By: Westwood Media Group

This traveling conference isn’t just about listening to speakers — it’s about creating an atmosphere where ideas spark, collaborations form, and people walk away with a renewed sense of direction.

Springfield: Where It All Started

The flagship 1% Event will take over 1900 W Sunset St in Springfield, Missouri, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Doors open at 11:00 AM, and guests will be welcomed onto a red carpet for photos and introductions before diving into a dedicated networking session from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The main program runs until 6:00 PM.

The Springfield edition captures the signature style that defines the series: upbeat music, striking lighting effects, and an audience filled with people ready to connect and learn.

Admission is flexible, with a free RSVP option for the main event and a $495 All Access Pass that offers front-row seating and extra networking opportunities.

Illinois: Building Connections in Peru

Earlier this year, the 1% Event visited Peru, Illinois, on July 12, 2025, setting up inside the Westclox Museum and Event Center. This stop followed the same structure — lively networking, powerful stage presentations, and a room full of driven individuals.

One of the standout features of the Illinois edition was accessibility. By offering free admission through RSVP, the event welcomed attendees from a wide range of backgrounds.

Speakers opened up about the challenges they’ve faced, the turning points in their careers, and the lessons they’ve learned through real-world experience. The tone was candid and relatable, making the content just as valuable for newcomers as it was for seasoned professionals.

New York City: Closing the Year in Style

The series will wrap up with a high-profile event in New York City on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 8 W 38th St, Floor 3. The schedule mirrors the other locations — 11:00 AM doors, two hours of networking and red carpet time, then the main stage program until 6:00 PM.

New York welcomes some of the year’s notable speakers, including David Meltzer, known worldwide for his work as an author, keynote presenter, and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment.

Ticket options for NYC include:

All Access — $1,495: Front-row seating, exclusive meet-and-greet sessions, private dinner, rooftop afterparty, merchandise, early entry, and red carpet access.

Platinum — $495: Includes the afterparty, early entry, and red carpet privileges.

General Admission: Currently shown as both $95 and free on event materials; official pricing is expected to be confirmed soon.

The Nonprofit Driving the Event

At the heart of the 1% Event is Project Future First, a Springfield-based nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and supporting at-risk youth. The organization’s programs focus on teenagers facing challenges such as poverty, unstable home situations, and limited educational resources.

The 1% Event isn’t just a revenue-driven conference — it’s a platform to amplify the mission of helping young people see new possibilities for their future. Event founder Kyle Gardner emphasizes that the stage is about more than business: “If someone can witness real success up close, they start to realize it’s possible for them, too.”

A Different Kind of Business Gathering

What sets the 1% Event apart is its immersive environment. Attendees don’t just walk into a lecture — they arrive at an experience. The red carpet, music, and lighting are all designed to set the tone from the moment guests arrive.

Networking isn’t left to chance; it’s built into the agenda. Professional photographers and videographers document the day, allowing participants to capture and share their moments on stage, on the red carpet, and in conversation.

This combination of atmosphere and content keeps people engaged from start to finish — a key reason the event has grown beyond Missouri.

Speaker Philosophy

The event’s approach to speakers is straightforward: no sugar-coated success stories. Presenters are encouraged to share the whole picture — from their significant wins to the mistakes that shaped them.

Missouri’s confirmed lineup includes Dan Chudy, Brett Payne, Wyatt Vaught, and Ayden Parent, each bringing distinct expertise and personal stories. Illinois hosted its roster of notable business leaders, and New York’s stage will be headlined by Meltzer, alongside other yet-to-be-announced names.

This honesty is a hallmark of the series, creating a more authentic connection between the audience and the people on stage.

Open to Everyone

One of the core values of the 1% Event is making sure anyone can attend. That’s why every city offers a free general admission RSVP. While premium passes add exclusive perks such as private dinners or extended time with speakers, the main program remains accessible to all.

The goal is to eliminate barriers so people who benefit the most from the event have a chance to be in the room.

From a Single City to a Multi-State Tour

The growth of the 1% Event reflects the adaptability of its format. What works in Springfield has also worked in Peru, and the team believes New York will demonstrate that the model can thrive in one of the world’s busiest business hubs.

“Different cities, same mission,” Gardner says. “We’re here to bring people together, share real experiences, and give them the tools and mindset to move forward.”

What’s Next

While future locations haven’t been confirmed, there’s already talk of expanding into more states. For now, the team’s focus is on delivering three standout experiences in 2025, each one tailored to its city while staying true to the core mission.

Event Overview:

Springfield, MO — Sept 6, 2025 — 1900 W Sunset St — Free RSVP or $495 All Access Peru, IL — July 12, 2025 — Westclox Event Center — Free RSVP New York, NY — Nov 15, 2025 — 8 W 38th St (Floor 3) — $1,495 All Access • $495 Platinum • GA TBD

Full details and RSVP links are available at projectfuturefirst.com.

 

Disclaimer: The 1% Event is a business conference organized by Westwood Media Group and is intended for informational and networking purposes only. The event provides a platform for speakers to share their personal stories and experiences in the business world, and it is not a guarantee of business success or financial outcomes. The views and opinions expressed by the speakers do not reflect the official policy or position of Westwood Media Group or Project Future First.