Bringing together more than 500 people and putting together a lineup of keynote speakers who are worth well over $1 billion, Iowa State alumnus and entrepreneur Brandon Adams is bringing the Young Entrepreneur Convention (YEC) back to Des Moines.

The convention, featuring speakers, exhibits and other events, will take place Friday and Saturday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Adams urges those attending the convention to ask questions to the keynote speakers, and to make it a priority to connect and put themselves out there.

“You have access to people who charge $3,000-$5,000 an hour,” he said.

Last year, Mia Steir got inspired at the YEC after connecting with teen keynote speaker Caleb Maddix, author of “Keys to Success for Kids!” and ended up writing her own book, “Victoria, The Drama Investigator.”

She was in third grade.

Clayton Mooney, a co-founder of YEC and CFO of KinoSol, said he used to be an introvert but learned that opportunity happens when you meet somebody else and can collaborate on an idea.

“All progress happens outside your comfort zone,” Mooney said.

Featured events include “Hops & Handshakes,” a new networking opportunity where those who are 21 and over can network over beer served by Exile Brewing.

“The most value you can get out of any event is connecting with people, and putting yourself out there and making it a point to talk with others,” Adams said. “Because what you do is you learn from them, you share what you have to offer, and in that synergy, what usually happens is a business relationship or an endeavor.”

The YEC will launch Friday night with the premiere of “Ambitious Adventures,” a new TV show that Adams co-hosts with Greg Rollett, who he met at last year’s event.

Keynote speaker Joel Comm, creator of InfoMedia, will conclude the kickoff Friday night. He’ll also be doing a book signing for his new unreleased book, “Self-Employed: 50 Signs That You Might Be an Entrepreneur.”

American actor and internet sensation Jake Paul will be the closing keynote speaker Saturday.

“We created an event last year, which turned into a movement, which led to a TV show, which led to business deals and partnerships,” Adams said. “And now we’re doing it again.”

More convention and ticket information is available at youngentrepreneurconvention.com.