CincyAIweek25: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

9:00am EDT

Welcome to Cincy AI Week's Smart Cincy Summit presented by Enterprise Technology Association: The Smart Cincy Vision, Building an Intelligent Region

Tuesday June 10, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

summer crenshaw

CEO, Enterprise Technology Association, Cincy AI Week

Zack Huhn

Co-Founder, Enterprise Technology Association

Tuesday June 10, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

9:10am EDT

Local Leaders Welcome

Tuesday June 10, 2025 9:10am - 9:20am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Welcome to the Smart Cincy Summit at Cincy AI Week!

Speakers

Dr Kelly Cohen

Director, AI Bio Lab, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati

The Brian H. Rowe Endowed Chair in Aerospace Engineering. Director of AI Bio Labs, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati and President, North American Fuzzy Information Processing Society (NAFIPS). Also serves as Chief Scientific Advisor, brandrank.ai, and Chairman of the Board... Read More →

Helen Todd

Pavan Parikh

Tuesday June 10, 2025 9:10am - 9:20am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

9:20am EDT

Featured Speaker: Inventing the Future; AI, IP, and American Ingenuity

Tuesday June 10, 2025 9:20am - 9:30am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

As AI accelerates innovation across every industry, questions around intellectual property, invention, and the future of American competitiveness are more important than ever. In this featured talk, Bob Cassity of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will explore how the U.S. is responding to the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence in the realm of IP protection, invention rights, and public trust.

Cassity will touch on the evolving role of IP in the AI era, the USPTO’s latest initiatives, and how innovators, technologists, and entrepreneurs can safeguard their breakthroughs while contributing to America’s long-standing culture of ingenuity and leadership.

Speakers

Bob Cassity

Patent Attorney, USPTO

Bob is a Patent Attorney who serves as a TQAS at the USPTO and supports patent examiners who examine AI applications. Bob is experienced in special challenges Applicants face when trying to obtain IP protection for AI concepts.

Tuesday June 10, 2025 9:20am - 9:30am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Featured Speaker

9:30am EDT

Keynote Speaker: The Answer Economy: How AI Is Rewiring Trust, Commerce, and Culture - And Why Cincinnati Has A Front Row Seat

Tuesday June 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

In a world awash with data, content, and noise, AI is emerging not just as a tool—but as the engine of a new economy: the Answer Economy. In this thought-provoking keynote, Pete Blackshaw explores how AI is reshaping how we build trust, conduct commerce, and shape culture—and how Cincinnati is uniquely positioned to lead.
From intelligent search to generative commerce, Pete will share insights from the frontlines of digital transformation, brand trust, and consumer behavior. He’ll also unpack what it means for cities, companies, and communities to be “AI-ready” in an era of accelerated expectations.

This keynote will set the tone for Cincy AI Week by connecting big ideas to local impact, and by making the case for responsible, inclusive, and competitive AI leadership—starting right here in the Queen City.

Speakers

Pete Blackshaw

CEO, Brandrank.ai

A lifelong student of consumer feedback, brand promise, and technology, Pete is uniquely positioned to help companies navigate this change now underway. Most recently, Pete served as CEO of Cintrifuse, a Cincinnati-based startup catalyst and venture fund supported by major corporations... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Keynote

10:00am EDT

Featured Fireside: Work Smarter: How AI Is Rewiring the Modern Business Workflow

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Kick off Cincy AI Week’s Leadership Conference with a dynamic fireside chat featuring startup founders who are building AI-powered solutions that solve real-world business workflow challenges. From automating repetitive processes to unlocking new efficiencies across teams, these innovators will share how they’re helping businesses work smarter — not harder — and what it takes to turn AI potential into practical results. Get a front-row view into what’s working, what’s next, and how AI-driven tools are transforming operations across industries.

