice, cover best practices, create new frameworks for statements, and build creative community in the process. Bring an existing statement or start from scratch!
Speakers
avatar for Madeleine Boyson

Madeleine Boyson

Arts and Culture Writer, Editor, + Communications Coordinator, Gregory Allicar Museum of Art
Madeleine Boyson (she/her) is a Denver-based writer, poet, and artist. She holds a BA in Art History and History from the University of Denver and makes her living as a communications professional, editorial coordinator, and arts writer.
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Gregory Allicar Museum of Art's Robert W. Hoffert Learning Center [Offsite] 1400 Remington StFort Collins, CO 80524

10:45am MDT

Morning Break
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

11:15am MDT

Panel Topic: "AI Unplugged: Real-Time Insights, Trends, and Your Burning Questions Answered"
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
In this dynamic, interactive session, our expert panelists will dive into the latest AI trends, share practical tips, and provide actionable insights to help solopreneurs, small businesses, and non-profits harness the power of AI. From understanding emerging AI technologies to integrating practical tools into your daily operations, this panel will cover it all. Come prepared with your questions! Whether you're curious about AI's role in marketing, operations, or customer service, our panelists will offer tailored advice and real-world examples. This session ensures you leave with clarity and confidence about incorporating AI into your business, while staying ahead of the curve on the latest developments.
Perfect for those looking to cut through the hype and get straight answers from industry leaders!
Speakers
avatar for Dayle Wickizer

Dayle Wickizer

Bridging Technology and Business, Simplifying Innovation for Real-World Impact, Intentional Results
With over 20 years of leadership experience in operations, strategy, and technology, Dayle Wickizer is passionate about helping small businesses thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. As the founder of Intentional Results, Dayle focuses on bridging the gap between innovative technology... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  AI Track
  • format csv

11:15am MDT

Considerations for a Well-Rounded IP Strategy SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Intellectual property (IP) often becomes an afterthought in the fast-paced entrepreneurship environment. Yet, a thoughtfully crafted IP strategy is essential for protecting and enhancing your business's value at every stage. This session will explore why IP deserves an active, ongoing role in your business planning and how a well-rounded IP strategy can become a dynamic asset as your business evolves.

Join us for a fireside chat led by CSU STRATA’s Director of IP Strategy, Jessica Trostel. We’ll explore the realities of establishing, adapting, and sometimes reshaping IP strategies alongside an attorney experienced in guiding entrepreneurs and an inventor-entrepreneur who has navigated the complex IP landscape. You’ll gain insights into choosing the right IP protections, how to make strategic decisions about adding, dropping, or overlapping IP, and why no single type of IP is inherently more valuable than another.

This discussion, perfect for founders, innovators, and business leaders, will offer practical tips on making IP a cornerstone of your business strategy.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Trostel

Jessica Trostel

Director of IP Strategy, CSU STRATA
Jessica joined CSU STRATA in 2018 to support the Colorado State University System’s technology transfer team in licensing efforts and protecting intellectual property. In 2021, Jessica became the Director of Intellectual Property Strategy to lead the development of the system’s... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

11:15am MDT

From Fluff to Facts: Find The Real Truth Through Conversations SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Are you tired of market research conversations that seem to go nowhere? I’ll walk you through my approach to asking the right questions—the kind that lead to real, actionable feedback. It’s not about surface-level chats or vague promises; it’s about getting specific, diving deep, and learning what really drives your customers.

The key? It’s not about pitching your idea. In fact, it’s about avoiding it entirely. I’ll show you how to shift the conversation to focus on your customers' lives, their problems, and their real-world experiences. Instead of asking hypothetical questions like, "Would you use this?" or "Do you think it's a good idea?" you’ll learn how to ask about what they’ve actually done. That way, even your mom couldn’t lie to you about it!


Here’s what you’ll get out of it:

A new approach to customer conversations: Learn how to structure chats that reveal actionable insights instead of vague, surface-level responses.

