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Grow 2027 · FORGE · Speakers

Speak at the
Grow Retreat

We don't accept pitches.

We select for fit.

If you're here, read this first.

The Process

Our speaker selection process

We begin speaker research and review in the spring each year.

From there:

01

A small pool of candidates is identified

02

Approximately 20 speakers are selected for interviews

03

A final group is chosen for the event

04

Speakers are booked during the summer. The lineup is released in the fall.

Standards

Before you submit

We are not looking for generic content or broad keynote topics.

This event is built for:

  • ▸Established small business owners
  • ▸Who are also team leaders and operators
  • ▸People who need depth — not surface-level ideas or motivation and hype

If your content cannot be directly applied in that context, this is not the right stage.

Evaluation Criteria

What we evaluate

1

Fit for the room

Can you connect with — and contribute to — a room of experienced founders?

Our speakers are part of the event, not just on stage.

2

Proven expertise

Have you done this work repeatedly?

  • ▸Real-world application
  • ▸Repeatable success
  • ▸Depth over theory
3

Ability to deliver

Can you hold a room like this? This is not a beginner audience.

Clarity, pacing, and presence matter.

Important

Read this carefully

All speaker consideration happens through this process.

We do not review:

  • ▸Cold emails
  • ▸DMs
  • ▸Introductions outside the application

Submitting through the form below is the only way to be considered.

Application

How to apply

Step 1

Submit your information below

Step 2

If selected, you'll receive a follow-up to complete a theme-specific application

Step 3

Final candidates are invited to interview

Submit Your Information

Speaker Application

If you're a strong fit,
we'll reach out.

All candidates are reviewed. Not all are contacted.