Speakers

Maddie Bell

CEO, Scheduler AI

Maddie Bell is the CEO and Co-Founder of SchedulerAI, where she’s spent the past three years building patented AI agents that have generated millions in GTM pipeline value. A former Procter & Gamble brand leader, Maddie brings strategic rigor from managing billion-dollar brands... Read More →

Zack Huhn

Co-Founder, Enterprise Technology Association

David Howerton

Founder, VendoIQ

C-Suite Leader (CEO/COO/CCO) with 6+ years as the CEO of an ambulatory surgery center (SaaS) software company acquired by a Bain Capital portfolio company. Previous senior leadership roles (strategy, business development, finance) at a mid-market video content production and software... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Keynote

10:30am EDT

Featured Discussion: The Future of Work - AI Workforce 2030

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, it’s also redefining the very nature of work. This featured discussion brings together workforce and technology leaders to explore what the labor market could look like by 2030—and how we can prepare today’s workers for tomorrow’s opportunities.

From upskilling strategies and talent pipeline innovation to rethinking education, hiring, and the employer-employee relationship, this session will focus on real-world solutions and forward-looking insights. How do we align human potential with machine potential? And what will it take to ensure that the AI-driven economy is inclusive, equitable, and ready to thrive?

Speakers

Troy Woolery

Vaco

Josette Riep

AVP, Digital Technology Solutions, University of Cincinnati

Josette Riep is the Assistant Vice President of Integrated Data, Engineering & Application Services (IDEAS) in Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) and is currently pursuing a PhD in IT. Josette’s areas of responsibility span Development, DevOps and Data & Analytics and include leadership... Read More →

Nicole Armstrong

Ellequate

Sponsors

Vaco

This page is no longer active. Follow us at @vaco-by-highspring to see how we combine forward-thinking strategies with exceptional talent to help organizations seize opportunities and drive meaningful results.

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

11:15am EDT

Featured Fireside and Presentation: The State of Cincy AI & The AI Blueprint for the Cincinnati Region

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Cincinnati is making bold moves to shape its future as a top-tier AI hub—and it’s doing so with data, vision, and community momentum. This featured session brings together key leaders behind the regional AI movement to share progress, insights, and a collaborative call to action.

Carl Fraik will present an update on the AI Blueprint for the Cincinnati Region, a community-driven strategy designed to position Cincinnati as a national leader in responsible and inclusive AI adoption. Kendra Ramirez will follow with findings from the State of AI in Cincinnati survey, conducted in partnership with the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber—highlighting what local leaders are thinking, building, and needing when it comes to AI.

The session will close with a candid fireside discussion moderated by Zack Huhn, tying the two efforts together and opening the door for how the broader ecosystem—startups, enterprises, institutions, and government—can plug in and help shape what’s next.

Speakers

Kendra Ramirez

CEO, Cincy AI for Humans

We are a digital and AI agency serving B2B clients.

Zack Huhn

Co-Founder, Enterprise Technology Association

Carl Fraik

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Cincinnati AI Catalyst

AI Blueprint for the Cincinnati Region

Sponsors

Cincy AI Catalyst

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Fireside Chat

12:00pm EDT

Cincy AI Community Networking Luncheon- Taco Tuesday!

Tuesday June 10, 2025 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Food will be served in the Beer Hall Adjacent Kitchen Area.

Tuesday June 10, 2025 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Networking

12:45pm EDT

The Creative Edge: AI, EI, and Alchemy for Brand and Marketing Mastery

Tuesday June 10, 2025 12:45pm - 1:15pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

Deanna Leonard

Chief Communications Officer/US Director/AI Brand Strategist/Founder, SHE IS AI, The AI Chix

As a LinkedIn Top 100 AI Creative, I bring a unique blend of high-energy storytelling and 20+ years of leadership experience to every stage and boardroom. I empower businesses and executive women to harness AI strategically—transforming toplines, bottom lines, and everything in... Read More →

Mary Gervais

Founder- ElVibe, Mary Helen Gervais

Mary Helen Gervais is a #1 International Best-Selling Author, Global Leader in Frequency, and Visionary Entrepreneur dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their inner wisdom and step into their fullest potential. As the creator of HeartBlaze: Igniting the Flame of Unconditional... Read More →

Katy Keene

Founder and Principal Consultant, Keene Lane Co.

