Learn all about Making the Digital Pivot at MarkeTech 2021

KEARNEY – GROW Nebraska’s 2021 MarkeTech Conference is set to be more timely than ever, with a theme aimed at tackling the digital adjustments all businesses were forced to make in 2020.

MarkTech 2021, held July 15 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, NE, will be all about Making the Digital Pivot.

Anchored by two keynote addresses from internet marketing expert David McBee, this year’s conference is aimed at helping businesses and organizations adjust their plans to the new digital world, no matter where they are in the process.

“For better or worse, the pandemic changed the way we all live. It changed the way all businesses do business. Customers shifted more time, and more of their dollars, online,” said GROW’s Director of Marketing and Business Development Tiffany Stoiber. “Experts are guessing many of the habits formed during the pandemic are here to stay, and GROW Nebraska is here to help businesses adapt to those new habits.”

From experts like McBee to Nebraska entrepreneurs who have made the pivot themselves, MarkeTech 2021 will feature a variety of analysis, advice and new ideas attendees will be able to take with them into the rest of the year and beyond.

McBee’s keynotes are intended for all audiences, whether listeners are entrepreneurs just starting to make the digital pivot or businesses ahead of the curve who want to make sure their marketing efforts are as effective as they can be. McBee’s morning session will be on Making the Digital Pivot and in the afternoon he will tackle Internet Marketing ROI.

The speaker lineup will also include two panel sessions: one featuring digital marketers and one featuring Nebraska businesses who will share their success stories from 2020.

Interspliced between these sessions will be numerous networking breaks, a past attendee favorite. Businesses will set up booths to create a “Networking Plaza” where they can share their stories and attendees can hear those stories, see businesses’ products and even grab some samples.

McBee will also have a booth set up where attendees can meet the keynote speaker and complete a free “Internet Presence Audit” with him.

Registration for the in-person July 15 conference is now live. GROW Nebraska members can currently attend for $59 per person. The rate for non-members is $159. Early bird rates are currently in effect, and the cost for registration will increase after June 15.

Members and non-members alike can also register for an exhibitor booth to be set up in the Networking Plaza. Rates are $109 for members and $399 for non-members. Those prices include the booth space plus two conference passes.

Register online and learn more about the conference at MarketechConference.com. Questions may be directed to info@grownebraska.org.

About GROW Nebraska

The GROW Nebraska Foundation helps entrepreneurs get the resources they need to live in Anywhere, NE and make a sustainable living. Since the inception of GROW Nebraska in 1998, its vision and mission has never wavered: to create viable economic development through business training, technical assistance, promotion and access to markets. The Foundation creates impactful opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs to live in “Anywhere”, Nebraska and make a sustainable living.

GROW Nebraska works with its clients to meet them where they are and move them towards their personal goals. Its services include training and technical assistance through many avenues: workshops (in-person and virtual), streamed and archived educational training opportunities, one-on-one technical assistance and an annual marketing conference, MarkeTech.

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Merchant Services

Do you take credit cards? Do you want lower credit card processing fees? We have a merchant program with risk free comparison options that can save you money.

PRIME Grant to Assist Low-Income Entrepreneurs

In the prior PRIME grant, GROW Nebraska® purchased technology equipment for 50 low-income participants and began an intensive training program to teach them to use the technology effectively. The current grant extends that training and allows those who came in at the end of that project to receive additional training as well as bringing in new low- and very-low-income entrepreneurs and small business owners for exceptional training and market access services.

Access to Micro Loans

GROW Nebraska partners with organizations like Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Center For Rural Affairs, and Small Business Association (SBA) to help connect members with micro loans.

Google AdWords *

Through a Google AdWord Grant, GROW Nebraska® offers the opportunity for members to explore this feature at no cost, which can be a great addition to your marketing plan. Google AdWords is an online advertising program used to create ads to reach people that use the Google search tool, who are looking for specific products–like yours. All ads run through the GROW Nebraska Foundation's Website.

MarkeTech Conference

MarkeTech is more than a conference. It’s cutting edge training, valuable networking, and a technology showcase. Be inspired, be engaged, and work hands on with today’s most innovative tools.

MarkeTech provides organizations with tools and ideas advancing their businesses through collaboration between marketing and technology. As a member, save $100 on registration, learn more at www.marketechconference.org.

