Greater Topeka Partnership Business Expo Returns Nov. 17 With Networking, Industry Roundtables And Small Business Recognition
The Greater Topeka Partnership’s Business-to-Business Expo returns Nov. 17 at the Stormont Vail Events Center, bringing businesses, professionals and community members together for a day focused on connection, visibility and opportunities to grow.
The Business Expo floor is free and open to the public, giving attendees the opportunity to meet businesses from across the community, explore products and services, discover local resources and make new professional connections.
“The Business Expo is about creating a space where businesses and community members can connect directly with one another,” said Michelle Stubblefield, senior vice president of strategy for the Greater Topeka Partnership. “Whether someone is looking for a new service provider, a potential partner, a resource for their business or simply an opportunity to expand their network, we want them to come see who is in the room.”
In addition to the exhibit hall, attendees can purchase a lunch registration that includes lunch and access to a series of Industry Roundtables led by local experts. Three 30-minute rounds will take place during lunch, allowing participants to choose three different conversations based on the topics most relevant to their business.
Industry Roundtable topics include:
AI, Automation & Smarter Systems
Clinton Schuckman | The Founded Framework
Explore practical ways AI, automation and better systems can save time, streamline operations and help businesses work smarter.
Funding Your Business: Small Business Incentives
Manuel Castro | GO Topeka
Learn how GO Topeka’s Small Business Incentives can help eligible businesses invest in marketing, equipment, construction and more.Relationship Before Sales: Building Know, Like & Trust
Chelsey Godinez | Midwest Single Source
Explore how authentic relationships, community connections and trust can turn introductions into lasting business relationships.
Know When to Grow
Abbey Brown | Stone Strategies
Discuss how business owners can identify when it may be time to hire, expand, invest or take the next step, while sharing experiences and signs that indicate a business may be ready to grow.
Marketing & PR: Getting Your Business Noticed
Jen Goetz | Compass Marketing
Swap ideas and strategies for building a brand, generating attention and getting a business in front of the right people.
Beyond the Loan: Building a Strong Banking Relationship
Jennifer Kirmse | Community Bank
Discuss what lenders look for and how a strong relationship with a banker can help businesses access financing, prepare for future growth, improve cash flow and navigate challenges.
Exit & Legacy: Planning What Comes Next
Maryann Riderer | SBDC
Whether retirement is years away or approaching quickly, explore the questions business owners should consider when planning for succession, transition and legacy.
The Customer Experience: From First Impression to Loyalty
Cassidy Roberson | Schendel
Share ideas and practical strategies for creating customer experiences that build loyalty and help businesses stand apart.
“The roundtables are designed to give business owners and professionals an opportunity to have real conversations with people who understand the challenges and opportunities they are navigating,” said Stephanie Norwood, vice president of entrepreneurship and small business at GO Topeka. “With three rounds during lunch, attendees can choose the topics that are most relevant to them, share ideas with others in the room and leave with information they can put to use in their own businesses.”
Throughout the day, attendees will also have the opportunity to visit exhibitors representing a variety of industries, connect with local businesses and organizations and learn more about products, services and resources available throughout the community.
The Expo will also feature a Taste of Topeka aisle, highlighting local food businesses and giving attendees another way to discover and support businesses from across the community.
Small Business Proclamation to Kick Off Holiday Shop Local Campaign
As part of the day’s programming at over lunch, Deputy Mayor Michelle Hoferer will read a proclamation recognizing the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs across Topeka and Shawnee County.The proclamation will also help kick off GO Topeka’s season-long effort encouraging residents to support businesses throughout the community during the holidays and beyond.
Shop Local. Eat Local. Experience Local. All Year Long.
Following the Expo, the Greater Topeka Partnership will host a Business Unwind for GTP members and Expo exhibitors, giving participants another opportunity to network, continue conversations and build relationships.
The Business Expo takes place Nov. 17, 2026, at the Stormont Vail Events Center. Admission to the Expo floor is free and open to the public. A separate paid registration is required to participate in lunch and the Industry Roundtables.
For additional event information, lunch registration and exhibitor details, visit TopekaPartnership.com/business-expo.
For questions about the Business Expo, contact Ashlee Davis at ashlee.davis@topekapartnership.com.
