Upcoming events.
WHO KNEW The Smartest People In The Room - Chris Dalla Riva and Will Page
When we decided to name this platform "The Smartest People In The Room", it was with this type of pairing of experts in mind. These two guys are the literal definition of what the title infers. And I could not be more excited to present them to you!
Chris Dalla Riva is Senior Product Manager, Data & Personalization at Audiomack. In short he is a data expert who leads a team (of data experts) that helps artists expand their audiences. He is getting ready to release a book entitled, Uncharted Territory What Numbers Tell Us about the Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselves. This is a fascinating look at every number one song from the 1950's to present day and what the data behind them says about our society.
Will Page is one of the music industry's most widely followed experts on data and economics. As the former Chief Economist of Spotify and PRS for Music, Will pioneered the concepts of Rockonomics and Glocalisation. He also publishes his ongoing and widely anticipated annual report on the global value of music copyright. His critically acclaimed book Tarzan Economics, has been translated into five languages and published in paperback under the title Pivot.
Please join us for what will be the best hour of your week. I promise you will leave smarter and more inspired than you arrived.
ISA Presents: 12 Things To Brainstorm Before Writing a Single Page
Before you write a single word of your screenplay, there are 12 essential story elements you must explore. Too often, writers rush into pages without fully shaping their characters, themes, hooks, or story engines, only to stall out halfway through. Get a powerful brainstorming framework that unlocks fresh ideas and ensures your next draft is stronger, more marketable, and truly unforgettable. Join this webinar and learn how to unlock originality, depth, and momentum before you even write page one.
This session will transform your writing process, discussing 12 essential story elements including:
Concept – Nail down a strong, original idea before typing FADE IN.
Character Flaws – Build depth by giving your protagonist real weaknesses .
Archetypes – Use timeless character types to shape compelling roles .
Plot Goals – Differentiate between your story’s external drive and your hero’s personal journey.
Hooks – Create a concept or image that makes your story impossible to ignore.
Conceits – Add a unique spin that sets your script apart from others.
How to Scale Your Brand with the Founder of DAVIDsTEA
Do you have dreams of calling to a national brand? Come learn how.
Join David Segal, President of Highbeam and founder of DAVIDsTEA, for a live session where he’ll share the hard-won lessons from scaling a high-growth brand all the way to going public.
You’ll discover:
The toughest money challenges food & beverage founders face—and how to plan ahead
Proven strategies for breaking into and thriving in retail
Real stories of what worked (and what didn’t) while scaling DAVIDsTEA
Practical financial tips to avoid costly mistakes and improve cash flow
This is your chance to get candid, unfiltered advice from someone who has been in your shoes. Ask David your own questions about scaling, retail, and financing growth.
If you’re building a food or beverage brand and want to scale smarter, this session is a must-attend.
Presented by FoodBevy
ISA and WGI Present: Branding Your Creative Self
Join the ISA and the Writers Guild Initiative as we dive into cultivating a compelling personal and professional story and give you the tools needed to effectively brand yourself and your projects.
This is an interactive session - be prepared to work and share and make some meaningful breakthroughs for your career.
ISA's Creative Executive, Shayna Weber, and VP of Development, Felicity Wren, will lead us through:
Why knowing your personal brand matters.
Identify words to describe your portfolio of projects and the feelings you aim to evoke in your work.
Cultivate a Writers Statement from these words.
Private breakout rooms to talk through your new writers statement and get feedback.
Talk about your origin story and connect it to you professionally.
Individual Reflection: Think about your journey as a writer and your unique life experiences that have shaped your voice.
Write Your Mini-Story Draft 2-3 concise and impactful sentences about what makes you, as a writer, uniquely qualified or compelled to tell the stories you tell.
Learn how to apply your writers statement to your bio, website, general meetings, pitch meetings.
