Think Summit 2025 Agenda

Morning Sessions

8:25 a.m.
This Place Is As Good As Any Thought Leadership
Jesse Tyler | Creative Director, Future Commerce
Jesse Tyler offers a fresh perspective on what it means to love where you live. In this thought-provoking talk, he encourages us to recognize the good in the Ozarks and reject the pressure to compete with every other place. Instead, he inspires us to create a welcoming community rooted in authenticity, where people want to belong, not because it’s the best at everything, but because it’s uniquely ours.

8:40 a.m.
How to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable Business Tactic
Dwayne Fulk | President/CEO City Utilities
Dwayne Fulk shares his proven strategies for navigating difficult conversations with tact and professionalism. Drawing from his extensive experience as an attorney and president of City Utilities, Dwayne shares tips on how to argue a point effectively, listen actively, and keep emotions in check. Whether you’re a business owner or leader, Dwayne’s insights will help you approach crucial conversations with confidence and transform conflict into collaboration.

9:05 a.m.
Party in the (Conference) USA
Future Forecasting
Patrick Ransdell | Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at MSU
Ryan Beard | Head Football Coach, MSU
Moderated by Callie Carroll | VP at OMB Bank
Join MSU Athletic Director Patrick Ransdell and Head Football Coach Ryan Beard for an engaging discussion on the university’s move to Conference USA. Discover what this pivotal shift means for the growth and brand elevation of MSU athletics, as well as the potential economic impact on our region. From boosting recruitment and visibility to fostering community pride, this conversation explores the far-reaching benefits of MSU’s next big step in the world of collegiate sports.

Mid-Morning Sessions

10:05 a.m.
Business Tactic
Joey Thorsen | Director of Content & PR at Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts
Details Coming Soon… Ironically, Joey’s a content creator, and this is still unwritten. But trust us—just like a day at Silver Dollar City, this session will be full of twists, turns and plenty of unforgettable moments. Stay tuned!

10:25 a.m.
Strength in Every Step
Thought Leadership
Ashleigh Bentz | Certified Prosthetic/Orthotic Assistant at CoxHealth
Ashleigh Bentz’s life began with a challenge, but it turned into a powerful mission. Growing up with a prosthetic taught her lessons about empathy, acceptance, and living life without limits. Now, as a prosthetic assistant, she helps others navigate similar journeys. In this heartfelt talk, Ashleigh explores how her experiences have shaped her perspective and encourages us to live a more empathetic life.

10:40 a.m.
Adapt to Thrive Future Forecasting
Tom Douglas | CEO of JMARK
In this forward-thinking talk, Tom Douglas, CEO of JMARK, delves into three critical areas shaping the future of business: preparing for the economic crisis of the 2030s, harnessing the power of AI as a service, and developing the leadership skills necessary to thrive in times of rapid change. With decades of experience leading innovative IT services, Tom offers a compelling vision for how our region can embrace uncertainty, seize new opportunities and lead with purpose in a fast-changing world.

11:05 a.m.
Finding Purpose Through Pain Thought Leadership
Zach Troutman
In this deeply personal and thoughtful talk, Zach Troutman shares how the loss of his best friend to suicide led him to his life’s mission: normalizing conversations about mental health. Drawing from his experience with leadership, coaching and overcoming personal adversity, he inspires you to embrace vulnerability, prioritize open conversations, and be part of a movement that empowers individuals to seek help and heal.

Lunch

Enjoy a grab-and-go style lunch curated by Simply Delicious, making it easy to refuel without missing a moment of Think Summit. Each meal box will be clearly labeled with allergens, and accommodations for all major food allergies are available.

Afternoon Sessions

12:05 p.m.
From Crisis to Clarity: Communicating Effectively Under Pressure Business Tactic

Kaitlyn McConnell & Steve Edwards | McConnell Edwards Crisis Communication
Join Steve Edwards and Kaitlyn McConnell as they share the essential tools for how to prepare, project and protect your company’s message in a time of crisis. Learn how to navigate critical situations with confidence and clarity while safeguarding your organization’s reputation.

