Let’s be honest for a second. If you run a business, you’ve probably spent a late night staring at your screen wondering why that post you worked so hard on got four likes, and one of them was your mom. (Hi, Mom. We love you. Thanks for the support.)
Marketing is one of those things every business owner knows they need to do, but very few of us were ever taught how to do it well. There’s no shortage of advice out there, but most of it comes from people who’ve never had to make payroll, juggle a slow season, or wear seven hats before lunch.
That’s exactly why we’re bringing Exmerce Fireside Experts to Edmonton.
Real talk, from people who’ve been in your shoes
On Monday, September 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, we’re gathering at 10315 109 St NW for an evening built around one question: what actually moves the needle?
This year’s theme is Marketing in Practice, and we mean the practical part. No buzzword bingo, no slides full of charts that make you feel behind. Just honest stories and strategies from local leaders who’ve tried things, flopped at a few, and figured out what really works.
Here’s who’s pulling up a chair by the fire:
- Ibukun Orefuja (IBK), Founder and CEO of Black Business Edmonton
- Catherine Mondragon, MFA, Founder of Miss Resources
- John Benesch, CEO of Photon Motion Inc.
- Abi Ajibola, Creative Director at Memoirs Photography by Abi
- Rudy A. Zacharias, President and CEO of About That…
Five different industries, five different journeys, and one shared thing: they’ve all built something from the ground up in this community, just like you.
Why “fireside”?
Because the best business advice you’ve ever gotten probably didn’t come from a stage. It came from a conversation. Maybe over coffee, maybe in a parking lot after an event, maybe from a fellow owner who leaned over and said, “Can I tell you what finally worked for me?”
That’s the feeling we’re going for. The setting is relaxed, the conversation is real, and the Q&A is driven by you. Bring the question you’ve been too shy to ask in a Facebook group. Bring the one that’s been keeping you up at night. This is the room for it.
The networking part (the good kind, we promise)
We know. The word “networking” can make even the most outgoing person want to hide by the snack table. But this isn’t the stiff, trade-business-cards-and-run kind of thing.
After the panel, you’ll have time to connect with other business owners, creative thinkers, and yes, the panelists themselves. These are the people who might become your next collaborator, your next referral partner, or just the friend who gets it when you say “it’s been a week.”
That’s what Exmerce is all about. We believe business owners are stronger together, and the best opportunities come from genuine relationships, not transactions.
Here’s how the evening flows
6:00 PM – Doors open, check in, and start mingling
6:30 PM – Opening remarks and land acknowledgment
6:30 – 7:15 PM – Panel discussion
7:15 PM – Wrap-up and live audience Q&A
7:30 PM – Open networking
8:00 PM – Event wraps
Two hours. That’s it. You’ll be home in time to tell your family all about the great idea you can’t wait to try on Tuesday.
Come curious, leave with a plan
Whether you’re just getting started, trying to grow past a plateau, or you’ve been at it for years and want a fresh perspective, there’s a seat for you here. You’ll walk away with ideas you can actually use, a few new faces in your corner, and hopefully that little spark that reminds you why you started this whole thing in the first place.
Because behind every business is a person who took a leap. And we think those people deserve a community that shows up for them.
Seats are limited, so grab yours here: Exmerce Fireside Experts – Edmonton Edition
See you by the fire, Edmonton. 🔥