2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference, September 15-17
Show Me Momentum: From Main Street to Farm Gate
2026 Conference Overview
The 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference continues MU Extension’s statewide effort to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and build local economic resilience. Designed for community leaders, economic developers, business support organizations, educators, and civic partners, the conference provides a collaborative learning environment focused on practical tools, shared systems, and strategies that help communities thrive together.
Building on the measurable success of past conferences, the 2026 program in Maryville, Missouri will deepen hands-on learning, strengthen partnerships, and expand access to entrepreneurship-support resources for communities across the state.
Why Maryville? Momentum Lives Here.
Maryville offers a powerful example of how cross-sector collaboration, entrepreneurship, and strong institutional partnerships can shape community and economic vitality.
The 2026 conference theme highlights Northwest Missouri’s role as a rural economic driver with statewide relevance:
- Economic Strength — Agriculture remains Missouri’s leading industry, with farmland covering roughly two-thirds of the state. This foundation anchors regional economies and strengthens supply chains that support communities statewide.
- Innovation Hub — Regional initiatives such as the NWMO Regional Council of Governments, along with higher education partners like Northwest Missouri State University, contribute to innovation, workforce development, and rural enterprise growth.
- Workforce — Strong educational institutions and a skilled workforce support agriculture as well as related industries including manufacturing and processing.
- Connectivity — Transportation access and infrastructure support distribution and market reach, helping rural products and businesses compete and scale.
“Maryville is excited to welcome the CEC Conference and invite communities from across the region to experience the energy of our downtown and local businesses.”
~ DeAnn Davison, Tourism Director for the City of Maryville, CEC Conference Host Community Chair.
2026 Conference Focus
The 2026 program will explore strategies that strengthen both entrepreneurial ecosystems and civic capacity from main street to farm gate. Content will align with the conference’s core theme, Show Me Momentum: From Main Street to Farm Gate, and will include:
- Bridging Innovation & Agriculture — connecting farm enterprises, ag tech, and rural entrepreneurship.
- Downtown Revitalization & Creative Placemaking — leveraging arts, culture, and infrastructure to drive community vitality.
- Workforce, Education & Belonging — strengthening youth pipelines, workforce readiness, and inclusive communities.
- Funding & Sustainability Strategies — exploring braided funding, rural philanthropy, and public–private collaboration.
- Marketing, Tourism & the Experience Economy — elevating rural identity through storytelling, branding, and visitor engagement.
What Makes CEC Different
CEC is more than a conference — it is a working session for Missouri’s communities. Participants engage in:
- Hands-on, application-focused learning
- Peer exchange with leaders from diverse communities
- Frameworks grounded in adult-learning principles
- Practical tools designed for “Monday morning” implementation
Sessions blend inspiration with tactical guidance, helping participants translate vision into action.
Who Should Attend
The CEC Conference is designed for:
- Economic development professionals
- Local government leaders
- Chamber and nonprofit leaders
- Small business support organizations
- Educators and workforce partners
- Community and regional planners
Anyone working to strengthen local economies through entrepreneurship and collaboration will find practical value.
Call for Speakers
Call for Speakers To ensure the program reflects practical expertise and innovative thinking from across the region, a call for speakers and breakout session proposals will open the first week of February. Prospective presenters are encouraged to watch for the official announcement and Request for Proposals (RFP), which will outline session tracks, selection criteria, and submission details.
Join us in Maryville, September 15-17, 2026. Registration opens in April!
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!"