Students
Lecture Series and Seminars
The John Pappajohn Entreprenurial 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 co-sponsored 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 Dynamic Inc., & B.J. Do, ABC Virtual Communications / Listen
- Charlie Wheelan, author, Naked Economics
- Joe Crookham, president & principal owner, Musco Sports Lighting
- Rachel Stauffer Windsor, deal executive and client management partner, Cybus Capital Markets
- Randy Easton, owner and president, Easton Enterprises, LLC
- Richard Schwab, angel investor
- Michael Whalen, president and CEO, Heart of America Restaurants & Inns
Sandage Entrepreneurial Speaker Series
This program is co-sponsored 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:
- 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
- Kevin Krause, president, Swing of the Quad Cities
- Jim Houtz, founder, CyCare
- Pam York, independent seed capital investor
- Robert Walker, founder, Select Comfort Corporation and president and CEO, Bixby Energy Systems
- Travis Stratford, founder, PowerSurge
- Thomas Cardella, founder, Access Direct
- Sarah Grant-Hutchison, founder, Sticks, Inc.
ISB&T JPEC Community Lecture Series
This annual lecture series is cosponsored by Iowa State Bank & Trust Company and JPEC to promote entrepreneurship and economic development in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area.
Past speakers have included:
- 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
- Chesca Colloredo-Mansfeld, former vice president of special projects, eToys
- Edward Moldt, entrepreneur with a portfolio of over 200 companies