Doors Open & Registration

Track A - The Future of Digital Transformation & Broadband Access

Broadband access is the foundation of digital transformation, driving economic growth, innovation, and community advancement. In this keynote, Robbie McBeath of the Illinois Broadband Lab will explore the future of broadband expansion, digital equity, and the policies shaping connectivity in the St. Louis region and beyond. From bridging the digital divide to enabling smarter businesses and nonprofits, this session will highlight the critical role of broadband in building a more inclusive and tech-driven future.

Track B - Organizational Transformation with AI (Microsoft)

In this presentation we will delve into Microsoft's strategic approach to AI transformation, showcasing the integration of AI across various platforms and services to drive business innovation and efficiency. The session will feature real-world examples of AI-driven business transformations, investments in AI infrastructure, and the strategic importance of AI in enhancing customer engagement, employee experiences, and business processes. Attendees will gain insights into Microsoft's leadership in AI and its commitment to empowering organizations to leverage AI for their digital transformation journey.

Track A - Gina Cooper Benjamin, Deputy Director, National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Join us for the Keynote presented by Gina Cooper Benjamin, Deputy Director, National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Track A - Startup World Cup: Social Impact Pitch Competition

Track B - Durable Execution: The Project Management Process that Changes Everything (Presentation)

During this talk, you'll learn what Durable Execution is, trace its origins back to large-scale distributed systems developed at some of the world's largest financial and tech companies, and understand why it's revolutionizing modern application development.

Track C - Trust as Trade: Engaging and Uplifting Underserved Communities (Panel)

Building digital equity goes beyond infrastructure—it requires trust, collaboration, and community-driven solutions. This panel, led by experts from the Illinois Broadband Lab, will explore how trust acts as a form of trade in bridging the digital divide, empowering underserved communities, and ensuring broadband access translates into real economic and social opportunities. From digital literacy initiatives to community-led broadband expansion, this conversation will highlight strategies for fostering meaningful engagement and uplifting those most impacted by the digital gap.

Transition Break

Track A - Community and Resilience: Helping Small Businesses Thrive in a Digital World

GeekPack are experts in building community and teaching women entrepreneurs digital skills + business confidence. By helping partner organizations offer impactful programs and connecting like-minded brands to an empowered network of driven women entrepreneurs we fuel collaboration, innovation, and meaningful impact for all involved. Digital skills are no longer nice-to-haves; they are essential to economic resilience, sustainable growth, and operations across all levels of business. For mission-driven organizations with limited capacity, delivery and management of tailored learning experiences unlocks the potential of women in the digital domain and centers your community. For brands who want to get in front of 1000s of women business owners, our unique activations and high-impact visibility are built on years of trust and engagement with valuable resources. GeekPack has empowered over 10,000 women with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in an increasingly tech-enabled world since 2018.

Track B - Innovating Economic Opportunity: Creating Smarter Pathways for Upward Mobility & Growth (Panel)

Workforce innovation isn’t just about the future—it’s about creating smarter, more inclusive pathways to opportunity today. This panel will explore cutting-edge workforce development models that bridge the gap between blue-collar trades and high-tech industries, ensuring individuals at all skill levels have access to sustainable, upwardly mobile careers. From apprenticeship programs and industry-led training to AI-driven talent matching and skills-based hiring, learn how businesses, educators, and policymakers are rethinking workforce development to drive economic mobility and long-term growth.

Track C - Revitalizing Alton: Broadband Access and the new Wedge Innovation Center (Presentation)

Scot Heathman, the new CEO of The Wedge Innovation Center, will speak at the Digital Transformation event on “Revitalizing Alton: Broadband Access and the New Wedge Innovation Center.” His talk will focus on the role of high-speed connectivity in driving economic growth, digital equity, and workforce development in the Alton Metro Region. The Wedge + SIUE is a $32 million, 55,000-square-foot innovation hub that transforms two historic buildings into a state-of-the-art coworking, research, and think tank space. Backed by SIUE, TechSTL, and the Midwest AI Network, The Wedge is set to catalyze innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Heathman will outline how broadband expansion and strategic partnerships will fuel Alton’s rise as a regional tech and business leader.

Catered Lunch

Track A - Utilizing Microsoft Copilot: Gaining A Time Advantage at Work (Workshop)

It all started with a thought experiment: what if I could save 60 minutes a day using Microsoft Copilot? This workshop will allow you to see and learn the top use cases, tips and cautions that come with leveraging the paid version of Microsoft Copilot -- to save time and do your best work within your corporate environment. Attendees will gain insights into becoming expert prompt engineers that allow them to jumpstart tasks and spur creativity inside of applications like Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Powerpoint, OneDrive and Excel. (Please note: This session is for people considering purchasing or that have already purchased the paid version of Microsoft 365 Copilot.)

