COLUMBIA, Mo. – Excelsior Springs will be the host city for the 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) conference, an annual event organized by University of Missouri Extension.

Annette Kendall, CEC chair and MU assistant extension professor, says the 2025 theme is “The Re-Conference. Refresh. Revive. Retool.”

Kendall says the conference, set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2025, promises an immersive experience for economic developers, elected officials, entrepreneurship service organizations, community leaders and educators eager to drive growth in their communities.

“Our city has a rich history as a place where people come to refresh and reenergize,” says Melinda Mehaffy, economic development director for the City of Excelsior Springs. “This conference will not only showcase our community but also bring fresh ideas, partnerships and economic potential that will benefit our town and others across Missouri.”

Each year, CEC brings together a diverse group of thought leaders, professionals and community champions from across Missouri and neighboring states, Kendall says. “Through a unique, community-based format, sessions are hosted in various local businesses and venues, giving attendees a firsthand look at the entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative efforts of the host community,” she says.

Conference highlights include:

• Keynote speakers on rural entrepreneurship, economic development and community building.
• Breakout sessions and workshops at Excelsior Springs businesses and landmarks.
• Networking events in which attendees can engage with fellow leaders and explore the city’s restaurants, shops and attractions.

Kendall says this year’s conference invites participants to refresh and revive their mindsets in Excelsior Springs as they learn new tools for facilitating economic development through entrepreneurship.

“Excelsior Springs is a town steeped in history as a destination for renewal thanks to its natural mineral springs that drew visitors seeking wellness and relaxation,” she says. “Today, that same spirit of renewal lives on in its vibrant community and local businesses, making it the perfect backdrop for a conference that aims to equip rural communities with the tools to foster innovation, connection and economic resilience.”

A unique conference experience

The CEC conference is unlike traditional gatherings, Kendall says. “Attendees move throughout the community, visiting unique venues and connecting with local business owners, creating an immersive, experiential learning environment. This format allows participants to see entrepreneurial ecosystems in action and to network with like-minded individuals in informal, community-centered settings.”

The 2025 CEC conference will also bring an economic boost to Excelsior Springs, with more than a hundred attendees expected to shop, dine and explore the area, she says.

Registration details

Registration will open in summer 2025. For more information about the conference, including sponsorship opportunities, speaker announcements and session topics, visit http://muext.us/CEC.

About MU Extension’s Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities

The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) program, organized by University of Missouri Extension, is dedicated to empowering rural communities to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems that drive local economic development. Through annual conferences, webinars and ongoing educational initiatives, CEC connects community leaders, entrepreneurs and economic development professionals across Missouri, equipping them with the resources to make a positive impact in their regions.