Summerfest Tech 2024
June 24th – 27th
The event will remain free of charge and accessible virtually!
June 24th: Opening event – Henry Maier Festival Park
June 25th: Conference Day 1 – Potawatomi Hotel | Casino
June 26th: Conference Day 2 – Potawatomi Hotel | Casino
June 27th: Closing event – Henry Maier Festival Park
- Networking event located at Dockside at Summerfest (to see the lineup, visit www.summerfest.com)
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Event Schedule
Jun
Registration
New this year - the Summerfest Tech “Tech Talks: Meet the Experts”, in partnership with the MKE Tech Hub. Come hear from experts in the industry on a variety of emerging technology topics, followed by group discussions with these tech experts. Today's sessions are:
- CIO/Leadership
- Women in Tech (WIT)
- DEI
Moderators:
David Manske, Senior Director of Digital Strategy, Generac Power Systems, Inc.
Mentors TBD
Brews, Beats, and Bytes: The Fusion of Tech, Entertainment, and Entrepreneurial Spirit
TBD
Moderator:
Matt Adamczyk, Technologist in Residence, Microsoft
Panelists:
Cordero Barkley, Partner, TitletownTech
Jonah Turner, Head of Emerging Technology, Molson Coors Beverage Company
Sarah Pancheri, President and Chief Executive Officer, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
Hugh Forest, Chief Programming Officer, SXSW (South by Southwest)
Networking and Live Music
Networking event sponsored by Midwest House. Music from band Diet Lite.
Jun
Registration
Stop by the North Pre-Function area to check-in and pick up your badge. Reminder, this badge is also a 3-day pass to Summerfest 6/28 - 6/30!
Breakfast
Sponsored by Salesforce
Welcoming Remarks
Opening remarks from the Summerfest Tech Director and i.c.stars opening intro
People Savvy - Improve Communication, Build Better Relationships & Deal with Difficult People
Studies show that 85% of your success in life is due to your people skills, yet it’s one of the most difficult skills to develop. In this highly interactive & hilarious presentation, Betsy takes you through an engaging experience of how different personalities prefer to communicate, connect, be influenced, make decisions & resolve conflict. This presentation includes a verbal DISC assessment, which will help you to determine which personality style(s) are most like you. As a human behavior expert, Betsy breaks down yours and other's personality styles in a humorous and easy way to understand, so you can work better with others and get the results you want.
Besty Allen-Manning, Owner & CEO, Corporate Culture Training Solutions
The Who, What, and How of the Recent Trend of CIO’s transitioning to CDIO’s
CIO’s are being asked to do more from the CEO’s. Join us while we explore how four Wisconsin CIO’s have stepped up and taken on the Digital strategy and function for the organizations.
Moderator:
Chris Luecke, Podcast Host & Community Builder, Manufacturing Happy Hour
Panelists:
Tim Dickson, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Regal Rexnord
Chad Steighner, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Clarios
SriRaj Kantamneni, Chief Information & Digital Officer, Schreiber Foods
Joe Herington, Chief Information & Digital Officer, Schreiber Foods, Charter Manufacturing
Women in Technology: Engineering Opportunities & Solutions in Energy Technology
This panel will discuss the gender gap in the technology field and panelists will share their perspectives and opportunities to bring more women in the energy and tech sectors.
Moderator:
Tami Garrison, Senior Director Social Responsibility, Generac Power Systems
Panelists:
Erik Wilde, Executive Vice President Industrial, Americas, Generac Power Systems
Dana Guthrie, Managing Partner, Gateway Capital
Leah Newman, Associate Professor and Program Director for Industrial Engineering, Milwuakee School of Engineering
Mentor Session – Software Development – Agile, DevOps, UXUI
Meet the Expert Mentor sessions are intended to intentionally pair up 10 executive leaders with chosen mentees in an intimate networking session. Each session will start with a 10-15 minute overview of the topics, and the remaining time will be focused 3 rounds of networking.
Mentors are TBD, but keep checking back, as we will update as confirmed.
