Description

WIBA Monthly Luncheon

Connecting Wichita’s Business Community

Held on the second Tuesday of each month, WIBA’s Monthly Luncheon brings together 200+ business owners, executives, and community leaders for lunch, connection, and learning. Each Monthly Luncheon features a hand-picked speaker who is relevant to today’s business community and focused on topics that support business growth, leadership, and professional development.

This core event provides a consistent space for members and guests to step away from their day-to-day responsibilities, build strong relationships, and stay engaged with Wichita’s business community.

Featured Speaker

Tonya Witherspoon
Founder & CEO | MindScapes

Tonya Witherspoon is Founder and CEO of MindScapes, where she helps companies create business value through digital transformation that aligns infrastructure, workforce, and AI-enabled solutions. With more than 30 years of experience across technology, higher education, and entrepreneurship, she specializes in helping organizations prepare both their systems and their people for the future of work.

Previously, Tonya served as Associate Vice President for Industry Engagement and Applied Learning at the Wichita State University Innovation Campus, where she helped lead the partnership that established Kansas’s first carrier-neutral Internet Exchange Point. The $5 million facility strengthens regional connectivity, improves reliability, and enables businesses to access cloud, data, and AI-powered tools with greater speed and efficiency.

She recently co-convened the AI Interconnection Summit in Wichita, bringing together infrastructure leaders, employers, and technologists to explore how local, distributed networks support modern applications, workforce productivity, and data-driven operations. https://www.ixp.us/events

Through MindScapes, Tonya works with broadband providers, public-sector partners, and business leaders to connect infrastructure investments with workforce readiness and operational outcomes. Her work focuses on helping small and mid-sized businesses leverage smarter connectivity, emerging technologies, and talent development to compete and grow in a digital economy.

Topic of Conversation

Why the Internet Exchange Point Matters to Wichita Businesses

Fast, reliable internet is no longer just a utility. It’s core business infrastructure.

This session explains what an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is, why Wichita now has one, and what it means for small and mid-sized businesses across the region. We’ll explore how local internet exchange improves performance, reliability, and resilience for everyday business tools like cloud applications, video, e-commerce, and data-driven services.

The conversation will also touch on how emerging technologies like AI and data-intensive applications depend on infrastructure that keeps data closer to users and customers. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how local broadband investments can support business growth, reduce hidden costs, and position Wichita businesses to compete in an increasingly digital economy.

What to Expect

• A featured guest speaker
• Lunch and networking
• Connection with fellow WIBA members and guests
• Topics focused on business, leadership, and community development
• A professional, welcoming environment

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, March 10th 
• Time: 11:15 AM – 1:00 PM
• Location: Ninth Floor Club + Venue
  100 N Broadway St., Suite 900, Wichita, KS 67202

Registration & Pricing

• Members: $25
• Non-Members: $50
• Advance registration encouraged
• Seating is limited

Guests may attend up to two core WIBA events at no cost.

Who Should Attend

• Business owners
• Executives and managers
• Entrepreneurs
• Corporate professionals
• Nonprofit leaders
• Community partners

Why Attend

The Monthly Luncheon is one of WIBA’s most well-attended programs. Participants benefit from:

• Learning from respected business and community leaders
• Expanding professional networks
• Gaining practical tools and perspective
• Staying connected to Wichita’s business community
• Building long-term relationships

We look forward to welcoming you to this month’s Monthly Luncheon and continuing to strengthen Wichita’s business community.