Events
The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at The University of Iowa sponsors several programs each year designed to bring successful entrepreneurs and business leaders to campus to discuss current issues facing start-up and growing companies. These events also provide outstanding networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, and students.
John R. Hughes Lecture Series
The program is cosponsored by Hills Bank and Trust Company and is named for the late John R. Hughes, former president of the bank, who was instrumental in helping the company grow throughout the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area.
Past speakers have included:
- John Pappajohn, Equity Dynamics Inc., & B.J. Do, ABC Virtual Communications / Listen
- Joe Crookham, president & principal owner, Musco Sports Lighting
- Michael Whalen, president and CEO, Heart of America Restaurants & Inns
Sandage Entrepreneurial Speaker Series
This program is cosponsored by the Sandage Charitable Trust, which was established by Charles and Elizabeth Sandage to support programs with an emphasis on free enterprise and entrepreneurship.
Past speakers have included:
- Ted Waitt, co-founder, Gateway Inc. / Listen
- Bob Reed, president (retired), Data Comm International / Listen
- Megan Wettach, Premier Prom & Bridal Boutique and The Megan Amanda Collection; Brad Phillips, Premis Industries and Campus Access Magazine; and Ben Anderson and Carl Hirschman, X-Wires Communications / Listen
MidWestOne Community Lecture Series
This annual lecture series is cosponsored by MidWestOne and JPEC to promote entrepreneurship and economic development in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area.
Past speakers have included:
- Joe Crookham, president, Musco Lighting / Listen
- Robert Dederick, president, RGD Economics / Listen
- Bruce Rastetter, CEO, Hawkeye Renewables / Listen
Iowa Venture Capital Conference
The annual Iowa Venture Capital Conference is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, and students to network, attend informative workshops, view business plan presentations, and learn from keynote speakers. Discussions are held on numerous topics, including business plan development, deal structure, and venture capital. The Iowa Department of Economic Development, the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers, and Equity Dynamics, Inc. are pleased to partner in presenting the annual Iowa Venture Capital Conference.
Past speakers have included:
- Donald Keough, chairman of the board, Allen & Company Inc. and former president, COO, and director, Coca-Cola Co.
- Clark McLeod, former chairman and CEO, McLeod USA
- John Pappajohn, president, Equity Dynamics Inc.
Collegiate Entrepreneurs Iowa Conference
The Collegiate Entrepreneurs Iowa Conference brings together college students and faculty from across Iowa for a day of networking, presentations, and educational break-out sessions.
Past speakers have included:
- Madolyn Johnson, president and founder, The HomeMaker's Idea Company
- Edward Moldt, entrepreneur with a portfolio of more than 200 companies
Seminars and Workshops
Throughout the year, the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) sponsor and cosponsor a variety of programs, workshops, and conferences. These programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of Iowa entrepreneurs and small business owners. A partial listing of workshops offered over the past year is below.
- Business Expenses & Deductions Workshop
- 1/2 Day Entrepreneurship Boot Camps
- FastTrac Entrepreneurial Training Program
- Payroll & Employment Taxes Workshop
To view our upcoming speaker series, visit our Calendar of Events.