Prompts for Business Leaders: Key Questions to Ask When Implementing AI
Implementing AI solutions in your business offers enormous opportunity – and also challenges for business leaders who must identify opportunities, implement new technologies and drive change in their organization. This panel will explore use cases in health care, manufacturing, and consumer-facing applications to help business leaders understand key trade-offs and what questions to ask their teams and vendors. UWM researchers will offer perspectives on cyber security, bias, computation and implementation.
Moderator:
Brian Thompson, Chief Innovation and Partnership Officer, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Panelists:
Jake Lou, Associate Professor of Health Informatics & Administration, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Zhen Zeng, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Innovation: Exploring the Future of Business Growth and Operational Excellence
Join us for a transformative breakout session where we'll dive into the thriving ecosystem of a model that harmoniously blends growth, automation and finance in a data-driven decision world. Explore a multi-disciplinary approach that can uniquely position your business for success. During this discussion you’ll gain insights into the value of real-time data access, cost reduction methods, enhanced security through technology, operational excellence and how to navigate the complexities of digital transformation. This unique exchange is designed to leave its participates with key insights to support your businesses next growth phase.
Moderator:
Aaron Towns, Director of Corporate Banking, BMO
Panelists:
Tyler Muncy – Google Cloud Sales Executive, Google
Rich Scudellari, Founding Partner, Penny Jar
Chris Brown, Sr. Vice President of Sales, Caddi
DJ Vogel, Founder, Ghostcale
Steve McQuin, CEO, Farwell
Tere Sackerson, Managing Director: U.S. National TPS Executive Leader, BMO
Managing Cyber Risk from the C-Suite
Moderator:
Julie Ragland, CIO, Navistar, Inc.
Panelists:
Angela Johnson, CISO, Children’s Hospital
Tina Chang, CEO, SysLogic
Maribeth Achterberg, CIO, Boldt
Mentor Session
Meet the Expert Mentor sessions are intended to intentionally pair up 10 executive leaders with chosen mentees in an intimate networking session. Each session will start with a 10-15 minute overview of the topics, and the remaining time will be focused 3 rounds of networking.
Mentors are TBD, but keep checking back, as we will update as confirmed.
Lunch
Explore the Potowatomi Casino|Hotel for a variety of food options!
Making Sense of CoPilot
Learn how a local Wisconsin enterprise is charting the course with AI to add user productivity for both general Microsoft users and specialized use cases.
Panelists:
Stephen Magnuson, VP of Corporate IT, Regal Rexnord
Reshad Alam, Vice President, Information Systems Security, Regal Rexnord
Nate Lasnoski, Chief Technology Officer, Concurrency
Mentor Session – Women in Tech
Meet the Expert Mentor sessions are intended to intentionally pair up 10 executive leaders with chosen mentees in an intimate networking session. Each session will start with a 10-15 minute overview of the topics, and the remaining time will be focused 3 rounds of networking.
Mentors are TBD, but keep checking back, as we will update as confirmed.
The Entrepreneurial Dream
It All Starts with an Idea; Thinking the Entrepreneurial Way; The Nature of the Entrepreneurial Experience; Entrepreneurship as a Process; Entrepreneurship as a Journey; Why Anyone Can Do It; Key Competencies and Skills; The Four Types of Ventures that Entrepreneurs Start; The Commodity Trap; Opportunity versus Concept
EV Mythbusting: Separating Fact from Fiction
As the EV and alternative energy industry continues to expand, there are myths surrounding EV and electrification that can hinder its adoption. This session aims to debunk myths and discuss infrastructure, data and analytics, funding, alternative fuel technology, and benefits to electrification to businesses.
Panelists:
Andy Byrne, Director of EV Products and Markets, Potawatomi Adventures
Lorrie Lisek, Executive Director, Wisconsin Clean Cities
A Practical Guide to Cybersecurity: How to Not be a Ransomware Headline
Trends and threats in cybersecurity seem to change as quickly as TikTok trends. In this session, Ryan and Sheldon will provide practical information on what’s actually happening in cybersecurity, how you can protect your business and yourself, and how you can stay ahead of threats to protect the integrity and security of your valuable data.
