Programming will include an inspirational Game Changers speaker series with influencers, a Startup Stories speaker series with local entrepreneurs, and business pitch competitions.
CONWAY–The Conductor today announced the line-up for their Fall 2019 entrepreneurship programming in Central Arkansas. The programming will include an inspirational Game Changers speaker series with local influencers, a Startup Stories speaker series with local entrepreneurs, and IdeaFame Live, business pitch competitions.
“We are very enthusiastic about our lineup of events on tap for the Fall Semester,” said Jeff Standridge, Conductor Managing Director, “From established and seasoned leaders to startup entrepreneurs, we’ve got something for everyone.”
Formerly known as Startup Grind, the Game Changers series occurs each month and features an inspirational conversation with a local influencer. The event is structured as a chat where the featured guest shares business and life advice from their journey, followed by a short Q & A with the audience. The series will occur monthly in downtown Conway. Doors open for networking at 5 p.m., with the chat starting at 6 p.m. The entire series is free and open to the public, with food and drink provided for all attendees. The featured influencers this fall will include Joe Whisenhunt, Dr. Greg Murry, Lori Quinn, and Carol Crews.
“We have worked to develop a slate of programming that will inspire current and future leaders,” said Grace Rains, Conductor Director of Operations “There is no better way to serve our mission than to provide our community with free, direct access to mentors, influencers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.”
Startup Stories, a series celebrating the startup community through networking and storytelling, occurs monthly in the UCA Makerspace starting at 11:30 am. In each talk, a local entrepreneur is featured to present their start-up story, followed by a Q & A session from the audience. The presentations give a first-hand account of the successes and challenges faced by Arkansas entrepreneurs and how they found their start. The series is free and open to the community with lunch provided for all attendees. The fall Startup Stories speakers will include Angela Mahan with Rabbit Ridge Farms, Maggie Glover with Glover Fitness, Erin Conner with Share the Love, and Ryan Ritchie with Rock City Outfitters.
In addition to the speaker series, the Conductor will co-host three 60-second pitch competitions called IdeaFame Live. The first is in partnership with the Cabot Chamber of Commerce, First Electric Cooperative, and Cabot Public Schools at AllFam Bowling in Cabot on Tuesday, September 10th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
The second, an event focused on student pitches, is scheduled for October 24th and will be co-hosted with the University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association during UCA Homecoming Week.
The final competition is a Minority Entrepreneurship Night in conjunction with the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce at UCA Downtown on Thursday, November 21st from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. The pitch competitions will encourage entrepreneurship and innovation by allowing contestants to express their ideas and win real cash prizes. The competition is open to innovators, entrepreneurs, dreamers, inventors, students, and creatives to help unleash the next big idea. Pitches can be anything from an amazing idea to a startup business. All three competitions are open to the community, either to pitch an idea or to be a member of the audience.
To register any of the Conductor’s fall 2019 programming, including Makerspace and community events, visit arconductor.org/events-1.
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