Katy Keene is a marketing operations strategist, Canva Agency Partner, HubSpot Partner and trusted AI Educator who helps businesses streamline marketing systems, integrate AI and automation with intention, and maintain brand consistency across teams. As the founder of Keene Lane Co... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 12:45pm - 1:15pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Panel

1:15pm EDT

Featured Fireside: Governance, Guts, and Getting Sh*t Done: How to Advance AI in a Big Organization

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 1:45pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

AI is transforming the global economy—but how do we ensure that innovation also drives meaningful economic growth at the local, state, and national level? In this featured fireside, leaders from enterprise, investment, and innovation ecosystems share how they’re using AI to create new jobs, reshape industries, and unlock opportunity.

This session goes beyond big ideas to explore actionable strategies: how to scale responsibly, how to partner across sectors, and how to ensure that AI-driven progress benefits both business and community. Join us for a grounded, forward-looking conversation on how the next wave of AI innovation can power the next era of economic impact.

Speakers

Jonathan Paul

VP, Director Data and AI Governance, 5/3 Bank

▸19+ years at Fifth Third Bank with a focus on effective risk management, lean data management, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence AI.▸ Creating effective and sustainable governance frameworks that deliver value in alignment with smart risk management is my passion... Read More →

Vic Santiago

CIO, Dorman Products

Nate Sowder

Innovation, Fifth Third & Cintrifuse Executive in Residence

Nate Sowder is at Fifth Third Bank, where he's an AI adoption strategist and connects startups, enterprises, and universities to accelerate emerging tech. He also serves as an Executive in Residence at Cintrifuse and an Entrepreneur in Residence at The Entrepreneurs Center in Dayton... Read More →

summer crenshaw

CEO, Enterprise Technology Association, Cincy AI Week

Sponsors

Fifth Third Bank

At Fifth Third Bank, everything we do is rooted in our purpose: to improve the lives of our customers and the well-being of our communities. Since our founding in 1858, we’ve been committed to creating a better financial experience by empowering our customers and clients to achieve... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:15pm - 1:45pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

1:45pm EDT

Featured Presentation: The Token Trap

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:00pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

In this talk, we’ll dig into the practical trade-offs of cloud-based AI — especially when token costs start to spiral. Learn how to recognize when it’s time to take control of your models and your infrastructure.

Speakers

Zach Fischer

HPE

Sponsors

Hewlett Packard

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud company built to transform your business. How? By helping you connect, protect, analyze, and act on all your data and applications wherever they live, from edge to cloud, so you can turn insights into outcomes at the speed required... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Featured Speaker

2:00pm EDT

Featured Presentation: No‑Friction AI: Turn Your Classic Power Apps into Smart Agents in Days, not Months

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:00pm - 2:15pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Power Platform developers don’t have to “learn Python overnight” to ship agent‑powered apps. By combiningchild‑flow reusability in Power Automate, SharePoint lists & libraries as a lightweight data layer, and the new Azure AI Foundry Agent Service connector, you can graft large‑language‑model intelligence onto the skills you already use every day—no extra DevOps pipeline or pro‑code stack required. This session shows exactly how we’ve done it in production: modular agents for intake, routing, and summarization, snapped together like LEGO® bricks and surfaced in Teams, Power Apps, or even headless agents.

Speakers

Deshon Clark

Allventa

Ricardo Govindasamy

CEO, Allventa

Sponsors

Allventa

At Allventa, we specialize in transforming enterprises through cutting-edge AI and automation solutions integrated with Microsoft 365. Founded by experienced industry professionals, our mission is to empower C-level executives in Fortune 5000 companies with innovative, high-impact... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:00pm - 2:15pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Featured Speaker

2:15pm EDT

Panel: Building AI Use Cases in Greater Cincinnati

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

AI isn’t just about what’s possible—it’s about what’s working right now. In this panel, local leaders and innovators will share real-world examples of how they’re building and deploying AI use cases across industries in Greater Cincinnati—from healthcare to logistics, legal, finance, manufacturing, and beyond.

Panelists will discuss the challenges and wins of building practical AI solutions, including how to align teams, manage risk, secure data, and measure impact. This is a hands-on conversation for anyone looking to move from AI exploration to meaningful execution.

