OCTOBER 8, 2025
PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER
FEATURED SHOW AREAS
Exhibitor Hall
Meet great vendors with unique services to help your business grow.
Workshops
30 minute sessions led by Industry Experts in various fields.
Keynote Theatre
Learn from iconic Business Leaders on The Main Stage.
Speed Networking
Meet 1-on-1 with other Businesses in these quick & efficient mini 2-minute networking sessions. (Silver, Gold, Platinum & VIP Badges)
Industry Meet-Ups
Meet & Network with Business Professionals in your Industry or other Industries of interest.
Networking Happy Hour
Join us to wind down the day in a relaxed, fun networking atmosphere. Perfect for fostering new connections made during SBE. (Gold, Platinum & VIP Badges)
Business Card Exchange
Market yourself & your business to other SBE attendees by displaying your business card.
Photo Opps
Capture memorable moments at our designated Photo Opp Backdrops and share them on social media tagging #smallbusinessexpo
TODAY’S AGENDA
10:30AM - 11:00AM Workshop Room 1
W Tax Tips for Entrepreneurs Starting and Operating a Business
Susanne Guo, Internal Revenue Service
Take control of your small business taxes. Whether you are just starting out or looking to improve your tax strategy, the webinar will provide essential tax tips. Join us and learn how to navigate your business taxes with confidence.
IT & Cybersecurity Essentials for Business Owners
Yousef Farah, QLAN
Vo Hoang, QLAN
Small businesses are the #1 target for cyberattacks. In this workshop, QLAN reveals a simple blueprint to help SMBs operate faster, safer, and smarter with enterprise-grade security, compliance made simple, and IT strategies built for growth.
Outsmart the System & Build Wealth Like a Bank
Ron Harris, Financial Literacy Group
The financial system is designed to keep the middle class stuck in a cycle of debt, but you don’t have to play by its rules. This workshop uncovers how banks grow wealth— and how you can apply the same strategies. Learn how overfunding life insurance policies can turn debt into income-generating assets, helping you build long-term financial security and independence.
W EPR in the United States: Understanding What’s Next for Businesses
Jason Bergquist, RecycleMe
Jason will discuss the evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the U.S. He’ll delve into the core principles of EPR, the current adoption status across states, and the major challenges posed by the complex political landscape.
Room 4
Customer Management as Key Revenue Operations Lever
Ritu A Thakur, Smart Tech Inc
Unlock Customer Management, a critical Rev Ops lever, the key to business growth! Join us for proven strategies and low-cost tech to find, acquire, grow, and retain customers. Boost loyalty and revenue with smart, scalable solutions. Don’t miss out!
Room 5
Hire Your First AI Employee to Streamline Your Workflow
John Borbone, Supernal AI
AI doesn’t have to be built in-house. In this session, Supernal AI helps small businesses “hire” AI Employees—workflow-integrated digital teammates that handle real tasks across email, Slack, Zoom, and more to boost productivity and fill key gaps.
Choosing the Right Technology Partner
Workshop Room 6
Krishna Kumar, Zoho W Workshop Room 7
Finding the right software platform for your business is everything. But we all know it’s never really easy. When there are a plethora of options available in the market, how do you make the best choice for your business?
10:40AM - 11:00AM
11:00AM - 11:20AM
11:00AM - 11:45AM
11:15AM - 11:45AM
W
W
Understanding Business Ownership in California
Lucius C. Davis III, Franchise Tax Board
This presentation will discuss the most common forms of business ownership that are available to business owners in the state of California. Information will be provided about Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Corporations, and LLCs.
Game-Changing Legal Guide for Small Businesses
Allison DeSantis, LegalZoom
Ready to grow? This dynamic presentation offers small business owners actionable insights on legal foundations, compliance, and fraud prevention. Learn to choose the right structure, navigate regulations, access capital, and protect your success.
11:15AM - 11:45AM
Simple Steps to Secure Your Brand from Cyberthreats
Ramon Ray, Bitdefender
Your business is your passion—don’t let scammers steal it. Join this workshop to learn simple, powerful ways to protect your client data and brand reputation from cyber threats, save money, build trust, and keep your business growing securely.
