
Conference Agenda
A Different Kind of Home Inspection Conference
This is a content-first conference for inspectors who want results. Sessions focus on what is working now, with examples from top operators and live Q&A so you can translate ideas into your business. Expect practical insight, clear next steps to try, and a network of peers who are solving the same problems.
Keynote
Pam O'Connor
Pam O'Connor brings over 25 years of exceptional leadership experience as CEO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, where she excelled in cultivating robust professional networks and driving strategic growth.
In her keynote address, Pam will share practical insights specifically tailored for home inspectors. Learn how to effectively build and leverage relationships with real estate agents, enhance your professional credibility, and position your inspection businesses for sustained growth and success.
Included with Your Ticket:
Riverboat Dinner & Networking Cruise!
Step aboard the historic Southern Empress riverboat for a unique networking event with your fellow home inspectors on Wednesday, Oct. 1st at the iGo Fall Conference! Departing from Margaritaville Resort (transportation provided, presented by Spectrum), we'll cruise across beautiful Lake Conroe, kicking off with a sunset cocktail reception. This is a perfect opportunity to unwinding and connecting after the general sessions on reunion day.
Following cocktails, you'll enjoy a gourmet dinner and live entertainment featuring dueling pianos. Network with fellow inspectors in an atmosphere filled with music, entertainment, and great conversations.
This special event is included in all conference ticket packages, so reserve your spot today!
iGo Golf Scramble
Join Us on the Green for a Great Cause
iGo Community has partnered with Shriners Children's Texas to champion the Leah Project through a charity golf scramble! All proceeds from the event will go directly to supporting this impactful initiative.
As a special bonus, attendees of the iGo Community Fall Conference will receive $25 off their golf scramble tickets to participate in the scramble. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with peers, enjoy a great day of golf, and make a meaningful difference.
Click below for more details about the scramble and the Leah Project. Registration for the scramble is separate from conference registration. Advanced registration is REQUIRED.
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Monday - Feb 9, 2026
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Time/Location |
Session |
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4:30PM-6:30PM |
Aspire Mastermind Meeting |
Tuesday - Feb 10, 2026
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Time/Location |
Session |
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8:00AM-5:00PM |
Exhibit Hall Open |
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8:00AM-10:00AM |
Experience Mastermind Experience Mastermind is a special morning workshop designed for guests and iGo Community Core members attending our conferences. In this mastermind session you will roll-up your sleeves and get advice from a panel of home inspection experts on how to tackle your biggest pain points, avoid common pitfalls, and set yourself up for lasting success. This condensed mastermind offers expert coaching for guests using proven business growth strategies, practical templates, and actionable solutions to guests' individual challenges, revealing why over 42% of iGo members had their best year ever in 2024. Presenter(s): |
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10:15AM-11:45AM |
Platinum Mastermind: Elite & Advantage Groups |
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10:15AM-11:45AM |
Platinum Mastermind: Supreme, Challengers, & Elevate Groups |
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12:00PM-1:30PM |
Boxed Lunch Provided by iGo |
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12:00PM-1:30PM |
HI Ladies Lunch Boxed lunch provided by iGo Presenter(s): Sarah Stonesifer, COO, Ace Home Inspections |
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1:30PM-1:35PM |
RISE 2026 Conference: General Session Kickoff |
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1:45PM-2:30PM |
Keynote Seven Lessons in Building My Business -The journey that didn't need to be so hard. Presenter: David Sherwood, Owner, Sherwood Inspection Services, iGo Coach |
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2:30PM-3:00PM |
Breakthrough Relationships: How to Win Trust and Open Doors That Grow Your Business Sometimes the next big leap in your business isn’t about a new service, it’s about a new relationship. Whether you're trying to earn the trust of a top-producing agent, break into a commercial account, or win over a brokerage leader, real growth often comes down to one thing: a single yes from the right person. In this powerful live interview, Aspire Coach Dan Deist sits down with Stephen Kowalchuk, the most connected executive recruiter in residential real estate, to uncover how trust is built in high-stakes, high-noise environments. With over 10,000 placements in his 30-year career, Stephen knows what it takes to break through gatekeepers, create meaningful connection, and earn someone's confidence when their business is on the line. This isn’t just about strategy, it’s about the mindset and messaging behind every powerful relationship you need to grow. What You’ll Walk Away With: If you’ve ever felt like your next opportunity is locked behind one relationship, this is the session that helps you unlock it. Presenter(s): |
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3:00PM-3:30PM |
