
Join us for the second annual Elevate NW, a conference dedicated to the growth and success of small businesses in the Seattle metro region. From solopreneurs to companies that employ tens of thousands of people, we all play a role in building relationships that create an environment where small businesses can continue to flourish and innovate.
After our keynote and breakout sessions, stick around for our after-party – hosted in the scenic Armory Atrium. Sample complimentary food and drinks, enjoy some good old fashioned networking, learn more from our local partners and sponsors, and try your luck at our arcade games!
Elevate NW Conference Highlights
Keynote Presentation | 1:15 p.m. |
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Brian Canlis, Owner, Canlis |
Breakout Sessions | 2:15 - 4:30 p.m. |
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Financing 101: When, How, And Where?
Smart Business Growth
Creating A People-Centric Workplace |
After-party | 4:30 p.m. |
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Food, drinks, networking, business services and more!
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To view the full agenda, click here |
Keynote Presentation:

After four years serving as an officer in the Air Force, Brian returned to Seattle to join his brother Mark in leading his family's restaurant into the 21st century. As third generation owners, Brian and Mark have continued to strengthen the restaurant’s legacy as one of the finest in the country. Brian has been featured on No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain, as a guest judge on Top Chef, and has spoken extensively on strategic leadership and customer service. Brian has hosted the country’s preeminent event on hospitality, The Welcome Conference, in New York City since 2015.
Breakout sessions include:
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 Financing 101: When, how, and where? As the saying goes, "you gotta spend money to make money" – but when, how, and where do you access that money? Learn from a panel of experts about the various financing options available to you and how to navigate them.
Featuring:
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Cathy Griffith
Lender Relations Specialists
U.S. Small Business Administration |
Amelia Marckworth
Assistant Director
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
Seattle University |
Sunil Nair
SVP, Chief Credit Officer
Business Impact NW |
Kerin Patel
VP, Commercial Relationship Manager
Columbia Bank |
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 Smart Business Growth How can you put yourself and your company on the right track to growth? Hear from a panel of peers for insight on how to map your strategy, take calculated risks, recover from a stumble, track your success – and continue for growth.
Featuring:
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Ashton Allison
Director of Business Expansion and Retention
REACH |
Monica Dimas
Chef & Owner
Milkwood & Co. |
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Sue Sanford
CMO
Upstart Group |
Nikcole Sanner
Senior Vice President and Managing Director U.S.
SAP Concur |
Beto Yarce
Executive Director
Ventures |
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 Creating a People-Centric Workplace What are the ingredients for a culture where people want to work? Learn about strategies and tools you can use to improve employee engagement, retention, communication, morale, and productivity.
Featuring:
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Tina Janni
Organizational Development Consultant
Archbright |
Stacey Klimek
Vice President of People
Payscale |
Brook Nelson
Project Manager - Global Workplace Strategies
OAC Services |
Kim Sullivan
Vice President and Chief People Officer
Kaiser Permanente |
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