Excelsior Springs, September 30 – October 2, 2025
Learn more about the 2025 CEC Conference host community - Excelsior Springs
Connections, especially in our digital world, can often feel challenging and overwhelming. One of the best ways to forge meaningful connections is by participating in entrepreneurial communities. Entrepreneurial communities have the potential to compete in the global marketplace by effectively leveraging resources. While communities are rich in resources for supporting entrepreneurs, tapping into external opportunities can greatly increase their potential for growth. These external resources, which can include grants, infrastructure, technical assistance, and valuable information, provide fresh perspectives and new avenues for development. By sharing these resources, both entrepreneurs and communities can significantly reduce the costs associated with running a business, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency. This collaborative approach empowers communities to expand their human capital and uncover new opportunities, building on each other's products and services.
The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference, hosted by the University of Missouri (MU) Extension Business and Communities, takes that collaborative approach by effectively engaging with these communities, you can tap into their support systems, helping you feel secure and encouraged throughout your entrepreneurial journey. The CEC Conference offers invaluable opportunities to meet individuals who can challenge your thinking and support you as you navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
Apply to Present at the 2025 CEC Conference
We’re seeking breakout session speakers and facilitators who can share their knowledge in a way that deeply connects with participants and helps build capacity to drive positive economic impact in Missouri and other communities across the United States! Your expertise, personal experiences, and successful strategies in navigating obstacles and change can have positive impact on your participants, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly challenging, global economy. Your session will be 30-40 minutes in length and held in one of the quaint storefronts in charming downtown Excelsior Springs. Your audience will be made up of economic developers, business owners, arts and cultural enthusiasts, government leaders, philanthropists, educators, and those in the non-profit sector - all of whom play a significant role in the success of businesses and entrepreneurial development in rural communities. Sessions are presented on the afternoon of October 1, and during the morning of October 2, 2025.
Request for proposals
What people are saying
"This has been a wonderful conference filled with tangible takeaways to put into practice almost immediately in my community. The connections have been invaluable!"
"This has been the best most impactful conference ever! Hosting the seminars in actual businesses was perfect."
"This was an excellent conference very affordable and easy to attend. Wish I could have made it to all of the sessions!"