Panelists:
Ryan Brooks, CTO & GM, Data Holdings
Sheldon Cuffie, Vice President & Enterprise Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), American Family Insurance
#MKETech Roundtables: The Future of our Ecosystem
So much has changed across Milwaukee’s tech landscape over the past several years – and there’s so much more to come! Sit down with a small group of your like-minded tech enthusiasts and dig into a unique discussion about the future of this ecosystem. You’ll choose what to discuss and a local tech leader will prompt your table’s conversation – come ready for authentic networking and inspirating ideas! Continue your chats at the happy hour after this session.
Speaker:
Joe Poeschl, Director of Engagement, MKE Tech Hub Coalition
Mentor session – Cybersecurity
Meet the Expert Mentor sessions are intended to intentionally pair up 10 executive leaders with chosen mentees in an intimate networking session. Each session will start with a 10-15 minute overview of the topics, and the remaining time will be focused 3 rounds of networking.
Mentors are TBD, but keep checking back, as we will update as confirmed.
Salesforce AI for Manufacturers
Curious how you can use AI to impact your day-to-day business operations? Salesforce AI is transforming the manufacturing industry by enabling predictive maintenance and automating quality control processes. Salesforce's AI capabilities empower manufacturers to optimize equipment performance, reduce maintenance costs, and deliver high-quality products. Come hear from customers, Salesforce industry experts and services providers about how the future of the platform can transform your business.
Speakers TBD
SAAS WICIO Meetup
Jun
Registration
Stop by the North Pre-Function area to check-in and pick up your badge. Reminder, this badge is also a 3-day pass to Summerfest 6/28 - 6/30!
Ethical and Societal Implications of Generative AI
As Artificial Intelligence systems pervade day-to-day life, the need for these systems to be robust, fair, accurate, and just has become of urgent importance. As the foundational backbone of AI systems, large scale datasets play a crucial role in the performance, accuracy, robustness, fairness and trustworthiness of AI systems. In this talk, I: a) present work that highlights numerous concerns arising from large scale datasets, b) discuss the downstream impact of such dataset on models (including the exacerbation of societal biases and negative stereotypes) and c) review some approaches to both incremental improvements as well as shepherding broader structural change.
Dr. Abeba Birhane, Advisor, AI Accountability at Mozilla Foundation and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin, School of Computer Science and Statistics
Making AI Real - the Best Practices in Creating Value in Your Organization with AI
This session will explore how successful companies frame the conversation, ways to position your executive team for success, discuss parallel initiatives to chase, provide examples of companies in the area making a difference, and how to get started.
Speaker: Nathan Lasnoski, CTO, Concurrency
Milwaukee's Tech Talent Transformation: How Local Companies Can Embrace Tech Talent Programs
A panel discussion about tech talent upskilling programs, featuring Amazon Web Services and Brooksource. Includes a case study from American Family Insurance, the benefits they gained, and how they had a positive impact on the local community.
Moderator:
Bruce Wolf, Senior Manager, Enterprise Digital Risk, American Family Insurance
Panelists:
Sheldon Cuffie, Vice President & Enterprise Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), American Family Insurance
Shelby Whalen, Elevate Program Coordinator, Brooksource
Cherry Ji, Senior Program Manager, AWS Education Program: AWS Training and Certification
Betty Yang, Software Development Engineer, American Family Insurance
Mentor Session – Software Design & Engineering
Meet the Expert Mentor sessions are intended to intentionally pair up 10 executive leaders with chosen mentees in an intimate networking session. Each session will start with a 10-15 minute overview of the topics, and the remaining time will be focused 3 rounds of networking.
Mentors are TBD, but keep checking back, as we will update as confirmed.