Free Monthly Training Webinars

Twice a month, on the third and fourth Thursdays, GROW Nebraska hosts free, open-to-the-public trainings. Participants can tune in from any location where they have phone or internet service. Each month GROW Nebraska® features different presenters and topics related to marketing or small business.

GROW Nebraska® also offers free Grow With Google Trainings the first Wednesday of every month. Our Google Trainings are offered in English and Spanish.

GROW Nebraska® Members are encouraged to tune into our "Tuesday Member Talks" which are for GROW Nebraska® Members only. Within these you can chat with staff and experts.

Visit our training page for information on future training dates and topics.

Upcoming Trainings

Social Media Training

Need help getting on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google Places? We offer free individual assistance to get you started in the social media world. This can be a valuable addition to your marketing plan. We will also post or repost information about your business on our social media platforms to make our followers turn into your followers, too, and you can feature videos about your business on our YouTube Channel.

Statewide Workshops

GROW Nebraska® offers a series of workshops focusing on technology and marketing for entrepreneurs. In today’s chaotic world, it is easy to get distracted by advertising proposals that derail our marketing budgets. Attending these workshops gives you a firsthand look at marketing and technology methods to increase the success of your next trip. Business owners, community leaders and marketing staff can accelerate their skills with a small investment of time and money.

Find out more about our upcoming workshops

One-on-One Consulting

We pride ourselves in communicating with our members about what they need and want. This service includes an initial consultation and as many follow-up conferences as each member desires.

"GROW Nebraska has provided marketing leads and encouragement to expand my markets." -Sharon Walde, Heirloom Treasures

"GROW Nebraska helped me find my niche in the market. I've been really happy with the services and opportunities that GROW has provided for me." -Ima Gene Mason, Im's Countryside Painting

eCommerce *

With the help of our ecommerce sites, our GROW Nebraska® members benefit from a strong web presence. Sell your products through our online platforms including BuyNebraska.com, Amazon and Ebay.

Shop Local

Selling and Wholesale

Members are able to join our Mark It to Market UPC program. ($25/code with $5 annual renewal fee). GROW Nebraksa has a UPC Program to help GROW Members get on Amazon and work with large businesses. GROW Nebraska works with number of partners for wholesale opportunities.

Exporting

GROW Nebraska® works hard to help Nebraska businesses reach markets far beyond Nebraska’s and our nation’s borders.

Retail*

GROW Nebraska members have opportunities to sell their products at our Kearney retail location on the Younes Campus, in pop-up stores and at the Nebraska State Fair.

Social Media

GROW Nebraska® is very active on social media, and we use these platforms to reach thousands of fans and followers with information about our members. Read our blog and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, and Tiktok.

Market Testing*

Through our market testing program, you can take advantage of mall and airport traffic that you otherwise would not have access to. You can set up a table any day of the week at our Kearney retail store. You can offer samples or just talk about your product to potential customers. Customers want experiential shopping; they want to meet the artist, author, designer or manufacturer. Think about it like a farmer's market or craft show but without the booth fee! It is a great opportunity to launch a new product, get feedback on a current product, and build your brand.

Proud Member Sign

Every GROW Nebraska® member will receive a "Proud Member of GROW Nebraska®" sign to post in their retail location, office, home or booth.

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TV Opportunities

GROW Nebraska's connections offer members the opportunity to take part in valuable promotional spots on television that have a statewide audience. The cost of these spots would be prohibitive for small businesses, but GROW members can be featured on the NTV Good Morning Nebraska television show through the GROW Nebraska® spot at no cost. Being featured on these shows gives GROW Nebraska’s clients state-wide exposure and helps them brand their name and product. Thousands of potential customers listen to these shows. This is a media that is effective, and thanks to GROW’s efforts, members can access this remarkable marketing asset at no cost.

Member Webpage

We provide all of our members with a webpage within our website. It's easy for members to update with the latest information, videos, photos, events, and job openings. This platform for the webpage is a powerful successful tool for search engine optimization (SEO) and is key for small businesses looking for exposure in today's marketplace.

Product Photography*

In the age of online shopping, stunning product photos are more important than ever. GROW Nebraska can help you make your products shine with professional photography.