Business + Leadership Conference

November 12-13, 2026 | Pensacola, FL

EntreCon® 2026

Become a part of our journey as we present the 2026 annual EntreCon® Conference.

Organizational leadership and development don’t happen by accident – they are intentional. EntreCon® 2026 challenges leaders, professional and community builders to actively INvest in what matters most: people, organizations and the future of our community.
Investment of time, talent and developmental training will impact individuals, organizations and our community in multiple ways that provide inspirational returns. At EntreCon@ 2026, attendees will explore how strategic investment in human potential, business innovation and thoughtful collaboration creates measurable returns for all involved.

Because leadership isn’t passive – it’s an investment!

About EntreCon

5 Reasons Why EntreCon® Rocks

EntreCon® is local. If you wanted to attend a conference in another city, there would be travel arrangements, hotel and food reimbursements, and time away from your family. This makes EntreCon® a great option for small businesses looking to invest in their employees without breaking the bank.

What it’s like to attend EntreCon®
EntreCon® Awards 2023
Talent Pathway Planning
EntreCon® 2024 Voices, Shaping Our Future
EntreCon® 2024 PLT Day 2 Tim Kinsella

People attend EntreCon® for leadership tools and business education—and it absolutely delivers. What continues to surprise me, even years later, is the power of connection. EntreCon® 2025 reminded me of that again. Being in a room full of people who care about growing, leading well, and serving their communities continues to energize me and push my business forward. EntreCon® didn’t just launch a defining relationship for me …  it keeps inspiring me, year after year. That’s why I return, and why I’ll keep showing up.

Hannah, EntreCon® 2025 Attendee

Coming Soon: EntreCon® 2026 Speakers

Our team is hard at work curating an exceptional event experience for 2026, carefully selecting inspiring speakers and meaningful content. We’re making great progress behind the scenes and look forward to sharing more details with you very soon – stay tuned for updates!

2026 Agenda

We are working on this – keep checking back for updates!


Wednesday, November 11 – EntreCon Awards

Coming soon.

Thursday, November 12

Thursday, November 12, 2026
7:30-8:30amDoors Open: Badge Pickup, NetworkingSaenger Theatre Lobby
8:30-8:45amWelcome: Katie BallardTheatre
Presenting Sponsor: Matt Coughlin
Open: DC Reeves
8:45-9:45amOpening KeynoteTheatre
Title of Session TBD
Quint Studer
9:45-10:15amBREAK2nd Floor Cafe
10:15-11:15amKeynoteTheatre
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
11:15am-12:30pmLUNCHEntrepreneur Room
12:45-1:45pmLeadership BreakoutTheatre
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
12:45-1:45Entrepreneurship BreakoutEntrepreneur Room
Title of Session
Speaker TBD
12:45-1:45pmCommunity BreakoutCommunity Room
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
1:45-2:15pmBREAK2nd Floor Cafe
2:15-3:15pmLeadership BreakoutTheatre
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
2:15-3:15pmEntrepreneurship BreakoutEntrepreneur Room
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
2:15-3:15pmCommunity BreakoutCommunity Room
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
3:15-3:30pmBREAK2nd Floor Cafe
3:30-4:30pmClosing KeynoteTheatre
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
4:30-4:40pmClosing Announcements
5:00-6:30pmEntreSocialClark Partington Offices
Join us for a networking after-party!

Friday, November 13

Friday, November 13, 2026
7:30-8:30amDoors Open: Badge Pickup, NetworkingSaenger Theatre Lobby
8:30-8:45amWelcome: Katie BallardTheatre
Presenting Sponsor: Matt Coughlin
Open: TBD
8:45-9:45amOpening KeynoteTheatre
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
9:45-10:15amBREAK2nd Floor Cafe
10:15-11:15amKeynoteTheatre
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
11:15am-12:30pmLUNCHEntrepreneur Room
12:45-1:45pmLeadership BreakoutTheatre
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
12:45-1:45Entrepreneurship BreakoutEntrepreneur Room
Title of Session
Speaker TBD
12:45-1:45pmCommunity BreakoutCommunity Room
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
1:45-2:15pmBREAK2nd Floor Cafe
2:15-3:15pmClosing KeynoteTheatre
Title of Session TBD
Speaker TBD
3:15-3:30pmClosing Announcements2nd Floor Cafe
4:00-5:30pmVIP PartyLocation TBD

EntreCon® 2026 Awards

We invite you to join us for an in-person Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. CST at the Saenger Theatre. The 2026 EntreCon® Awards are meant to recognize the achievements and economic impact leaders and businesses have on a community.

The categories aim to honor businesses at every stage in their life cycle, from start-ups to large corporations.

We are pleased to announce that Captain Chandra Newman, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Pensacola will be joining us as a guest speaker!.
With more than two decades of distinguished military service, Captain Newman has held leadership roles across aviation, operations, and strategic planning, earning a reputation for excellence, resilience, and servant leadership. She is passionate about developing future leaders, building strong teams, and fostering partnerships that strengthen both military and civilian communities. Captain Newman brings a unique perspective on leadership, service, and purpose to the EntreCon Awards.

2026 EntreCon® Award nominations will be opened shortly. Join us to find out the winners on November 11th.

Rodney Jackson Minority-Owned Business of the Year

This award recognizes a minority-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community.

2025 Winner

2025 Runner Up

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year  

This award recognizes a veteran-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community.  

2025 Winner

2025 Runner Up

Female Owned Business of the Year

This award recognizes a women-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community. 

2025 Winner

 2025 Runner Up

View More Winners

Emerging Business of the Year 

This award is open to businesses who have started in the last two years and have had success introducing their product or service. Businesses recognized in this category are run by great leadership, show a promising vision for the future, and have created a mission statement that aligns with their core values. 

2025 Winner

2025 Runner Up

Small Business of the Year

This award is open to businesses who have less than 50 employees that focus on employee inclusion, community involvement and innovation in their business practices. Businesses considered for this award can clearly explain what makes their product or service unique, how they measure success and what opportunities they provide their employees

2025 Winner

2025 Runner Up

Large Business of the Year

This award is open to businesses who have more than 50 employees that has been able adaptable to change over the past year, has displayed economic growth, and provides opportunities for their employees to improve their skills in an ever-changing environment.

2025 Winner

2025 Runner Up

Non-Profit of the Year 

This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that shows dedication for improving the quality of life in the community through volunteering, partnerships, or fundraising. Winners will be able to share how they have effectively used these skills to further their mission and improve the community.  

2025 Winner

2025 Runner Up

Entrepreneur of the Year

This award recognizes an entrepreneur who has a creative product or service that solves a problem in the marketplace. They are highly ambitious, serve as community leaders, and work to improve the quality of life for others through either employment or serving others. 

2025 Winner

2025 Runner Up

Employer of the Year

This award is for businesses with an outstanding and supportive work environment with a focus on great training programs, an understanding of work-life balance, and career progression. Employers recognized in this category inspire and motivate their growing, diverse staff with equal opportunity programs. 

2025 Winner

2025 Runner Up

Excellence in Mentorship

This award recognizes a person who has dedicated themselves to helping others through mentoring. Their level of experience affords them the ability to have a significant impact on the professional development and career advancement of those they mentor. 

2025 Winner

John Myslak Award for Servant Leader

This award is given to a leader who enriches the lives of others, builds better organizations and ultimately helps create a more just and caring world. That is what our friend and colleague John Myslak did in our community, and we honor his memory by recognizing others who live their lives as fully as he did. 

2025 Winner


Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered below, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you!

Can I register in person at the event?

Yes, registrations are accepted on-site; however, we encourage you to register early to receive valuable conference information and to take advantage of the discounted pricing! Click the “Register” icon in the top right-hand corner of this page to get your tickets.

What military, nonprofit or student discounts are available?

Discount pricing takes place throughout the year, with the best deal when you register before March 31st. In addition, we offer a student discount pass for $99! The average cost of a two-day conference is $1,000 – meaning EntreCon® is already a very affordable option!

Are group discounts available?

Yes! We believe learning together as a team is important to overall organizational success, which is why we offer the following price breaks: 1-5 tickets are normal price; 6-9 tickets are $25 off per ticket, and 10 or more tickets are $49 off. Please email the SCI Team at entrecon@studeri.org for more details.

I only want to attend one day of the conference, is that possible?

We do offer 1-day passes, but they aren’t available until closer to the event date. We do this to ensure enough seats are available for all 2-day pass holders.

Will EntreCon® close registration at any point?

Due to the popularity of the event, we recommend that you register early, as there is always the possibility that the event will sell out (strictly due to venue capacities).

What is included in my registration fee?

