By: Westwood Media Group

Springfield, MO — What began as a high-energy local business gathering in Missouri has grown into a multi-state initiative. The 1% Event, founded under the umbrella of Project Future First, is making an impact not only in Springfield but also in Illinois and New York. With a mission that blends entrepreneurship, personal development, and community impact, the series is redefining what a business conference can be.

At its core, the 1% Event is about narrowing the gap between aspiration and achievement — giving attendees not just motivation, but tangible strategies, real-world stories, and access to individuals who’ve experienced success in various industries.

The Missouri Hub

Springfield, Missouri, remains the flagship home of the 1% Event. This year’s installment takes place Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1900 W Sunset St, with doors opening at 11:00 AM. The day kicks off with a red carpet and networking hour from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, before the main stage program runs from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The Springfield event is more than a local meetup — it’s the launchpad for the brand’s energy and production style. Guests walk in to concert-like lighting, upbeat music, and a curated crowd of entrepreneurs, executives, and up-and-coming business owners. The organizers believe the environment plays a key role, and they’ve created a setting designed to make attendees feel valued.

Tickets range from free general admission (via RSVP) to an All Access Pass at $495, which includes premium seating, networking perks, and behind-the-scenes access.

Illinois: A Midwestern Stop With a Big Message

Photo Courtesy: Project Future First

Just weeks before Springfield’s 2025 gathering, the 1% Event made a stop in Peru, Illinois on July 12, 2025, hosting guests at the Westclox Museum and Event Center. Like its Missouri counterpart, the Illinois edition offered a free RSVP model — a deliberate choice to remove barriers for those eager to learn but unable to purchase expensive tickets.

The Illinois stage featured a lineup of speakers with roots in both local and national business circles. Organizers leaned heavily into storytelling, with presenters sharing not only their wins but also the obstacles and adjustments that shaped their paths. True to the 1% Event’s mission, the goal was to leave attendees not just entertained, but empowered.

New York City: The High-Profile Finale

The series concludes its 2025 circuit in New York City on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 8 W 38th St, Floor 3. In typical 1% Event fashion, doors open at 11:00 AM with a two-hour networking and red carpet window, followed by the main stage program from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The New York lineup promises a blend of established entrepreneurs and emerging voices in business. One confirmed headliner is David Meltzer, a renowned speaker, author, and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment. His presence signals the organizers’ commitment to bringing well-known talent into the room — and onto the stage.

New York ticketing reflects the city’s scale and ambition:

• All Access: $1,495 — includes sit-with-the-speakers seating, private meet-and-greets, an exclusive dinner, rooftop afterparty, merchandise package, and early access.
• Platinum: $495 — includes the afterparty, early entry, red carpet, and enhanced networking.
• General Admission: Listed as both $95 and “Free” on event pages; organizers are expected to finalize this pricing ahead of ticket deadlines.

A Nonprofit Backbone

While the lights, music, and photo ops create an atmosphere more reminiscent of a TED-meets-music-festival hybrid, the mission driving the 1% Event is rooted in Project Future First — a Springfield-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth.

Founded on the belief that exposure to real-world success stories can change life trajectories, Project Future First uses the 1% Event not only to inspire entrepreneurs but to help fund and expand its mentorship programs. These programs focus on teens who may be growing up in poverty, without strong parental figures, or with limited educational support.

“We wanted something that could inspire the business community and also give back in a meaningful way,” says founder Kyle Gardner. “The 1% Event is as much about impact as it is about income. If a kid can see what’s possible, they might start believing it’s possible for them.”

The Production Edge

Unlike traditional business conferences that rely solely on panel discussions and keynote speeches, the 1% Event leans heavily into production value. Expect:

• Red carpet photo opportunities

• Concert-style lighting and sound design

• A structured networking hour designed to break the ice and spark collaborations

• Professional videography and photography to capture the day for both attendees and speakers

This approach is deliberate. The organizers believe that energy breeds engagement — and that people retain more when they’re excited to be in the room.

Speakers and Content

While lineups vary by city, the formula remains consistent: real business operators telling real stories. Speakers are encouraged to share the raw truth — the missteps, the near-misses, and the grind behind the headlines.

Past and upcoming rosters have included startup founders, real estate investors, marketing executives, fitness entrepreneurs, and authors. Rather than one-way lectures, many talks are followed by short networking breaks or audience Q&A sessions, creating an interactive environment.

In New York, David Meltzer will likely draw the largest crowd, but Springfield and Illinois each feature their own heavy-hitters, with names like Dan Chudy, Brett Payne, Wyatt Vaught, and Ayden Parent already confirmed for Missouri.

Accessibility and Opportunity

One of the many notable elements of the 1% Event is its accessibility. While premium tickets can reach into the four-figure range for high-value experiences, every city offers a free general admission option. This ensures that cost is not a barrier to entry — an intentional choice that aligns with Project Future First’s mission.

For those who look for a premium experience in VIP tiers, the benefits go beyond better seating. Private networking sessions, intimate dinners, and afterparties give these attendees extended face time with speakers and other high-level guests.

From Local Gathering to National Tour

The expansion from Springfield to Illinois and New York wasn’t accidental — it was a calculated move. The organizers see the 1% Event as a scalable platform: a mix of professional development, motivational energy, and charitable mission that can plug into different markets without losing its core identity.

“Whether you’re in the Midwest or Manhattan, the fundamentals are the same,” says Gardner. “We’re showing people that success is possible, giving them tools to get there, and building a community around it.”

Looking Ahead

If the 2025 circuit is any indication, the 1% Event’s footprint will likely grow. Early discussions hint at future stops in other major U.S. cities, potentially creating a year-round tour that blends entrepreneurship, networking, and social impact.

For now, the focus remains on delivering memorable experiences in each of the three confirmed cities — and using those moments to fuel the broader mission of Project Future First.

Next Events:

• Springfield, MO — Sept 6, 2025 — 1900 W Sunset St — Free RSVP or $495 All Access
• New York, NY — Nov 15, 2025 — 8 W 38th St (Floor 3) — $1,495 All Access • $495 Platinum • GA TBD
  

For more details or to RSVP, visit: projectfuturefirst.com