COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension invites dynamic speakers and facilitators to share their expertise at this year’s Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Excelsior Springs.

The 2025 conference theme is “Refresh. Revive. Replenish Your Entrepreneurial Toolkit!” The goal is to empower community leaders, entrepreneurial support providers, elected officials and economic development professionals to cultivate innovative ideas that enhance entrepreneurial ecosystems in rural areas.

Breakout sessions will center on four sub-themes:

1. Rethink/reframe your entrepreneurial opportunities.

2. Remove barriers to entrepreneurial success.

3. Reignite your passion and purpose.

4. Reconnect with your community to revitalize your entrepreneurial spirit.

Each 30- to 40-minute breakout session will feature speakers with substantial entrepreneurial experience, providing participants with valuable insights and tools to thrive in the complexities of the 21st-century global economy.

“This year’s theme underscores CEC’s commitment to embracing the holistic needs of entrepreneurs,” said MU Extension engagement specialist Deana Dothage. “The four sub-themes provide an exceptional platform for knowledgeable presenters to engage meaningfully with participants, ultimately aiming to drive positive economic impact in Missouri’s rural communities and beyond.”

Dothage is a member of the 2025 planning committee, led by Dothage, Jackie Spainhower, Taylor Clark and Ashley Allen-Brown.

With attendance expected to surpass previous years, the 2025 CEC Conference anticipates gathering more than 200 participants. However, spaces for breakout sessions will be limited to ensure a focused, interactive environment.

“We invite anyone with an inspiring story or a powerful experience to present,” said Taylor Clark, MU Extension community development specialist. “Your journey could inspire another entrepreneur to persevere and succeed in their goals and contribute positively to their community.”

In addition to attending inspiring and engaging sessions, participants will have the chance to explore Excelsior Springs through specially curated experiences designed by the host committee. This blend of informative content and local engagement is central to the conference’s mission and previous success.

“As a part of the CEC Conference planning committee for the fourth year, I cannot wait for what Melinda Mehaffy and her host committee will bring to the table,” said Jackie Spainhower, MU Extension field specialist in community development. “The energy, creativity and warm hospitality of the Excelsior Springs community promise to elevate this year’s event.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to host this year’s CEC Conference,” said Mehaffy, who is economic development director for Excelsior Springs. “Our team has worked hard to showcase the creativity, collaboration and hospitality that make our community so special. We’re looking forward to a strong partnership with the University of Missouri Extension team, and we’re excited to welcome attendees for what promises to be an unforgettable event.”

Interested speakers and facilitators can apply by visiting https://bit.ly/25CECInfo. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 2.

About the CEC Conference

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities’ flagship event is the CEC Conference, hosted annually in a rural community in Missouri. Hosting a conference offers rural communities the opportunity to showcase their downtown businesses, entrepreneurs and other assets to a diverse audience from across Missouri and neighboring states. It is an opportunity for the rural community to show potential investors, funding agencies, entrepreneurs, newcomers and state organizations that they are “open for business.”