Inspections, Accelerated: A Practical Exploration of AI as a Tool for Inspectors AI is rapidly entering the home inspection field, bringing with it new tools, workflows, and considerations for inspection professionals. This session offers a grounded, realistic look at how AI is being used today, not to replace inspectors, but as a tool that may influence efficiency, accuracy, margins, and day-to-day operations. We’ll examine several emerging AI technologies that assist with tasks such as measuring dimensions, identifying materials, documenting conditions, and compiling reports. You’ll hear what worked, what didn’t, and what questions inspection companies should ask when determining whether AI fits into their business model. This session is designed for inspectors who want a clear-eyed understanding of the potential impacts, both benefits and limitations, of integrating AI tools into the inspection process. Topics We’ll Explore |
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3:30PM-4:00PM |
Coffee Break in Exhibit Hall |
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4:00PM-4:50PM |
Better Your Best Finalist Presentations |
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6:00PM-6:30PM |
Cocktails in the Exhibit Hall |
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6:30PM-8:30PM |
RISE Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony Featuring: Graduations, Milestone Awards, Maverick Award Finalists & Winner, Best Year Ever Awards, and the 2025 Year in Review |
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8:30PM-10:00PM |
Platinum Lounge |
Wednesday - Feb 11, 2026
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Time/Location |
Session |
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8:00AM-5:00PM |
Exhibit Hall Open Refreshments & coffee provided |
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9:00AM |
General Session Starts |
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9:00AM-9:45AM |
The Owner’s Playbook: Leadership, Decision-Making, and High-Impact Execution Session Description: Growing a successful home inspection business isn’t just about having the best tools or the best pipeline, it’s about how you lead, decide, and execute every day. In this interactive Main Stage presentation, we’ll unpack the habits, frameworks, and mindsets that separate companies that merely survive from those that thrive year after year. This session isn’t generic leadership fluff, it’s built on what the fastest-growing inspection companies actually do differently, including how they make tough decisions under pressure, hold teams accountable with clarity and confidence, and build a culture that scales with them. You’ll leave with a clear framework you can apply immediately, whether you’re a solopreneur, a growing team, or a multi-location operator. What You’ll Walk Away With: Presenter(s): Celeste Starchild, President & COO, InspectionGo |
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9:45AM-10:45AM |
Grow, License, Acquire, or Franchise? Choosing the Right Path to Scale Every ambitious inspection company eventually reaches a pivotal question: How should we scale? Whether you’re considering growing organically, licensing your proven model, acquiring another company, or exploring the franchise route, each option comes with unique advantages and critical challenges. This session breaks down the strategic, financial, and legal realities of each growth path so you can make an informed decision with confidence. You’ll see real-world examples of inspection companies who have chosen each model, what they learned, and what they would do differently. No matter your size or stage, you’ll discover how to make your business more valuable. Whether you're a small shop ready to level up or a growing company preparing for expansion, this session gives you the clarity and roadmap to scale with confidence. You’ll walk away knowing: Walk away with a clear path, a stronger strategy, and the insight you need to make your next big move. Presenter(s): |
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10:45AM-11:10AM |
Break in the Exhibit Hall Refreshments provided |
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11:10AM-11:30AM |
Where Are They Now? Insights From the 2024 Better Your Best Winners Get an inside look at what the 2024 Better Your Best winning team has accomplished since taking the title. Hear how they achieved impressive growth, increased profitability, and navigated both victories and challenges throughout the year. They’ll share the key strategies, systems, and mindset shifts that drove their success, plus actionable tips you can apply to strengthen your own business. Discover what they did, how they did it, and how you can use their lessons to fuel your next level of growth. Presenter(s): Matt & Sarah Stonesifer, Owners, Ace Home Inspections |
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11:30AM-12:00PM |
From Purchase to Practice: How to Get More out of Your Inspection Business Tools. Buying new software or tools is easy, making them work inside your inspection business is the real challenge. In this practical, real-world session, iGo’s premier partners will walk through real implementation stories from inspection companies that have adopted their solutions. Instead of theory or demos, this session focuses on how tools were deployed, adopted, and integrated into day-to-day operations. You’ll hear how inspection businesses approached setup, team training, workflow changes, and ROI, straight from the vendors who supported the process. You’ll leave with clarity on: Presenter(s): |
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12:00PM-12:10PM |
Better Your Best Winner Announcement |
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12:15PM-1:30PM |
Lunch Connections iGo Community Platinum Members: Meet your NEW Platinum Group mates Boxed lunch provided by iGo iGo Community Guests & iGo Community Core: Boxed Lunch with Dan Deist Provided by iGo |