Track B - The Future of Storytelling in the Digital Age (Workshop)

The digital age has irrevocably changed the fundamental way in which we share stories in our communities. As technology continues to evolve, so too does the way we consume and create narratives across cultures. This talk will focus on the intersection of technology and storytelling, exploring how emerging technologies such as VR / AR and AI are creating memorable experiences for our stories. From immersive experiences that transport audiences to fantastical worlds to personalized narratives that are tailored for individual preferences. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities that these technologies present, and how they are shaping the future of storytelling. Sharing a story is about more than knowing what to say, it’s about sharing an unforgettable experience that leaves you wanting more. Join this session today to start thinking about how you want to enhance the experience of your next story.

Track C - The Digital Navigator Experience: Expanding Access & Opportunities (Panel)

Digital Navigators are transforming how communities access technology, bridging the digital divide by providing critical support in broadband access, device adoption, and digital literacy. This panel will explore innovative models, programs, and outcomes of Digital Navigator initiatives, with a focus on how they are creating new economic and educational opportunities in rural and marginalized communities. Hear from experts on what’s working, how these programs are scaling, and why Digital Navigators are key to ensuring everyone can fully participate in an increasingly digital world.

Transition Break

Track A - Humanizing the Focus of Digital Transformation (Workshop)

This talk will discuss the impact of humanizing digital transformation with change management / adoption principles centered on the experiences of impacted audiences. Attendees will learn effective strategies to increase change resiliency, questions to center people in their digital transformation, and practical takeaways to renew meaningful purpose in their business transformation.

Track B - A Novel Approach to Creating a STEM Pipeline Workforce in K-12 (Presentation)

This breakout session features a case study of two implementations of a successful St. Louis invented, STEM pipeline-building program - Science Coach Pro-Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). With unique collaborations (Science Coach/Quest Diagnostics and Science Coach/Cigna Corporation), the program’s dual goal was a) give high school students an extended, real, and positive experience in MLS so they choose it as a career and b) diversify the pipeline for these occupations. Results Of the 450 students participating: - 200 conducted advanced authentic research, with 128 of those being underrepresented students. - 96 declared MLS as their degree area, with 65 of those being underrepresented students. - 14 teachers received MLS skills training, providing them with critical MLS knowledge and making them more comfortable in encouraging students to conduct MLS-focused research projects. As a result, 71 percent more teachers had students complete MLS research than the year prior.

Track C - Amplifying Urban/Rural Access with Advocacy & Infrastructure (Panel)

Closing the digital divide across Missouri and Illinois requires bold policy changes, strategic public-private partnerships, and effective advocacy to drive real impact. This panel will explore the most critical policy shifts needed at the local and state levels to expand broadband access, digital literacy, and infrastructure development in both urban and rural communities. Experts will discuss how public-private collaborations can accelerate digital inclusion, sharing best practices for fostering stronger partnerships that ensure long-term connectivity and economic growth. Additionally, the conversation will highlight how advocates can effectively communicate the urgency of digital equity to policymakers and funding agencies—turning awareness into action. Join us to discover the strategies and solutions that will shape the future of digital access for all.

Transition Break

Track A - Digital Transformation: Putting the Customer at the Center (Workshop)

This workshop explores the transformative power of customer - centralization in the digital age. Attendees will gain valuable insights for businesses to prioritize customer needs, leverage data, and create seamless customer journeys. Understanding these factors will help build stronger customer relationships, enhance brand loyalty, and sustainable business growth.

Track C - The Tech Playbook: From Upskilling, Reskilling to Hiring (Panel)

Crack the code to landing your dream job and remaining relevant in tech. Whether you’re transitioning into tech or looking to move up, this panel provides a roadmap for leveraging education, mentorship, relationships and industry trends to grow. Hear from Per Scholas’ Sr Director of Career Placement, Sr Manager of Recruitment & Admissions, Sr Manager of Business Solutions and Certified It Support & Cybersecurity Instructors. Learn how to craft a winning job strategy, how to get the most valuable certifications, skills, and training and how to navigate the job market and tech landscape to secure your first role or next role.

Track C - Diversifying the Tech Industry: Pathways & Barriers (Panel)

The tech industry holds immense potential for economic mobility, yet systemic barriers continue to limit access for underrepresented talent. This panel will explore the key challenges and opportunities in diversifying tech, from education and workforce development to career advancement and leadership representation. Join industry leaders, educators, and workforce advocates as they discuss innovative pathways for diverse talent to enter and thrive in tech, as well as the policies and structural changes needed to remove barriers to success. Whether you're a company seeking to build a more inclusive workforce or an individual navigating the tech landscape, this conversation will highlight actionable strategies for driving real progress in tech equity and inclusion.

Networking Reception