Summit 2027

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What keeps me coming back is the people, but it’s also new content and new ways of thinking about what I’m doing and how I can bring purpose-driven practices to my business and my clients.

Amy Courter

Owner @ Azimuth Centers of Excellence

Genuine connections

You’ll be in a room surrounded by like-hearted leaders who share in the belief that people should be at the center of company culture, and business should be a force for good.

Authentic speakers

We bring practitioners to the Summit stage. These are Small Giants aligned leaders with real-life experiences leading companies and people.

Immersive Experience

At the Summit, you're more than just a number. You are there to learn, problem-solve, and engage with Small Giants companies alongside your fellow attendees. Your voice matters just as much as those taking the stage.

Ron Alvesteffer

Ron Alvesteffer

CEO of Service Express

Service Express

Meet Ron

Ron Alvesteffer, Service Express

Growth isn't something you achieve—it's something you cultivate. For more than 28 years, Ron Alvesteffer built Service Express on that belief, growing the company from 15 employees and $3 million in revenue to a global organization of more than 1,000 people and $350 million in annual revenue. But the real story isn't about scale—it's about cultivating people. In this inspiring keynote, Ron shares the leadership philosophy that transformed a company by investing in the personal and professional growth of every team member. Through honest stories, hard-earned lessons, and a deep belief in the potential of others, you'll discover why the greatest catalyst for business growth has always been human growth.

Amber A. Johnson

CEO & Founder

Bright Threads Leadership Group

Meet Amber

Amber Johnson, Bright Threads Leadership Group

Do you trust your organization? Your leader? Your team? The answer probably isn’t as simple as yes or no. Trust exists on a continuum, shaped by multiple factors, and built over time. Growth also puts trust to the test, and when organizations evolve, roles shift, decisions get harder, and familiar ways of working change, it often disrupts trust along the way. In this session, evolve the way you think about trust, identify where breakdowns happen, explore how to intentionally repair the broken places, and build new skills for strengthening trust so you can grow together. Trust isn’t just part of a healthy organization: it’s the foundation that makes growth possible.

Bruce Leech

Executive Director/Clinical Professor

DePaul University

Meet Bruce

Bruce Leech, DePaul University

You've spent years growing your business. But have you thought about what it will take to let it grow beyond you? Every business owner will face a transition someday, whether they're ready or not. Drawing on his own entrepreneurial journey of founding and eventually selling CrossCom National, a story featured in Bo Burlingham's book Finish Big, Bruce explores why preparing for that next chapter requires more than a strong valuation or a willing buyer. From navigating the emotional weight of letting go to building a business that can thrive without you, discover what it really takes to finish strong. A successful exit isn't just about your departure. It's about the foundation you build first, while finding the courage to grow into your own next chapter.

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Registration Check-in, mingle, and get into a Small Giants frame of mind
Optional Networking & Roundtable Conversations Meet and connect with other Summit attendees
NEW! "Passport" Company Visits Go behind the scenes for Rob-and-Deploy™ from Chicagoland Small Giant companies
Welcome Reception Enjoy some food & drinks as you mingle and connect with other leaders

Keynotes & Breakouts Throughout the day, enjoy inspiring mainstage speakers and immersive breakout sessions
Roundtable Lunch Meet new friends and dive into thoughtful conversations over lunch
Think Tanks Share and collaborate with your peers to navigate real world business challenges
Hall of Fame Awards Dinner Celebrate exceptional Small Giants leaders and businesses

Half Day of Keynotes & Breakouts Enjoy more learning in immersive breakouts, followed by a closing keynote and remarks
Small Giants Summit Close & Lunch Continue networking or grab a packed lunch and travel safe
NEW! Open Mic (12:00-1:30pm) Stick around over lunch for an open mic session to share and hear growth stories & updates from other Small Giants
COMING SOON! Post-Summit Workshop (2:00-4:00pm) More details to come on this post-Summit experience, *additional ticket required

STANDARD

This price will remain in effect until registration closes

$2,265

REGISTER NOW → Limited spots

OPEN

That includes:

Full access to all programming
All meals during programming
Welcome reception
Passport event to Small Giants companies
Small Giants Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony
Post-event resources and recordings
Networking & connecting opportunities

Save 40% Sold Out

REGISTER NOW

This release has closed.

$1,650

SOLD OUT Limited spots

SAVE 13% SOLD OUT

EARLY BIRD

Last chance for a discount.

$1,960

SOLD OUT Limited spots

OPEN fINAL RELEASE

STANDARD

Full price once earlier tiers close.

$2,265

REGISTER NOW /

ATTENDEE STORIES

Praise for the Summit

The connections I’ve made, and the opportunity to learn and grow doesn’t happen anywhere else.

Travis Slisher VP @ Professional Engineering Consultants

This is my favorite event of the year. It’s the only chance you get to interact with like-minded people who share the same values. And the community has given so much to our company, and our founders, and has helped shape the place that I work that we feel an obligation to give back.

Ron Kinkade Head of Marketing @ Text-Em-All

I’ve been to almost every Small Giants Summit that ever has been! And I love to keep coming back because I get an infusion of inspiration about my business and I get to see my old business friends who have been on this Small Giants learning journey for many years. I love it.

Nawal Motawi Founder @ Motawi Tileworks

It makes our company better and our future brighter.

Steve Bousquet Owner @ American Landscape and Lawn Science

This community has been instrumental in my personal development and our company development.

Brad Herrmann CEO & Founder @ Text-Em-All

This has such great purpose-driven people. What keeps me coming back is the people, but it’s also new content and new ways of thinking about what I’m doing and how I can bring purpose-driven practices to my business and my clients.

Amy Courter Owner @ Azimuth Centers of Excellence

I love coming back because the community is so warm and welcoming and it’s always nice to see the friendly faces and get reinvigorated for the year ahead.

Melinda White Director of Claims Management/ Estimating @ Zolman Restoration

I like the people, I like the attitude, and I like the culture. I feel like I’m still learning a lot every time I’m here.

Andrei Stoica CEO @STOICA

This is my 10th Summit, and I keep coming back for the community, the camaraderie, and the content. These are purpose-driven leaders and the companies that are changing the world in a positive way, and we’re just grateful to be part of that.

Eric Reiger Founder @ WEBIT Services

Chicago images

This year, we are excited to announce that our primary venue, as well as our recommended accommodation, is the Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel.

With its convenient location close to the Chicago O'Hare Airport, and steps away from the Parkway Entertainment District, Loews Hotel will offer attendees a convenient and lively Summit experience.

Reserve your hotel room with the discounted Small Giants rate below.

Make a reservation

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Frequently Asked Questions

I'm new to the Community & Summit, what should I expect?

Get ready for a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience! We thoughtfully curate every aspect of the Small Giants Summit, from seating arrangements to interactive sessions, so you can connect with fellow leaders on a deep level. (We don’t bite, in fact, the Small Giants Community is known for its openness and genuine connections)

Want to learn more?

Email us at hello@smallgiants.org and we’ll have a virtual cup of coffee to tell you more!

What's included in my ticket?

Your Small Giants Summit ticket includes access to all sessions, presentations, a visit to a Small Giant company, and custom track content, plus delicious meals and evening receptions. We even cover your transportation between events!

How much does a Summit ticket cost?

Act Now General Admission — $1,650

Available to the first 40 registrants

Early Bird General Admission — $1,960
Available to the next 60 registrants

General Admission — $2,265
Applies to all remaining registrants

We also have discounts for groups of 3 or more and for our Leadership Academy alumni. Head to the registration page or email us at hello@smallgiants.org to learn more!

How large is the Small Giants Summit?

We cap the event at 250 attendees to make the experience as personal and meaningful as possible.

Is the Small Giants Summit only for Small Giants Community members?

Nope! We welcome anyone who cares deeply about people and who sees business as a force for good in the world to join us. In fact, attending the Summit is a great way to get a fully immersive sample of the Small Giants philosophy that can help you determine how/ if you’d like to get further involved.

Can I invite other colleagues?

Absolutely! Bring your team and dive deep into the Small Giants philosophy together. We have content tailored for both Founders/CEOs and Next Gen Leaders.

What's so special about your Small Giants Summit speakers?

We believe in "walking the walk." Our Summit speakers aren't professional presenters, they're Small Giants practitioners who are leading purpose-driven companies and generously sharing their real-world experiences. They're just like you: passionate leaders who are committed to building a better future for business.

Are there sponsorship opportunities?

Yes! We offer a variety of sponsorship packages to help you connect with our community and support the Small Giants movement.

Learn more here.

Can I throw my hat in the mix for speaking or facilitation?

Unfortunately, our open call for speakers is currently closed. But we're always looking for passionate leaders to contribute to the Small Giants Community library!

Learn more about sharing your story here.

Why is the Small Giants Summit located in Chicago?

For nearly a decade, we hosted the Small Giants Summit in Detroit. Now, after much discussion with our Community, we’re ready to say goodbye to the Motor City (for now!) and move over to the Windy City! We’re excited to have the Summit take place in Chicago so that attendees get a fresh experience.

Not only that, but the Chicago area is home to many wonderful Small Giants companies. We’re looking forward to visiting some of them as part of our Summit programming and getting an intimate look at what it takes to build an exemplary Small Giant business.

Can I bring a guest to the evening events?

Absolutely! If you have someone who wants to attend the welcome reception and the Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony, they can purchase a ticket for those individual events on the registration page.

Sponsor

Ready to build something great?

Help bring the Summit to life through a sponsorship package of your choice.

Sponsor the Summit

member

Can't wait for the Summit to begin?

Want to get involved in the Small Giants Community before we all gather in Chicago? Consider becoming a member.

Join the Community