Summit Topics and Agenda Outline
This conference is famous for its top-notch presenters! Unlike some conferences, our presenters are not here to sell you a product (this is not a pitch fest). They are experts in their field who are there merely to educate and provide valuable tips, and they'll be around to answer questions.
The minute-by-minute agenda will be (when we finish it) at the bottom of this page.
Check out our lineup of speakers!
We are still adding additional sessions and speakers.
Networking & Display Tables
Throughout the event, there will be purposeful opportunities to network with other professionals like yourself.
In addition, the conference room will be outlined with booths/tables of our sponsors or other B2B businesses that want to serve you.
Afternoon Wine Reception & Networking
The Placer County Vintners Association will be hosting a fun wine reception where networking and connecting with other businesses will be the main feature. Prize drawings will occur, and talented vocalist, Alexa Bandala, will provide the background ambiance for this reception.
The Juicy Truth Behind Shari’s Berries
Shari Fitzpatrick turned a $1,500 credit card and a love for dipping strawberries into Shari’s Berries—a multi-million-dollar national brand. She’s tasted sweet success, suffered crushing loss, and came back stronger than ever. Now she fires up audiences with grit, laughter, and chocolate-dipped inspiration to help them create their own sweet success!
Shari’s journey in transforming a simple berry into a national symbol of celebration has equipped her with unique insights and inspirational stories. Everyone is going to enjoy this presentation!
Everything is Figure-out-able
Mark Haney will discuss the 3 questions we gotta get right. Let's revisit our true dreams, goals, and purpose. We will consider our current approach and whether an adjustment might be required to help unleash our full potential.
Win Fast with Practical AI
AI is far more than writing better emails. In this session, Greg West breaks down simple, practical ways to integrate AI into your everyday workflows, lead intake, customer follow-up, marketing, operations, and scheduling, without needing a big budget or a technical team. You’ll leave with clear use cases, simple implementation steps, and a few “aha!” examples you can apply immediately.
Regional Economic Development
Barry Broome, CEO of Greater Sacramento Economic Council, will provide an overview of the regional economic development and why Placer County is a great place for your business.
Tax Tips for the Small Business Owner
Tax regulations change every year and most business owners can benefit from listening to Lindsay Bleecker share some helpful strategies and changes to take advantage of these regulations.
Prizes!
Many of our sponsors and speakers have brought some valuable prizes to be given away at the end of the event. This makes for a great chance to win something that's likely worth a lot more than the price of the conference!
How to Exit Your Business
This session explores why the most successful business exits are the result of intentional preparation, not last-minute decisions. Bradley Frisk will discuss the importance of managing two parallel processes: preparing the business for a premium exit while simultaneously planning for the personal, financial, and tax implications that follow. Attendees will learn how early coordination around timing, structure, and tax strategy can significantly increase enterprise value while protecting net proceeds and long-term legacy. It’s about doing the work early, so you can exit with clarity and confidence.
Business Etiquette
All too often, business owners make faux pas mistakes at formal dinners, business meetings, and social gatherings that can break a deal long before the business discussion starts. In this engaging session, Scott Alvord reveals how small behaviors at dinners, events, and meetings can influence trust, credibility, and the outcome of business relationships. Through real stories and practical examples, you will learn how to navigate formal meals, cultural expectations, hosting responsibilities, and the subtle moments that shape first impressions.
Business Disaster Readiness and Recovery
A brief look at recent disasters in Placer County and the impact on businesses. What do you need to prepare for? It’s not just natural disasters. Learn practical steps to prepare, what to prioritize first, and where to start if you do not have a plan yet. Dave Atkinson, Placer County Assistant Director of Emergency Services, and Gloria Stearns, Placer County Director of Economic Development, will share a simple checklist approach that helps businesses protect continued operations and profitability. You worked hard to start your business. Now let’s help keep it up and running.
Five Most Impactful Legislation Changes for Your Business
Owning a business and having employees in California has become increasingly cumbersome. Stacey Sommerhauser will review the five most impactful employment legislation updates for 2026 and actions required for employers. NOTE: Stacey was the 2024 "Golden Microphone," winning the best speaker award by our panel of judges.
3 Presidents Panel: Higher Ed & Placer County--An Abundance of Riches!
Placer County has the riches of a State University, Community College, and a Private University. Students have an abundance of choices, and the business community gets workforce training across a variety of disciplines. But there are tensions between general education and technical/trade training. Panelists will explore multiple subjects including these topics:
- Why College Matters...or When it does not?
- The Cost/Value of College and Student Debt Overhang
- Can Critical Thinking, Work Skills, Team Building, and Project Management all be learned in College?
- What responsibility does Higher Ed have for preparing Workforce?
- Do Business and School Partnerships Really Work?
- Will AI enhanced learning replace College like Google replaced the Encyclopedia?
Our panelists include the three presidents of our three top educational institutions: Dr. J. Luke Wood (California State University, Sacramento), Dr. Parnell Lovelace, Jr. (Jessup University), and William H. Duncan IV (Sierra College). This discussion will be moderated by Dr. John Jackson (Chancellor, Jessup University).
Why Choosing Local Matters More Than You Think
We've all seen "buy local" campaigns, which almost always include a graphic touting the economic benefits: The "Multiplier Effect" and the "Reinvestment of dollars." And most of us accept the premise, at least in theory. But is it really put into practice? Do any of us actually curtail our online, big-box, or supermarket buying habits in a meaningful way? Do we go to farmers' markets, breweries, wineries, and specialty shops in our downtowns?
Visit Placer CEO Rob Haswell explores the wins and our actual return on investment when we embrace the local economy beyond the economics of the transaction. And why our businesses depend on this investment to thrive. Be prepared to learn a new viewpoint on this topic!
Chambers of Commerce
Find out what your regional Chambers of Commerce are doing and how they help your business.
Breaking Ice to Build Relationships
Our whole-room icebreaker will be easy to do. Get an idea of who is in the room and who is sitting next to you. Find out that you're not the only one here in a similar situation.
Almost all successful business owners/managers will testify that their business relationships are what helped them be successful. Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, we'll briefly share about a 15-year program that has strengthened businesses in the region. Like iron sharpens iron!
Here is where our agenda will reside when finished! <- subject to change up to, and including, the day of the event
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