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Theme: Your Growth Strategy Is Your Survival Strategy

Get ready to elevate your business at the Founders 2.0 Conference 2026 USA Edition! Engage in deep, transformative discussions tailored to propel entrepreneurial growth. With the theme, “Your Growth Strategy Is Your Survival Strategy,” our forthcoming entrepreneur conference is set to cover a wide-ranging agenda, focusing on innovative strategies to exponentially grow your business. Join us to explore sessions crafted to explore effective business models, pioneering growth tactics, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, all aimed at crafting a dynamic and successful business landscape.

  • Registration, Morning Coffee, And Refreshments

    Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee, light refreshments, and great conversations! Beat the rush, check in smoothly, and connect with fellow founders before the action begins.

  • Opening Note: Founders 2.0 Conference USA, 2026

    Welcome to Founders 2.0 Conference USA, 2026—a three-day business event where vision meets opportunity! Get ready for expert-led discussions, strategic networking, and insights that will reshape your growth journey. This is where leaders gather to exchange ideas, spark collaborations, and shape what’s next in the industry.

  • Panel Discussion: Shifting From Boss To Leader: Growing Yourself As You Grow Your Business

    Founders wear many hats, but true leadership, beyond operational excellence, is the engine of a growing company. This session will provide a focused exploration of the leadership shifts that enable founders to move from product creation to organizational development. Speakers will share their personal strategies, critical lessons, and actionable insights for thriving as leaders in high-growth environments.

    Speakers:

    Samanitha Gathers

    Erica Hansen

  • Keynote: TBD

  • Panel Discussion: Expanding Your Market: Tapping Into New Customers And Territories

    The World Bank projects that the global economy will grow at a steady rate of 2.7% in 2025 and 2026. As growth stabilizes, businesses will encounter greater pressure to look beyond saturated markets and explore new avenues for expansion. This panel will examine how scaling brands can navigate regional differences and adapt their offerings to succeed in unfamiliar markets.

    Speakers:

    Bob Carr

    Anne Carr

    Amelia Zephyr

    Sam Shah

  • Recognition Session

    A moment to honor those redefining success. This session recognizes visionaries who have transformed industries and made a lasting impact. Their achievements not only inspire but also pave the way for future leaders to push boundaries and innovate.

  • Lunch & Networking

    Midday meals hit differently when they lead to fresh ideas and unexpected connections. Grab a plate, join the conversation, and connect with peers in a relaxed setting. This is your chance to turn friendly chats into meaningful professional relationships.

  • Business Card Exchange Session

    This fast-paced session is your moment to meet new faces, trade cards, and make connections that could turn into long-term partnerships. It’s quick, it’s focused, and it’s designed to help you leave with more than just a name.

  • Keynote: TBD

  • Panel Discussion: Overcoming Infrastructure Gaps: Scaling Digital Businesses In Emerging Regions

    Emerging markets are rapidly adopting digital payments, opening new avenues for growth while revealing critical infrastructure gaps. As businesses look to scale in these regions, they must navigate a complex mix of regulatory hurdles, security concerns, and technical challenges. This panel will delve into practical strategies for overcoming these barriers and examine how companies can build resilient, scalable models suited to dynamic and underserved markets.

    Speakers:

    Dionne Mejer

  • Panel Discussion: The Growth Mindset: Habits Of Founders Who Win Big

    Entrepreneurs with a growth mindset see challenges as catalysts for learning and view setbacks as part of the journey to success. Building on this perspective, this session will guide founders on how to embrace that mindset, move beyond self-limiting beliefs, and unlock their full potential. Hear from experts as they share the habits, decision-making patterns, and leadership styles that consistently shape high-growth, resilient entrepreneurs.

    Speakers:

    Phyllis Elin

    Nicola Middleton

  • Panel Discussion: "Culture Fit" Is Outdated: Hire For "Culture Add"

    The strongest teams are built on diversity, not sameness. Forward-thinking companies are moving away from “culture fit” and focusing on “culture add.” This discussion will explore how businesses can hire for impact, seeking employees who bring fresh perspectives and drive real innovation. Learn how to attract top talent, build inclusion, and create a workplace where diverse ideas lead to stronger business outcomes

    Speakers:

    Katherine Tuominen

  • Panel Discussion: Redefining Success: What It Means To Thrive As A Woman Entrepreneur

    What if success wasn’t defined by scale or headlines, but by purpose, autonomy, and impact? This panel brings together trailblazing women founders who are challenging outdated norms and reshaping the entrepreneurial journey on their own terms. From navigating bias to building ventures rooted in personal values, they’ll share candid insights on resilience, reinvention, and what it truly means to thrive in today’s evolving business landscape.

  • Recognition Session

    Behind every bold move and breakthrough is a leader who dared to think differently. This session highlights founders and industry pioneers who have set new standards in leadership and growth.

  • Networking Hour

    This is your chance to maximize the power of networking at our business event—turn introductions into valuable relationships that could shape the future of your business.

Note: The timing and topics of sessions are subject to changes depending on speakers’ availability or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • Registration, Morning Coffee, And Refreshments

    Before the sessions begin, ease into the morning with fresh coffee, light bites, and informal networking. Connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting and set the tone for a day full of insight and opportunity.

  • Panel Discussion: Building A High-Performing Executive Team

    Highly engaged teams drive profitability, showing a 21% outperformance compared to disengaged ones. This underscores the critical role of a well-designed leadership team in achieving business success. Experts at this session will spotlight expert perspectives on leadership design, operational alignment, and the complexities of maintaining cohesion as organizations scale

    Speakers:

    Robert Hedequist

  • Keynote: TBD

  • Panel Discussion: Bootstrapping Vs. Raising Funds: Finding The Right Path For You

    Bootstrapping means control, while fundraising offers speed—but which is right for your startup? Choosing between them will depend on your growth goals, risk appetite, and timeline. This session at our business summit will bring together founders who have taken both paths. Panelists will discuss the financial and strategic factors behind each approach and share experiences that will help you assess the best path forward.

    Speakers:

    Shruti Jobanputra

  • Panel Discussion: Creating Revenue Streams That Build A Resilient Business

    A recent study found that businesses with four or more revenue streams demonstrate 2.5 times better survival rates during economic downturns than those with just one. As uncertainty becomes a constant, diversification will be key to long-term stability and growth. This session will explore proactive strategies for developing layered revenue models that can adapt seamlessly to shifting market landscapes.

    Speakers:

    Sam Shah

  • Recognition Session

    This session highlights founders and industry pioneers who have set new standards in leadership and growth. Be part of the celebration as we recognize those who continue to break barriers and lead with vision.

  • Lunch & Networking

    Use this tailored session to engage with like-minded professionals and expand your network. The right conversation here could lead to your next business breakthrough.

  • Speaker Session: Strategic Sustainability: Where Profit Meets Purpose

    Can businesses really do good while doing well? This session explores how forward-thinking organizations are weaving sustainability into the core of their strategy, not just as a buzzword but as a driver of long-term growth. Discover how purpose-led initiatives are creating a measurable impact while delivering business value. Through real examples and actionable insights, learn how aligning sustainability with profitability is not only possible but essential in today's competitive landscape.

    Speakers:

    Angelo Valenton

  • Keynote: TBD

  • Panel Discussion: Storytelling That Sells: How Visionaries Build Magnetic Brands

    The most successful brands don’t just sell—they tell stories that captivate. But what makes a brand’s story unforgettable? At our entrepreneur convention, this panel will bring together marketing leaders and founders who have mastered storytelling as a strategy. Discover ways to create compelling narratives, connect emotionally with your audience, and create a brand that attracts customers and keeps them coming back for more.

    Speakers:

    Phyllis L. Elin

    Michael Terlizzi

  • Panel Discussion: Building A Sustainable Business Model In A Cash-Burning Startup World

    Can your startup survive without another funding round? In a climate where rapid growth often overshadows profitability, sustainability is becoming a key competitive edge. This panel will examine strategies for balancing expansion with disciplined spending, designing predictable revenue streams, and building business models that can outlast shifting investment cycles. Speakers will share how they’ve approached sustainable growth while navigating the financial realities of today’s startup landscape.

  • Panel Discussion: Product-Market Fit: When To Pivot And When To Persevere

    Pivot too soon, and you risk abandoning a great idea. Wait too long, and you might burn through resources. How do successful founders find the balance? This panel will discuss the challenges of achieving product-market fit, featuring real-life stories from entrepreneurs who have had to decide whether to push forward or make a significant pivot to find success.

    Speakers:

    Jim Ohneck

  • Panel Discussion: AI Won’t Save Your Business—Unless Your Problem Is Real

    AI is a powerful tool, but it can't salvage a fundamentally flawed business model. This session tackles the critical question: How do you discern whether AI is the right solution for a genuine business challenge rather than just a trendy application? In this session, experts will share practical insights on strategically leveraging AI for tangible business growth and avoiding the often significant financial and resource drain of adopting technology.