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1:30PM-2:30PM |
Free Time |
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2:30PM-3:30PM |
Disaster Aversion: The Pivotal Financial Decisions That Shape or Sink a Growing Home Inspection Company Growth puts pressure on every part of a home inspection company, often in ways owners don’t anticipate. In this breakout session, we uncover the financial and structural decisions that determine whether expansion strengthens your business or quietly destabilizes it. Drawing from real client experiences and the recurring patterns we see across scaling inspection firms, we’ll break down the five critical mistakes that most often derail growth. Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of how to avoid these pitfalls, make informed operational decisions, and build a foundation for sustainable, profitable expansion. • Recognize the most common financial and operational mistakes that undermine growth. Presenter(s): |
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2:30PM-3:30PM |
Marketing Content Creation: AI-Generated Videos That Drive Results Video is one of the most powerful ways to promote your inspection business, and today’s AI tools make creating high-quality, engaging content easier than ever. In this breakout session, you’ll learn how to leverage AI video generators and modern editing tools to produce professional, attention-grabbing marketing videos that elevate your brand and attract more customers. Whether you're looking to build trust, boost visibility, or stand out in a crowded market, this session shows you how to create videos that convert without needing advanced skills or expensive equipment. What You’ll Learn Presenter(s): |
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2:30PM-3:30PM |
Small But Mighty: How to Scale Without Building a Big Team You don’t need 20 inspectors to build a powerful, profitable company. For many iGo members, the goal isn’t to build a giant team, it’s to build a smart one. This breakout is designed for solopreneurs and small-team owners who want to grow revenue, expand impact, and regain freedom without hiring an army. We’ll spotlight real systems and strategies used by iGo members who are thriving with lean teams, from automating admin tasks to outsourcing key functions, and from boundary-setting to smart marketing that doesn’t waste time or money. You’ll learn: If you’ve ever said, “I don’t want to grow just to manage more people,” this session is for you. You’ll leave with tools to grow on your own terms, and build a business that serves your life, not the other way around. Presenter(s): |
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2:30PM-3:30PM |
Business Killers: The 6 Mistakes That Can Destroy Everything You’ve Built We never plan to make mistakes, especially as business owners focused on growth, service, and daily operations. But while you’re busy running the business, there are a handful of critical missteps that quietly put companies at risk. And time after time, the same mistakes show up when businesses fail. Business Killers is a high-impact, interactive session that exposes the six most common planning and protection mistakes that can derail a business and threaten an owner’s personal financial future. Through real-world scenarios and dramatized examples, we’ll walk through how these errors happen, why they’re so dangerous, and what you can do now to avoid them. This isn’t about fear, it’s about awareness and control. You’ll see how small oversights can create massive consequences, and how proactive planning can safeguard everything you’ve worked to build. You’ll leave this session with: If your goal is to build a business that lasts, and protects you along the way, this session is a must-attend. Presenter(s): Todd Feldman, CFP, CExP, Merit Financial Advisors |
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3:30PM-4:00PM |
Break in the Exhibit Hall Refreshments provided |
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4:00PM-5:00PM |
Why the “Fluffy Stuff” Matters: Building Culture Early (Even If It’s Just You and One Inspector) Vision, mission, values... it might feel like corporate fluff when you’re still doing inspections yourself and managing one admin off the side of your desk. But here’s the truth: culture doesn’t “happen later.” It starts with the very first hire, and the habits, language, and expectations you set now will shape how your company scales. In this refreshingly real session, we’ll break down why foundational culture work actually matters more in small teams, and how it becomes your biggest asset as you grow. No theory, no buzzwords, just clear insight and a list of simple, high-impact actions you can take this month to start shaping the company you want to lead. What You’ll Walk Away With: If you’ve ever thought “I’ll deal with that stuff once we grow,” this session will show you why that mindset is the risk. Culture scales, whether you shape it or not. Let’s make sure it’s one you love. Presenter(s): |
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4:00PM-5:00PM |
Office Management Masterclass: From Chaos to Clarity Is your office running you instead of the other way around? Whether you have one trusted admin or an entire support team, this masterclass will show you how to transform your operations from reactive and chaotic to streamlined, scalable, and stress-free. Learn how top inspection companies build office systems that run smoothly, even when the owner steps away. If you’re ready to stop being the bottleneck and start leading a team that operates with confidence, consistency, and clarity, this session is your roadmap. What You’ll Discover Exclusive Tools & Handouts Presenter(s): |
