Marketing Insights From 5 GEWKC Speakers in the Know

Nov 13

Ready to amp up your marketing and get new customers? Here’s a peek into five lessons from Global Entrepreneurship Week – KC sessions that can help you make meaningful connections and get new customers:

From Freight to Followers: How TikTok Grew My Business — and How It Can Help Yours

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 9-10 a.m., Room 2

Steve Vest, president, Nationwide Equipment Transportation, Inc.

Think TikTok is only for young influencers? Think again! Steve Vest with Nationwide Equipment Transportation has used it to market his business, and you can, too.

“The freight industry is down 20-30% year over year, yet my company is only down 1%. Why? TikTok,” Steve says. “It’s given me a platform to promote my small business for free — to both shippers and freight sales agents — by providing social proof that I’m a real person with 20+ years of experience. As Gary Vee says, go where the attention is. And right now, everyone — Including your clients — are on TikTok consuming content.”

This session will demystify how B2B companies can use social media and even go viral.

KC Game Plan Track: Seize Your Global Moment – Selling Beyond Your Usual Customers

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 9-10 a.m., Planetarium

Panelists Tracy Whelpley, director of regional impact, KC2026; Dulcinea Herrera, CEO, Café Corazon; Alan Kneeland, former president of Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association and owner of The Combine KC; Laurie Pieper, assistant director for global resources, international division, Kansas Department of Commerce; Janet Elie, marketing committee co-chair, SCORE Mentors; and moderator Mindy Brissey, founder and SEO, MRB Strategies, LLC

The World Cup in KC is exciting for fans — and business owners, too. About 650,000 fans are expected to travel to Kansas City for the event, and there are incredible opportunities to serve and connect with these international visitors.

This panel will share insights into cultural readiness and hospitality, as well as digital visibility and export strategies for small businesses. Informed tactics can help your business prepare for visitors and turn them into lasting global customers.

The session will also share info on KC Game Plan, a collaboration designed to help small businesses explore opportunities, assess their readiness and take steps to prepare for the World Cup in KC.

Beyond the Grid: Creating Content with Depth, Not Just for the Algorithm

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Amy McDaniel Crosslin, founder, Fare Creative

Remember when social media was fun and not just another task on your to-do list? In this session, Amy McDaniel Crosslin with Fare Creative will help you get that feeling again. Using storytelling, intentionality and vulnerability, you’ll learn how to quit worrying about the algorithm and build meaningful online connections.

“This work isn’t just about creating better content, it’s about creating a better relationship with creativity itself,” Amy says. “So many of us forget why we started sharing in the first place — to connect, to express, to serve. When we return to that, we rediscover the joy, authenticity, and humanity that made social media exciting in the first place.”

What B2B Can Steal from B2C Marketing (and Actually Get Away With)

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 10:15-11:30 a.m., Room 2

Christina Hager, VP marketing & client CMO, crux.

A business doesn’t have to be huge to have a big marketing impact. Whether you want to create awareness, leads or traffic, Christina Hager of crux. will show how you can use the same strategies that work for the big boys.

“You don’t need a Super Bowl budget to steal a smart idea,” Christina says. “B2C strategies work because they connect with people emotionally — and small businesses are actually closer to their customers than most big brands ever will be.”

This session will review a campaign and discuss lessons learned. You’ll leave with actionable items and takeaways of how KC businesses can use these tactics to see growth and meet their goals.

Why Your Content Isn’t Converting and What to Do About It

Thursday, Nov. 20, 9-10 a.m.

Gwen Gillette, founder & CEO, Social Phantom

Grabbing attention online is one thing, but converting it into action is a whole other bit of magic. If you’re ready to figure out why your social media posts aren’t turning readers into customers, this session is for you.

Gwen Gillette of Social Phantom will outline the questions you should be asking before you post. This session will cover: