Seminars

St. Louis Business Expo & Business Growth Conference Seminars, Oct. 9, 2025

ALL Seminars are FREE and open to the public.

KICKOFF SEMINAR, 10AM-11AM

ROOMS 104-105

AI Secrets to Success: Simple Ways to Start Using AI in Your Business Tomorrow

Running a small business means wearing too many hats—but AI can take a few off your plate. In this session, Vernon Ross will break down three simple ways you can start using AI agents tomorrow to free up time, improve customer experience, and scale without adding headcount. You’ll see how tools like AI schedulers, chat assistants, and even “AI employees” can transform everyday operations into smooth, automated workflows. Walk away with practical examples, easy-to-use tools, and an action plan you can implement immediately—no technical background required.

Presenter: Vernon Ross — Enterprise Podcaster & GrowthHQ

Vernon Ross helps small business owners and entrepreneurs use AI agents and podcasting to save time, improve customer experience, and grow revenue without adding headcount. As the founder of Enterprise Podcaster and GrowthHQ, he makes AI practical by showing how tools like chat assistants, scheduling bots, and “AI employees” can handle repetitive tasks and deliver 24/7 customer support. His approachable style blends storytelling, SaaS know-how, and real business examples to help business leaders put AI to work immediately.

ROOMS 104-105 - AI TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

11:30-12:20

David vs Goliath: How to Use AI to Level the Playing Field for Small Business Growth

Small businesses don't need to play small anymore. In this short and powerful session, you'll discover how AI tools—your digital employees—can automate tasks, boost efficiency, and help you compete with the big guys. If you're ready to scale smarter and grow stronger, this is your slingshot.

Matt Barbey is the founder of Time for Success, a certified Scaling Up coach, and a John Maxwell certified leadership coach. He equips business owners to scale smarter by building teams of A-Players and crafting market-dominating strategies that set them apart from the competition. Blending proven leadership frameworks with practical AI applications, Matt shows entrepreneurs how to use AI as a digital employee to boost efficiency, sharpen decision-making, and compete with the big players. His mission is to help leaders grow stronger businesses that thrive without burning out.  

12:30-1:20

1:30-2:20

AI Investment: Understanding the Value Curve of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a one-size-fits-all solution; its business impact is deeply influenced by the level and manner of its integration. While the idea of deploying AI may be broadly appealing, the effectiveness, and the return on investment, can vary significantly depending on the depth of implementation. From low-investment, high-speed general-purpose models to fully integrated, organization-specific solutions, each approach offers a different trajectory of return. This presentation explains these levels of AI implementation through the lens of investment versus value realized, helping business leaders make informed decisions about where and how to invest.

Presenter: Larry McLean, from McLean Forrester LLC,. Larry McLean has been a technology leader for over 40 years in the Department of Defense and McLean Forrester. His experience includes managing two global IT networks, managing IT services for a combatant command, leading the enterprise data management office for Defense Transportation, and the CIO’s expert in emerging technologies. He is also a Professor of Practice at Washington University in St Louis, McKelvey School of Engineering, where he has authored and teaches both IT and Data-related courses for the Masters in Information Systems Management graduate program. Larry has multiple industry certifications including ITIL Expert, Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C/CISO), and a professional education certificate from MIT in Digital Transformation.

STAGE 1 (On the Showroom Floor)

SALES AND MARKETING

11:30-12:20

"Maximizing Your Reach: Using Networking, Writing, and Presentations to Enhance Your Marketing Impact"

This presentation dives into the power of building authentic connections through networking, creating compelling written content, and delivering impactful presentations that leave lasting impressions. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to amplify their message, expand their influence, and drive meaningful engagement across multiple platforms. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this session equips you with tools to maximize your marketing potential and achieve your goals.

12:30-1:20

Get Leads and Build Sales Without Feeling “Salesy”

Do you hate the sales side of your business? Then this presentation is for you. We will share approaches and strategies to grow your customer or client base that you can start using today! And, we will discuss how to do this with little or no financial outlays. This presentation is geared towards new and smaller businesses that are uncomfortable with hard sales tactics, are experiencing slow or plateaued growth, and are looking for ways to attract the business you would like. Questions from participants are encouraged!

