Raising the Lid: Leading with Influence, Advocacy & Purpose Across Generations
Darla Harms Keynote
Summary
Presented by Darla Harms
Leadership isn’t just about having a seat at the table—it’s about knowing how to use your voice once you’re there. In this dynamic and interactive session designed for chamber professionals, we’ll explore the laws of leadership that lift your impact, not just your title. Through the lenses of influence, self-advocacy, and board savvy, we’ll tackle what it takes to lead across generational divides and elevate your leadership capacity (a.k.a. raise your “lid”). Packed with relatable stories, reflection questions, and a few laughs, this session will leave you equipped—and energized—to lead with purpose, communicate your worth, and drive meaningful change in your organization and community. Because let’s be honest: great leadership never goes out of style, but how we wear it matters more than ever.
The Freak Factor
David Rendall Keynote
Summary
Presented by David Rendall
Do you want more happiness, fulfillment, and energy? Do you want to dramatically improve your productivity and increase employee performance? Do you want to improve your relationships at work and at home?Our parents, teachers, and managers have told us that, if we want to succeed, we should find and fix our weaknesses. However, this is the wrong approach because each weakness is also a strength. Find out how to create outrageous personal and professional success by amplifying flaws, instead of denying them.
Decoding the Economic Outlook with the St. Louis Fed
Charles Gascon Keynote
Summary
Presented by Charles S. Gascon – Economist and Research Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Get ready for an insightful and lively deep dive into what the numbers really mean for your community and business future. Join a speaker from the St. Louis Federal Reserve as they break down current economic trends, what’s on the horizon, and how it impacts chambers, members, and local economies. This session will cut through the jargon with clear explanations, real-world examples, and practical takeaways you can use to navigate uncertainty and plan ahead with confidence.
Unlocking Entrepreneurial Magic: Engage, Educate, Empower
Chris Egelston Keynote
Summary
Presented by Chris Egelston
Discover the hidden entrepreneurial potential within us all! Blending inspiring stories, interactive magic, and practical strategies, Chris redefines entrepreneurship as creative problem-solving accessible to everyone—not just business founders. Attendees will discover the keys to engaging passion, fostering innovation, and empowering themselves and others to create real value in their organizations and communities. Perfect for inspiring audiences to embrace innovation and create a better future. This high-energy presentation promises actionable takeaways and unforgettable moments.
Celebration & Awards DInner
Celebration & Awards Dinner
Posted. Not Perfect: How Real People Build Powerful Brands with Courage, Consistency, and Zero Filters
Nic Skovgaard & Travis Cripps Keynote
Summary
Presented by Nic Skovgaard and Dr. Travis Cripps
You don’t need a big budget to get big visibility, you need courage, consistency, and a willingness to hit “record.”
TEDx speaker Nic Skovgaard and pediatric dentist turned content powerhouse Dr. Travis Cripps offer a bold new framework for building visibility without losing your authenticity. It empowers chambers and small business leaders to stop waiting for the perfect post, perfect strategy, or perfect moment, and start showing up with real content that connects.
Through a mix of storytelling, proven frameworks, and straight-up encouragement, attendees will walk away with a renewed understanding of how to be visible in a noisy, mobile-first world.
This session is rooted in Nic and Travis’ core belief: if you truly believe your business helps people, staying invisible isn’t humility, it’s a disservice.
By shifting from “marketing mode” to storytelling mode, chambers and their members can finally build trust, earn attention, and unlock the visibility they deserve.
What Attendees Will Learn:
Why being “findable” matters more than being famous—and how to get there without burning out.
The power of mobile-first content and the vertical video revolution
How to identify and capture authentic, everyday moments that tell your brand story.
Why “Posted. Not Perfect.” is more than a mantra—it’s a movement
Practical tools to create more content with less stress How to empower your members to stop hiding and start showing up.
Why This Matters for Chambers: Chambers are the heartbeat of their communities, but too often, they struggle with the same visibility issues as their members.
This session equips leaders with the mindset and methods to confidently tell their own story, and to help businesses in their community do the same. It’s fast-paced, practical, inspiring, and tailored for those who wear 10 hats and need real results.’
Powered By GrowthZone