From Hustle to Healthy: How Entrepreneurs Can Build Profitable Businesses Without Burning Out
Presented by National Association of Women Owners (NAWBO) member Lindsey Evans, Fractional CFO and founder of Liberty Pointe Consulting
Business Owners & Entrepreneurs often juggle it all — clients, finances, teams, and personal commitments — while working harder than ever yet still feeling like the business is running them. It doesn’t have to be that way. This session will share how to turn your business into a sustainable, profitable venture that actually supports your life. You’ll learn how to pay yourself first, protect your profit, simplify your finances, and set up systems that prevent burnout. Walk away with actionable steps to make your business work for you — financially and personally — so you can finally grow without running yourself into the ground.
AI Workflows Every CPG Founder Needs: From POs to Shipments Without the Headaches
As CPG brands scale, operational load grows—processing POs, scheduling deliveries, and updating suppliers can pull founders away from growth. This session shows how JP automates the most time-consuming workflows and how founders can identify what to automate first. We’ll also leave time for live Q&A focused on attendees’ specific workflow challenges.
Workflow Demos
Multi-Customer PO Processing: Auto-retrieve POs from SPS, populate sheets (warehouse, products, quantities), and send daily confirmations to Ops Lead.
PO Acknowledgments to Buyers: Apply correct acknowledgment types, shipping details, and discount flags with automated confirmations.
Shipment & Delivery Scheduling: Create matching orders across NetSuite and other platforms, set carrier rules/tax status, bulk-add SKUs, and align pickup/delivery dates and reference numbers.
Auto-Fill Supplier Shipping Info: Parse booking confirmation PDFs and write reference numbers, ship/arrival/pick-up dates, quantities, port load, vessel, and supplier into the correct Google Sheet row.
Who It’s For
Established CPG brands with defined processes looking to reduce manual work, cut errors, and scale ops efficiently.
Presented by FoodBevy
Get Clients on Instagram - How to Build a Community That Buys
Are you posting on Instagram but not seeing results? If your content isn’t bringing in the right people or any people at all, it may be time to rethink your strategy. Building a true community, not just chasing likes and followers, is the key to turning Instagram engagement into paying clients.
In this webinar, Instagram expert Sue B. Zimmerman will show you how to build and grow an engaged Instagram community. You’ll discover how to use comments, posts, and DMs to connect authentically with your ideal clients, earn their trust, and turn conversations into sales.
Armed with real examples, practical prompts, and a handy checklist, you’ll leave ready to turn Instagram into a tool that drives real business growth.
Learning Objectives:
Find and attract your ideal client with intentional hashtags, optimized bios, and engaging content
Use comments, stories, and shares to build real community without feeling fake or forced
Apply Sue’s proven 3-part DM flow to turn casual chats into paying clients
Model real examples of posts and conversations that converted followers into buyers
Avoid common Instagram mistakes and stay on track with a consistency checklist
Presented by SCORE Mentors
AI FOR SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING
Discover the power of AI in developing diverse content designed for a range of platforms including social media, email marketing, blogging, your website, and more. Learn how to use AI to streamline content creation, aiding you in delivering a consistent and engaging brand narrative across different channels.
Presented by Women’s Business Development Center in collaboration with the Naperville Public Library
WHO KNEW The Smartest People In The Room - Eric Marcum and Craig Havighurst
If you follow music history or even keep up with current events, you may know that 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. To offer our own celebration of this historic milestone, I am pleased to present two authorities on the subject. And I can assure you that you will learn several things you've never heard about the institution and its impact on the overall music business.
Eric Marcum is General Manager and Content Director of WSM Radio, the most famed country music station in the world. WSM has broadcast the Grand Ole Opry radio how and related programming since 1925. He oversees all WSM business operations, content and programming, advertising, sponsorship, production, streaming and syndication. In short, he runs the show at this bedrock of country music history and programming.
Craig Havighurst is my favorite music journalist and music history expert. His knowledge runs deep and wide on just about any topic involving music, and in particular Nashville and roots/country/Americana music. He is the author of Air Castle of the South: WSM and the Making of Music City, which documented for the first time how Nashville was transformed by one of the nation’s greatest radio stations.
Please join us for what will be the best hour of your week. I promise you will leave smarter and more inspired than you arrived.
Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT / 7:00 pm GMT
FREE, but you must register below.
The Next Evolution: Immersive Technology in Medical Technology
Immersive technologies are redefining the landscape of medical training, diagnosis, and treatment, making them one of the most transformative tools in health care today. From virtual surgical simulations to real-time intraoperative imaging, immersive technologies are equipping medical professionals with tools to enhance accuracy and patient outcomes while reducing risk. Medical schools increasingly rely on these technologies to provide students with hands-on practice in a risk-free environment, replicating emergency situations and intricate procedures with precision. Virtual models of patients are helping doctors personalize care plans, while haptic-enabled VR systems simulate the physical resistance of human tissue, refining both technique and bedside skills.
Beyond education and surgical prep, immersive tech is also improving everyday patient care and accessibility. VR tools are being used for pain management, physical rehabilitation, and mental health support, with studies showing significant reductions in perceived pain during chemotherapy or wound care when patients are placed in calming virtual environments. Wearable health monitors and connected fitness systems are enabling patients - especially those in rural or mobility-restricted settings - to access therapeutic and diagnostic services from home. Meanwhile, AR headsets assist surgeons in real time by overlaying critical imaging data directly onto patients, reducing the need to look away during complex procedures. As VR & AR technologies continue to integrate with AI and telehealth infrastructure, they promise a more connected, efficient, and human-centered healthcare system - one where traditional barriers like geography, professional development voids, and time constraints no longer limit access to high-quality care.
Presented by VRAR Chicago
Esports Trade Association Coffee Connections
Join us for Coffee Connections! From the comfort of your office, home, or even your cozy home office, grab your favorite mug and connect with fellow esports industry professionals.
This is your chance to network, share insights, and engage in lively discussions—all while having some virtual fun.
We’ll be connecting via Zoom from 9:00-10:00 am CST, and we can’t wait to see you there.
By attending this event, participants agree to receive email communications from ESTA and give permission to ESTA to publish any photographs or videos for educational and promotional purposes without compensation.
Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/4236250098<https://esportstradeassociationesta.growthzoneapp.com/ap/r/6e219ad2720f42dd862ce794fff0002d> | Meeting ID: 423 625 0098
No need to register for the event, please use the Zoom link on the day of.
A Roadmap to Starting a Business
Presented by Allies for Community Business (A4CB)
Join us to receive a blueprint for transforming your entrepreneurial vision into business reality. This webinar will focus on the elements needed to navigate your venture from initial conception through full implementation. Entrepreneurs will be guided through the journey of idea validation and refinement, establishing organizational structures, developing robust business frameworks, and creating compelling business plans through acquiring working capital. Attendees will gain practical tools and actionable insights to begin developing comprehensive business plans that serve as roadmaps for successful launch and sustainable growth. Whether you're in the early ideation stage or ready to formalize your business concept, this session provides the strategic foundation and practical knowledge needed to confidently move forward with your entrepreneurial journey.
THE SWEET SPOT: MARKETING TO WHERE THEY’RE AT
Small business owners feel pressure to be everywhere but the actual solution is to meet your audience where they are. Vanessa Jackson, Vice President of Sweetness at The Lemon Ad Stand, shares how to target your precious time and marketing dollars to the greatest effect. Don’t dance on TikTok if that’s not where you gain sales. Discover where to allocate marketing efforts to generate sales.
Presented by the Women’s Business Development Center
ACCESS TO CAPITAL DIRECT LENDING PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION
Securing capital may be an important step in fueling your business’ growth. The Access to Capital team is holding an information session on the Direct Lending Program, an alternative capital option for good businesses and owners with less-than-perfect credit history. Join us for an informational webinar to learn more about the Direct Lending Program, borrower eligibility and other requirements. Register now!
Presented by the Women’s Business Development Center
STARTING YOUR BUSINESS IN ILLINOIS
Are you considering starting a business in Illinois? During the workshop, we will take an initial assessment to help you recognize your startup strengths, introduce you to five basic startup steps, and review the legal entities recommended for startups.