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4:00PM-5:00PM |
Built to Sell: How to Exit on Your Terms Without Regret Whether you're planning to sell your company in 1 year or 10, the decisions you make today will shape your exit and your legacy. In this breakout, we’ll walk through the real-world steps home inspection business owners must take to build a business that someone else would actually want to buy. This session isn’t about theory. It’s built from real conversations in iGo coaching rooms, where members have wrestled with everything from “Am I emotionally ready?” to “Will my business survive without me?” You’ll hear lessons learned from owners who have sold, those who are preparing, and those who wish they had started sooner. We’ll cover: You’ll leave with a practical roadmap and a brutally honest checklist to evaluate your readiness, not just financially, but operationally and mentally. Whether your goal is to retire, pursue another business, or simply build something worth buying, this session will help you start preparing now. Presenter(s): |
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4:00PM-5:00PM |
Growth by Acquisition: How to Find, Value, and Integrate Other Inspection Companies Acquiring another inspection company can be one of the fastest ways to scale, but only if you do it right. Whether you’re buying a solo operator or merging with a multi-inspector firm, the real work starts before the deal closes. In this breakout, you’ll learn how iGo members are using acquisitions to grow into new markets, add inspectors, and eliminate competition. We’ll get tactical about how to source potential acquisitions, what to look for in their numbers, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that kill deals or create post-sale chaos. This is a session for serious owners ready to grow through smart, strategic buying, not gambling. Key Takeaways: You’ll walk away with a checklist of due diligence questions, deal structures that work, and insider tips from owners who’ve done it successfully. If you’re ready to grow fast, and smart, this session will show you how. Presenter(s): |
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6:00PM-10:00PM |
DISCOVERY COVE Meet at 6:00PM at Compass Porte Cochere for bus transport. Buses depart at 6:30PM. Buses leave Discovery Cove at 10:00PM to return guests to Margaritaville. |
Thursday - Feb 12, 2026
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Time/Location |
Session |
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9:00AM-12:00PM |
Deep-Dive Workshop - Marketing Basics Whether you're just getting started or looking to tighten up your brand strategy, this hands-on workshop will give you the foundational marketing tools every inspection company needs to stand out and grow. In this deep dive, you’ll discover what truly sets your business apart, and learn how to communicate it with clarity, confidence, and consistency. From defining your USP (what makes you unforgettable) to crafting logos, messaging, and brand identity that agents actually remember, this session will walk you step-by-step through building a strong, cohesive brand. You’ll also learn the essentials of showing up professionally online, from setting up your Google Business Profile for maximum visibility to creating social profiles that attract new clients and make agents want to work with you. Plus, we’ll break down how to deliver a compelling agent presentation that strengthens relationships and generates referrals. What You’ll Learn If you want agents to remember you, clients to trust you, and your brand to shine above the competition, this workshop is where it all begins. Presenter(s): |
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9:00AM-12:00PM |
Deep-Dive Workshop: Hiring & Training Inspectors - Your 1/2 Day HR Success Blueprint Building a strong inspection team starts with hiring the right people, and giving them the tools and training to excel. In this half-day intensive workshop, you’ll dive into the HR foundations that every successful inspection company needs to grow, scale, and retain top talent. From crafting a compelling job description that attracts the right candidates to mastering the interviewing skills that help you spot true potential, this session covers the entire hiring journey from start to finish. You'll also explore compensation models that motivate performance, how to design effective training plans, and why a clear, well-written employee handbook is the cornerstone of a professional, compliant business. Whether you're making your first hire or expanding a growing team, this workshop gives you the structure, tools, and confidence to build an unstoppable inspection team. What You’ll Learn If you're ready to build a team that performs, grows, and represents your brand with excellence, this half-day HR workshop will give you everything you need to get there. Presenter(s): |
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9:00AM-12:00PM |
Deep-Dive Workshop: Keeping It All in the Family - Navigating Family Business & Generational Leadership Family businesses are powerful, but they can also be complicated. Balancing relationships, responsibilities, leadership transitions, and long-term vision isn’t easy. This half-day deep-dive workshop is designed to help family-run inspection companies strengthen communication, reduce friction, and prepare confidently for the next generation of leadership. Whether you’re working with your spouse, your kids, or extended family members, this session will help you create clarity around roles, responsibilities, expectations, and future plans. You’ll explore the realities of succession planning, how to align different leadership styles across generations, and ways to keep the business running smoothly without letting family dynamics get in the way. Yes, you can bring your kids. (Think of it as professional development, with a dash of family therapy.) You’ll leave this workshop with a shared vision, better communication, and a concrete plan your whole family can stand behind. What You’ll Learn This workshop is perfect for families growing a business together and planning for what comes next. Come ready for honest conversations, strengthened relationships, and a roadmap that ensures your family business thrives for generations. Presenter(s): |
