

Business + Leadership Conference
November 12-13, 2026 | Pensacola, FL
Studer Community Institute
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.
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
| Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 4:30-5:15pm | Cocktails & Appetizers | Saenger Theatre Lobby |
| 5:15-5:30pm | Awards Opening Speaker | |
| Captain Chandra Newman, USN, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Pensacola | ||
| 5:30-6:30pm | Awards Ceremony | |
Thursday, November 12
| Thursday, November 12, 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 7:30-8:30am | Doors Open: Badge Pickup, Networking | Saenger Theatre Lobby |
| 8:30-8:45am | Welcome: Katie Ballard | Theatre |
| Presenting Sponsor: Matt Coughlin | ||
| Open: DC Reeves | ||
| 8:45-9:45am | Opening Keynote | Theatre |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Quint Studer | ||
| 9:45-10:15am | BREAK | 2nd Floor Cafe |
| 10:15-11:15am | Keynote | Theatre |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 11:15am-12:30pm | LUNCH | Entrepreneur Room |
| 12:45-1:45pm | Leadership Breakout | Theatre |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 12:45-1:45 | Entrepreneurship Breakout | Entrepreneur Room |
| Title of Session | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 12:45-1:45pm | Community Breakout | Community Room |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 1:45-2:15pm | BREAK | 2nd Floor Cafe |
| 2:15-3:15pm | Leadership Breakout | Theatre |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 2:15-3:15pm | Entrepreneurship Breakout | Entrepreneur Room |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 2:15-3:15pm | Community Breakout | Community Room |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 3:15-3:30pm | BREAK | 2nd Floor Cafe |
| 3:30-4:30pm | Closing Keynote | Theatre |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 4:30-4:40pm | Closing Announcements | |
| 5:00-6:30pm | EntreSocial | Clark Partington Offices |
| Join us for a networking after-party! |
Friday, November 13
| Friday, November 13, 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 7:30-8:30am | Doors Open: Badge Pickup, Networking | Saenger Theatre Lobby |
| 8:30-8:45am | Welcome: Katie Ballard | Theatre |
| Presenting Sponsor: Matt Coughlin | ||
| Open: TBD | ||
| 8:45-9:45am | Opening Keynote | Theatre |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 9:45-10:15am | BREAK | 2nd Floor Cafe |
| 10:15-11:15am | Keynote | Theatre |
| Dominate Your Day | ||
| Dr. Sarah Ohanesian | ||
| 11:15am-12:30pm | LUNCH | Entrepreneur Room |
| 12:45-1:45pm | Leadership Breakout | Theatre |
| The Clarity Gap | ||
| Dr. Sarah Ohanesian | ||
| 12:45-1:45 | Entrepreneurship Breakout | Entrepreneur Room |
| Title of Session | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 12:45-1:45pm | Community Breakout | Community Room |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Speaker TBD | ||
| 1:45-2:15pm | BREAK | 2nd Floor Cafe |
| 2:15-3:15pm | Closing Keynote | Theatre |
| Title of Session TBD | ||
| Bert Thornton | ||
| 3:15-3:30pm | Closing Announcements | 2nd Floor Cafe |
| 4:00-5:30pm | VIP Party | Location 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.


EntreCon 2026 Award Nominations
At EntreCon® 2026, we’re celebrating those who choose to INvest in people, innovation, and the future of our community.
The EntreCon® Awards honor the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose vision, leadership, and commitment are creating lasting impact in our community.
Now it’s your turn to recognize those making a difference. Submit a nomination for an inspiring leader, growing business, or outstanding employer. With ten award categories, there’s an opportunity to celebrate those who are shaping a stronger future for our community.