Bridging the Gap: How Can Small Businesses & Startups Grow Together
There is a rich and vibrant history of manufacturing and small business, in Wisconsin. Newer to the ecosystem is the emerging tech industry. However, these two seldom have the opportunity to be in the same room and benefit from each other. How can we all work together to continue the legacy of the workforce that has made Wisconsin a great manufacturing state while also benefiting from the innovation. Specifically, to increase productivity, prevent offshoring, through implementation of new technology and providing first client acquisition for local startup founders. This will be an interactive programming with a lot of collaboration on how everyone can best move forward to grow together. Questionnaires and engagement will be asked of audience members, before, during and after the event.
Moderator:
Forest Richter, Founder, Fresh Coast Labs
Panelists:
Jake Krueger, Partner, Fresh Coast Labs
Craig Armstrong, CEO, ScanPac
From Music to Mars: How a Life in Music Led to a Career in Aerospace
Record producer and touring multi-instrumentalist Jason Achilles presents a storied personal accounting of developments that led to the world hearing the first sounds captured from Mars by the NASA Perseverance rover on February 22nd, 2021. This historic and inspiring journey will culminate with a show-and-tell analysis of technical hurdles, sharing recent recordings from the Martian surface, and what the future holds for audio that is literally out of this world. Q&A to follow.
Jason Achilles, Zandef Deksit Inc.; former consultant, NASA/JPL
Unlocking the Power of AI: Roundtables Discussions for AI Strategy and Implementation
AI isn't just the future—it's the present, revolutionizing every facet of business. Join fellow executives, business leaders, and innovators for roundtable discussions to learn from one another and share invaluable insights, strategies, and best practices for seamlessly integrating AI into your business. Each table is moderated by a Husch Blackwell attorney to help provide insights into the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding AI. From navigating compliance to seizing growth opportunities, this is your chance to stay ahead of the curve and propel your business into the AI-driven future.
Building in the New Data Age: Design and Construction Considerations when Building Data Centers
With all the new construction needing to be more equipped to handle high-data and technology loads, and with organizations like Microsoft creating a large data centers in our region, what things need to be considered in this new world of construction around supporting the amount of energy needed to power these buildings?
Mentor Session – CIO + Leadership Pathways
Meet the Expert Mentor sessions are intended to intentionally pair up 10 executive leaders with chosen mentees in an intimate networking session. Each session will start with a 10-15 minute overview of the topics, and the remaining time will be focused 3 rounds of networking.
Mentors are TBD, but keep checking back, as we will update as confirmed.
Intellectual Property Basics and USPTO Resources
Learn from United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) experts about intellectual property (IP) basics and potential ways to protect your innovation as you transition from idea to product. The discussion will cover:
- An overview of intellectual property types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
- Why innovators and entrepreneurs should consider protecting their IP
- Local resources and assistance available through the USPTO and other agencies
Speaker:
James O. Wilson, Acting Regional Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Elijah J. McCoy Midwest Regional Office
Lunch
Explore the Potowatomi Casino|Hotel for a variety of food options!
The Journey to Gaining Access to Capital – The Future Outlook of Considering All Options
Join us for a transformative discussion where we'll dive into the thriving ecosystem of finance. Discover how having a multi-disciplinary approach can uniquely position your business for success. In this session boundaries will be pushed and creatively will flourish as we explore insights from a extraordinary panel of Venture Capitalist, Equity Partner, Business Incubator and traditional Financial Institution all ready to illuminate your path with ideas to create growth.
Moderator:
Andreas Bubenzer-Paim, Managing Director: Head of Technology Banking, BMO
Panelists:
Troy Vosseller, Partner, Gener8tor
Cordero Barkley, Partner, Title Town Tech
Andrew Hockin, Managing Director, BMO Capital Markets (Venture Capital)
Sean Lightner, Director of BMO Technology Banking – Growth & Innovation, BMO
Pitch Competition
The 8 Finalists are:
|
Liff Happens |
Chicago, IL |
A software platform designed to solve the challenges of Lost and Found. |
|
Zinacare |
South Africa |
We are an at-home health testing company democratizing access to healthcare |
|
RoddyMedical |
Milwaukee, WI |
Medical products designed by clinicians for patient safety and mobility |
|
Atomix |
Milwaukee, WI |
Atomix provides high-touch operations high-growth omnichannel brands. |
|
Athlytic |
Detroit, MI |
Marketplace that connects student athletes with brand partnerships. |
|
Econofi |
Chicago, IL |
We Deliver Product Innovation for Community Banks. |
|
ReachPathways |
Chicago, IL |
REACH is a college and career pathway. |
|
Lotza |
Menomonee Falls, WI |
We are the only drink mixer designed to support liver health and next day recovery. |
The Path to Digital Acceleration
Come hear from a panel of Digital Marketing visionaries. Topics will include Business Agility, AI, the path to cloud and much more!
