Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference

OMAHA – This April, representatives from some of the world’s most exciting start-up companies and impactful nonprofit organizations will gather in Omaha for the fourth annual Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference.

On Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, more than 250 students from across the midwest will join young professionals from across the country to discuss entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.

The two-day conference, which is organized by the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising (CIEF), focuses on entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who have launched businesses during, or shortly after, their college careers.

“The power of the conference lies in the speakers’ incredible successes,” said Dale Eesley, director of CIEF and associate professor of entrepreneurship and strategy. “Students leave energized and empowered with new ideas about the impact that innovative thinking and entrepreneurial action can have on their lives and in their communities.”

This year, 16 keynote speakers from across the country will share their success stories and knowledge about big ideas and business ventures. Speakers include two “Shark Tank” contestants, Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year, “30 Under 30” CEOs, and others who have appeared on Oprah, “The Real” and more.

Among the speakers are Jason Lucash, co-founder of OrigAudio; Veronika Scott, CEO of a Detroit-based nonprofit that employs and empowers the homeless; and Alexander Mendeluk, SpiritHoods co-founder, brand strategy consultant and creative director. Topics range from social entrepreneurship and sports to social media and gaming.

Tickets for this year’s conference can be purchased online and range from $39.95 for one-day tickets to $95 for two-day general admission. Discounts are included for students and group ticket purchases. Early bird pricing is $75 until March 31.

The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Both days also include complementary breakfast and lunch.

A full list of this year’s guest speakers include:

- Veronika Scott, CEO-Empowerment Plan

- Alexander Mendeluk, Brand Strategy Consultant, Creative Director, and Public Speaker-The Disruptive

- Jason Lucash, Co-founder-OrigAudio

- Kelsey Meyer, Co-founder and President-Influence & Co.

- Krish Patel, President and CEO-Wireless Communications

- Rebecca Brei, Director-Aksia LLC, Co-Founder-rSr Creations LLC

- Liz Presson, Founder and CEO-Pursuitof.com

- Frank Klesitz, Founder and CEO-Vyral Marketing

- Aron Beierschmitt, Founder-Postly, EIR-Codex Venture Partners

- Brent Comstock, Principal and Chief Innovator-BCom Solutions, LLC

- Michael Luchies, Founder-TrepRep

- Mary Clare Sweet, Founder and CEO-Lotus House of Yoga

- John Vyhlidal, Manager of Culture and Inclusion-ConAgra Foods

- Duane Spires, CEO-Extreme Youth Sports

- Ryan Downs, CEO-Proxibid

- Arthur Fratelli, The Amazing Arthur

- Cory Levy, Co-Founder and COO-ONE

Additional information on the conference can be found at www.mwecomaha.com.

For questions about the conference, please contact Dale Eesley at deesley@unomaha.edu or 402.554.2706.

For media questions, please contact Charley Reed, Associate Director of Media Relations, at unonews@unomaha.edu or 402.554.2129.

About UNO’s Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising
UNO’s Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship and innovation. The Center supports entrepreneurial education and collaborative innovative hands-on learning experiences, faculty research, conferences, and mentorship. CIEF also provides advisory services to start-ups and small business entities throughout the region.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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