The Elevate Business Development Conference will feature an array of area professionals discussing topics relevant to the world of business and technology.
Hosted by the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce, Smart Marketing and Three Rivers College, the inaugural event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday in the Robert W. Plaster building on Three Rivers' campus.
Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter said topics will include cyber security, business etiquette, navigating partnerships and social media.
"There aren't as many business development conferences in Poplar Bluff as there used to be and (Elevate) is a great way to fill that gap," Halter said.
Missouri House of Representatives Speaker Todd Richardson and Three Rivers College Trustee Amber Richardson will deliver the Keynote Address focusing on Missouri's current economic landscape.
Drew Janes, founder of Relentless, Inc., Phil Bounds, retired Strategic NASA Security Advisor, Dr. Ben Adkins and Monica Snyder, of Fearless Social, and Season Cooley, of Maritz Holdings, Inc., will speak throughout the day.
Owner of Smart Marketing and organizer Matt Bedell said the conference's goal is to connect with business leaders, entrepreneurs, current and even future employees.
Sponsored by First Missouri State Bank, First Midwest Bank, Bank of Missouri, and Southern Bank, Bedell said the idea originated from an effort by TRC to replace the long-running Merchant Showcase, which ended last year.
"Technology has really changed how business is done over the last 10 years," Bedell said. "We wanted to use this as an opportunity for successful people to share some of the things they've learned out in the world with people in Poplar Bluff. Elevate is by Poplar Bluff people, for Poplar Bluff people."
Tickets to attend are $25 each and include lunch provided by the Missouri Restaurant Association, with local fare from Colton's, Foxtrot Coffee, Donut House Bakery and Deli, and the Lemonade House Grill.
Bedell said seating is limited to the first 150 guests and recommends ordering tickets in advance by visiting eventbrite.com and searching for Elevate Business Development Conference. Bedell said remaining tickets will be available Friday morning at the Plaster Building.
For more information, call the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce at (573) 785-7761.