Moderator:
Heather Polen, Global VP of Customer Transformation, Sitecore
Mentor Session – AI, RPA, ML
Meet the Expert Mentor sessions are intended to intentionally pair up 10 executive leaders with chosen mentees in an intimate networking session. Each session will start with a 10-15 minute overview of the topics, and the remaining time will be focused 3 rounds of networking.
Mentors are TBD, but keep checking back, as we will update as confirmed.
Led by Nate Lasnoski, Chief Technology Officer, Concurrency
Demystifying - Artificial Intelligence
In this session, we delve into the dynamic world of AI, navigating through headlines and hype cycles to discern practical applications and essential skills. Beginning with foundational definitions and key terms, we embark on a journey exploring the practical applications of machine learning, best practices in training and evaluation, as well as platforms, tools, and popular algorithms driving AI innovation. Through real-world use cases, we uncover the transformative power of AI across industries. Delving into AI languages and tools, we discuss strategies for selecting frameworks tailored to specific business needs. Furthermore, we offer insights into UWM's (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) AI initiatives, serving as a compelling case study. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of AI trends, practical applications, and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
Matt Friedel, Senior Lecturer, UWM School of Information Studies; Adjunct Faculty, Marquette; Angel Investor & Co-founder, Milwaukee Venture Partners, Inc.
Locking Down Enterprise IoT and OT Environments: Securing the Future of Manufacturing
The proliferation of IoT, IIoT, and OT devices without standardized security measures has opened up new avenues for cyberattacks, leading to an alarming 400% increase in malware attacks this year alone. In the manufacturing sector, remote access requirements for employees and partners have significantly expanded the attack surface, with VPN vulnerabilities emerging as a primary target. Additionally, the rise of shadow IT has introduced numerous unauthorized devices onto networks, necessitating continuous visibility. Join us as we delve into IoT security best practices within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including the adoption of the zero trust framework outlined by the CISA Maturity Model.
Dan Shelton, VP CTO in-Residence, Zscaler
Industry 4.0 & Hybrid Networks
We'll dive deep into Industry 4.0, exploring top-notch use cases like the Purdue model, AI, Automation, Robotics, IoT, Digital Twins, Real-time Carbon/Energy Insights, SR/VR, and Analytics. Discover how 5G, private cellular, DAS 2.0, and current customer deployments complement Wi-Fi, paving the way for seamless connectivity.
Moderator
Dave Woodward, Owner, GranGraeGroup
Panelists
Todd Kelly, Sr. VP of Solutions Engineering, STEP CG
Joseph Hamann, Executive Director, Connected Systems Insititute, UW-Milwaukee
From Concept to Reality: Building Your Tech Ideas with Wisconsin Tech Month Insights
This workshop is designed to inspire and equip participants with the tools to turn their innovative tech ideas into successful realities. Using the proven framework of Wisconsin Tech Month, this session will delve into the practical aspects of taking an idea from inception to execution, with a focus on fostering a supportive tech ecosystem.
Mentor Session – Cybersecurity
Meet the Expert Mentor sessions are intended to intentionally pair up 10 executive leaders with chosen mentees in an intimate networking session. Each session will start with a 10-15 minute overview of the topics, and the remaining time will be focused 3 rounds of networking.
Mentors are TBD, but keep checking back, as we will update as confirmed.
Jun