Presenter: Lee Van Dusen, KPL Coaching, LLC. Lee is a seasoned senior leader with extensive experience as a CEO and vice president across multiple organizations. As a founding partner of KPL Coaching, he has dedicated over two decades to the pursuit of business performance excellence. His expertise has earned him a role as an examiner for the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award—the highest recognition for quality in the U.S. A sought-after speaker, Lee has delivered impactful presentations on improving results and performance excellence across the United States, as well as in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Panama.

1:30-2:20

A Growth Blueprint for Small Business: From Referrals to Paid Advertising

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to: Identify the Right Ad Platform – Understand how to evaluate and select the most effective advertising platforms (Google, Meta, Yelp, etc.) based on the type of service offered and the behavior of their target audience. Avoid Wasted Ad Spend – Learn how to recognize and steer clear of the most common ad spend traps, including overspending past the point of diminishing returns and broad, untargeted campaigns. Pinpoint High-Value Locations – Gain tools and strategies for targeting the most profitable geographic areas, ensuring ad dollars are focused where demand and conversion rates are highest. Define Ideal Client Characteristics – Discover how to build detailed client avatars to drive smarter targeting and messaging in paid ad campaigns. Measure and Optimize Campaign Performance – Learn how to track key performance metrics, analyze campaign data, and make informed adjustments to continually improve ad effectiveness and ROI. Leverage Retargeting for ROI – Master the basics of retargeting to recapture lost leads, increase conversion rates, and stretch every marketing dollar further.

Presenter. Nick Epps, Seraphim Consulting

Nick Epps is a dynamic entrepreneur, corporate leader, and faith-driven visionary who walked away from retirement to answer a higher calling—helping small business owners thrive. With a decorated career in automotive finance, pharmaceutical sales, and executive leadership at GM Financial, Alcon, and Enterprise, Nick is no stranger to success. He’s doubled revenues, launched market-shifting products, and built top-performing teams—but it was his spiritual purpose that led him to create Seraphim Consulting. Founded with the mission to put clients first, Seraphim has earned nominations for the Google Impact Award and been recognized as a Top 50 Yelp Partner—all within just two years. Known for his client-first approach, Nick offers free consultations, tailored advertising strategies, and a 30-day risk-free trial so clients see results before they invest. Nick speaks with passion, purpose, and proof—empowering others to discover their calling, elevate their businesses, and lead with faith and integrity.

STAGE 2 - BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

11:30-12:20

Building Business Value And Creating An Exit Strategy

Learn ways to strategically increase business value and prepare the business to select an exit path that is in alignment with the owner’s wealth and family legacy goals. During this presentation, we will also discuss tax savings ideas on how to sell your business as well as to mitigate against Estate Tax. The presentation will also dive into family dynamics and governance systems for running family-owned businesses.

Speaker: Bryan Esarco, UMB Bank Private Wealth. Bryan Esarco is an Experienced Strategic Advisor for Value Growth, Transition and Exit Planning. Over 25 Years of experience in Public Accounting assisting business owners in all phases of running their business. Merger and Acquistions Tax Specialist Family and Third-Party Sale Transition Specialist. Business Valuator Tax focused on Individuals/Business/Estates and Trusts as well as Sale of Business Tax Implications.

12:30-1:20

Be a Networking Superhero

Step into the role of a networking superhero in this fun, story-driven session. Learn how to build lasting connections using the right tools and tactics while defeating villains like The Sinister Seller, The Dealer and The Ghoster. Through humor and practical tips, you’ll gain the confidence to break the ice, follow up with purpose and become the kind of connector who truly saves the day.

-Learn how to show up with purpose, listen well and build real relationships

-Understand how to become the kind of person others want to connect with

-Discover how to become a networking superhero

Presented By: Chris Ley, Executive Director, The Kirkwood - Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce

1:30-2:20

Interested in speaking at a future show, fill out our online application, click here.

EXPO FAST FACTS

-St. Louis Business Expo is Missouri’s largest business-to-business shopping mall.
-Ability to creatively sell yourself and your company to a very targeted qualified audience.
-Great opportunity to market new products, services and technology.
-Excellent ways to get name out and let customers learn about your company.
-An opportunity to meet top executives and business decision-makers in a positive environment.
-Person-to-person interaction. Fantastic selling, prospecting and networking opportunity!
-Best one-day networking available with leads and prospects surrounding you.
-Promotional mentions in the St. Louis Small Business Monthly announcing you as a participant.