Business

1% Event Coming to Peru, Illinois on July 12: Business and Personal Growth Conference Hosted by Project Future First

The Chicago Journal Contributor

June 12, 2025

Peru, IL — A high-energy business and personal development event known as the 1% Event will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 320 5th Street in Peru, Illinois. The event is hosted by Project Future First, a nonprofit organization co-founded by Kyle Gardner, Blake Shofner, and Dmytro Andryeyev. The experience is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, content creators, and purpose-driven professionals seeking practical advice, authentic inspiration, and meaningful connections.

Now in its latest edition, the 1% Event aims to offer an alternative to the traditional business conference model by focusing on real-world stories and value-driven content. According to organizers, the event will feature over ten business owners and creators who will speak openly about the challenges and strategies involved in building successful ventures. These individuals are not expected to be selling products or services from the stage; instead, they will share insights based on personal experience, with the goal of providing guidance to help others navigate their own journeys toward success.

A Fresh Alternative to Traditional Conferences

The 1% Event was developed in response to what its founders describe as a gap in today’s event space: a lack of relatability and actionable content. Many business and leadership conferences, they argue, are often overly scripted, filled with motivational fluff, or focused heavily on upselling the audience. The 1% Event positions itself as the opposite—a space where attendees hear from genuine people who have overcome adversity, launched businesses from scratch, and stayed consistent enough to see results.

While the speakers represent various industries, including fitness, branding, marketing, and social media, they all share a common thread: none of them claim to have achieved overnight success. Instead, the event spotlights underdogs, blue-collar entrepreneurs, and creators who have earned their place through grit, trial-and-error, and consistency.

Event Schedule and Format

The event will follow the schedule below:

Doors Open: 11:00 AM
Networking + Red Carpet Media: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Main Event (Speakers & Panels): 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The opening two hours are dedicated to networking, giving attendees a chance to build connections, exchange ideas, and potentially collaborate with others on future ventures. During this period, red carpet interviews and behind-the-scenes media content will be produced, offering participants additional exposure.

The core of the day is the speaker segment, taking place from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. Rather than traditional lectures, this portion of the event will consist of short, engaging talks and panel discussions designed to keep the energy high and the audience engaged.

No Dress Code, Just Real Conversation

Organizers have intentionally opted for a more relaxed atmosphere. While business casual attire is recommended, there is no formal dress code. Attendees are encouraged to wear whatever makes them feel confident and comfortable.

The vibe of the event is closer to an interactive experience than a formal seminar. Elements such as live music, stage lighting, and theatrical effects—like fog machines or sparklers—are being considered to enhance the overall atmosphere. The intent is to make the experience memorable and engaging without sacrificing the depth and relevance of the content.

In addition, speakers are expected to speak candidly and conversationally, using informal language where appropriate to connect with the audience on a personal level. The goal is to reduce the hierarchy often felt at formal events and instead foster genuine dialogue.

Photo Courtesy: Project Future First

Hosted by Project Future First

The event is presented by Project Future First, a nonprofit organization founded by Kyle Gardner, Blake Shofner, and Dmytro Andryeyev. The organization focuses on providing at-risk and underserved youth with access to mentorship, entrepreneurial education, and real-world business exposure.

Through community programs, workshops, and speaker events, Project Future First aims to fill the gap between traditional education and modern opportunity. The organization’s founders believe that early exposure to entrepreneurship, creative thinking, and personal development can positively impact the trajectory of a young person’s life.

A portion of proceeds from the 1% Event will go directly toward funding the nonprofit’s work, which includes in-school initiatives, resource distribution, and scholarship support for students with entrepreneurial aspirations. Past events have helped raise awareness and capital for these programs, and the July 12 event is expected to continue that trend.

A Platform for the Next Generation

The 1% Event is designed for individuals who may not feel represented in traditional business circles—those who didn’t grow up around entrepreneurs, didn’t attend elite universities, or didn’t have a roadmap for success handed to them. Many of the attendees and speakers alike share a background of figuring things out on their own and building from the ground up.

This inclusivity is part of what sets the 1% Event apart. The founders of Project Future First say they are committed to creating a space that supports not only growth but also accessibility. The ticket pricing model reflects this, with general admission options designed to remain affordable for students, first-time attendees, and early-stage entrepreneurs.

The event is also expected to attract regional attention, with attendees traveling from across Illinois and neighboring states such as Missouri, Indiana, and Iowa. Prior versions of the event, held in other cities, have drawn several hundred attendees and generated significant media attention thanks to the authenticity and relatability of the speakers.

Looking Ahead

With its casual tone, high energy, and focus on real stories over sales tactics, the 1% Event is becoming more well-known among Midwest entrepreneurs and creators. Organizers hope that each installment of the event helps influence the larger conversation around what modern business leadership looks like.

According to Kyle Gardner, one of the co-founders, “We’re not trying to look impressive. We’re trying to be impactful. These events are about giving people the confidence and clarity they didn’t grow up with. If we can do that, we’ve already won.”