Question techniques that work: Discover the exact questions that dig into past behaviors and help you get past fluff to find the stories that actually matter.

Common pitfalls to avoid: Learn how to steer clear of the mistakes that lead to misleading feedback, like fishing for validation or compliments.

How to get honest feedback: Shift the focus to your customers' real experiences to uncover genuine insights that will shape your product decisions.

Practical tools you can use right away: Walk away with question frameworks and strategies you can start using immediately to make every conversation count.

This session is all about making sure your market research is actually useful, so you can build something your customers really need, not just something they say they want.
Speakers
avatar for kateryna quinn

kateryna quinn

Founder, ASTASH | Uplify AI
Kateryna Quinn is a mom, an immigrant, and a proud small business owner in Northern Colorado. Recognized as a Forbes Next 1000 honoree and one of NOCO's 30 Under 30, she has made a name for herself as a leader in marketing and web design. As the founder of ASTASH an award-winning... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

11:15am MDT

TRUST is Your Competitive Superpower SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
AI is dramatically changing the way customers search and how you get found.

• AI-assisted search means customers find answers without visiting websites
• Gartner expects organic web traffic to drop by 50% by 2026
• AI generated content is flooding the web
• Traditional marketing is becoming less effective

This is making building trust and authority online more important than ever. Traditional search engines, AI search and humans are all looking for signals of experience, expertise, authority and trustworthiness.

Building this trust requires a special kind of content. We like to call this “thought leadership,” but it could also be called “subject matter expertise.” The goal of this type of content is to establish your credibility, differentiate you in a crowded market, and build trust with prospects.

It may sound complex, but you’re actually creating the seeds for this content every single day. Every project you work on, every conversation with prospects and customers, every project meeting can be a source.

In this session, you’ll learn how to turn conversations your team is having every day into impactful content that showcases your expertise.

Content that can be used again and again on multiple platforms to reach the right audience.

We’ll simplify the process using AI tools, making it easy to leverage your existing knowledge and rapidly produce engaging content while maintaining your unique voice.

Discover how to position yourself as a trusted resource, nurturing relationships that lead to
lasting client engagement and growth.
Speakers
avatar for Candyce Edelen

Candyce Edelen

LinkedIn Social Selling Expert, PropelGrowth
Candyce Edelen is a seasoned entrepreneur with plenty of road rash earned by co-founding two fin-tech companies, one of which made the Deloitte Fast 50 list in 2004. In 2018, she and her partner decided to pivot to a new target market where they didn’t have an existing network... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track

11:15am MDT

The Emotion Map: Inspire Joy in others without Toxic Positivity SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
⭐ The Emotion Map: Inspire Joy in others without Toxic Positivity
Emotions are great... until they completely suck.
Fear is your friend... until it paralyzes you on the way to your big dreams.
It's ok to feel lost... until you can't find your way out again... and then you text your ex... and you order a case of cheetos... and then the cheetos are gone... and... wait, is that just me?

If you'd like to see a fresh take on the rollercoaster of human emotions, this talk is for you!

As it turns out, we humans are emotional, and we can't always just "leave it at the door". As a leader, managing the emotions of our team can feel like the biggest part of our job - or the most nebulous.

In this talk, I’ll show you the map I created to find my way through the maze as a highly sensitive entrepreneur for over ten years. It has allowed me to use my sensitive empathic nature as an asset, rather than a hindrance, and stay on the path to my goals.

#1 Takeaway: How to navigate through an emotional trigger, and develop Dynamic Positivity, instead of toxic positivity.

#2 Takeaway: Your own Emotional Agility Map to keep!

⭐ The Emotion Map: Inspire Joy in others without Toxic Positivity
Emotions are great... until they completely suck.
Fear is your friend... until it paralyzes you on the way to your big dreams.
It's ok to feel lost... until you can't find your way out again... and then you text your ex... and you order a case of cheetos... and then the cheetos are gone... and... wait, is that just me?

If you'd like to see a fresh take on the rollercoaster of human emotions, this talk is for you!

