DISCOVERING POTENTIAL

Pensacola buzzed with energy as more than 450 leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators gathered for EntreCon 2024, held November 12-14 at the newly renovated Pensacola Little Theater. With breakout sessions at 511 and Voices of Pensacola, this year’s conference marked a decade of empowering individuals and businesses under the theme “Discover Your Potential.”

Katie Ballard, executive director of Studer Community Institute, highlighted the conference’s focus on growth and collaboration. “The theme this year was to discover your potential, and our closing keynote really did a great job of encompassing that idea and wrapping it all together,” she says. “Potential is not a static destination—it’s a journey. It’s ongoing, a way we challenge ourselves to do more, do better, learn, and grow. And we do it alongside others; it’s not something anyone achieves alone. We all do this together.”

The tenth annual event featured 31 speakers, including impactful keynotes from industry leaders and local influencers. “The audience was really excited to see Quint Studer back on stage as a keynote. Julie Weber, formerly with Southwest Airlines, provided some very practical, applicable takeaways that anybody could have learned from and taken back to their workplace,” says Ballard. “We were proud to showcase an array of local leaders and to have engaged high school-age attendees within a packed house was incredible.”

Quint Studer, founder of the Studer Community Institute and EntreCon’s visionary, set the tone with his opening keynote, “Leading Change in Yourself, Workplace, and Community.” He emphasized strategies for overcoming resistance to change, building trust, and fostering adaptability. His message underscored the transformative power of leadership, not just in the workplace but in the broader community.

EntreCon’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections was evident throughout the three-day event. Networking opportunities like the #EntreSocial at Clark Partington gave attendees the chance to build relationships and exchange ideas. “This event is an opportunity for so many different groups of people to come together, meet one another, forge relationships, and make connections,” Ballard notes. “When leadership is done right, it has the power to transform not only businesses but our community as a whole.”

Workshops and breakout sessions offered attendees the tools to lead with purpose and innovation. Topics ranged from “The Heart of a Leader,” which explored empathy and courage, to “Navigating the AI Revolution,” which provided strategies for leveraging technology to drive growth. The conference also included a panel celebrating Pensacola’s transformation into a hub of innovation, showcasing how local entrepreneurs are shaping the city’s future.

EntreCon 2024 concluded with an inspiring keynote by Danny Bader, “Redefining Potential,” leaving attendees energized and ready to embrace challenges with resilience. Supported by presenting sponsor Pensacola International Airport and Entrecon Awards sponsor Cox Business, among others, the event underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and community growth.

As EntreCon celebrates its decade-long legacy, it continues to be a cornerstone for Pensacola’s leadership and entrepreneurial development. Mark your calendars for next year’s conference, scheduled for November 11-13, 2025, and prepare to discover your potential alongside a community committed to growth and transformation.