12:35 p.m.
The Championship Mindset Thought Leadership
John Perry | Head Football Coach, Nixa High School
Drawing from his success as head football coach at Nixa High School and his work as a certified Mental Performance Coach, John Perry delivers a motivational talk on cultivating a winning mindset. Discover how to overcome challenges, develop better habits and lead yourself and others to greatness.

12:55 p.m.
Permission to Rebrand Thought Leadership
Jason Hynson | Executive Director, Victory Mission
Change is essential—for businesses and individuals alike. In this inspiring talk, Jason Hynson explores why companies must continuously evolve to stay relevant and how people can do the same. Through the lens of his work at Victory Mission, he’ll share insights on personal reinvention, breaking free from the past, and embracing a new future. 

Mid-Afternoon Sessions

2:15 p.m.
Turn It Off: The Case for Sabbaticals Business Tactic
David Cameron | City Administrator with City of Republic
Linda Daugherty | Academy of Hair Design
Join a dynamic panel of leaders from diverse sectors as they discuss the profound impact of sabbaticals on their lives and businesses. From navigating the challenges of disconnecting to uncovering new perspectives, these leaders share why stepping away from work is essential for personal growth and organizational success. Learn why they believe in creating time for key employees to recharge and how this practice can benefit both individuals and businesses.

2:40 p.m.

Riding the Past Into the Future: Using Consumer Insights to Drive Growth Future Forecasting
Brad Thomas | President of the Silver Dollar City Company
Brad Thomas, President of the Silver Dollar City Company, shares his vision for the future of one of the Ozarks' most iconic destinations. With a deep commitment to preserving the park's heritage, Brad reveals how data-driven insights are guiding new developments, attracting diverse audiences and shaping upcoming attractions. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the innovative plans that will keep Silver Dollar City growing while staying true to its roots.

3 p.m.
Oh! One More Thing All-Speaker Panel
We close the day with this fast-paced segment featuring all of the Think Summit speakers on stage at one time to share one key takeaway or piece of advice.

PLANS

Ways to Think Summit

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FAQ

Need clarification?

What is Biz 417's Think Summit?

Biz 417’s Think Summit presented by JMARK is the one-day, can’t-miss event for business professionals in the Ozarks. As the magazine for business, we’re the Ozarks’ biggest cheerleader. We care about the people who are hard at work every day, the issues that shape our future as a region and the potential for growth and innovation in the Ozarks business community.

It’s like a conference, networking session and town hall—but unlike any event you’ve attended before. Whatever the stage of your career, size of your company or scope of your goals, you’ll find inspiring ideas, valuable takeaways and lasting connections.

Who is this event really for?

This is an offsite for everyone. 

Whatever the stage of your career, size of your company or scope of your goals, you’ll find inspiring ideas, valuable takeaways and lasting connections at Think Summit.

We have discounted tickets for young professionals and even team passes for companies wanting to bring 10 of their employees. 

We see a range of professions, industries and career levels in the room but take pride in the level of attendees who come every year. 

If you are new to the area or have lived and worked here your whole life, this event sets the stage for incredible networking and connections in the business community.

What should I bring to Biz 417's Think Summit?

Pack a notebook, pens, business cards and your open-mind A-game! Need to check in with work while you're here? No problem—we've got a co-working area all set up. Just bring your laptop. (And a charger, too!)

Where do I park and check in?

Biz 417's Think Summit, presented by JMARK, is located at Convoy of Hope Global Headquarters and World Distribution Center located at 1 Convoy Drive, Springfield, MO 65802. Enter through the main doors on the east side of the building and proceed to check in. 

Can I access these talks after the event?

If you want to access the content on demand digitally post-event, make sure to purchase the add-on option. 

Will there be anywhere I can take a phone call if needed?

Convoy of Hope Global Headquarters has incredible (and large) spaces for our attendees to take phone calls, eat lunch or network both indoors and outdoors in their courtyard. 

Is there a place for nursing moms to pump?

Yes! We have set up a private space for those working boss babes to pump and not miss content. We will have the content from the stage piped into this room! 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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