Presented by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Women’s Business Development Center.
Cash Flow & Confidence:Budgeting for Your Business and Life
Presented by Score Chicago
In this webinar you will learn practical strategies to take control of your money, build stability and make confident business decisions. You will learn how to put together a budget for your personal finances understand your budget and what your annual expenses are and how to calculate how much you need to make before you quit your day job and work full-time in your own business. You will also learn budgeting for your business, understanding cashflow and fixed and variable costs and common pitfall to avoid.
Empower Hour: Smoothie RX
In honor and recognition of Black Business Month, celebrated in August, this month’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Candice Payne, Owner of Smoothie RX. Located in the heart of River North, Smoothie RX is a wellness café specializing in cold-pressed smoothies crafted from 100% organic, non-GMO whole fruits and vegetables. With a commitment to health, quality, and community, each smoothie is packed with nutrients using a cold-press process that preserves maximum flavor and benefits. Candice Payne is a powerhouse serial entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio that spans across wellness, real estate, construction, and consulting. Her bold leadership and passion for impact have earned her recognition both in Chicago and beyond. The candid conversation will cover Candice’s story, insights on building successful brands, and celebrate Black excellence in business. The webinar will end with a Q&A for attendees to ask questions.
Presented by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
WHO KNEW The Smartest People In The Room - Melissa Core-Caballo and Keith Thomas
Good things come to those who wait. Earlier this spring, we tried to put this one on...only to have Nashville's unpredictable weather get in the way. Not to be deterred, I am thrilled to get these two creative geniuses back on the calendar. And it will be well worth the wait.
Melissa Core-Caballo is one of the most unique executives we've ever met. From humble beginnings in a gypsy caravan in Australia to becoming a super successful entrepreneur and running her branding firm, she is a force of nature who will inspire you. Legendary producer Tony Brown calls her "the velvet glove" = a strong punch delivered softly.
Keith Thomas is a music industry lifer, starting out as a performer at age 9, to writing and producing award winning, hit songs for stars such as Ronnie Milsap, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Amy Grant, Vanessa Williams, James Ingram, Whitney Houston and Selena among others. He's won 2 GRAMMY's and 5 Dove Awards.
Please join us for what will be the best hour of your week. I promise you will leave smarter and more inspired than you arrived.
Presented by WHO KNEW
The Franchise Advantage: Proven Systems for Building and Scaling Your Business
Franchises consistently outperform independent businesses - not because of better products or more capital, but because they've mastered something most entrepreneurs struggle with: creating repeatable systems that drive predictable results. Whether you're running a business or looking to start one, understanding how franchises operate can help you build sustainable growth.
In this webinar, we'll explore the specific strategies and frameworks that make franchise businesses so successful and how to implement these same principles in your own business. You'll also learn why thousands of entrepreneurs choose franchises for their next venture.
What You'll Learn:
The specific systems that help franchises scale without chaos (and how to create your own)
Why franchises have higher success rates and what that means for your business strategy
How to evaluate if franchising is right for your situation and goals
Proven frameworks for creating structure and processes in any business
Key questions to ask before investing in a franchise opportunity
How to "franchise-proof" your current business for smoother operations
Presented by SCORE Mentors
How to Identify & Protect Your Intellectual Property
Presented by National Association of Women Owners (NAWBO) member Michele Katz, Founding Partner of Advítam IP, LLC.
Your business is valuable to the Chicago community and beyond—protecting it is essential. In this session, business owners will learn how to recognize the different types of intellectual property (IP) they may already own—such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets—and understand the practical steps to safeguard them. We’ll cover common risks, strategies to avoid infringement, how to use IP protections to strengthen your brand and business value, and what to do if you think something may be infringing your IP. Whether you’re launching a new product, developing content, or expanding your services, this presentation will provide the know-how to protect your creative assets.
SEO Strategies to Get Your Business Found Online
With most online experiences starting with a search engine, ranking at the top of Google isn't just an advantage. It's a necessity. Every day your website doesn't rank on Google's first page, you're handing potential sales to businesses with a better SEO strategy.