Speakers

Melissa Lacefield

Principal Cloud Solution Architect – Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Microsoft

Mason C. Clutter

Partner; Former Chief Privacy Officer U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Frost Brown Todd

I serve as the Privacy Lead at Frost Brown Todd and previously served as Chief Privacy Officer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. My practice is at the center of privacy, security, and technology. I work with clients to operationalize privacy and security to help them achieve... Read More →

Jerry Felix

Chief Architect, Brain-CA Technologies, Inc.

Started Brain-CA Technologies in November 2023. Secured funding and two patents. We address the huge issue of the tremendous costs of A.I., in time and power consumption.

Kristopher Jones

Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati

Kris Jones is a passionate advocate for technology’s role in transforming businesses, empowering communities, and fostering growth. As a Professor of Information Systems, Kris bridges the gap between academia and industry, delivering insights that shape the next generation of technology... Read More →

Sponsors

Frost Brown Todd

With more than 600 attorneys strategically located in key markets across the United States, Frost Brown Todd is a national law firm offering a deep, talented roster of legal professionals who advise and protect clients in business transactions and litigation in many industries, including... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Panel

3:00pm EDT

Panel: Funding AI Powered Startups

Tuesday June 10, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

AI innovation in Cincinnati is on the rise—but access to capital, strategic support, and ecosystem connectivity remain critical to sustaining momentum. This fireside chat brings together regional leaders in venture capital, early-stage innovation, and AI commercialization to discuss what it takes to fund and scale AI startups and initiatives in the Queen City.

Panelists will explore the current state of funding for AI ventures, how investors are evaluating AI opportunities, and what resources are available locally to help founders grow. Expect a candid conversation about where the gaps are—and what the community can do to close them.

Speakers

Max Dworin

Cintrifuse

Paul Powers

CEO, Physna

Brett Renzenbrink

Dinsmore

Tyler Mantel

General Partner, Roll Tack Ventures

Sponsors

Dinsmore

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP has a nationwide team of more than 750 attorneys who are trusted advisers to some of the world's leading businesses—including many in the Fortune 500—as well as institutions, associations, governments, professional firms and individuals. Clients count on Dinsmore... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Panel

3:30pm EDT

Cintrifuse AI Demo Day - Regional AI Startup Showcase

Tuesday June 10, 2025 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Cincy’s smartest collision: AI Tech Demo Night x Cincy AI Week

Experience the future of AI and startups—live in Cincinnati on June 10th!

AI Tech Demo Night is BACK—but this time, we’re turning up the volume as part of Cincy AI Week on June 10th at 3:00 PM!

Join us for a high-energy evening where Cincinnati’s AI innovators take the stage to demo what they’re building—

Live and unscripted
No pitches and no slides
Real products, real progress, and real answers to your questions

Whether you're a founder, builder, investor, or just curious about what's happening in the Cincinnati tech scene, this event is for you.

See Demos From:

BrandRank.AI — Combining AI-powered insights with expert marketing guidance to help brand leaders understand their visibility and narrative in emerging AI search platforms.
Nichefire — A predictive cultural trends intelligence platform that helps you effortlessly uncover emerging consumer trends and turn them into growth opportunities—without the heavy lifting.
Pieces — On-device AI companion capturing live context across your development workflow, to help you solve complex tasks, manage snippets, and generate code with full control and privacy.
Tembo — Postgres developer platform simplifying the modern data stack by enabling developers to quickly build and deploy specialized data services using pre-built configurations.

Speakers

Max Dworin

Cintrifuse

Nate Sowder

Innovation, Fifth Third & Cintrifuse Executive in Residence

Tuesday June 10, 2025 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

8:00am EDT

Women in AI Breakfast presented by Enterprise Technology Association and Sama

Wednesday June 11, 2025 8:00am - 9:45am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

Kendra Ramirez

CEO, Cincy AI for Humans

We are a digital and AI agency serving B2B clients.

summer crenshaw

CEO, Enterprise Technology Association, Cincy AI Week

Christi Brown

VP, Enterprise Technology Association

Wendy Gonzalez

CEO, Sama

Wendy Gonzalez is the CEO of Sama, which is a leader in providing high-quality training data to power AI technology and is used by leading technology companies such as Walmart, MSFT, GM, and Getty. Under Wendy’s leadership, Sama has placed on the Inc. 5000 list as one of America's... Read More →

