EntreFEST to note its 15-year milestone in Iowa City

IOWA CITY — Claudia Schabel of Des Moines calls EntreFEST one of her favorite business-related events in Iowa.

“It allows me to get out of my own bubble and find out what’s happening,” says Schabel, the president and CEO of Schabel Solutions in Des Moines. “Because of EntreFEST, I have built relationships that are key to my business.”

In less than two weeks, hundreds of participants from across the state’s business community will gather in Iowa City to hear from leading innovators from across the country. It’s become something of an Iowa tradition — and this time around, EntreFEST is celebrating its 15th year.

EntreFEST, a two-day conference that aims to “celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation,” will take place June 8 and 9. Organizers say the event is meant to bring professionals at every level together to tell their stories and share ideas for how to improve.

Moving around Iowa

EntreFEST took place for the first time in Cedar Falls in 2008.

Since then, it’s been held in cities across the state, including Coralville, West Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, where it will take place again this year. It’s slated to return to Cedar Rapids in 2024.

“It is great to be able to host EntreFEST in different locations,” said Jill Wilkins, NewBoCo’s chief operating officer. “It gives us the ability to work with different partners, highlight various communities, give our attendees continued unique experiences, and keep the event fresh.”

In a nod to the event’s 15th anniversary, Mo Collins — an EntreFEST founder who helped bring the event to life in 2008 — will be one of this year’s keynote speakers.

Aside from celebrating this milestone, EntreFEST won’t spend much time looking over its shoulder at the past, though.

Organizers note that from the beginning, the event has always focused on what lies ahead for the business and entrepreneurial communities in Iowa and throughout the Midwest.

“The common thread of the EntreFEST story is that the entrepreneurial and innovation community in Iowa and the Midwest comes together to make this ecosystem stronger,” said NewBoCo Director of Events Jourdan McChesney.

“It’s great to look back on what’s made this event so successful for 15 years. But at the same time, the idea of embracing what’s new is exactly what has made EntreFEST successful — and that’s what has us the most excited about this year.”

Experiences from all over

More than 65 speakers, 50 breakout rooms, three keynote speakers and individual coaching and investor sessions were featured at EntreFEST in 2022. Organizers say this year will be no different.

In addition to Collins — who specializes in entrepreneurship economic development with 20 years of experience — EntreFEST’s lineup of speakers also includes Debi Durham, director for both the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Finance Authority. Durham has led the IEDA for more than 13 years, successfully securing billions of dollars for economic development projects throughout the state.

Iowa Innovation podcast co-hosts Jessica Abdoney and Anthony Betters will interview Durham in front of a live audience about the latest innovations she is seeing in economic development in Iowa.

Another keynote speaker will be Tricia Broderick, a leadership adviser and co-author of “Lead without Blame.“ Broderick will cover “Stories that Sabotage,” looking at ways that workers can be their own worst enemy or hold themselves back with false beliefs about what they are and aren’t capable of.

In addition to keynote speakers, EntreFEST features breakout sessions that focus on the biggest issues facing business owners and entrepreneurs.

Topics are sure to feature the impacts of ChatGPT and other AI programs, sessions on streamlining workflow, and ways to improve diversity and equal opportunity in the workplace.

DEI track

In fact, one new element of EntreFEST this year is a specific track of sessions on Iowa Supplier Diversity and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Attendees will be given content that helps them learn how to create their own programs to diversify the consultants, suppliers and vendors they work with. Attendees also will learn steps they need to take if they would like to be hired by a company.

“The topics are not generic. They are impactful and innovative,” said Ben Snyder, founder of Copper Black Services in North Liberty and a regular EntreFEST attendee. “This conference feels like a break from the tried and tired conferences. From the venues, speakers, topics and other perks, it’s on the front line of change.”

“EntreFEST is an event for every business owner in Iowa,” says Schabel, the Des Moines fan of the annual conference. “It’s not just for those who are starting their business now, or only in a specific industry. I would recommend this event to every business owner. I am excited to learn more every year.”

To learn more, see the full lineup of speakers, or purchase tickets, visit EntreFEST.com.