In this SEO training webinar, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to improve your search rankings, increase organic traffic, and get in front of your ideal audience without relying on paid ads. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your strategy, this session will simplify SEO into actionable steps that you can easily implement in your business.
Attendees will walk away with:
How to Uncover What Your Target Audience is Searching For
How to Show Up in Google Search Results
A Proven Framework for Optimizing Your Website
The Key to Outranking Your Competition
The Top Tools SEO Pros Use
Action Steps to Start Seeing Results
Presented by SCORE Mentors
Credit Reporting for a Small Business
Presented by Wintrust Bank and BACP
In this webinar you will learn the concept of credit reporting and the impact of credit reports on the operation or growth of a small business. You will learn to identify the credit reports and other reporting systems commonly used to assess the risk of extending credit to a small business, explain how credit reports work, identify the benefits a small business derives from a positive record of managing its debts and obligations and identify risks to a business from credit-related scams or frauds and take steps to avoid or mitigate harm caused by them. The webinar will also cover how to identify the common business practices and products, tools, and services that are available for a small business to help in proper credit reporting, strategies for building or improving business credit and explain how the personal finances of a business owner impact the ability of a business to get credit.
The Red Flags of Fraud
Presented by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Join us for an insightful webinar, "The Red Flags of Fraud," where we delve into the critical indicators of fraudulent activities. This session will cover the latest trends and schemes in fraud, providing you with the tools and knowledge to identify and prevent potential threats. Melanie Nicasio from the Better Business Bureau in Chicago will share the red flags to lookout for and best practices to avoid being scammed. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your fraud detection skills and protect your assets.
The Next Evolution of The Workplace | AWE Nite Chicago
Immersive technology is steadily reshaping the modern workplace, bringing once-futuristic ideas into everyday practice across industries. They are leveraged to streamline complex workflows, enhance training, and redefine remote collaboration. Companies can overlay 3D models and instructions directly into their field of view, increasing precision and reducing errors. Efficiency can be boosted in warehouse operations through Augmented Reality. In healthcare and education, immersive simulations allow students and professionals to practice high-stakes scenarios in realistic, risk-free environments.
Remote collaboration is also evolving with tools like holoportation, which uses 3D holograms to create the sensation of physical presence across vast distances. This can enable international teams to share expertise in real time, cutting the need for travel. Companies are also exploring AR's potential for logistics and navigation as well, like testing AR glasses for delivery drivers to improve routing and last-mile efficiency. Meanwhile, the growing convergence of AR and AI promises even more intelligent workplace applications, such as adaptive training platforms and context-aware digital assistants. Though challenges remain – such as cost, data privacy, and scaling – companies that embrace immersive technology now are positioning themselves at the forefront of a workplace transformation where technology enhances human capabilities rather than replace them.
Presented by VRAR Chicago
Ways to Finance Your Business
Presented by Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and CIBC Bank USA
Whether you are a business owner or thinking about starting one; this webinar will teach the basics about bank financing. You will receive information about loans, lines of credit and other available resources that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, you will learn about the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program as a resource that makes you eligible to apply for CIBC Bank USA’s Entrepreneur Loan.
WHO KNEW The Smartest People In The Room - Darryl Ballantyne and Karen Allen
Wow, this episode is such a unique offering featuring two absolute rockstar executives. One guest I have pursued from the start and the other was who we featured in our first very first show in April 2020. Both are highly accomplished entrepreneurs who have the knack of seeing around corners and continue to grow exciting businesses.
Darryl Ballantyne is the co-founder and CEO of LyricFind, the company which pioneered lyric licensing and data solutions for the music industry. A music industry "lifer", he started his career right out of college working for EMI.
Karen Allen is the co-founder and CEO of Infinite Album, which creates AI generated music for gamers. As a keen observer of trends - user, tech, and content - Karen is always ahead of the curve and the crowd. She literally wrote the book on Twitch and it's application for the music business, entitled Twitch for Musicians.