As it turns out, we humans are emotional, and we can't always just "leave it at the door". As a leader, managing the emotions of our team can feel like the biggest part of our job - or the most nebulous.

In this talk, I’ll show you the map I created to find my way through the maze as a highly sensitive entrepreneur for over ten years. It has allowed me to use my sensitive empathic nature as an asset, rather than a hindrance, and stay on the path to my goals.

#1 Takeaway: How to navigate through an emotional trigger, and develop Dynamic Positivity, instead of toxic positivity.

#2 Takeaway: Your own Emotional Agility Map to keep!

Speakers
avatar for Amanda Fuel

Amanda Fuel

Speaking Coach for Leaders & Thought Leaders, Next Level Fuel
Amanda Fuel is here to shake things up in the world of leadership. Her secret mission is to inspire the best parts of ourselves to come out to play, even around serious topics (like emotions), and to make space for uncommon voices - are you an Introvert? Neurodivergent? Don’t fit... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

11:15am MDT

How to Make Sales and Balance Your Needs as a Neurodivergent Business Owner SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
What is a neurodivergent (autistic or ADHD in this context) business owner supposed to do when they struggle with social interaction, overwhelm, or disorganization but need to make sales to put food on the table?

How do you even START the sales conversation when you feel like you'll NEVER be at good at sales because of the inherent struggles of being autistic or ADHD?

Is it feasible, your neurodivergent needs while still creating a successful business? Is a successful business even possible outside of the "traditional" rules around sales and being an entrepreneur?

In short - yes!

There's a better way!
 
In this session, we'll discuss some strategies to help set you up for success with proven, actionable steps - both in sales and in your wellbeing!
Speakers
avatar for Daisy Montgomery

Daisy Montgomery

CEO, Autistics Anonymous
Daisy Montgomery is an autistic and ADHD multi-award-winning speaker, author, and business owner of Autistics Anonymous, a company dedicated to educating on what it’s like to be autistic everyday and working directly with the autistic community to provide opportunities for belonging... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

11:15am MDT

Social Media Alchemy: Transforming Engagement into Revenue SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Unlock the power of storytelling to boost your business! Join us for a dynamic workshop blending creative content with sales strategies. Learn to craft engaging posts, build a loyal audience, and turn followers into customers. Perfect for artisans and entrepreneurs, we'll share real-world tips and success stories. Leave with actionable steps to transform your social media into a sales powerhouse!
Speakers
avatar for Jade Shebelski

Jade Shebelski

Chief Content Officer Maven & Muse Media, Maven & Muse Media
I’ve been in the social media space since Netflix sent Dvds in the mail and Amazon was where you bought books. It’s during that era Maven & Muse Media was born from my own journey as a vintage business owner. Where I organically grew a dedicated niche following by sharing the... Read More →
avatar for Gabrielle Lopez

Gabrielle Lopez

Business Development Consultant, Better Business Bureau
Gabby is a multi-entrepreneur with over 15 years experience in design, marketing, sales, and strategic planning. Her passion is helping creative entrepreneurs build a strong brand, clarify their message, and grow their business organically. She is the founder of Morning Tea Coaching... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

12:00pm MDT

Lunch SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Thursday March 13, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

AI-Driven Marketing: Unlocking the Future of Customer Engagement and Data Mastery SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Step into the future of marketing with Phil Metzger as he demystifies AI's role in revolutionizing customer engagement and data mastery. This dynamic, interactive session is tailored for solopreneurs and small business owners looking to harness the power of AI in their marketing strategies.

Discover how AI is transforming the marketing landscape, from enhancing data acquisition to enabling real-time decision making. Through engaging activities and real-world examples, you'll explore:
- The evolution of marketing
- Traditional vs. AI-driven approaches
- AI-powered customer insights and personalization techniques
- Ethical considerations in AI-driven data acquisition
- Practical AI tools for businesses with 1-50 employees

By the end of this session, you'll have a clear understanding of how to implement AI in your marketing efforts, balancing innovation with ethical considerations. You'll leave equipped with actionable strategies to:
1) Leverage AI for deeper customer insights
2) Craft personalized marketing campaigns that resonate
3) Make data-driven decisions in real-time
4) Navigate the ethical landscape of AI in marketing

Interactive elements include live polls, group discussions, and a hands-on demo of an AI marketing tool. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with peers, share ideas, and get your burning questions answered.

Don't miss this chance to demystify AI and unlock its potential for your business. Whether you're AI-curious or looking to enhance your current strategies, this session will provide the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the AI-driven marketing landscape.

Join us to overcome the overwhelm, prioritize data protection, and confidently integrate AI into your marketing operations. Let's innovate together and pave the way for long-term success in the age of AI!
Speakers
avatar for Phil Metzger

Phil Metzger

Founder of Mirror Marketing | A.I. Fanatic, Mirror Marketing - Founder
Phil Metzger is the visionary founder and owner of Mirror Marketing, a cutting-edge digital marketing agency specializing in empowering small businesses through data, creativity, and innovative AI-driven strategies. Phil has become a trusted authority in leveraging artificial intelligence... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Affordable Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Small Business Without Breaking the Bank SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Think cybersecurity is too expensive or complex for your business? Think again. In this session, you’ll learn practical, cost-effective ways to safeguard your operations from cyber threats without breaking the bank.

Discover how to identify and address the most common vulnerabilities facing businesses today and why ignoring them could cost you far more than prevention. We’ll unpack real-world strategies—many of them free or low-cost—that you can implement immediately to protect your data, operations, and reputation.

You’ll also learn how affordable partnerships with cybersecurity professionals can give you peace of mind while educating your team on essential best practices. Walk away with the tools and knowledge you need to strengthen your digital defenses and keep your business safe in a connected world.
Speakers
avatar for Reece McGregor

Reece McGregor

Owner, GenTeks MSP
Reece is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with many years of experience helping businesses safeguard their digital assets from evolving cyber threats. As a passionate advocate for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), Reece specializes in delivering practical, affordable... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track
  • format csv

1:00pm MDT

Create SEO Content that Scales Marketing, Grows Traffic & Fills Pipeline: Full Step-by-Step Process SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Follow this proven, step-by-step process to create SEO content that ranks on Google & AI overviews, grows organic search traffic to your website, and converts users down-funnel to Sales.

* Identify and target the right keywords and AI prompts that your audience is searching
* Write titles and headlines that rank on Google, earn citations in AI overviews, and drive clicks to your website
* Outline articles and subheadings that genuinely guide your reader down the funnel toward the right purchasing decision
* Include your own unique unique experience, expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (EEAT) to rise above your competitors and build credible relationships with prospective customers
* Cross-link content the right way to build topical authority that ranks content faster, higher, and more competitively
* Leverage AI to accelerate your research and drafting process 2-4x faster than traditional manual methods
Speakers
avatar for Lee Cooper

Lee Cooper

Co-Founder & CEO, Cooper Marketing
Lee Cooper is Co-Founder & CEO of Cooper Marketing, the SEO agency exclusively for scaling B2B tech companies to grow organic search traffic from Google to their website. Lee acts as a strategic SEO consultant to help B2B tech CMOs and VPs of Marketing at venture-backed, Series A-D... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track
  • format csv

1:00pm MDT

Leading With Vision That Others Can See SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Leaders are usually visionary. Those who are not leaders may be more focused on the immediate task at work, the current daycare challenge, the pressing financial concern, or any other issue that keeps them focused on the here and now.

Unfortunately, many leaders do not know how to communicate vision in a way that others can really see it. Done well, vision is unifying and inspiring. If seeing is believing, then one of the most important responsibilities of leaders is to help others see beyond the immediate to a compelling future.

