Returning for its 2nd year, Innovate Summit drew attendance of senior leadership from 5 countries and more than 20 states. In a world ever bent on replacing itself with AI, this conference moved differently. Intently. Emotionally. Innovate Summit Innovate Summit Harlem Globetrotters, BBC war room correspondents, Fortune 500s, small business owners, and some of the largest venture capital funds in the region interacted in  deep, meaningful, relationship-driven ways over 2 1/2 days all while enjoying the sights and sounds of the beautiful Owensboro riverfront. The Allure of Owensboro The Innovate Summit was hosted once again at a physical epitaph of innovation: the Owensboro Convention Center (OCC). The 102,000 sqft OCC and the stunning surrounding riverfront complete with memorials, parks, hotels and other amenities, was the brainchild of city officials to redevelop the area and bring businesses to the regional city. Needless to say, the project worked its charm as dozens of business owners and senior leadership across multiple industries to network and reconnect after a year apart. Coming Back for Real Connection While the venue was a key piece of the puzzle, the driving motif was impactful relationships—the kind that endure beyond the simple, even obligatory, handing out of a business card. Innovate Summit 2025 built on a successful idea from the year prior known as connection conductors. These business matchmakers did the heavy lifting of finding meaningful connections by understanding each and every audience member and what their goals were for the conference. Using that data, they paired up domain experts with potential partners, helped create deal opportunities for attendees and created an atmosphere of palpable networking sparks. The result was multiple days of intentional relationships that were started on the right foot.\ Observations From Speakers and Attendees “I had the unique opportunity to travel to Kentucky on behalf of the BIRD Foundation (Bi-national co-funding program for joint R&D ventures). What impressed me most at the Innovate Summit was the sheer level of talent and creative energy in every room.  Each conversation seemed to spark new ideas and uncover unexpected opportunities for cooperation. The real power of the event came from this group of super connectors who brought people together and made innovation happen. The many doors that opened for our organization have the potential to ignite more international collaboration and impact way beyond the summit. Definitely an experience to remember.” Anat Ben Yosef, Director, Southern Region, US at the BIRD Foundation\ Anat Ben Yosef Anat Ben Yosef “Overall it was both refreshing and thought provoking.   I’ve often felt like a third wheel in the transactional and surface level conversations at events and this time it  was different.  I met some of the most humble and yet accomplished people - who all welcomed others into the conversation.  It was a crowd of thinkers and doers - all with a story to share.   We talked about what actually works and what doesn’t work - rather than only the latest trends.   Everyone’s perspective and experiences were respected.   As a veteran of the digital marketing industry,  it was invigorating to be in person at an event where you know that you’re not the smartest person in the room.  Connecting in real life is where the magic happens.” Rachel Kersten, Marketing and Business Consultant\ Rachel Kersten Rachel Kersten “I came to Owensboro from northern Canada to meet with business partners and friends and learn from dozens of experts across multiple industries. To say my expectations were exceeded is an understatement. The speakers and panelists gave me food for thought to keep my intellect full for weeks. But what gripped me—and what’s the impetus for my hopeful return—was meaningful relationships and collaborative connections with individuals in the top 1% of their field. Even weeks out of the event I’m still having conversations and coming up with ideas with people I met for maybe 10 seconds. Innovate is building a culture of people who care more than just the bottom line and it’s powerful.” Brett Surbey, Corporate Paralegal, KMSC Law LLP and Freelance Journalist Brett Surbey Brett Surbey “Innovation begins when psychological safety and curiosity are in the room. The Innovate Summit created a beautiful breeding ground for authenticity and connection. At Innovate 2025, I wasn’t there to just speak, I got to stir what matters and be stirred. Presence over posturing. Curiosity over ego. That’s where the good stuff is. What’s happening post-Summit is pure magic.” Alina DoranFounder & CEO, Highline Leadership Alina Doran Alina Doran “Most events are about getting as much attention as possible. Innovate is about building as many life-changing relationships as possible. I made real connections that will change my life and business.” Joseph Lewin, Founder, Sell Through Social Joseph Lewin Joseph Lewin Innovating Through Deepening Relationships What was most inspiring was the ability to have deep, meaningful conversations balanced with business acumen that lead to business partnerships and dealflow. As mentioned in Drew Sutton's recent Let's Make a Deal Podcast, he and small business expert Jimmy Newson discuss this very dynamic. Drew and Jimmy capitalize on the point that the group was smaller and more intimate than a typical large, unfocused conference. This afforded people the ability to go deep over the course of 3 days on the Owensboro waterfront. Drew Sutton's Drew Sutton's Let's Make a Deal Podcast Let's Make a Deal Podcast Jimmy Newson Jimmy Newson Conclusion All in all, local, regional, national, and world leaders have reported back that this was an event not to be missed. Keep an eye out for further developments and announcements on what’s in store for Innovate Summit 2026.

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