  • Recognition Session

    Let’s take a moment to honor excellence in leadership and innovation. This session is dedicated to recognizing professionals and organizations whose contributions have driven meaningful change and set new benchmarks for success.

  • Networking Hour

    Whether you’re looking for strategic partnerships or industry insights, networking at our business events is where great opportunities begin. Take advantage of this session to connect with key players.

Note: The timing and topics of sessions are subject to changes depending on speakers’ availability or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • Registration, Morning Coffee, And Refreshments

    Kickstart your morning with caffeine and conversations! Check-in is smooth, the coffee is hot, and the networking opportunities are endless. Start building valuable relationships before the session begins.

  • Panel Discussion: Is Your Startup Financially Resilient? Preparing For Funding Winters

    Startups often chase rapid growth, but what happens when funding dries up? In today’s unpredictable market, relying solely on investor capital can be risky and unsustainable. This discussion will outline actionable strategies for effective burn rate management, creating sustainable revenue streams, and other key approaches to navigate and mitigate potential downturns. Learn to adapt to market shifts and maintain operational stability confidently.

  • Keynote: TBD

  • Panel Discussion: Tech Debt And Growing Pains: Fixing What’s Broken While Moving Fast

    Speed vs. stability—how do you build fast without breaking everything? Many startups face growing pains caused by mounting tech debt, which can hinder future growth and innovation. This panel will examine ways to address legacy issues, streamline engineering workflows, and build scalable infrastructure—all while maintaining momentum. Experts will share practical insights on managing rapid growth without letting tech debt become a long-term burden.

  • Panel Discussion: Hype Vs. Substance: Is Your Business Solving A Real Problem?

    The hype might get attention, but only substance drives long-term success. Is your business truly solving a meaningful problem, or simply riding the wave of the latest trends? This session will explore how to distinguish between market noise and genuine demand, validate product-market fit with intention, and design offerings that customers actually need. Panelists will share perspectives on building business models that remain relevant long after the initial buzz fades.

    Speakers:

    Manoj Thakur

    Durell Coleman

  • Recognition Session

    Highlighting the achievements of those who are transforming industries. This session is dedicated to recognizing their dedication and influence. Their journey proves that innovation, persistence, and strategic thinking pave the way for greatness.

  • Lunch & Networking

    A setting where great food and great conversations come together. Use this time to meet people who could be key to your next business move. Leverage this opportunity to engage in discussions that could open new doors for growth.

  • Business Card Exchange Session

    A chance to make meaningful connections in minutes. Meet potential investors, partners, and clients in a structured networking environment. This session is your gateway to a broader professional network.

  • Panel Discussion: Stop Glorifying Hustle Culture: Building Without Burning Out

    Hard work fuels success, but is endless hustle the answer? Many entrepreneurs push themselves to the limit, but burnout can derail even the best businesses. This panel will break down sustainable strategies for growth, discussing how to work smarter, not harder. Learn how to build a high-performing team, maintain momentum, and achieve long-term success—without sacrificing your health and sanity.

    Speakers:

    Nikki Cruise

  • Panel Discussion: Your Users Aren’t Stupid: How Bad UX Drives Customers Away

    Poor user experience isn't just frustrating; it’s costly. A staggering 88% of users are less likely to leave a website after a bad experience. This means a single negative interaction can permanently damage customer trust. This panel at our founders conference will analyze how suboptimal design choices can negatively impact user acquisition and retention metrics.

  • Panel Discussion: Competing With Legacy Brands: How Startups Can Win In Stale Markets

    Breaking into a market dominated by legacy brands is no easy task. But smart startups know how to leverage agility, innovation, and customer focus to win. This panel will talk about how emerging businesses can challenge established players, find unique positioning, and create competitive advantages that attract customers. Experts will also highlight the mindset shifts required to stand out in mature industries.

  • Panel Discussion: The Entrepreneur’s Balancing Act: Vision Vs. Execution

    Great ideas don’t build companies—execution does. Yet without a clear vision, even flawless execution can lead a business in the wrong direction. But how do you balance high-level strategy with getting things done? This panel slot explores the challenges of managing both vision and execution in a growing business. Experts will examine how entrepreneurs keep teams aligned with long-term goals while navigating day-to-day demands.

    Speakers:

    Jamie Beasley

  • Vote Of Thanks

    Thank you to every visionary, entrepreneur, and industry leader who made our entrepreneur conference remarkable! The conversations sparked here will fuel new ideas, partnerships, and innovations. We appreciate your time, energy, and passion, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. See you at the next event!

Note: The timing and topics of sessions are subject to changes depending on speakers’ availability or other unforeseen circumstances.