The other unfortunate thing is that most "Vision Statements" aren't visionary. They're often restatements of the mission, or are said so generically that they could apply to numerous other companies, rather than being a picture of the future that the leader wants others to see.
Speakers
avatar for Mark Weaver

Mark Weaver

Open Door Organizational Solutions
Mark started Open Door in 2009 to help organizations radically define their culture. He also provides non-conventional people strategies tailored to radically reinforce organizations’ cultures, once defined. His clients are businesses and Not-For-Profits ranging in size from startups... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Arts & Culture Funding Landscape SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
The philanthropic climate for cultural organizations and artistic endeavors changed significantly during the pandemic and continues to shift. From general operating support to program grants, from government assistance to private foundations, this landscape is evolving as vital yet limited resources support arts, cultural and creative endeavors across the state. This dynamic panel conversation is a chance to speak directly to those funders. The discussion will highlight changes in funding priorities, new opportunities opening up, equity in arts funding and more.
Speakers
avatar for Meredith Badler

Meredith Badler

Deputy Director, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA)
Meredith Badler is the Deputy Director at Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA). She enjoys making a positive impact in Colorado through creativity and community partnerships every single day. Meredith oversees all of CBCA’s programs, major events, research and trainings... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

The Resilient Entrepreneur: Mastering Emotional Agility SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm MDT
In the high-pressure world of entrepreneurship, success goes beyond business acumen. The "whole" entrepreneur is emotionally resilient.

Drawing from over 40 years of experience as a licensed therapist, relationship coach, and stress management expert, Kathy Rushing blends Susan David's emotional agility framework** with deep insights into the entrepreneurial journey. Learn how to navigate the complex emotional landscape of business ownership, from managing daily stressors to making high-stakes decisions, by mastering the four key components of emotional agility: Showing Up, Stepping Out, Walking Your Why, and Moving On.
Discover practical strategies that have helped other entrepreneurs build resilience, maintain healthy relationships, and thrive amidst uncertainty.
**"Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life" by Susan David, Ph.D.
Speakers
avatar for Kathy Rushing

Kathy Rushing

Founder, Lodestar Relationship Coaching
Kathy Rushing, M.S. helps couples build strong, lasting marriages, with a special focus on entrepreneurial couples. She founded Lodestar Relationship Coaching in 2023 to guide couples through life's challenges. Kathy's secret sauce? She combines 30 years of experience as a Marriage... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

1:00pm MDT

Customer Discovery Workshop from CSU's Venture Validator [Institute for Entrepreneurship] SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Join us for the Customer Discovery Workshop, an immersive seminar designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential tools for validating business ideas. In this session, you'll dive deep into the customer discovery process, learning how to conduct empathy-driven interviews, gather meaningful insights, and refine your value propositions. We'll explore key frameworks like the Business Model Canvas and customer segmentation strategies to ensure your venture aligns with real market needs. Whether you're launching a new product or refining an existing one, this workshop will give you actionable techniques to move from assumption to validation with confidence.
Speakers
avatar for Mark Schreiber

Mark Schreiber

Institute for Entrepreneurship, Colorado State Business of a Better World, Colorado State University
Mark serves as the Entrepreneurship Specialist where he strives to community members and schools and students to add more entrepreneurial programs and mindsets into their lives, schools, and businesses. He enjoys doing presentations about the Business Model Canvas and creating tools... Read More →
Sponsors & Partners
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track, Workshop

2:00pm MDT

Building a Brand Identity That Sets You Up for Success SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
In an unpredictable world, your brand identity is more than just a logo or tagline—it’s the foundation that helps your company connect, adapt and thrive. In this session, we’ll explore how to build a brand identity that:
- resonates with your target audience
- can flex with change
- creates lasting connections with your community
- integrates the latest innovations, like AI, to stay relevant in an evolving market.
We will talk about why a brand identity matters, what makes up a brand identity, and how it can help you connect authentically and create resiliency.
Speakers
avatar for Lori Wiles

Lori Wiles

Owner, Fractional CMO, Lori Wiles Fractional CMO
Lori Wiles, ABC, is a marketing and branding expert with more than 30 years in start-up, medium, and Fortune 500 companies. She excels at building brands that stand apart and excel at growth. Creating a strong brand involves setting clear direction, identifying messaging that resonates... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track
  • format csv