Sponsors

Sama

Sama is a leading provider of high-quality training data that powers the world’s most advanced AI models. Trusted by global innovators like Walmart, Google, NVIDIA, GM, and Getty, Sama delivers accurate, ethical, and scalable data solutions for computer vision and machine learning.Under... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 8:00am - 9:45am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

10:00am EDT

Welcome Speaker - Welcome to Cincy AI Week's AI for Business Summit presented by Enterprise Technology Association

Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:05am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

summer crenshaw

CEO, Enterprise Technology Association, Cincy AI Week

Jon Salisbury

CEO, Nexigen

Zack Huhn

Co-Founder, Enterprise Technology Association

Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:00am - 10:05am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

10:05am EDT

Featured Speakers: Ohio is Where Innovation Works: AI, Jobs, and the Future of Industry

Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:05am - 10:15am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

JT Turba

Director, Client Services, Vaco

Ron Rock

Managing Director, Financial Services, JobsOhio

Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:05am - 10:15am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

10:15am EDT

Keynote Speaker: AI Agents in Action: Orchestrating Revenue Across the Modern Buyer Journey

Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Description: Today’s buyers expect instant, personalized experiences—but most teams can’t keep up. The hard truth? They’re might not be rejecting your product—they’re probably rejecting your process. Join Maddie Bell ️, Co-Founder & CEO of Scheduler AI, for “Agents in Action: Orchestrating Revenue Across the Modern Buyer Journey” to learn how leading teams are using AI to meet buyers in real time, drive better conversations, and turn pipeline into booked revenue—24/7.

Speakers

Maddie Bell

CEO, Scheduler AI

Sponsors

SchedulerAI

Looking to connect quickly and seamlessly with prospects, clients, partners, and teams? Scheduler AI is an AI appointment setter that instantly books your meetings and safeguard your show rates. Scheduler integrates directly into your CRM, webforms, and chats to coordinate meeting... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

10:30am EDT

Keynote Speaker - Trends in AI, What It Means For Your Organization and How To Plan Ahead

Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

Todd James

Founder & CEO, Aurora Insights

Todd James is the founder of Aurora Insights and has spent the past 20 years developing and scaling advanced data and AI strategies for leading companies like Kroger and Fidelity Investments. With a deep understanding of what works—and what doesn't—Todd specializes in turning... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

11:00am EDT

Featured Fireside: AI as Strategy, Not Just a Tool: What That Really Means

Wednesday June 11, 2025 11:00am - 11:20am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

Nate Sowder

Innovation, Fifth Third & Cintrifuse Executive in Residence

Ron Rock

Managing Director, Financial Services, JobsOhio

Michal Russo

Forge Films

Matt Coatney

CIO, Thompson Hine LLP

As Chief Information Officer, Matt oversees the firm’s information technology staff and resources, including AI and analytics, business applications, hardware infrastructure, litigation support, telecommunications and user support. He is responsible for deploying technology solutions... Read More →

Sponsors

Forge Film Studios

Crafting Cinematic Stories Through Generations of MasteryAt Forge Film Studios, our journey is built on a foundation of passion, precision, and a relentless pursuit of storytelling mastery. What began as a small team with big dreams has evolved into a full-scale production house... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 11:00am - 11:20am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

11:30am EDT

CIncy AI OPEN NETWORKING LUNCHEON- Local Pizza Party

Wednesday June 11, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Food will be served at the beer hall adjacent kitchen area.

Wednesday June 11, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Networking

12:15pm EDT

Featured Fireside: Mastering Enterprise Data for AI Excellence

Wednesday June 11, 2025 12:15pm - 12:35pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Behind every successful AI initiative is a strong data foundation. In this featured fireside, enterprise data and AI leaders will discuss how their organizations are modernizing data infrastructure, improving governance, and enabling AI-driven insights at scale.