W Strategies of the Ultra-Wealthy - A Mindshift
Michael Clanin, O.N.C.E. Business Strategies
Susan Wolrab, O.N.C.E. Business Strategies
Still operating your business in a corporation? Your money & assets are tracked, taxed, and exposed. Discover how the ultra-wealthy own nothing, control everything, and protect their wealth with business structures and tax-saving strategies.
Workshop Room 3
Workshop Room 4
Win Local: Simple Mobile-First Strategies to Outshine Big Brands
Kelly Stephenson, OfferUp
Betsy Kennedy, OfferUp
Learn simple, proven strategies to win mobile-first customers and outshine big brands without big budgets. This session cuts through noise and complexity, showing how local businesses can grow faster with easy, effective tactics that truly work.
AI, Search, and Your Website: Staying Ahead in a Changing Landscape
W Workshop
Stephen Fahlsing, Bonfire
Tony Bartoli, Bonfire
AI is changing how people search, shop, and decide, but what does that mean for your business, and especially your website? We’ll dive into the constantly changing landscape of AI driven search, tools, and best practices.
Stuck & Stressed: 3 Keys to Growing Your Business
Jennifer Hines, Accelerated Sales & Leadership
Many small business owners feel stuck, stressed by unpredictable sales & stalled growth. In this fast-paced, practical workshop, you’ll discover the 3 keys to growing your business with less struggle, less stress & more confidence.
11:20AM - 11:40AM
Social Media, Marketing, Advertising, PR Industry Meet-Up
11:40AM - 12:00PM
Web Services, Apps, IT, Software, Technology Industry Meet-Up
12:00PM - 12:45PM
Speed Networking Session Silver, Gold, Platinum & VIP Only
Room 1
Hall)
Workshop Room 7
Room 2
Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success 12:00PM - 12:45PM
Foundations of Digital Marketing Success
Join Dave Charest, Constant Contact’s Director of Small Business Success, to unravel the mystery behind online marketing and discover a simple and adaptable framework that’ll become your strategic compass for digital growth.
1:00PM - 1:30PM
Score Big with Corporate Sponsorships
Linda Hollander, Sponsor Concierge
Need rapid growth and success now? Then you need corporate sponsors! Let Linda Hollander, CEO of Sponsor Concierge and the leading expert on corporate sponsorships according to Entrepreneur Magazine, take you on a fun and informative journey toward securing sponsorship support.
W
Workshop Room 1
Slash Taxes, Boost Profits & Keep More Cash—In Just 30 Minutes!
Jeffrey Mohlman, Lifetime Navigators
James Johnson, Lifetime Navigators
A simple approach to reducing your taxes immediately and in the long run, improving cash flow, employee retention, increasing profits and fostering sustainable growth. (What more could you want in 30 minutes?!)
Workshop Room 2
1:00PM - 1:30PM
Build Your Dream Team: Train & Hire with Funded Apprenticeships
W Workshop Room 3
Jenna Fuentes, OpenClassrooms
Navonna Morrison, OpenClassrooms
Struggling to find skilled talent? Looking for cost-effective training solutions? Want to future-proof your workforce? Join us to learn how funded apprenticeships can help you train, hire, and retain top talent without stretching your budget.
W AI as Your Best Employee
Koreen Pagano, Rising Tide Cooperative
Kristi Broom, Rising Tide Cooperative
Unlock big business power for your small business with smart, simple AI. Join Rising Tide Cooperative’s expert-led workshop to learn how AI can boost growth, cut costs, and empower your team to transform your business with no tech expertise required!
The Dual Entity Strategy: Proactive Tax Planning for Business Owners
Jeff Goering, Diamond Client Group W
Discover the dual entity strategy and the three levers used to enhance tax savings. Ready to move beyond tax preparation into strategic thinking? Learn the technique and review a case study demonstrating the power of this method.
