Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THE SUMMITYou mention this event is for SECOND-STAGE entrepreneurs. What about People who’ve owned their business for five years or more, will we learn anything?
Absolutely! Most of the conversations are related to back-office part of the business (operations, production, marketing, management, financials, etc.) that are necessary to grow and scale your business. You will be learning from leading industry experts teaching a range of subjects suitable for many stages of your business and you’ll undoubtedly walk away from every action-oriented discussion with good information.
You mentioned entrepreneurs from underestimated communities. Are white people welcome to attend?Absolutely! The Summit is open to everyone. The most important thing to know is that all the work we do is through an economic justice lens. You will be learning from leading industry experts teaching a range of subjects suitable for many stages of your business and you’ll undoubtedly walk away from every action-oriented discussion with good information.
How many business cards should I bring?We ALWAYS SELL OUT!! This year we plan to sell 200 tickets, so bring enough so you don’t run out!
What should I wear? How should I dress?Dressy casual, fashion-forward, ROCK your brand, whatever you want to call it. Whatever is your definition of you looking good, then wear that because the cameras and video will be rolling. Just keep in mind it will be a long day, so comfort is also important.
Do I have to stay for the whole event?It’s recommended that you attend the entire event, since there’s so much knowledge to soak up, connecting and mingling to do. But it’s not mandatory. You’ll get out of it what you put into it. However, there are no refunds or partial payments accepted if you only attend parts of the conference.
Does the price of the ticket include accommodations?The price of the ticket does not include accommodations, but it does include three days of programming and includes breakfast, lunch and light refreshments in the afternoon. We will be sharing a link to a local hotel as soon as we book the block of rooms.
ABOUT TICKETSAre tickets refundable?
Full refunds are available up until 60 days before the event, less a 25% administration fee. After this time, we can provide 50% refunds on tickets up until 30 days prior to the event, after which time tickets are transferable upon request, but are non-refundable regardless of when the ticket was purchased. You can transfer your ticket via Sched.
Does ConnectUP! offer payment plans for tickets?Yes! We’ve partnered with Klarna, a buy-now-pay-later app, to offer flexible payment plans that fit any budget.
How does Klarna work?
Klarna allows you to split your ticket purchase into four interest-free payments or select a longer-term financing option, depending on what works best for you.
How do I use Klarna to buy my ticket?
At checkout, select Klarna as your payment method. You’ll be redirected to Klarna’s platform to choose your preferred payment plan and complete your purchase.
Am I eligible for Klarna?
Klarna performs a quick approval process when you select it as your payment option. Approval is based on factors like your credit history and past Klarna usage.
Does Klarna charge interest or fees?
The four-payment installment option is interest-free as long as you make payments on time. Longer-term financing may have interest, which Klarna will clearly outline before you commit.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Klarna will send reminders, but if a payment is missed, they may charge late fees. Please check Klarna’s terms for full details.
Can I get a refund if I paid with Klarna?
Yes! If you request a refund and it’s approved by ConnectUP!, Klarna will process it and adjust your payment plan accordingly.
Where can I get help with my Klarna payment?
For any Klarna-related questions, visit Klarna’s Customer Support or use their app to manage your payments.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
I would like to present/speak at ConnectUP! MN. How do I do that?
Complete our Call for Sessions/Speakers form.
We are always on the lookout for incredible speakers for our events and would love to hear from you!
How can I volunteer?Complete our Call for Volunteers form.
Volunteers are expected to work 4-6 hours and will receive a significant discount on the registration fee. Students are encouraged to volunteer!
What's the best airport to fly into?We recommend flying into: Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport (MSP). MSP Airport is less than 20 minutes from the event venue, MSP offers direct flights from Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Denver, and Las Vegas, with flight times ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
The weather/How to packCheck out Weather.com for the most up-to-date information. The weather will be in the low 70s. It can get chilly in the evenings. Bringing a sweater or light jacket will be best if you plan to be out and about.
HEALTH AND SAFETYWhat happens if ICE attempts to enter the event?
ConnectUP! and the Wilder Foundation are committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees. Wilder’s main lobby and Rondo dining room are considered public areas, while the auditorium and meeting rooms are private spaces where ICE would not be allowed unless presenting a judicial warrant
What should I do if I am concerned about my safety at the event?We are taking every precaution to provide a safe space. If you have any concerns, please reach out to event staff or security onsite.
Will there be security at the event?Yes, there will be event security to ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere for all attendees. Their role is to protect, not police.
COVID-19 safety [UPDATE]ConnectUP! Institute’s number one priority is the health and safety of our Summit participants and Industry partners. Our goal is to hold a safe summit, recognizing it is not possible to remove all risk, in particular concerning COVID-19.
The ConnectUP! Summit venue, Wilder Foundation, may change, update, or add requirements at any time as it deems prudent to best protect the health and safety of attendees and others, and attendees must comply with relevant policies and requirements as communicated by ConnectUP! Institute.
By attending the Summit, you are agreeing to release ConnectUP! Institute and all its representatives, agencies, etc. of any and all liability.
Is testing for all attendees recommended?Yes, if you have the ability and are willing, our strong recommendation is that all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, test for covid-19 before attending ConnectUP! Summit, based on the results, follow the current CDC guidelines accordingly.
What is the mask protocol?Masks are not required indoors in the city of St Paul per local guidance. Our strong recommendation is that if you have known prior positive covid test results or known exposure, then please follow current CDC Mask recommendations accordingly.
