Nebraska businesses learn, connect though MarkeTech Conference

KEARNEY, Neb. — Business owners and community leaders from across Nebraska gathered in Kearney for the annual MarketTech Conference, an event focused on helping businesses grow through marketing, networking and digital tools.

The conference features national speakers and breakout sessions covering topics like leadership, social media, artificial intelligence, and other strategies businesses can use to reach customers online.

Janell Anderson Erke, CEO and founder of GROW Nebraska, said the organization works to help businesses become more visible in an increasingly digital marketplace.

“Our goal is to provide opportunities for Nebraska businesses to get found and create marketing avenues,” said Erke. “We want everybody in the world to know that the best products and best businesses are found in Nebraska.”

Attendees say the event provides valuable information and opportunities to connect with other businesses across the state.

Alex Pearson, owner of Pearson’s Pumpkin Place in Eagle, said the conference often helps him discover new strategies to bring back to his seasonal business.

“We find a couple different nuggets on the marketing side every year,” said Pearson. “We also build a lot of good business relationships through some of the vendors here.”

Pearson said his business uses the winter months to implement new ideas and strategies learned at events like MarketTech.

Organizers say the conference continues to grow as more Nebraska businesses look for ways to expand their reach.