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Tuesday, March 11
 

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
Prairie Sage 1
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
  Builder Track

10:00am MDT

How to Tell Your Brand's Story Like Netflix SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Foxtail 2
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

11:15am MDT

Strengthen the Bones of Your Business SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium
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
  Builder Track

1:00pm MDT

Speak Inarguably: Leadership Communication for Psychological Safety and Business Success SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Prairie Sage 1
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
  Builder Track

1:00pm MDT

Success Through Succession: Hire and Outsource the Right Way SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Foxtail 1
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
  Builder Track

2:00pm MDT

10 Most Common Problems SMB's Face SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium
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
  Builder Track

3:15pm MDT

The Life of a Product - Growing, Learning & Pivoting for Market Resiliency! SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium
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
  Builder Track

3:15pm MDT

Unlock Business Growth & Thought Leadership Through Podcasting SEATS AVAILABLE
Tuesday March 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Foxtail 1
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
  Builder Track
 
Wednesday, March 12
 

9:00am MDT

Conquering Founder-Led Sales: Thriving In The Uncomfortable SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Foxtail 2
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
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10:15am MDT

Cultivating Cultures of Care - The Power of Compassion at Work SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am MDT
Stage
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
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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
Lupine
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
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1:00pm MDT

Stories that Sell SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Lupine
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
  Builder Track

1:00pm MDT

Traction: How to Get a Grip on Your Business SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:45pm MDT
Sand Lily
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
  Builder Track, Workshop

3:15pm MDT

Failure as Fuel: How to Purposefully Fail to Success with Design Thinking SEATS AVAILABLE
Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Foxtail 1
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
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Thursday, March 13
 

10:00am MDT

Being a Good Employer Improves Profits SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am MDT
Foxtail 1
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
Foxtail 2
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
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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
Stage
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
  Builder Track

11:15am MDT

Considerations for a Well-Rounded IP Strategy SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Sand Lily
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
  Builder Track

11:15am MDT

From Fluff to Facts: Find The Real Truth Through Conversations SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Foxtail 2
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
  Builder Track

11:15am MDT

TRUST is Your Competitive Superpower SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Foxtail 1
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

1:00pm MDT

Affordable Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Small Business Without Breaking the Bank SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Stage
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
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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
Sand Lily
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
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1:00pm MDT

Leading With Vision That Others Can See SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT
Twinberry Auditorium
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
  Builder Track

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
Foxtail 2
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
avatar for Institute for Entrepreneurship at Colorado State University
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
Foxtail 1
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
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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
Stage
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
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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
Stage
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
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3:15pm MDT

Future-Proof Your Workforce: Employers' Guide to Apprenticeships SEATS AVAILABLE
Thursday March 13, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Sand Lily
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
  Builder Track
 
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