Skip to content

Voice and vision: a higher Ed innovation special

Join us as the Launch MN Higher Education Network enters a closer partnership with the state’s innovation ecosystem. Matthew Pollard — bestselling author of The Introvert’s Edge and Sales Kickoff Speaker of the Year — will lead two interactive sessions on the power of storytelling and moving beyond the elevator pitch. Open to all members of Minnesota’s innovation community — from students and alumni to educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and supporters — this gathering invites you to help shape a more connected and collaborative future.

AGENDA: 
Session 1: "Build Your Story Playbook"

  • 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Networking Break

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Session 2: "The Death of the Elevator Pitch"
  • 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Q&A / Hot Seat

Speakers: 

  • Matthew Pollard
  • Bardia Bijani
  • Neela Mollgaard 

Register now →

Voice and vision: a higher Ed innovation special

Date

October 08, 2025

Time

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location

Best Buy Theater

Presented by

Launch MN Higher Education Network

Cost

no-cost

Register now →

See more events →

Show all resources

Get connected to professional resources, tools, and guidance from business experts.

Schedule a consultation

Meet one-on-one with a Business Navigator to assess your best next step.

Real businesses, real stories.

Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association employee posing with waste bins provided via grants from Hennepin County.

Bins, bags, and collaboration: Tackling business waste with Hennepin County

Businesses generate nearly half of Hennepin County’s total waste, making them critical partners in Hennepin County’s zero-waste goals. But they’re not on their own to figure it out. 

Elevate Hennepin at mid-year 2026.

Measuring Elevate Hennepin performance through the first half of 2026

Since Hennepin County launched Elevate Hennepin, our advisor network and cohort facilitators have supported 5,264 unique business owners in cities across Hennepin County. These entrepreneurs leveraged one-on-one advising, cohorts, workshops, and on-demand learning.