I promise this will be the best hour of your week, and you will leave smarter and more inspired than you arrived.
Presented by WHO KNEW
SBA Loan Opportunities for Small Businesses - Programs, Eligibility and How to Apply
In this webinar, you will learn about the three SBA loan programs, the eligibility requirements, and how to confidently navigate the application process. We will discuss how to position your small business to secure funding successfully.
Our expert presenter will show you how to navigate SBA loan opportunities, share insights on lending criteria and review actual loan applications. We’ll provide you with the information and tools needed to strengthen your capital readiness.
You'll learn the following:
The differences between SBA loan programs and which one fits your business needs
How to evaluate your eligibility and strengthen weak areas before applying
What lenders look for when approving a loan
Step-by-step guidance through an actual loan application to prepare your submission
Presented by SCORE Mentors
DATA STORAGE MADE EXCITING (AND STAYING SECURE MADE EASY)
IT and cybersecurity solutions aren’t glamorous or exciting, they’re pretty boring. But ignoring the basics can lead to serious downtime, lost data, and real financial consequences. Rolf Wilimovsky, founder of 24By7Live, will find drama in the small and simple, but often overlooked and essential steps every business owner should take to stay secure and protect what they’ve built.
You will come away with new ideas how to secure your work!
Presented by Women’s Business Development Center
How to Write a Business Plan. What you need to know!
Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Managing Partner of Rockin Enterprises, Inc. and BACP
Learn how to create a comprehensive business plan. It's easier than you think when you understand all the components that get included. You'll receive a complete list of what to include to demystify the process. Writing a solid business plan is your roadmap to business success.
AI That Works For You
Learning how to best navigate AI and utilize it to build your business is a complex new world. Fortunately, we didn't have to go far to find a leading expert for our July 30 free webinar, AI That Works for You: Streamline Content and Operations.
Jennifer Amdur Spitz is our guest speaker for this tutorial. She is CEO of her recently founded Voxley consulting firm, longtime head of the Amdur Spitz and Associates creative marketing firm... and Secretary of Naturally Chicago's Board of Directors.
Join us and discover how CPG teams are using AI to simplify marketing, sales and operations—without losing their voice. We'll demo Voxley, introduce our AI Policy Assistant, and share tools to help you work smarter.
You'll also learn about a new AI Transformation Cohort where CPG founders can explore, experiment, and grow together.
Presented by Naturally Chicago
From Stadiums to Streams How Music, Sports, and Tech Can Work Together
This month's guests live and work at the intersection of sports and music:
Jay Shalé -Award Winning International DJ & Producer
Jay has energized stadiums for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, WNBA's the Atlanta Dream, and many other teams.
Siraji Thomas - Siempre Solutions
A creative business strategist and partnerships expert, Raj crosses over between music, gaming, sports, & entertainment
Chantal Epp - ClicknClear
An award-winning founder, international cheerleader, and pioneer of ParaCheer (disability inclusive cheerleading), Chantal brings music industry and licensing expertise to performance sports.
There's a powerful opportunity for brands and tech platforms to rethink how they engage with talent and audiences. This panel explores the evolving intersections of music, sports, and tech from shared audiences and cultural influence to the rise of athlete and artist entrepreneurs.
We'll dive into what today’s stars really want from brand partnerships, how authenticity is redefining value in a post-influencer world, and what both industries can teach each other about building lasting, meaningful connections. Whether you're in tech, marketing, or talent development, this conversation will offer fresh insights into creating partnerships that resonate far beyond the traditional playbook.
Presented by Music Tectonics
YSSI July Webinar: Biomechanics, Technology, and Human Performance
This session brings together leaders in science and technology to explore how biomechanics and wearable tools are transforming the way we train, recover, and understand human movement. Hosted by the Youth Sports Science Institute, the conversation will focus on how research and design are influencing real-world performance and what it means for students, athletes, and future innovators.
