By: Westwood Media Group

This isn’t a typical business seminar. It’s a mix of powerhouse speakers, high-energy production, and a mission that reaches far beyond the stage.

Springfield, Missouri: The Flagship

Springfield is where it all began — and where the signature style of the 1% Event first came to life. On Saturday, September 6, 2025, attendees will gather at 1900 W Sunset St for a day designed to inspire and connect.

Doors open at 11:00 AM, with a red carpet and networking session from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The main program runs from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, featuring a lineup of entrepreneurs and thought leaders who’ve faced real challenges and achieved positive outcomes.

Tickets range from a free RSVP option to a $495 All Access Pass that offers premium seating and additional access opportunities.

The Springfield edition sets the tone for the whole series: a buzzing atmosphere with music, lighting effects, and a crowd ready to make connections that matter.

Peru, Illinois: The Midwestern Connection

Earlier this summer, the 1% Event touched down in Peru, Illinois, on July 12, 2025, at the Westclox Museum and Event Center. This stop kept the same mission — bringing people together to learn, collaborate, and hear real-world success stories.

The Illinois event was free to attend with an RSVP, making it possible for anyone to be part of the experience. Speakers shared candid accounts of their journeys, covering not only their achievements but also the roadblocks they had to overcome.

Local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members filled the room, creating an atmosphere that was both motivational and practical.

New York City: The Grand Finale

The 2025 circuit will wrap up in New York City on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 8 W 38th St, Floor 3. The event follows the same format: doors at 11:00 AM, red carpet and networking until 1:00 PM, then a main stage program until 6:00 PM.

New York will feature a mix of established names and rising voices in business. David Meltzer, best-selling author and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, is already confirmed — signaling a prominent close to the year’s run.

The NYC ticket options include:

• All Access — $1,495: Front-row seating, exclusive meet-and-greets, a private dinner, rooftop afterparty, merchandise, early entry, and red carpet access.
• Platinum — $495: Includes afterparty access, early entry, red carpet, and networking perks.
• General Admission: Listed at $95 on some pages and Free on others — organizers are expected to clarify closer to the date.

The Mission Behind the Spotlight

While the production feels like a cross between a conference and a live show, the driving force behind the 1% Event is the nonprofit Project Future First, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Springfield.

Their goal is simple: reach young people — especially those considered “at-risk” — and show them that success is within reach. This means mentorship, resources, and opportunities to learn directly from those who’ve overcome difficult circumstances.

Founder Kyle Gardner explains, “We want people to walk away believing they can create their own path. If someone sees what’s possible, that’s the first step toward making it happen.”

A portion of the 1% Event’s momentum is aimed at expanding these youth-focused programs, keeping the mission at the center of the movement.

More Than a Conference

From the moment guests arrive, they know this isn’t the standard business event. A professional red carpet team greets attendees, music fills the space, and lighting transforms the venue into something that feels more like a headline show than a lecture hall.

The production isn’t just for show — it’s designed to make people feel energized, engaged, and ready to take in new ideas. Networking is built into the schedule, and professional photos and video capture the moments that matter.

It’s a deliberate strategy: keep the energy high, make connections natural, and ensure attendees leave feeling like they were part of something significant.

Speaker Approach

Each city’s lineup is unique, but all follow the same philosophy: authentic storytelling. Speakers are encouraged to share more than just their achievements. They open up about the tough choices, near failures, and lessons that shaped their careers.

In Missouri, confirmed names include Dan Chudy, Brett Payne, Wyatt Vaught, and Ayden Parent — each bringing a different perspective on leadership, growth, and resilience. In New York, Meltzer’s presence will be the highlight, while Illinois featured a mix of local and regional talent.

Instead of relying solely on keynote monologues, the events often mix in Q&A segments and short breaks to encourage attendee interaction.

Accessible for All

One defining trait of the 1% Event is that every stop offers a free general admission option. This ensures anyone who wants to attend can do so, regardless of financial circumstances.

While premium passes provide enhanced access — like private dinners or exclusive meet-and-greets — the general sessions still deliver full access to the speakers, main program, and networking opportunities.

From One City to Many

The decision to expand from Springfield into other states wasn’t made lightly. The organizers recognized that their format — high-energy, story-driven, and mission-focused — could work in any market.

Illinois provided proof that the experience translates outside Missouri, and New York will test the model in one of the most competitive and fast-paced environments in the country.

“Whether you’re in the Midwest or on the East Coast, the goal is the same,” Gardner says. “We want people to see what’s possible, hear directly from people who’ve done it, and leave with a clear sense of direction.”

The Road Ahead

While no official announcements have been made beyond 2025, the momentum from this year’s run suggests there’s room for the 1% Event to grow. Additional cities are already being discussed, with the potential for a year-round schedule in the future.

For now, the focus is on delivering three unforgettable experiences — each one designed to inspire, connect, and equip people for their next chapter.

Event Details Recap:

• Springfield, MO — Sept 6, 2025 — 1900 W Sunset St — Free RSVP or $495 All Access
• Peru, IL — July 12, 2025 — Westclox Event Center — Free RSVP
• New York, NY — Nov 15, 2025 — 8 W 38th St (Floor 3) — $1,495 All Access • $495 Platinum • GA TBD

For tickets and more information: projectfuturefirst.com