Summerfest Tech 2020
Summerfest Tech has moved to virtual!
Thank you for attending Summerfest Tech 2020. It was a full day of programming, pitches, and networking, all done virtually! More topics and speakers are highlighted in our calendar of upcoming events from our partners through the end of the year. Check it out.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd
Live in a Virtual World – the Making of Streaming Out of Fenway: Josh Adams, President, Mindpool Live
As the lines between Art & Science continue to blur, hear from Mike Ellis, Chief Digital & Customer Officer, on how Johnson Controls is driving forward innovation to deliver unrealized customer value through the intersection of intelligent technology and human experience.
Take advantage of networking virtually with our partners, chatting with your fellow attendees, or jump into our Exhibit Hall with over 20 virtual booths to visit.
This critical seminar will provide insight and the importance of securing your data before, during, and after a crisis.
(A) Futureproofing: The Next Era of Innovation:Todd McClees, Founder, Pendio Group; Mary Bunzel, Executive Director, Connected Systems Institute at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Discuss elements of creating the workforce of the future, which in turn accelerates the adoption of technology and innovation in our region, unleashing unlimited potential for transformative business model innovation across industries, particularly within advanced manufacturing.
(B) Leading Innovation: A People Focused Endeavor: Dr. Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean of the Opus College of Engineering, Marquette University
Innovation is a term – dare we say, a buzzword - that we hear everywhere. What does it really mean? What does it really take to lead innovation? Dr. Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean of the Opus College of Engineering at Marquette University, will share elements of the mindset and skillset required to effectively lead innovation and provide participants with the opportunity to consider their own readiness to serve the world and others through innovation.
(C) Power Your Digital Transformation: Drive efficiency, automate processes, and visualize your data with Microsoft Power Platform: Drew Poggemann, Director of Solution Architecture, Heartland Business Systems
Leverage Microsoft’s enterprise low-code / no-code Power Platform that is built with security and governance at the foundation. Connect to hundreds of pre-built connectors and drive productivity whether in the office or in the field. See real-world examples on how you and your team can build powerful mobile-ready business applications that can drive efficiency, automate business processes, and visualize your data while reducing effort by 70%.
(D) For Entrepreneurs – Growth Strategy and Business Planning Workshop Series – Growth Modeling: Girish Ramachandra & Marcie Bomberg, Wipfli
Wipfli’s Growth Strategy and Business Planning Workshop Series will provide participants with tools and insights to help overcome many of the challenges faced by tech businesses and start-ups surrounding the growth of their companies. This seminar is designed to help all size companies scale up. The workshop will include discussion on growth modeling in analyzing key drivers for growth and scenario analysis.
Bill Borkowicz, Director of Sales for Data and Software Solutions at U.S. Cellular, will present on evolving wireless technologies, including 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), that enable businesses, entrepreneurs and communities to thrive. Bill will highlight several examples of these technologies and how they will help both the private and public sectors innovate, be more competitive, drive operational efficiencies and create growth. To learn more about 5G and other emerging technologies at Summerfest Tech, please visit our virtual booth to experience online demonstrations and talk with one of our experts.
To review details about the pitch competition and to apply, visit Pitch.startupwi.org.
Dell Technologies is committed to driving human progress. Progress Made Real is their plan to create a positive and lasting social impact on humankind and the planet through 2030 — using their reach, technology and people. Asha George, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion, will share their plan focused on advancing sustainability, cultivating inclusion and transforming lives, all underpinned by a commitment to upholding ethics and privacy. Dell Technologies’ 2030 goals span each of their focus areas and are foundational to their business and values.
Take advantage of networking virtually with our partners, chatting with your fellow attendees, or jump into our Exhibit Hall with over 20 virtual booths to visit.
(A) Expanding MKE’s Tech Talent requires New Approaches: Moderated by Kathy Henrich, CEO, MKE Tech Hub Coalition
Panelists: Neal Sample, CIO, Northwestern Mutual; Tim Schilke Delivery Executive, West Bend Mutual Insurance, Rashi Khosla Founder, Mars Solution Group, Ryan Hoyle, Program Executive for Outsource to America, GalaxE.Solutions
The MKE Tech Hub Coalition’s goal of doubling the tech talent in the region is only possible through developing the talent in a way which is reflective of the region’s population. This requires creating non-traditional on-ramps into the tech field including dedicated coding camps, apprenticeships, or re-skilling opportunities. During this conversation, we’ll hear from organizations who have enhanced their teams through non-traditional talent sources including their successes, challenges, and lessons learned.
(B) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Tech Industry: Moderated by Sheldon Cuffie, Vice President & Enterprise Chief Information Security Officer, American Family Insurance
Panelists: Diamond Lewis, Chief Technology Officer, CASHDROP; Ben Juarez, Co-Founder, Latinos In Tech; Dana Guthrie, Product Manager at Johnson Controls & Managing Director & Founder of Alchemy Angel Investors; Nadiyah Johnson, Founder of Jet Constellations
In the corporate environment or within the start-up community, the ecosystem benefits from a variety of perspectives and contributors. A panel featuring representatives from all different positions within the tech community will share their experiences as leaders of color who build business and work with the intention to increase opportunities.
(C) Corporate Capital on the Rise: John McDonald, Attorney, Godfrey & Kahn; S.C.Dan Reed, Managing Director, American Family Ventures; Jason Franklin, Founding Managing Director, WV Ventures
One of the most significant sources of capital and startup ecosystem support in the Midwest has been from corporations. Join our panelists as they discuss what may be driving the influx of corporate venture investing, their outlook for the next year, and potential opportunities for corporations and startups in the Midwest.
(D) For Entrepreneurs – Growth Strategy and Business Planning Workshop Series – Strategic Planning: Girish Ramachandra & Marcie Bomberg, Wipfli
Wipfli’s Growth Strategy and Business Planning Workshop Series will provide participants with tools and insights to help overcome many of the challenges faced by tech businesses and start-ups surrounding the growth of their companies. This seminar is designed to help all size companies scaleup. The workshop will include discussion on strategic planning in identifying the right goals and tracking through measurements of key results.
Rashaun Williams, an expert in the financial world looks to share his life story and passions for financial literacy and tech investing. From a youth on the south side of Chicago, to an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, learn how Rashaun Williams started Queensbridge Venture Partners with hip-hop artist and investor, Nas, and working with other celebrities and athletes as tech investors.
Sponsors










Media Support Provided by


Community Support provided by
gener8tor • i.c.stars • MKE Tech Hub Coalition • Startup Wisconsin • The Commons • Wisconsin Tech Association (WTA) • Young Enterprising Society (YES)