Panelists will share how they’re aligning business and IT teams, overcoming legacy challenges, and building data strategies that support both quick wins and long-term innovation. Whether you’re at the beginning of your AI journey or scaling across the enterprise, this conversation will offer valuable lessons on turning raw data into real business value.

Speakers

Flavia Saldanha

AVP, Modern Data Strategy, Fifth Third Bank

Flavia Saldanha is a modern data strategist and award-winning data architect with over 15 years of experience driving AI-powered transformation in banking and beyond. As Assistant Vice President and Consulting Data Engineer at Fifth Third Bank, she leads enterprise data initiatives... Read More →

Kyle Schweiger

Slalom

Sponsors

Slalom

Slalom is a fiercely human business and technology consulting company that leads with outcomes to bring more value, in all ways, always. We team with leaders who expect more. So we bring more. From strategy through delivery, our agile teams across 53 offices in 12 countries collaborate... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 12:15pm - 12:35pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Presentation

12:35pm EDT

Featured Speaker

Wednesday June 11, 2025 12:35pm - 12:45pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

Justin Grieshop

Sr. Director of AI & Analytics, CBTS

With two decades of experience delivering analytic solutions to enterprises across various industries, Justin Grieshop is a seasoned analytic executive renowned for his innovation, servant leadership, and strategic outcomes. A Harvard graduate, Justin excels in building data-driven... Read More →

Sponsors

CBTS

CBTS (#43 CRN Solution Provider 500) serves enterprise and midmarket clients in all industries across North America. We combine deep technical expertise with a full suite of flexible technology solutions—including Application Modernization, Managed Hybrid Cloud, Cybersecurity, Digital... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 12:35pm - 12:45pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

12:45pm EDT

Panel: Exploring AI Readiness - From Data and Systems to People and Security

Wednesday June 11, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

AI success isn’t just about algorithms—it’s about organizational readiness. In this cross-functional panel, leaders from technology, operations, workforce development, and security will explore what it really takes to prepare an enterprise for AI adoption at scale.

From modernizing data and IT systems to training teams, aligning stakeholders, and managing risk, this session will spotlight practical steps to move from experimentation to sustainable implementation. Expect honest takes on what’s working, where organizations get stuck, and how to build an AI-ready culture that lasts.

Speakers

Shannon Smith

Director of Business and Technical Operations, Tyrannosaurus Tech

I am the Director of Business and Technical Operations at Tyrannosaurus Tech, where I lead AI strategy for both internal operations and client offerings.As an entrepreneur and business strategist, I have 10+ years of experience leading technical teams and building SaaS products for... Read More →

Brian Henn

Vaco

Mo Abuali

Tech Mahindra

Sahil Sampat

Director, Data Science, 84.51

I'm the Director of Data Science at 84.51°, where I lead efforts to turn Kroger’s rich first-party data into AI-driven strategies for personalized marketing and real-time optimization. My focus is on connecting advanced data science with business needs to drive precise targeting... Read More →

Deshon Clark

Allventa

Sponsors

Allventa

Wednesday June 11, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Panel

1:30pm EDT

Panel: Rewriting the Roadmap: How AI Reshapes Business Strategy in Real Time

Wednesday June 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

AI is no longer just a tool—it’s a force that’s actively reshaping business models, decision-making processes, and long-term strategy. This panel brings together executive leaders and innovation strategists to share how AI is influencing strategic planning across functions, from product development and operations to workforce planning and customer experience.

Panelists will discuss how they’re adapting to rapidly evolving capabilities, realigning goals, and navigating uncertainty while staying competitive. This is a session for decision-makers who understand that AI isn’t a line item—it’s the lens through which future-ready strategy is being built.