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12:00PM-2:00PM |
Free Time & Lunch on Your Own |
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2:00PM-5:00PM |
Deep-Dive Workshop: Fortune Is in the Follow-Up: How to Automate, Systemize & Scale Your Outreach If you want more repeat business, stronger agent relationships, and higher conversion rates, there’s one skill you must master: follow-up. In this fast-paced session, you’ll learn how to turn your CRM and automation tools into a powerful follow-up engine that works for you around the clock. We’ll break down practical, proven methods for building semi-automated to fully automated follow-up systems for events, CE classes, agent interactions, and lead nurturing, ensuring you never miss an opportunity again. Discover how to streamline communication, stay top of mind, and transform simple touchpoints into revenue-generating relationships. You’ll Learn How To: If you’re tired of leads slipping through the cracks, or you’re ready to elevate your efficiency, this session gives you the tools to make follow-up your superpower. Presenter(s): |
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2:00PM-5:00PM |
Winning the AI Visibility Game: How to Get Found, Cited, and Chosen in an AI-First World Description: The way customers find and choose home inspectors is being rewritten by AI. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google’s AI Overviews are reshaping how people search, decide, and trust businesses. If your company isn’t showing up in AI answers, you’re not even in the conversation. This session breaks down what AI-driven discovery means for home inspection companies, and what to do about it now. Traditional SEO alone won’t cut it anymore. You need a strategy that aligns with how AI systems understand, rank, and recommend local businesses. We’ll explore real examples of inspection companies using new digital authority tactics to stay visible, credible, and top of mind in an AI-first landscape. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap to get your company recognized by AI, and cited as the expert in your local market. Key Takeaways: This isn’t a futurist talk, it’s a tactical blueprint for staying visible and getting chosen in the age of AI-driven search. Presenter(s): |
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2:00PM-5:00PM |
Know Your Numbers: How Financial Statements Reveal Profit Opportunities Your financial statements tell the story of your business, if you know how to read them. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to break down your Profit & Loss, connect it to your sales performance, and pinpoint exactly where your business can become more profitable. We’ll walk through how your P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow work together and show you how to use last year’s numbers to accurately forecast and plan for growth in the year ahead. Come ready to work, this session is built for real-time improvement, not theory. Action Required: Bring your financial documents so you can follow along and apply every concept immediately. Key Takeaways Presenter(s): |
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Mon. Sept 29
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Tues. Sept 30
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Wed. Oct 1
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Thurs. Oct 2
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Fri. Oct 3
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM • Registration & Breakfast
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9:00 AM – 10:00 AM • Opening Keynote
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM • Breakout Sessions – Round 1
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM • Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM • Opening Keynote
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM • Breakout Sessions – Round 1
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM • Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM • Opening Keynote
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM • Breakout Sessions – Round 1
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM • Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM • Opening Keynote
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM • Breakout Sessions – Round 1
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM • Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM • Opening Keynote
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM • Breakout Sessions – Round 1
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM • Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM • Opening Keynote
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM • Breakout Sessions – Round 1
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM • Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM • Opening Keynote
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM • Breakout Sessions – Round 1
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM • Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM • Opening Keynote
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM • Breakout Sessions – Round 1
45% more qualified leads because customers trust you
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