8:00 am | Check-in and Networking

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8:30 – 9:00 am | Breakfast

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9:00 – 10:00 am | Keynote Address

 

DJ Summers, Director of Policy & Research, Common Sense Institute

DJ Summers is Common Sense Institute’s Director of Policy and Research. He oversees the stages of CSI’s fellows and research staff, coordinates with partners, iterates and analyzes projects, and breaks down findings for the public, legislators, and commercial leaders.

Prior to CSI, DJ attended the University of Utah and Syracuse University. He worked as a journalist, investigator, and political researcher across the U.S. from Washington, D.C. to Alaska. DJ has a drive to understand complex truths and make them clear and accessible to the public and its leaders alike.

In this address, DJ will discuss a shift in Colorado’s narrative in the 2020s from the 2010s. Simply put, the state is no longer able to run on the same popularity fuel as before. While this is a challenge, it also present opportunities for business and for the next generation of leaders.

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10:15 – 11:05 am | Breakout Sessions

 

Building Company Culture to Maintain Talent

Jeremy Edmonds, Vice President of People and Culture, Snooze Eatery

Jeremy Edmonds is the Vice President of People and Culture for Snooze, an A.M. Eatery. His love for people, process and the employee experience led him to his career in Human Resources. Jeremy’s relentless pursuit of the best of the best employee experience and passion for culture has been a driving force throughout his career. After spending 11 years in talent recruiting, Jeremy turned his focus toward the science of engagement and has built a career as a thought leader in the culture, performance development, and leadership space.

Mentors throughout his career have shaped the leader Jeremy is today. Jeremy believes that mentorship is a great way to grow professionally and loves the opportunity to create connection in the pursuit of growth. As a seasoned practitioner of leadership development, Jeremy is committed to helping to grow and develop emerging leaders.

Master B2B Value Selling: Elevate Your Sales Game and Your Bottom Line

Jay Mays, Principle, Pitch Lab Consulting & Coaching

Are you tired of competing on price and struggling to differentiate your business? Discover how to transform your sales approach and drive new revenue in this interactive value-selling workshop designed for B2B business owners and sales leaders.

Learn the essentials of value-based selling – how to evolve from selling products and services to selling outcomes that truly matter to your customers. This sales approach will transform your offerings from “nice-to-have” to “must-have,” and position you as a strategic partner to your clients.

Through engaging exercises and discussions, we’ll explore:

• The three types of outcomes that will make you irresistible to your clients
• How to uncover and quantify the true value you provide
• 7 magic discovery questions that will set you apart from the competition

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11:15 am – 12:05 pm | Breakout Sessions

The Future of Workforce: Attracting and Hiring in the New Frontier

Katie Ernest, Talent Acquisition Recruiter in Operations & Technology, NBC Universal

With a robust background in identifying and nurturing top talent, Katie has played a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. Her expertise spans across various facets of recruitment, from strategic planning to execution, ensuring that NBCUniversal attracts and retains the best in the industry. Katie’s passion for talent acquisition is matched by her commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for diverse talent and driving initiatives that promote equity and inclusion within the organization. Katie is the chair of the Denver OUT Employee Resource Group, working to foster an inclusive workspace for the LGBTQ+ community within NBC.

In addition to her role at NBCUniversal, Katie has extensive experience supporting hiring in Colorado with Vail Resorts in both On-Mountain and Corporate lines of business. Katie is also the founder of GiGi Consulting, a firm dedicated to providing hiring solutions and advisory support for small businesses. Through GiGi Consulting, she has helped numerous small businesses streamline their hiring processes, develop effective recruitment strategies, and build strong, capable teams.

A.I. Integration With Your Business

Toni Mays, Managing Partner, Mozman A.I. Consulting

Discover how to implement AI effectively to unlock new levels of efficiency, profitability, and growth. In this workshop you will learn how AI can uplevel operations, streamline processes, and accelerate new hire onboarding. Learn how to leverage AI to distill your ideas, streamline process documentation, and create comprehensive playbooks. Walk away with an actionable checklist to kickstart your AI implementation journey within your company.

Toni is an accomplished AI strategist and managing partner at Mozman AI Consulting. With over 20 years in technology and 5 years focused on AI and automation, Toni was named one of the Top Women Leaders in Conversational AI in 2023. Her mission is to help small businesses navigate the AI landscape, integrating automation solutions to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Originally from Brazil, Toni brings a global, multilingual perspective to her work, enabling her to connect with diverse clients and offer unique insights into AI implementation.

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12:05 am – 12:30 pm | Lunch Transition

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12:30 – 1:30 pm | Lunch and Panel Discussion: “Lesson of Stability in Uncertain Times”

Colorado is the Wild West of Business, where entrepreneurs can still take risks. It is why Colorado attracts innovative and creative entrepreneurs. Kate Bailey will lead a panel discussion led by businesses who have overcome struggles in creative ways.

Kate Bailey, Founder & CEO, TARRA

Kate is a seasoned entrepreneur and small business consultant with 20+ years’ of in-the-trenches experience. She founded TARRA in 2015 to create a high-value professional ecosystem for women. Today, the company owns and manages a thriving work club and private office space that provides members with a meaningful community, unique experiences and a high-value network. The space also serves as a versatile business hub for 400+ members and 100+ companies.

Small Business Panel:

• Holly Martinez, owner, Benny Blanco’s Pizza
• Erica Valenzuela, owner, E*Motion Fitness
• Chris Hill, owner, Odyssey Beerwerks