March 2019 Small Business Events

Whether you're looking to increase your online marketing productivity, improve your customer experience strategy, or meet inspiring peers within your small business community, March is full of events intent on cultivating entrepreneurship. Get out there, explore resources, socialize with other small business owners and have a productive and enriching month!

Events Around the Country

PubCon

What it is: An educational internet marketing conference and trade show. Fun fact: the very first PubCon was held in an actual pub in London in 2000. Since then, over 30,000 people have attended the PubCon conferences.When and where: March 5^th – 7^th, Fort Lauderdale, FLWhy it’s worth attending: If you are currently running or setting up an online business you will want to stay up to date about the best online marketing practices – PubCon offers workshops and seminars that teach techniques such as, how to get the most out of SEO, PPC, social media, content marketing, paid social, local search, Google Analytics and more.Cost: $200 - $1,149 

Start a Small Business in 8 Steps

What it is: A three-hour class presented by the Western Dairyland Business Center for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners, outlining what it takes to start a small business.When and where: March 14^th, Eau Claire, WIWhy it’s worth attending: A great opportunity for those in the Wisconsin area to get business advice from local professionals. Western Dairyland’s business development specialists are also available to give free, one-on-one assistance, such as preparing a business plan with financial forecasting to present to lenders.Cost: $29 

Social Media Marketing World

What it is: A first-class conference held in sunny San Diego, designed to impart social media marketing wisdom.When and where: March 20^th – 22^nd, San Diego, CAWhy it’s worth attending: A great conference to attend for those who would like to learn how to use social media platforms, with an emphasis on Facebook, as a marketing tool. Speakers such as Mari Smith aka “the Queen of Facebook, will provide insight on FB and social media marketing best practices.Cost: $297 - $1,597 

EntrepreneuHers Brunch

What it is: The 6^th annual women entrepreneurs brunch in Washington D.C - The W.E.B. (Women Entrepreneur's Brunch) is a platform used to inspire, educate and provide a community for aspiring women entrepreneurs.When and where: March 23^rd, Washington, DCWhy it’s worth attending: The theme of this year’s brunch is “Bosses about Business” and seeing the difference between being a businesswomen and a business owner, which is why  the choice of panelists are successful business owners.Cost: from $81.20 

NGCX

What it is: Next Generation Customer Experience is an event that brings together the highest-ranking customer experience executives from various industries to share their strategies.When and where: March 25^th – 27^th, Indian Wells, CAWhy it’s worth attending: Aside from the exciting list of industry-spanning keynote speakers, the opportunity to participate in small group bench-marking can allow you to identify areas for improvement in your company’s customer experience performance by learning how other businesses have dealt with common customer experience obstacles.Cost: $2,299 - $3,199 *Look for early bird specials and team discounts 

The Small Business Expo

What it is: One of America’s biggest small business conferences focused on sharing business strategy tips and small business trends.When and where: March 28^th, Charlotte, NCWhy it’s worth attending: Still uncertain about how search engine optimization (SEO) works? Roberto Martinez from Google will be speaking about how to “Reach Customers Online with Google” using SEO and online advertising.Cost: Free - $100 

Events in Austin

Understanding Business Taxes

What it is: A City of Austin Small Business Program class designed to help small businesses successfully complete their tax returns.When and where: March 5^th, Austin, TXWhy it’s worth attending: Taught by a University of Texas instructor, this course will help attendees feel more comfortable with business tax laws, tax forms, due dates and the financial information needed to appropriately file returns.Cost: $38.42 

SBA Access to Capital

What it is: A workshop covering the SBA 7 (a) loan program, who is eligible, the application process, rates and other financing options.When and where: March 6^th, Austin, TXWhy it’s worth attending: If you are looking for alternative financing opportunities to start or grow your business, go to this workshop to find out if you are eligible for the Small Business Administration loan program. Lionel Davila, Lender Relations Specialist and Veterans Representative of the Small Business Administration, will be instructing the workshop.Cost: Free 

SXSW

What it is: Easily the largest event taking place in Austin this month, SXSW is a yearly conference that allows attendees to explore what’s next in the worlds of film, interactive media, music, technology and more. It began in 1987 and continues to grow exponentially every year. This year SXSW has 25 different tracks or conference programs.When and where: March 8^th – 17^th, Austin, TXWhy it’s worth attending: The following tracks are packed with speakers, workshops and sessions relative to the small business world: Entrepreneurship & Startups, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Brands & Marketing, and Future Workplace. For example, Entrepreneurship & Startups is a track or block of sessions that cover topics such as, establishing and growing businesses; strategic investment and the future of venture capital; and emerging markets and services. The highlights of the Entrepreneurship & Startups track include the SXSW Pitch – where a live audience plus a panel of expert judges will discover bright new talents in emerging technology; and SXSW Release It – where 10 cutting-edge companies will participate in a special pitch competition. View this page to browse the full SXSW track schedule.Aside from the super exciting line-up of speakers featured on each track, you don’t want to miss out on the Trade Show, which offers great opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs, such as international exposure, follow up on leads, and networking.Cost: $325 - currently enrolled students$825 to $1,150 – early tickets$1,325 to $1,650 – walk up tickets 

Small Business Record-keeping

What it is: A class organized by the City of Austin Small Business Program and taught by a University of Texas Instructor – the course covers the basics of comprehensive record-keeping for a successful small business future.When and where: March 19^th, Austin, TXWhy it’s worth attending: Get organized – make some space in those filing cabinets by learning which documents, receipts, and other various records and information you need to keep for yourself, the IRS, the State of Texas, your bank, and business associates.Cost: $35