The registration fee allows access to all events and functions during the event and includes access to all breakout and keynote sessions, the EntreCon® Awards Ceremony, all networking events, a swag bag, and lunch for both days. VIP ticket holders get all of this plus unlimited access to a VIP lounge, and free parking!

What if I have a disability and would like to request accommodation?

If you would like to inquire about accessibility/request accommodation, please contact us at entrecon@studeri.org at least one week in advance of the conference.

Does the registration fee include travel costs for the conference?

All travel costs including air and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the attendee.

What forms of payment do you accept for the conference fee?

Preferred registration payment is by credit card. If you have a large group, we are happy to send an invoice directly to you to pay for all passes at one time. If you need to pay by check, please email us at entrecon@studeri.org to request an exception. We’re happy to work with you!

If I can’t attend, can I transfer my registration?

Registrations may be transferred to another employee in your company and requests for transfers of registration fees must be made in writing. Please email us at entrecon@studeri.org to request a ticket transfer.

My credit card won’t process. What should I do?

Credit card processing problems are generally caused by a mismatch in the billing address of the credit cardholder. Please check that the address entered matches the billing address listed with your credit card provider or contact your credit card provider to authorize the charge.

How do I get my headshots?

During the conference, Blake Jones Photo will be onsite in the Intendencia Street Lobby at the Saenger Theatre. Check the program for times. Afterwards, a link will be sent to all attendees so that you can download your picture.

How many people will be at the in-person conference?

We anticipate anywhere between 400-550 people.

Will everything take place in Pensacola or will you have a virtual event too?

EntreCon® will be held in downtown Pensacola, Florida in person. Keynote and breakout sessions in will be recorded.

Are there volunteer opportunities available at EntreCon?

Yes! We’re always looking for assistance in setting up for the event, which takes place Monday and Tuesday prior to the conference, as well as during the actual event. We also accept large groups of volunteers (the more the merrier!). If you’re interested in volunteering for EntreCon®, please email us at entrecon@studeri.org.

Do I need to reserve my seat for the sessions I wish to attend?

Not necessarily. We encourage all attendees to review the full 2-day agenda to plan out which breakout sessions you’d like to attend. All breakouts will take place at the Saenger Theatre. Each session has limited seating, so please make your way to the specified room in a timely manner.

Is there a dress code?

The dress code is business attire or business casual — be comfortable. We suggest that you bring a sweater or jacket to the sessions for your comfort, as meeting rooms and November in Pensacola can be a bit chilly!

What credentials will I need to attend EntreCon?

Your attendee badge is your “ticket” for all conference activities (sessions, exhibitions, meals, and receptions). Badges must be worn at all times and are not transferable at any time.

What do I do for lunch?

Lunch will be provided for all attendees, both days. You are more than welcome to visit the local restaurants as well!

What are the different networking opportunities available to attend?

Clark Partington is hosting an #EntreSocial at their beautiful office (located at 125 E Intendencia St.) on Thursday evening immediately following the last keynote. It’s close by, meaning you can walk there!

If I’m sharing my experience on social media, is there a hashtag I should use or anyone specific I should tag?

We encourage you to share your experience on all social media platforms using the hashtag #EntreCon2026. Be sure to tag @StuderInstitute, @EntreConPensacola, and @QuintStuder on Facebook, or @studer_community_institute and @qdstuder on Instagram! While it may be tempting to check your emails and take calls during the sessions, we highly encourage you to be present and take full advantage of your time out of the office.

Where should I park?

Saving your parking plan for the morning of can be stressful, so we urge you to think about it beforehand! All of our partner hotels are within walking distance to the Pensacola Little Theatre. A map of suggested parking locations will be available shortly.

Powered By Our Sponsors


Presenting Sponsor


Awards Presenting Sponsor


EntreSocial After Party Sponsor

Clark Partington Attorneys at Law 50 Years

VIP Room Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor


Cafe Sponsor

35 Mules Innovation Hub

Lunch Sponsor

Clark Partington Attorneys at Law 50 Years

Media Sponsors


Session Sponsors

35 Mules Innovation Hub
Baptist Health Care
Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors
Premium Parking

Premium Sponsors


Community Sponsors

Centennial Bank * * Landrum * * Levin Rinke Realty


Supporters

Contact the EntreCon® Team

Our small (but mighty) team is dedicated to providing an exceptional conference experience to you. If you have any questions that aren’t answered on our FAQs page, please use the form below to contact our team directly.

Get in touch with us.