Speakers

Nate Sowder

Innovation, Fifth Third & Cintrifuse Executive in Residence

Mark Schnitter

CIO, Nexigen

Mark is the Chief Information Officer at Nexigen, leading the IT security practice. He has vast experience in results-driven environments spanning multiple industries, organizational sizes, and technologies. A key aspect to Mark’s success is bringing people, process, and technology... Read More →

Nicole Armstrong

Ellequate

Prekshya Nepal

Data Scientist III, FedEx

Kristy Wedel

Learning Experience Manager, AlignAI

Kristy Wedel, Learning Experience Manager at AlignAI, has over 15 years of experience in developing and democratizing analytics solutions that drive transparency and efficiency across various industries including healthcare, banking and government. At the forefront of AI adoption... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Panel

2:15pm EDT

Panel: AI + ROI: Real Use Cases That Moved the Needle

Wednesday June 11, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

AI isn't just about experimentation—it’s about execution. In this panel, leaders share real stories of AI initiatives that delivered measurable return on investment. From reducing costs and improving efficiency to unlocking new revenue and transforming customer experiences, this session will focus on what it takes to move the needle.

Panelists will explore how they identified high-impact use cases, overcame implementation hurdles, measured success, and scaled their wins. Whether you're looking for inspiration or a playbook, this session is full of practical takeaways from teams that made AI work.

Speakers

Steve Brunker

CEO, Brain-CA Technologies

Steve Brunker serves as CEO at Brain-CA Technologies, a firm bringing to market a fundamentally different computer architecture built specifically for AI applications. He has over 30 years of IT leadership experience, having served as CIO at Hillman Solutions and LSI Industries. His... Read More →

Matt Wenning

Director Cloud Solution Architecture - Data & AI, Microsoft

Matt Wenning is Director of Cloud Solution Architecture, Data & AI at Microsoft, where he leads a team of architects focused on designing and deploying enterprise-scale AI and analytics solutions for customers. With a strong foundation in data strategy and cloud architecture, Matt... Read More →

Charlie Apigian

Lead Data and AI Strategist, LBMC

Naveen Ramakrishna

Dell

Margee Moore

CEO, Big Orange Marketing

🍊 You know how you want to get more leads and grow your business, but you're not sure how? We help American businesses do just that with lean, efficient, and 🍊juicy🍊 digital marketing that gets results. 🚀 Ask me about our Lead-Gen Revenue Engine campaign offering... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Panel

3:00pm EDT

Open Networking + Startup Showcase

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Networking

9:00am EDT

Welcome Speakers: Welcome to the Agentic AI Summit at Cincy AI Week presented by Enterprise Technology Association

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

summer crenshaw

CEO, Enterprise Technology Association, Cincy AI Week

Jon Salisbury

CEO, Nexigen

Zack Huhn

Co-Founder, Enterprise Technology Association

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

9:10am EDT

Featured Speaker: AI Agents for Offensive Cybersecurity

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:10am - 9:25am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

As cybersecurity threats evolve in speed and sophistication, the tools defending against them must evolve faster. In this featured talk, Brett Ewing explores how autonomous AI agents are being developed and deployed for offensive cybersecurity—proactively identifying vulnerabilities, probing defenses, and simulating adversarial behavior at scale.
This session will offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build secure, explainable, and mission-ready AI agents capable of operating in high-stakes cyber environments. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of what’s possible, what’s next, and why agentic AI is rapidly becoming essential to national and enterprise security strategies.

Speakers

Brett Ewing

CEO, AxeAI

Sponsors

Axe AI

Providing expert penetration testing capabilities to all IT specialists

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:10am - 9:25am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

9:25am EDT

Featured Speaker: The Path to Unprecedented Product Innovation with AI Agents

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:25am - 9:40am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

AI agents are unlocking a new era of product innovation—accelerating R&D, amplifying creativity, and dramatically shortening the time from idea to execution. In this featured talk, Katie Trauth Taylor shares how intelligent agents are being used to reimagine the product development lifecycle, from market discovery and concept design to testing, storytelling, and launch.

With real use cases and a practical lens, this session will show how organizations are using AI agents not just to build faster, but to innovate smarter—with greater alignment to user needs, market shifts, and cross-functional collaboration.

Speakers

Katie Trauth Taylor

CEO & CO-FOUNDER, Narratize AI

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:25am - 9:40am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

9:40am EDT

Keynote Speaker: Agents of Change, Transforming in the AI Age

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:40am - 10:00am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

Mike Buob

Cap Gemini

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:40am - 10:00am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

10:15am EDT

Panel: AI Agents and the Bottom Line: Smarter Operations, Better Outcomes

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

AI agents are already proving their value by making operations faster, smarter, and more cost-effective. In this panel, leaders will share real-world stories of how agentic AI is being applied to improve decision-making, automate workflows, and drive measurable ROI across key business functions.