2:00pm MDT

Mastering the Intangibles: Build a Business You Can Sell Tomorrow (and Love Running Forever) SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
This talk dives into the often-overlooked drivers of true business value: the intangible capitals. Building a business that's ready for sale tomorrow means creating an enterprise so strong, scalable, and self-sufficient that you might never want to part with it. Jill will guide attendees through actionable steps to assess, improve, and maximize their business’s intangible assets—Human, Customer, Structural, Social, and Financial Capital—ensuring they build a business that's both irresistible to buyers and fulfilling to operate.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Simonds

Jill Simonds

Founder & CEO of Savvy Strategic Partners, Savvy Strategic Partners
Jill is Founder & CEO of Savvy Strategic Partners – a full-service C-Suite team for hire: executing vision, increasing business value, and helping founder owners realize freedom. Our experienced collective of executive leaders across operations, revenue, and finance execute your... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track
  • format csv

2:00pm MDT

The Built-In Business Benefits of Social Justice SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
In a world that increasingly values social responsibility, businesses that actively embrace social justice initiatives not only contribute to meaningful change but also unlock a myriad of for their organizations. This fireside chat will delve into how prioritizing social justice can lead to innovation, enhanced community connections, and sustained growth. As entrepreneurs, nonprofits, startups, and creatives adapt to shifting societal norms, understanding the intersection of social justice and business can be a powerful tool for future-proofing their organizations.

Objectives:

Define Social Justice in a Business Context: Explain what social justice means for businesses and why it is crucial for modern enterprises.

Highlight the Business Case for Social Justice: Showcase tangible examples and data illustrating how social justice initiatives can drive innovation, improve employee morale, and enhance customer loyalty.

Encourage Connection and Collaboration: Foster a mindset among participants that values collaboration with communities and stakeholders to create a more equitable business landscape.

Provide Actionable Steps: Offer participants practical strategies for integrating social justice principles into their business models.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Laura Borland

Dr. Laura Borland

Founder of Dad-Ease, Dad Advocate, and Doctor of Social Work, Founder
Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all parents... Read More →
avatar for Alana White

Alana White

Architect and advocate, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Alana G. White is a program officer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan. In this role, she works in the foundation’s priority place of Michigan to support thriving children, working families and equitable communities. White is responsible for identifying... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:00pm MDT

Mental Wellness Through Change and Uncertainty SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Change in life and business creates moments of excitement combined with the fear of the unknown. Navigating change and uncertainty can impact your mental health.

Each of us has mental health, just as we have physical health, and during times of change and uncertainty, even change and uncertainty in business, we need additional tools to deal with the extra mental stress.

When you are mentally healthy, you enjoy life and the people in it. This is when you can be creative, learn, try new things, and take risks. Ultimately, you are better able to cope with uncertainty, change, and transition when you are intentional about your mental wellness.

Here’s what you'll learn in this interactive session:
-When to increase individual resourcing for mental wellness, even before you may be struggling
-How to identify when mental health is declining and you need extra support
-Strategies to improve individual mental wellness and resilience, and when to ask for help
Speakers
avatar for Chrysta	Bairre

Chrysta Bairre

Mental Health Speaker and Author, Live Love Work
Chrysta Bairre is an advocate for herself and others. As a child she grew up in poverty, surrounded by family members with mental illness and addiction, while her own non-apparent disability went unrecognized and undiagnosed. A queer woman with several disabilities, she fought to... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:00pm MDT

Align by Design: Neurodivergent Productivity SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Giving our attention to what matters most can be a challenge when 1) everything matters all the time, 2) the arrival rate overwhelms us, and 3) our energy fluctuates.

