MarketPlace 2007 Conference
I wanted to "Thank You" for the MarketPlace event. It was definitely worth closing our store for a day for all the information we received. I believe many, many other attendees felt the same way. The time spent in attendance delivered 3 new clients (name tag tipped them off to what we do) and may have made us multi-thousands of dollars through "Nebraska Advantage" courtesy of Bill Roe of the Nebraska Dept. of Revenue.
Alan Mais, Owner
The Camera Doctor, Kearney, Nebraska
MarketPlace 2007 Conference a Huge Success!
By Elisha Greeley Smith, Center for Rural Affairs
Despite an impending blizzard, over 500 people gathered on February 28th in Kearney for the Center for Rural Affairs' Marketplace: Opening Doors to Success; the first entrepreneurship conference of its kind in Nebraska and surrounding states.
Attendees of all ages were present from ten states including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oregon, Utah, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and over 134 Nebraska communities. People from Canada where also there!
"I really enjoyed Wednesday's conference, my two sons, Ryan and Garret, got just as much out of it as I did," commented Rebecka Fleischman, Tekamah, Nebraska. "We hope you continue it in the future."
Whether looking to improve your farming operation, interested in expanding a home based business, or community development, MarketPlace had something for everyone.
"The Marketplace Conference illustrates a couple of important points for rural Nebraska. First, when you can bring 500 people together to focus on rural entrepreneurship it shows a mobilized citizenship. Rural Nebraska is ready for the next step into the future. Second, the diversity of agencies, non-profit organizations and rural business owners highlights how rural Nebraskans are working together to create a positive future for themselves and their children." commented Dr. John C. Allen, a featured speaker at the conference.
MarketPlace 2007 Program
February 27th, 2008 - Ramada Inn, Kearney, Nebraska
Plenary Sessions:
Opening Keynote, Terry Whipple, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Luncheon Keynote, Chuck Hassebrook, noon to 1:15 p.m.
Closing Speaker, Doug Babbitt, 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Concurrent Teach-in Sessions
Teach-ins I, 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Financing - Bookkeeping Basics I
Marketing - Marketing with NEWS
Community Capacity - Community Roadmap to Success I
Agriculture - Beginning Farmers: Start Out Right
Policy/Trends - Renewable Energy: Wind Turbines
Business Development - Podcasting, Blogs & New Technology
Teach-ins II, 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Financing - Bookkeeping Basics II
Marketing - Marketing on a Shoestring Budget
Community Capacity - Community Roadmap to Success II
Agriculture - Renewable Energy: Small and Local
Policy/Trends - Farm Bill I: Rural Development
Business Development - Signposts for Business Success
Teach-ins III, 1:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Financing - ABCs of Financing I
Marketing - Catch the Innovation Culture
Community Capacity - State Rural Policies & Programs
Agriculture - Rural Tourism
Policy/Trends - Farm Bill II: Conservation, Payment Limits
Business Development What Business Should I Start?
Teach-ins IV, 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m.
Financing - ABCs of Financing II
Marketing - Cultural Diversity & New Markets
Community Capacity - Building Local Leadership
Agriculture - Direct Marketing
Policy/Trends - Selling on eBay
Business Development - Pricing Your Product or Service
Teach-ins V, 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Financing - Business Transition Planning
Marketing - Trade Show Booths
Community Capacity - Youth: the Next Generation
Agriculture - Transition to Organic Agriculture
Policy/Trends - Emerging Trends for Small Business
Business Development - Growing Pains: Legal Responsibilities
Note: Some of the session titles are abbreviated above. See the combined teaching tracks together in a single table as a pdf in the attachment at the bottom of the screen.
Interview with Connie Harvey, Presenter and Exhibitor at MarketPlace 2007
What was your role in MarketPlace in 2007?
I was a co-presenter of two workshops: Bookkeeping Basics Part 1 and Part 2. I also served on the Advisory Committee and had an Exhibitor Booth.
What was your impression of the day?
I was impressed by the number of people attending and that, judging by license plates, they represented such a great geographical area.
I felt like participants were getting answers they needed. They were making connections and there was a “spirit of collaboration” which was exciting. The low cost was even proof of this spirit, and I’m sure there was an increased awareness of available services, especially to those in rural areas.
Terry Whipple was a good start to the day with his enthusiasm, encouragement and inspiration to entrepreneurs.
What was the most valuable part of MarketPlace to you as a business owner?
I handed out 150 business cards. I now have emails from attendees who are viable clients and desire to set up an appointment. I have met with two who have become clients.
It was important to me to listen to the needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners so I can better develop my services.
Did anything about the day surprise you?
I was surprised by the strong response by many of the participants in my workshops. Many came up after the session or to my Exhibitor Booth and asked specific questions. One said, “Come groom my QuickBooks.” I’d never heard it put that way!
Would you recommend MarketPlace 2008?
YES!
Who would benefit the most by attending?
People who are somewhat isolated from resources, services, etc. Those just starting a business.
Connie Harvey is again serving on the advisory committee for the 2008 MarketPlace Conference.
Contact conference planner Joy Marshall for more information: 402.614.5558 or email joym@cfra.org
See you on February 27th!
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