Free Business Topics in Chicago

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Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.

  • From Talent to Income: Turning Creativity into a Business

    Valeria Gershanova, Music Label Manager, MEGAO Inc.

    Creativity is powerful — but talent alone does not build wealth. In this dynamic and practical session, I break down how to transform skills, passion, and artistic ability into sustainable income streams. This presentation explores the shift from thinking like a creator to operating like a CEO. I share real-world strategies on branding, positioning, monetization models, audience building, and execution. Attendees will learn how to package their expertise, create multiple revenue streams, avoid common entrepreneurial mistakes, and move from hobby mindset to business strategy. MORE >

    This talk is designed for creatives, artists, entrepreneurs, and aspiring founders who are ready to stop waiting for opportunities — and start building their own.

    Participants will leave with:
    • A clear framework for monetizing their talent
    • Practical strategies to build a personal brand
    • Action steps to launch or scale a creative business
    • A mindset shift from “creative” to “creative entrepreneur”

    This is not just inspiration — it’s a blueprint.

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  • Five Marketing Principles Every Business Must Get Right to Maximize Results

    Mark James, Founder & President, Performance Advisors Group, Inc.

    Have you ever heard someone say this about their marketing: “We tried that and it didn’t work?” or, "We are not seeing the marketing results we expected." They are probably missing one or more of these principals. And it is costing time and money. Attend this presentation to see how these five key principals will help you: MORE >

    - Avoid the marketing “shiny key” syndrome
    - Prevent the "winging it" trap
    - Visualize marketing as a journey
    - Make better informed marketing decisions
    - Validate results
    - Understand what customers really care about
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  • Fail, Pivot, Rise: The Real Story Behind a 7-Figure Comeback

    Amanda Wittenborn, Owner, Amanda Creation Inc.

    What if losing everything was the best thing that ever happened to you?
    After being banned from Etsy and watching her thriving business collapse during COVID, Amanda Wittenborn could’ve quit. Instead, she rebuilt—twice—each time stronger and more aligned than before. MORE >

    In this raw, inspiring keynote, Amanda shares the real behind-the-scenes of losing, pivoting, and rising again to build a multi-million-dollar brand.
    You’ll learn how to:

    Turn failure into fuel for growth

    Recognize the signs it’s time to pivot

    Rebuild your confidence (and your business) when everything crumbles

    Audiences leave fired up, hopeful, and ready to turn any challenge into a comeback story of their own.

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  • Extreme Time Management – 5 Keys to Creating an Abundance of Time

    Tom Kelly, Business Coach, Potential In Motion

    In our fast paced world, it seems that we are expected to do more and more with less and less. If you are finding that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get things done, then this presentation is for you. In this presentation, Master Certified Business Coach Tom Kelly discusses the 5 shifts that you need to make to create an abundance of time in your life and business. MORE >

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  • Experiential Marketing

    Edwin Goitia, Founder and Visionary, I Am A Brand

    What do you do when your marketing tactics are not getting straight to the consumer? Edwin tells how you can bring your ideas, services or business straight to consumers and create something unforgettable. He’ll also discuss how experiential marketing has played a role in today’s economy and how anyone can utilize it today. MORE >

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  • Enriching Your Nonprofit Through Planned Giving

    Robert J. Varak, Law Offices of Robert J. Varak

    Learn how to establish a system whereby your organization can systematically improve its funding via the estate plans of potential donors. Most nonprofits receive periodic and inconsistent donations via this revenue stream, but I will explain how to utilize planned giving programs to improve fundraising across the board, not only via bequests. MORE >

    A small investment of time and resources on behalf of your nonprofit can result in a significant return, as well as improved branding and standing in your field. It's an overlooked aspect of development, and my presentation will draw on my experience advising nonprofits to give you all the tools necessary to leverage this opportunity to the fullest.
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  • Empowering the Multi-Generational Workforce

    Mary Erlain, President, Peak Development Strategies

    Much has changed since 2020, and our workforce has undergone a dramatic shift. One entire generation has retired, while another has entered in greater numbers, reshaping the dynamics of our workplaces. MORE >

    We work in a diverse environment where embracing differences can drive business growth—if organizations empower their workforce to leverage their unique gifts and values. The real challenge lies in finding effective ways to do just that: fostering inclusion and enabling employees to thrive.

    Explore strategies to bridge generational gaps among staff and recognize how, often unintentionally, we might be contributing to the problem rather than being part of the solution.

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  • Emotional Intelligence for Leadership Success

    Ron Martin, Principal, Founder, Executive Coach, Ocean Park Strategic Advisors

    In today's dynamic and fast-paced business environment, effective leadership is not just about making strategic decisions or achieving bottom-line results—it's also about understanding and effectively managing the emotions of oneself and others. As a seasoned speaker and expert in emotional intelligence for leadership success, I provide invaluable insights and practical strategies to help leaders excel in their roles. MORE >

    The role of organizational culture cannot be understated when it comes to shaping leaders' emotional intelligence skills. By fostering a culture that prioritizes empathy, self-awareness, and psychological safety, organizations can empower leaders to develop stronger emotional intelligence competencies. This includes the ability to understand and regulate their own emotions, as well as effectively navigate the emotions of others.

    By leveraging my expertise in emotional intelligence, interpersonal communications, and culture change, I work with organizations to cultivate environments that support the growth and development of emotionally intelligent leaders. Through tailored interventions and practical guidance, I help leaders enhance their ability to lead with authenticity, empathy, and resilience.

    Ultimately, fostering a culture of emotional intelligence not only benefits individual leaders but also has far-reaching implications for organizational success. Leaders who possess strong emotional intelligence skills are better equipped to inspire trust and collaboration, navigate change and adversity, and foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

    In essence, my approach to emotional intelligence for leadership success is rooted in empowering leaders to harness the power of emotions to drive positive outcomes and foster a culture of excellence. By equipping leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to lead with authenticity and empathy, I help organizations build stronger, more effective leadership teams and achieve sustainable success.

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  • Emerging Trends in Fraud Prevention Technology

    Jiaqi Chen, Business Intelligence Analyst

    An insightful analysis of technological innovations transforming the fraud prevention landscape. Through comprehensive trend analysis and industry insights, this presentation examines how emerging technologies are reshaping fraud detection strategies and what organizations need to know to stay ahead of evolving threats.

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  • Data Analytics for Financial Crime Prevention

    Jiaqi Chen, Business Intelligence Analyst

    In this comprehensive session, discover how cutting-edge data analytics transforms financial crime prevention in today's digital landscape. Jiaqi Chen demonstrates how organizations can leverage advanced analytics to detect, prevent, and respond to sophisticated financial crimes.

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