About

Welcome to Biz 417's Ladies Who Launch, presented by Forvis Mazars: 417-land's ultimate women's business leadership event. New this year, you have the option of experiencing the classic conference or a fully loaded retreat experience!

We're here to inspire and uplift our female leaders, and we promise to have a little (okay, a lot of) fun while we're at it.

Biz 417’s Ladies Who Launch is our region’s premier leadership experience for women who are ready to take bold steps in their careers, businesses and lives. This dynamic, content-rich event brings together 800+ powerhouse women for inspiring keynotes, practical workshops, real conversations and unmatched networking. Whether you're a seasoned executive, emerging leader, or part of a driven team, you'll leave with fresh strategies, renewed confidence and meaningful connections. It’s more than a conference—it’s a launchpad. Grab your ticket and get ready to lead boldly.

FOR NEXT STEPS AND BIG LEAPS.

Day Two

Please note that all morning sessions are for Fully Loaded ticket holders only. General admission sessions begin at 11 a.m. when the main doors open. Get full info on what's included in the Classic ticket and Fully Loaded ticket.

Morning Sessions

6:00–6:45 a.m. Yoga

7:15–8:15 a.m. Coffee Chicks Hustle Hour

8:00–8:45 a.m. Grab & Go Breakfast

8:30–10:10 a.m. Rise & Shine Workshops - 2 tracks available

10:10–11:00 a.m. Fully Loaded ticket holders reserve seats in main room
Will enter through fast pass doors

10:30–11:00 a.m. Networking in Sponsor Area + Check in for pink ticket holders

Main Room Doors Open

11:00 a.m. Doors open to main room for all

Lunch Keynote with Alison Fragale

11:30 a.m.–12:35 p.m. Lunch Keynote Speaker Alison Fragale, Ph.D, Likeable Badass

Presented by Forvis Mazars

Alison Fragale is an award-winning organizational psychologist, professor, and author of Likeable Badass. In her keynote at Ladies Who Launch, she’ll share a science-backed, actionable playbook for gaining influence, respect, and power. You’ll learn the two mistakes women make that diminish our status, how to self promote effectively and authentically and the value of “other promoters”. Drawing from behavioral research and real-world experiences, you will leave feeling equipped with tools to lead boldly, speak up effectively, and thrive.

Afternoon Sessions

1:05–1:55 p.m. Moderated Q&A with Lara Krug, CMO of the Kansas City Chiefs

Presented by Mercy Springfield Communities

Lara Krug, the first-ever CMO of the Kansas City Chiefs sits down with Biz 417 Publisher Logan Aguirre for a fireside chat. In this Q&A, she shares about helping build a powerhouse brand, taking the Chiefs to a global stage, and leading with confidence in a fast-moving, male-dominated industry. She’ll talk about innovation, creative storytelling, and what it really takes to lead. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, real-world lessons, and the kind of motivation that makes you want to go after your next big move.

2:20–3:05 p.m. Afternoon Keynote with Paige Oxendine

Presented by Husch Blackwell

Paige Oxendine, Director of Consulting Services at Habitat Communication & Culture, brings her expertise in strategic planning and leadership development to the stage in her keynote, Conquering Decision-Making Paralysis. In this empowering session, Paige offers practical tools to help women overcome decision fatigue, quiet the noise, and make bold, strategic choices with confidence. She’ll uncover the reasons fear and overthinking keep us stuck—and how to break free. If you’ve ever struggled with second-guessing or stalled progress, this keynote will give you the clarity and courage to take action and move forward.

3:35–4:30 p.m. Women Who Mean Business 2025 Panel

Presented by Central Bank / Central Trust

In this panel discussion, Biz 417’s 2025 Women Who Mean Business honorees share the stories, struggles, and successes that have shaped their careers. From healthcare and education to tourism, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship, these influential leaders offer vulnerable insight into what it takes to lead with courage, resilience, and impact. Moderated by Biz 417 Editor Dori Grinder, this Q&A is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the most dynamic women shaping the future of 417-land.

Panel Participants

Amanda Hedgpeth – Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at CoxHealth

Judith Martinez, Ph.D. – Director of Faculty Mentoring & Associate Professor of Literature at Missouri State University

Pamela Yancey – President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB

Tiffani Claussen – Chief Executive Officer at AMPROD

Halley Fleming – Owner/Founder of Ozark Mountain Adventure

Happy Hour

4:30–5:30 p.m. Happy Hour In the Atrium & Courtyard

"It's obvious that BIZ 417 cares about the growth and empowerment of our 417-land women! You went above and beyond to make this a fantastic event. I loved all the swag items, activities and speakers. My FAVORITE part though was the Rise and Shine workshop!"

–Ladies Who Launch Attendee

FOR NEXT STEPS AND BIG LEAPS.

Ladies Who Launch 2025 Agenda

Day One

Day Two