EO Cincinnati Entrepreneur Learning Events: Beyond Networking

When Litsa Spanos of ADC Fine Art talks about entrepreneur learning events in Cincinnati, one thing becomes clear: This isn't your typical business owner meetup. As EO Cincinnati's Learning and Social Chair, she's spent the past two years designing experiences that prove learning and fun aren't mutually exclusive. Designing these learning events for Cincinnati's entrepreneurs to involve both is what sets our events apart from other entrepreneurial groups. 

"Entrepreneurs are extremely busy," Litsa explains. "We work a lot of hours, and it's hard to bring them into events. So you've got to get them excited."

More Than Just Business Growth

Our organization as a whole and especially our entrepreneur learning events center around three equal pillars: business, family and self. This whole-entrepreneur approach shapes every event, from our monthly lunch-and-learns to international retreats.

Some of our recent learning events have featured book signings with nationally recognized business leaders like Larry Armstrong, who shared insights from his book “Layered Leadership” on scaling an architectural firm. The chapter also hosts prospective member events at unique venues like New Riff Distillery, where founder Ken Lewis shares his entrepreneurial journey. Join us this February to hear his journey and experience a Forum group beforehand. 

But learning isn't confined to conference rooms. A "Night in Paris" combined French cuisine with opera performances at a local restaurant, while a health and wellness retreat introduced members to breathwork techniques that put them into meditative states naturally.

Learning That Fits Your Schedule

The commitment for joining EO is straightforward: four hours monthly for Forum meetings, with additional learning and social events offered throughout the month. Most Cincinnati Entrepreneur Organization events are fully covered by membership dues, including food, drinks and even transportation for special occasions.

"People can just get on and choose what they want to do," says Litsa. "We encourage all members to come, but it's ultimately their choice."

The calendar includes monthly lunch-and-learns, wellness sessions, business workshops and family-friendly socials. Members can also join chapter retreats or attend global conventions, connecting with entrepreneurs from around the world.

Real Connections, Real Growth

Unlike networking groups focused on lead generation, we maintain a strict non-solicitation policy. Instead, our events are designed to foster genuine peer-to-peer learning, helping members grow beyond their Forum groups of six to eight people.

An upcoming workshop with an entrepreneurial therapist exemplifies this approach, inviting members and their partners to strengthen their relationships through guided communication exercises.

"If you don't have all three of those things (business, family, ourselves), you cannot be successful in life," Litsa notes. "That's our core, and that's what we're all about."

A Path for Growing Entrepreneurs

For business owners not yet at the $1 million revenue threshold, we offer the Accelerator program. Designed for entrepreneurs with annual revenue between $250,000 and $1 million, the program provides structured education, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and peer learning forums.

Accelerator participants gain access to quarterly educational sessions on strategy, execution, team building and cash generation, all led by certified trainers. They're also invited to many chapter learning events, creating a bridge to the full EO experience while receiving targeted support for their growth stage.

With the program operating successfully in 60 countries for over a decade, statistics show it can increase an entrepreneur's chances of reaching the million-dollar mark fourfold. Only 4 percent of entrepreneurs surpass this milestone on their own. 

Ready to Join a Group of Like-Minded Entrepreneurs? 

For entrepreneurs considering joining, Litsa offers simple advice: "Have an open mind, a creative and positive attitude, and look at everything from a perspective of fun. You can still have fun when you learn."

Ready to experience learning events that go beyond the boardroom? See how you can join our community that supports your journey as a whole.