Kearney, NE — March 26, 2026 — MarkeTech 2026, hosted by GROW Nebraska, concluded as a resounding success, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry experts from across the region for a dynamic day-and-a-half conference focused on innovation, marketing, and emerging technologies.
The event welcomed 218 participants and featured 53 exhibitor booths, creating a vibrant environment for networking, education, and business growth. Attendees gained valuable insights from an impressive lineup of national and regional experts, including special guest Paris Ekman, Senior Program Manager/Seller External Relations at Amazon, and Maria Elena Duron, Southwest Region Grow with Google Coach.
Additional featured speakers included Judi Fox, a nationally recognized LinkedIn strategist, and Sharon Thony, an award-winning marketing agency owner. Together, these experts delivered actionable strategies to help businesses leverage AI, digital marketing, and ecommerce tools to drive real results.
A highlight of the week occurred on Thursday, March 26, when Paris Ekman and Janell Anderson Ehrke, Founder and CEO of GROW Nebraska, toured the Nebraska Star Beef facility in Holdrege alongside Kayla Pfister. The visit showcased Nebraska’s strong entrepreneurial ecosystem and commitment to high-quality production.
Quote from Janell Anderson Ehrke, Founder & CEO of GROW Nebraska:
“MarkeTech 2026 demonstrated exactly what we know to be true. Nebraska is a hub of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial talent. Bringing leaders like Paris Ekman and Maria Elena Duron to our state not only provided incredible value to our attendees but also helped shine a national spotlight on the strength of our business community. We are proud of the connections made, the knowledge shared, and the opportunities created and we’re just getting started.”
MarkeTech continues to serve as a cornerstone event for Nebraska’s small business ecosystem, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and confidence to grow in an increasingly digital economy.
For more information about MarkeTech and GROW Nebraska, please visit marketechconference.com or grownebraska.org.
Media Contact:
Janell Anderson Ehrke
Founder & CEO, GROW Nebraska
308-962-6767
janell@grownebraka.org
