SME Live is the flagship annual event of SME Topeka, designed to equip professionals with fresh ideas, stronger people skills, and real-world strategies for building trust, creating connection, and driving results in an increasingly automated world.
This year’s program features bestselling author Anita Nielsen and Ashley Esquibel of Envista Federal Credit Union, bringing together insight on sales, leadership, culture, and the human side of business.
Register or sponsor by April 3 and receive Anita Nielsen’s book with each ticket. Plus, Anita will be signing books before and after the event.
Anita Nielsen is a sales performance consultant and President of LDK Advisory Services, with more than 20 years of experience in B2B sales, technology, and sales enablement. She is the bestselling author of Beat the Bots: How Your Humanity Can Future-Proof Your Tech Sales Career, a book that makes the case that in an increasingly automated world, top professionals win by leaning into their uniquely human strengths.
Often referred to as a “B2B Sales Sensei,” Anita blends psychology, strategy, and front-line sales experience to help organizations build human-centered, relationship-driven sales cultures.
At SME Live, Anita will share how empathy, authenticity, trust, and meaningful connection can future-proof careers and help organizations stand out in noisy, tech-driven markets.
Ashley Esquibel is Chief Administrative Officer at Envista Credit Union, where she helps lead the organization through strategic oversight of Human Resources, Training, Marketing, and Member Experience. A recognized HR leader and 2025 Kansas SHRM HR Professional of the Year, Ashley brings a strong voice on culture, leadership, and the employee experience.
At SME Live, Ashley will explore how culture is shaped not by slogans or perks, but by everyday leadership behavior, accountability, trust, and the way people are treated when things get hard. Her session will offer practical insight for leaders who want to build stronger teams and more intentional workplaces.
SME Live is made possible by the generous support of organizations that believe in developing stronger sales, marketing, and business leadership in our region. Their partnership helps us create an event that delivers meaningful education, connection, and momentum for professionals across Northeast Kansas.
There is still room for additional sponsors. Sponsorship is a great way to support the event, increase your visibility, and create a valuable experience for your team. Visit the sponsorship information or contact us to learn more.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
Mercury Broadband
Washburn University – Brenneman School of Business
Custom Wood Products
Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk & Loyd, LLC
At just $100 per ticket, SME Live offers a high-value morning of professional development, networking, fresh perspective, and practical tools you can put to work right away.
Bringing a team from your organization? Sponsorship may be the best value and there is still room to participate as a sponsor.
Register or sponsor by April 3 to receive Anita Nielsen’s book with each ticket.