Lights, Camera, Conversion: The Power of Video & Creative Advertising
Shawn Forry, Spectrum Reach
Discover how your business can harness the power of video to share authentic stories, connect with customers, and craft messages that drive engagement, build trust, and achieve marketing goals.
Workshop Room 4
2:45PM - 3:15PM
What You Need to Know About Starting a Business
Christian Koziol, SCORE
Workshop Room 5
Growth by Design: Meet Customer Expectations & Unlock Revenue
Xhelil Vukel, BackdPayments
W Workshop Room 7
Modern buyers expect speed, clarity, and experiences that meet expectations. Learn how to map the customer journey, improve the buyer experience, and leverage strategic partnerships to lift conversion, raise average order value, and drive new revenue.
1:00PM - 1:20PM
Industry Meet-Ups (Exhibitor Hall)
1:00PM - 1:45PM
S Speed Networking Session Silver, Gold, Platinum & VIP Only
1:20PM - 1:40PM
Meet-Up M
1:45PM - 2:30PM
FEATURED KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
(Exhibitor Hall)
Industry Meet-Ups (Exhibitor Hall)
If you are thinking of starting a business or have recently started one, join us for an informative session to gain a clear understanding that cuts through the confusion and chaos of what you need to do and think about to start a business.
Achieving F.I.R.E. - How to Build Real Estate Portfolios and Retire Early
Lucas Thomas, RHM Real
Out of the 3 Pillars of Wealth—Business, Real Estate, and Paper—only one is truly passive: Real Estate. It is the only pillar you can purchase actively and, if purchased correctly, it becomes a well of wealth to achieve F.I.R.E. and W.I.N.
The Feminine Operating System
Amy Jimenez, Backrush Digital
Most business growth systems were made for men by men, based on a 9 to 5 day and a 5 day week. Discover the operating system designed for women & neurospicy founders. Start syncing growth with power cycles, energy banking, and collaborative genius.
Gamification of Client Creation: Business Development Reimagined
Carrie Williams, RainShadow Coaching
We often treat client acquisition like a chore—but what if it were a game? In this session, Carrie Williams reimagines business development with play, curiosity, and strategy. You’ll learn how to fall love with the process of attracting clients.
Empowering Entrepreneurs for Digital Readiness & Contract Success
Twyla Garrett, Verizon
Twyla empowers diverse entrepreneurs with the digital tools and strategies to secure contracts and scale. Learn to build a standout capability statement, navigate supplier diversity platforms, and master digital procurement channels. This workshop delivers real-world insights and actionable steps to help small business owners grow and compete with confidence.
3:00PM - 3:20PM Hospitality, Travel, Transportation, Recreation Industry Meet-Up
3:00PM - 3:45PM S Speed Networking Session Silver, Gold, Platinum & VIP Only W
3:20PM - 3:40PM
Workshop Room 5
Meet-Ups (Exhibitor Hall)
Unlock Success in Amazon’s Store: Insights From Local Entrepreneurs
K Keynote Theatre
Diana Mungu, Program Manager, Small Business Partnerships & Education
Vasa Martinez, Drink Perfy
Donie & Kyle Yamamoto, Vital Pet Life
Join us for an exclusive panel discussion moderated by Diana Mungu, Program Manager of Small Business Partnerships & Education at Amazon. Hear firsthand from thriving Los Angeles-based entrepreneurs as they share their experience selling on Amazon.
2:00PM - 2:45PM
S Speed Networking Session Silver, Gold, Platinum & VIP Only
Workshop Room 2 Speed Networking (Exhibitor Hall)
M Government, Non-Profit, Associations, Education Industry Meet-Up Speed Networking (Exhibitor Hall)
3:40PM - 4:00PM
Art, Entertainment, Creative, Designer Industry Meet-Up
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Networking Happy Hour
End your day in a more casual and fun networking environment.
Gold, Platinum & VIP Only
Courtyard.
Meet-Ups (Exhibitor Hall)
Located at Hotel Dena, Lobby Level,
Justine’s Ballroom and Piazza Ballroom.