In this tech-focused talk you'll discover the key elements for your personal productivity stack and how to make them work FOR you rather than be a distracting black hole.  We'll drill down to look at Email and Clickup as examples.
Speakers
avatar for Karen Joy Fritz

Karen Joy Fritz

Purposetivity Mentor, Karen Joy Fritz
Karen Joy Fritz, friendly neighborhood geek for creative entrepreneurs who want to get important shit done, finds the best tech and practices for your unique cognitive style. When it comes to business simplification, Karen is your go-to guide in both the inner and outer adventures... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

2:45pm MDT

Afternoon Break SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT
Thursday March 13, 2025 2:45pm - 3:15pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

AI with a Conscience: Sustainable Solutions for Growing Startups and Small Businesses
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
AI is increasingly being used by businesses across various industries to streamline operations and drive growth. In "AI with a Conscience: Sustainable Solutions for Growing Startups and Small Businesses," we’ll explore how businesses from any field—not just tech—can adopt AI responsibly. This talk focuses on practical ways to use AI that reduce negative impacts on people and the environment, drawing from examples in different sectors. Whether you're in retail, healthcare, professional services, or any other industry, you'll learn how to make informed choices about AI that benefit your business without sacrificing sustainability or ethics.
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Williams

Kelly Williams

Founder of Making Software Greener, Mentor, Public Speaker, and Renaissance Person in Training, Making Software Greener, Ltd.
Matt "Kelly" Williams is the founder of Making Software Greener, the creator/CEO of the Sustainable IT Manifesto Foundation, member of the advisory board for the Green Computing Foundation, and a speaker and mentor on IT practices including DevOps, Cloud Computing, and mental health... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Foxtail 2 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  AI Track
  • Subject AI
  • format csv

3:15pm MDT

Exit Planning: How to prepare and what to expect when selling a company SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Selling a business, whether fully or partially, presents challenges regardless of size. While timing may differ based on size and complexity, the fundamental process remains consistent across transactions.

In this discussion, we will answer common questions we receive as M&A advisors, provide guidance on preparing for a future exit, and outline what to expect during the process.
Speakers
avatar for Aaron McCambridge

Aaron McCambridge

Managing Director, Citadel Advisory Group, Citadel Advisory Group
Aaron joined Citadel Advisory Group in 2011. His primary responsibilities include sourcing, evaluating, and executing transactions for sell-side M&A clients with a focus on energy and industrial services, commercial services, building materials, manufacturing, and transportation in... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Stage 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Builder Track
  • format csv

3:15pm MDT

Future-Proof Your Workforce: Employers' Guide to Apprenticeships SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
The top concern for many employers is how to attract and retain skilled talent to drive business growth. This presentation explores the benefits of apprenticeship programs for employers, showcasing how these programs can serve as powerful tools for workforce development through building your talent pipeline and enhancing employee retention, productivity, innovation, and diversity.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Everett

Heather Everett

Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship Manager, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
Heather Everett is the Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship Manager at the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. She spent over 20 years in senior care before making a career change in 2023 to manage the Work-Based Learning Incentive Program grant for the Fort Collins Chamber. From... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Sand Lily 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

Cooperative Negotiation: how to get what you want by giving them what they want SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Everything is a negotiation, but many of us don't get training in how to negotiate or practice doing it outside of situations with high risk. This workshop will illustrate some of the basic strategies for negotiation and provide low-stakes opportunities for participants to practice with each other. Once we know simple strategies like pausing, asking questions, and using I, you, and we to build connections, we can get better outcomes every time we negotiate. Through testing out these strategies and seeing how they work, you can shift your own communication techniques to more frequently get what you want while also making sure that your negotiation partners get what they want.
Speakers
avatar for Jenny Morse

Jenny Morse

Business Writing and Communication Expert, Appendance, Inc
Jenny helps professionals develop their confidence and credibility as business writers through her company Appendance, Inc, which offers corporate seminars and online courses. She has had the privilege of training employees at CoBank, Hunter Douglas, Adobe, Larimer County, Digicomm... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  Creative Track
  • format csv

3:15pm MDT

Emotional Health and Neurodiversity in the Business Community SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
The objective of this presentation is to address the mental health challenges faced by entrepreneurs and professionals, with a particular focus on ending stigma and promoting the benefits of neurodiversity within the business community.

