By: Westwood Media Group

The event will be held at 1900 W Sunset St, Springfield, MO 65807, transforming the venue into a dynamic hub of inspiration, strategy, and connection for underdogs, entrepreneurs, and youth eager to embrace new opportunities. It’s more than just another seminar — it’s a comprehensive experience designed to inspire individuals to recognize their potential and help them build a path toward success.

Doors open at 11:00 AM, and attendees will be greeted with a red carpet and media-filled networking experience running until 1:00 PM, followed by the main stage event from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. With music, vendors, photo ops, custom merch, and a production quality that feels more like a festival than a workshop, the 1% Event is raising expectations for what business education can look like.

Building a Different Type of Room

The goal behind the 1% Event is simple — to create a space that encourages people to think differently, act intentionally, and move with the focus and mindset of the top 1%. From the layout of the venue to the curated lineup of speakers, every part of the day is built to spark momentum.

“The people who come to this event often leave with a new perspective,” said Kyle Gardner, founder of Project Future First and the creator of the 1% Event. “Whether it’s a mindset shift or a refined business idea, something tends to click. And for some, this is the first room they’ve ever walked into that made them feel like they might actually be able to succeed.”

The event includes a full afternoon of speaker sessions featuring real entrepreneurs, creators, and professionals who have built successful businesses from the ground up. These aren’t celebrities or corporate executives reading off cue cards — they’re people with real stories, real struggles, and real lessons to share.

Topics will range from branding and sales to leadership, marketing, financial independence, mental discipline, and the personal development needed to sustain long-term success.

Created for the Underdog

While the event attracts a diverse audience of business owners, creatives, and professionals, it’s the younger attendees who often benefit the most — especially those attending through Project Future First’s youth scholarship program.

As a nonprofit, Project Future First focuses on providing mentorship and education to at-risk youth, many of whom are navigating poverty, fatherless homes, or a lack of guidance and opportunity. Through generous donors and sponsors, dozens of students will attend the 1% Event for free — receiving full access to all programming, materials, food, and exclusive merchandise.

“These kids don’t just need advice — they need belief, direction, and access,” Gardner said. “Most of them have never met a business owner or been told they’re capable of building something. This event offers them that opportunity.”

The scholarship students aren’t seated in the back. They’re in the front row. They’re being introduced to mentors. They’re getting plugged into follow-up programs that continue long after the event ends.

And for many of them, this room could change the trajectory of their life.

From Springfield to the Nation

Though Springfield is home to the original 1% Event, its reach is now spreading across the country. With upcoming expansions into New York and Illinois, and a media team documenting the journey, the event is building national momentum as a fresh, exciting voice in the business world.

Even with the growth, Springfield holds a special place in the heart of its founder.

“This is where it all started,” Gardner shared. “The first sponsors, the first crowd, the first students — they were all from here. So no matter how big this gets, we’ll always come back to Springfield.”

Local businesses, community leaders, and volunteers continue to step up in support. From sponsoring youth to donating services or helping run the event, the movement has created a ripple effect of service and unity that goes far beyond the stage.

More Than a Business Conference

Photo Courtesy: Project Future First

The 1% Event has earned a reputation for being completely different from the average business seminar. There are no boring PowerPoints, no generic breakout rooms, and no corporate fluff.

Instead, guests will walk into booming music, sharp branding, energetic hosts, giveaways, and spontaneous moments that feel more like a music video shoot than a professional training event. It’s not just hype — it’s strategy disguised as excitement.

“We package real information in a way that’s digestible, relatable, and actually fun,” Gardner explained. “This generation doesn’t want to sit in a quiet room for five hours. So we built an experience that’s loud, visual, and unforgettable — but still packed with value.”

Guests are encouraged to dress confidently, come prepared to meet people, and take full advantage of what the day has to offer — whether that’s collaborating with other attendees, learning from speakers, or showcasing their business as a vendor.

Join the Movement

Tickets for the 1% Event are now available at www.projectfuturefirst.com. General admission, VIP, and group packages are all available, with proceeds directly supporting the nonprofit’s mission and youth scholarships.

There are also sponsorship opportunities for companies and individuals looking to gain exposure and make a direct impact. Sponsors are featured in marketing materials, mentioned on stage, and given vendor or speaking access depending on their level of support.

“This is your chance to be part of something that matters,” Gardner said. “You can talk about helping the next generation, or you can be in the room making it happen.”