From back-office automation and IT ops to customer service and compliance, this session will explore how organizations are deploying AI agents to create meaningful, scalable impact—and what it takes to turn potential into performance.

Speakers

Matt Brewer

Director, Ingage Partners

Brad Gardner

CTO, Seven Hills Technology

We build web and mobile software for companies as they grow with software. Always interested in talking about security, and data analytics.

Mark Schnitter

CIO, Nexigen

Sanjay Krishnegowda

Data Engineer, Alliance Berstein

I am a Data and AI Engineer with 15 years of experience in software development, data engineering and AI, with a focus on generative AI. For the past nine years, I have been working at Alliance Bernstein, building data-driven solutions and optimizing AI applications. My expertise... Read More →

Ravi Katyal

Manager - Emerging Technology, Cintas

Sponsors

Ingage Partners

We are a team of passionate problem solvers that design, build, and integrate software solutions. We collaborate as part of your team or can be your whole team to help you solve your technology challenges. Our core expertise:Solution DeliveryCloud ServicesAPI IntegrationExperience... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

11:00am EDT

Panel: Agents of Change; The Next Leaps in Artificial Intelligence

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Agentic AI is evolving rapidly—from copilots and chatbots to fully autonomous systems that act, learn, and collaborate across environments. In this panel, innovators and technologists will discuss the breakthroughs redefining the next chapter of AI, and what it means for business, industry, and society.

Panelists will explore what's next for AI agents in terms of autonomy, interoperability, trust, and impact—along with the ethical, operational, and strategic questions that come with it. This session is for anyone thinking beyond deployment and into the future of intelligent systems as agents of real change.

Speakers

Zach Fischer

HPE

Dawn Parks

Director, Northern Kentucky University

Justin Grieshop

Sr. Director of AI & Analytics, CBTS

Naveen Ramakrishna

Dell

Jo Otey

Chief Architect - Data and AI, Sogeti

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

11:45am EDT

AI Agent Lightning Round Presentations

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:45am - 1:15pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Speakers

Naveen Ramakrishna

Dell

Shane Young

Nerd, PowerApps911

Shane is a world leader in teaching people about Power Apps, Copilot Studio, and the rest of the M365 platform. He does so through his YouTube channel with 26 Million views and his training and mentoring work via PowerApps911. When he isn't in front of a camera you can find him driving... Read More →

Matt McKeown

Founding Partner | Head of AI & Data Sciences, Orchard + Viridity Technologies

I’m the co-founder of Orchard Digital Marketing and Viridity Technologies, where I focus on building AI-powered ecosystems and digital solutions that help businesses grow smarter. My work sits at the intersection of strategy, technology, and creativity—helping organizations unlock... Read More →

Beverly Wright

Beverly Wright, PhD, CAP-X, VP – Data Science & AI Wavicle Data Solutions, Wavicle Data Solutions / University of Georgia

Beverly Wright, PhD, CAP serves as Vice President of Data Science & AI at Wavicle DataSolutions, and Director for Data Science & AI at University of Georgia’s Executive Education.With a career spanning over 30 years across utilities, financial services, telecommunications,healthcare... Read More →

Gautam Solaimalai

Vice President, US Bancorp

Ford Knowlton

Ross Shahandeh

VP, Microsoft Azure Cloud & Data, Xebia

Ross is responsible for driving Microsoft Azure adoption in the US for Xebia, a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Data & AI, Digital App Innovation, Security, and Infrastructure. He advocates that AI is a business initiative as much as it is an IT initiative. Ross specializes in building... Read More →

Amy Lindenbusch

Sogeti

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:45am - 1:15pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

1:15pm EDT

Cincy AI Week Luncheon + Startup Showcase!

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT

Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

Close out the Cincy AI Week Leadership Conference with an open networking luncheon at Union Hall complete with brief demos from Cincinnati area startups!

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Union Hall- Beer Hall (2nd floor)

CincyAIweek25

From $101.87