BBB Serving Northern Indiana's 2025 Build a Better Business Conference workshop sessions

Build your own learning experience. From AI and social media to funding and fraud prevention, these sessions are designed to spark ideas and give you tools to grow your business. Choose two workshops from 10 valuable options.

Advanced Networking Tidbits: Elizabeth MacDonald The Verbal Edge Jim Wilcox Wilcox and Associates
Here's your opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch while discovering how to network even more effectively. 

Join Elizabeth MacDonald, owner of The Verbal Edge, and Jim Wilcox, president of Sandler | Wilcox & Associates, for a fast-paced, interactive lunch session packed with valuable insights and ideas.

With humor, practical examples and proven strategies, they'll help you discover and experience how strategic networking builds connections, enhances visibility and opens doors to new opportunities. 

Computer and hands close up. The concept of artificial intelligence and computer technology.
Understanding artificial intelligence: What it is and why it matters
  • John Mergy, BT Pro Solutions

This introductory session demystifies artificial intelligence, addresses common misconceptions and explores the potential impact on small businesses and everyday operations. 

Social Media icon, heart and like notification isolated on white background. 3d rendering
LinkedIn 101: Building a presence that drives growth
  • Michelle White, upLinked LLC
  • Britney Breidenstein, upLinked LLC

Learn the essential role of LinkedIn in modern business strategy, why it matters, how it builds brand presence and where to begin for lasting results.

View of brown folders, with focus on grants label, Concept of funding, 3D illustration
Financial resilience and funding strategies (A panel discussion)
  • Alex Andorfer, Leonard J. Andorfer & Co, LLP
  • Jacqueline Lonis, PNC Bank
  • Eric Ogle, Brightpoint Development Fund
  • Jackie Washington, Bankable
  • Facilitated by Wes Shei, Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center

Financial resilience and funding strategies: Insights on strengthening financial foundations, exploring funding options and preparing for economic uncertainty. 

Smiling black and white coworkers looking at camera in the office.
Employee retention strategies for a thriving workplace (A panel discussion)
  • Bob Congdon, Lake City Bank
  • Jordan Kerner, Behavior Bloom Consulting
  • Lisa Mungovan, Mungovan HR Consulting LLC
  • Nancy Steigmeyer, Allen County Government
  • Facilitated by Carly Buchanan, F&M Bank

Learn how to attract and retain top talent through a strong organizational culture, meaningful engagement practices and competitive compensation and benefits. 

Car salesperson handshaking with a client after closing a deal at the dealership - business concepts
Winning customers: Sales and marketing tips from a seasoned professional
  • Christie Browning, Content by Request

In this workshop, we will examine a marketing and sales funnel that incorporates online presence, overall branding and messaging, and establishing your expertise in the marketplace. We will also review a proven approach to developing deeper client relationships and effective referral marketing strategies.

Smiling woman talking to a friend
Mental health that R.O.A.R.S.™: A framework for healthier teams and stronger leaders
  • Missy Blackmer, Unboxed Grace Counseling Company, LLC

This powerful workshop is designed to equip leaders and teams with a practical framework to navigate stress, build resilience and shape a healthier workplace culture. Using the R.O.A.R.S. Framework™—Radical Self-Compassion, Ownership, Alignment, Resilient Mindset, and Support—attendees will learn to lead and work with clarity, courage, and emotional integrity.  

Hands holding mobile phone
Strategic social media marketing: Platforms, timing and engagement
  • John Paff, Fort Wayne Marketing

Explore in-depth strategies for utilizing different platforms effectively, optimizing posting schedules and using analytics tools to boost engagement and conversions. 

Close up of businesswoman signing mortgage investment contract on sofa in living room at home.
Building a yearly comprehensive business plan
  • Mark Dobson, IOM, AE, President & CEO, Vice Chair, SCORE

Gain hands-on experience creating a strong business plan that covers critical areas such as budgeting, pricing, inventory and long-term financial planning. 

Confused businesswoman annoyed by online problem, spam email or fake internet news looking at laptop, female office worker feeling shocked about stuck computer, bewildered by scam message or virus
Scam alert! Protecting your business from fraud and deception
  • Marc Menzies, Overview Technology Solutions

Learn how to identify and avoid scams that target small businesses. This session covers common fraud tactics, warning signs and steps you can take to protect your business, employees and customers. 

A group of business people is holding a meeting in the open-space office.
Succession planning: Securing the future of your business
  • Joshua Burkhardt, Hunt Suedhoff Kearney LLP

Learn about preparing for leadership transitions, including planning for sale, family succession or organizational restructuring for continued success. 

Register here

Thank you to the 2025 Build a Better Business Conference and Torch Awards for Ethics sponsors:

Windows Doors & More Logo

Windows Doors & More

View BBB profile
SCORE Logo in blue

SCORE Mentors Northeast Indiana

Paul Davis logo

Paul Davis Restoration

View BBB profile
PNC Bank Logo

PNC Bank

View BBB profile
Journal Gazette Fort Wayne Newspaper and Business Weekly logos

Fort Wayne Newspapers

View BBB profile
News Talk WOWO 92.3 FM 1190 AM97.3 HD2

Federated Media

View BBB profile