Through shared experiences, practical strategies, and open dialogue, we aim to create a supportive environment that encourages mental wellness and inclusivity in the workplace.

This session will be presented in Spanish with interpretation to English available.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Nereida Perdigon

Dr. Nereida Perdigon

CEO and Founder, Empower U Now Consulting, LLC
Dr. Nereida Perdigón is the founder and owner of EmpowerU Now Consulting, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive support in the areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), mental health, and personal coaching. With over 16 years of experience in higher education as a... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Foxtail 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

3:15pm MDT

Grant Writing for Solopreneurs and Freelancers SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Calling all solopreneurs and freelancers! Are you ready to take your projects and business to the next level with grant funding? Join us for an interactive, hands-on session, "Grant Writing for Solopreneurs and Freelancers: Securing Funding for Projects and Businesses."

In just 45 minutes, you'll learn how to uncover funding opportunities, craft proposals that stand out, and navigate the challenges of grant writing with confidence. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will guide you through the process with practical tips, real-world examples, and engaging activities.
Speakers
avatar for Kay Emerson

Kay Emerson

Founder, SheRen Consulting
Kay Emerson, MS, brings over 15 years of expertise in public administration, focusing on improving health equity, education, and economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities. With a strong background in program development, grant management, financial oversight, and... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Lupine 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

4:15pm MDT

Be a party-rockin' leader SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
Eryc Eyl - author of Stop Engaging Employees: Start Making Work More Human - presents an electrifying blend of music, leadership insights, and interactive fun that will transform your approach to teamwork and management.

Drawing unexpected parallels between DJing and leadership, Eryc delivers a high-energy, unforgettable experience that gets everyone on their feet - literally!

Through a mix of music, storytelling, and plenty of interaction, Eryc introduces three key leadership disciplines that, when applied like a master DJ reading a crowd, can help people at any level in the organization cultivate a workplace that's as engaging and harmonious as a perfectly curated playlist.

Participants will:
* Learn to "read the room" and respond to team needs
* Discover how to involve everyone in creating positive change
* Develop strategies for building shared understanding and purpose

Packed with practical tips, dance breaks, and "aha!" moments, this presentation will leave you energized, unified, and equipped with actionable leadership tools. It's not just a talk - it's a party with a purpose that will have you grooving to a new beat of collaboration and success, transforming traditional leadership into party-rockin' leadership.

Don't miss the chance to experience this unforgettable leadership dance party at Founded in FoCo, with Eryc Eyl as your guide and DJ. Get ready to rock the party - and the workplaces of Northern Colorado!
Speakers
avatar for Eryc Eyl

Eryc Eyl

Party rocker, leadership activist, human being
A lifelong resident of northern Colorado, Eryc Eyl is a speaker, coach, and consultant with more than 30 years of experience in making work more human for conglomerates, telecommunications, consumer packaged goods, nonprofit, governmental, and research organizations. Eryc has an... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526

5:00pm MDT

Closing Social & Community Celebration SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Details to be announced.
Speakers
avatar for Nick Armstrong

Nick Armstrong

Geek-in-Chief, WTF Marketing
I’m Nick Armstrong and I’m #2 on the speed dial of most small business owners, right after mom. When they’re stuck in a rut and need a whiteboard-worth of fun, profitable marketing strategies to fill up client waitlists and bank accounts for a year, they call me.
Artists
avatar for Saja Butler

Saja Butler

Saja Butler is old Southern roots Music wrapped up in a crispy, sex'd up, Blackneck shell. Birthed down South and living in Colorado, her sound emits tones of sultry smoky seduction, airy breezy hope, and down right dirty sass. She's been playing Music since a kid and has honed... Read More →
Thursday March 13, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Resource Hub (Prairie 2 & 3) 1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
 
Founded in FoCo 2025
From $0.00
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.