Moderated by YSSI Founder Noma Shields and Youth Ambassador Ayan Arora, the webinar features:
Dr. Melissa Boswell – Vice President of Science and Research, Joe Gibbs Human Performance Institute
Ola Adesanya – Founder & CEO, Palmplug
Presented by Youth Sports Science Institute
Responsible AI Summit
The conversation about the use of AI in music is developing rapidly, from lawsuits for unlicensed training data and licensing negotiations with labels, to how artists feel about adopting AI tools for creativity. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the creation, distribution, and monetization of music, it’s critical for the industry to proactively address the ethical implications. Join this summit to hear from experts in the industry leading this charge.
Presented by Music Tectonics
Social Media Success Made Simple - Build Your Brand, Grow Your Business
Social media is a powerful tool that influences how people connect, support causes, and make purchasing decisions. In this session, you'll learn how to use social media to drive awareness, grow your following, and turn engagement into action.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to fine-tune your approach, our expert presenter will share the core elements you'll need to create a successful social media strategy. You'll discover how to create a simple but effective social media plan that will help you get your audience's attention, build audience connections and maximize your business reach.
Key Takeaways:
How to hook your audience's attention: Learn why 45% of shoppers turn to social media for inspiration and how to use this in your strategy.
Build Connections: Learn why 20% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands they can communicate with on social media.
Simplify Your Strategy: Master the essentials of social media success, including the 15-minute social media plan and tips for getting started with paid ads.
Maximize Your Reach: Claim your name across all channels, pick a primary platform to focus on, and tailor your posts for each channel to expand your impact.
Engage for Growth: Use social media to increase awareness, provide top-notch customer service, and inspire your audience to take action.
Turn followers into customers with engagement techniques that drive real business results
Presented bt SCORE Mentors
WHO KNEW The Smartest People In The Room - Andrew Batey and Samantha Saturn
The name of this webinar series is quite intentional. Every single time, we strive to present people who are really smart. An additional attribute we love to feature among our guests is humbleness. And if we can also mix in people who are really nice humans, then we have nailed it. This episode delivers that trifecta in spades.
Andrew Batey is the Founder and Co-CEO of Beatdapp, a fast growing company focused on helping the music industry eliminate streaming fraud and ensure fair compensation for artists globally. Among numerous other amazing things he's done, he is the founder of the venture capital firm, Side Door Ventures, deploying capital into 150+ companies with over $9 Billion dollars of enterprise value. He knows how to spot value and how to create successful companies therein.
Samantha Saturn is the CMO of SESAC Music Group, a portfolio of 9 distinct businesses spanning the music rights management universe. In addition to her 25+ years in the music industry, she is also heavily involved in other artistic ventures including the owner and curator of the American Artisan Festival. And like Andrew above, this is just the tip of the iceberg of the many cool projects she touches.
I promise this will be the best hour of your week, and you will leave smarter and more inspired than you arrived.
The Valley of Death: Pitfalls for Hardtech Entrepreneurs in TRL 4-6
Bringing a hardware innovation from concept to market is no easy task—especially during the critical Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-6 stage, where promising ideas often stall before reaching full commercialization. Join us for a deep-dive conversation on the common pitfalls hardtech entrepreneurs face in TRL 4-6, from technical challenges and manufacturing risks to business model missteps and customer validation hurdles.
Learn from industry experts, startup founders, and investors as we explore how to navigate the "Valley of Death" and set your venture up for long-term success.
Presented by mHUB
Taking Control of your Career: A Conversation with Author & Showrunner D.J. MacHale
Join us for a captivating evening with D.J. MacHale, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pendragon series and creator of the cult-favorite TV show Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Presented by International Screenwriters’ Association
Getting Started with SEO: A Practical Guide for Chicago Small Business Owners
Presented by Edwin Romero, Independent SEO Consultant and Chicago Small Business Advocate Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most cost-effective ways to attract new customers, but it’s often misunderstood or overlooked by small business owners. In this introductory webinar, we’ll break down what SEO is, why it matters for local Chicago businesses, and how it can support long-term growth online. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how search engines work, which basic SEO practices are worth focusing on, and how to take the first steps toward building a stronger online presence.
Presented by BACP