Community partners offer social media workshops to help businesses boost visibility ahead of World Cup events

With thousands of visitors expected in Douglas County during this summer’s World Cup events, local organizations are partnering to help area businesses strengthen their online presence. The Lawrence Chamber, KU Small Business Development Center, Multistudio and Douglas County will host two free social media workshops designed to help businesses prepare for increased visibility and customer engagement.

“With a major opportunity on the horizon, we want to equip local businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to promote the amazing establishments in our community,” said Tyler Lindquist, of Multistudio and a member of economic development planning team for Lawrence 2026. “We’re offering both beginner and advanced workshops to support those new to social media as well as those who use it regularly.”

Workshop 1: Social Media 101

9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18

KU Innovation Park, 2033 Becker Ave.

This introductory session will cover the pros and cons of major platforms, cost and time considerations, marketing do’s and don’ts related to World Cup branding and tips for producing effective content. The workshop includes a panel discussion, a question-and-answer session and an interactive activity.

Moderator: Chris Miller, business advisor and communication strategist at the KU Business Development Center. Miller helps local entrepreneurs grow through thoughtful business strategy and meaningful human connection. He hosts the Talk to People podcast and the Talk to Chris Miller YouTube channel.

Panelists:

• Matt Hyde, founder of 715 Restaurant. He oversees day-to-day operations and social media for the business.
• Matt Pool, owner and lead photographer at Cinder and Ivory. Pool specializes in editorial weddings, boudoir, seniors, branding, and corporate and nonprofit events. He has grown his business into a four person team, traveled internationally for clients and earned Top 5 recognition in The Pitch’s Best of KC 2025 for both boudoir and wedding photography.
• Debbi Johanning, a digital strategist, has been working in social media since the MySpace days, managing social media accounts for the Sandbar. Debbi also has experience in higher education and alumni relations and is currently a communications specialist for a market research company.

To register, visit The Lawrence Chamber's website.

Workshop 2: Advanced Social Media

9-11 a.m., Wednesday, March 4

KU Innovation Park, 2033 Becker Ave.

This advanced session will focus on algorithms, photography, videography and strategic considerations ahead of the World Cup. There will be a panel discussion, a question-and-answer session and interactive activity.

Moderator: Jared Bednar, founder of YellowBug, a marketing and design agency. Bednar has more than 15 years of experience in business operations, marketing and fundraising for nonprofit and recreational organizations. He co founded YellowBug in 2023 with his wife, Katarina, to help organizations use social media strategically to support business and community goals.

Panelists:

• Jeff Burkhead, owner of Backstory Photography. Burkhead spent 45 years in journalism and communications and developed a passion for photography. In 2021, he published a coffee table book titled Our Pandemic Year in Photos.
• Nicholas Segura, founder of SEGURA Marketing, a Hispanic-focused agency based in Kansas City. He also manages Segura Talent Agency, which represents diverse talent for paid commercial bookings. During the past two decades, he has provided consulting services to advertising agencies and directly to brands, sharing insights into Hispanic cultural and marketing trends.
• Seth Sanchez and Nathan Mize, of Drone Lawrence. Mize founded Drone Lawrence in 2018 after earning a strategic communications degree at KU, and he brings a passion for drones, video editing and social media to every project. Sanchez joined soon after, bringing more than a decade of social media and marketing experience before becoming co-owner in 2020. Together they provide high-quality aerial video and photography known for short, attention-grabbing content.
• Megan Spreer, a local marketing and communications professional, specializing in audience-first content and measurable performance. She has partnered with both local and national brands to grow their online presence and build meaningful engagement.

To register, visit The Lawrence Chamber's website.

“We’re calling this series ‘Winning the Feed’ because that’s exactly what we want our local businesses to do,” Lindquist said. “When thousands of visitors arrive this summer, we want Douglas County businesses to stand out, tell their stories and capture the attention they deserve.”

Both workshops are free, but reservations are required. To register, visit https://members.lawrencechamber.com/events.