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• Cybersecurity: The Road to Zero Trust

  • When
    04/23/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Business Solution Center, 1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton 45417
  • Registered
    40 registrants

  Register

  
  

  
  

  The Road to Zero Trust

  What is Zero Trust? What does it mean? How do we get started? First off, it is not a product but rather a mindset with how things are secured in your environment. Much like DevSecOps is not a product. Let’s discuss and chat about what is and what isn’t working in this space to help us all become more secure.

  
  

  Facilitated by:
  

  Randy Hinders
  MileTwo

  Powered by: 

  
  

  
  

  Agenda:

  8:15 - 8:30am check-in, breakfast & networking

  8:30 - 10:00am meeting

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Women 4 Technology - Lift as You Rise Conference

  • When
    04/30/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Dayton Children's Inspiration Center 241 Taylor St, Dayton
  • Spaces left
    83
  • Registered
    101 registrants

  Register

  
  

  NEXT LEVEL

  The Power of Sponsorship, Well-being, Storytelling, and Growth for Women in Tech

  The journey of women in technology, focusing on sponsorship, personal growth, and storytelling to grow and advance careers and leadership.

  Facilitated by:

  Vicki Giambrone, CBD Advisors Jennifer Leen, Inward Success Vicki Giambrone CBD Advisors For the past ten years, Vicki has been a driving force at CBD Advisors, helping healthcare and corporate clients reach new heights. She specializes in developing and executing growth strategies, while navigating the complex worlds of policy and politics. Vicki's expertise also extends to consulting with large nonprofits, where she implements best practice governance strategies and strategic planning. Jennifer Leen Inward Success Jennifer is a certified professional coach from the Institute of Professional Coaching (IPEC), as well as a Chopra Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Currently, Jennifer provides holistic well-being coaching sessions, including teaching Primordial Sound Meditation and other mindfulness practices to individuals and small groups in Dayton, OH. In addition, Jennifer consults with businesses to implement impactful corporate wellness initiatives. NEXT LEVEL Agenda: 8:30-9:00am - Icebreaker, registration, breakfast 9:00-12:30pm programming 12:30-1:00pm lunch Click here for full agenda

  ABOUT NEXT LEVEL Conference:

  Empowering Women with Skills for Leadership

  & Success

  Are you ready to accelerate 

  your career, expand your influence, and step into leadership with confidence? NEXT LEVEL is more than a conference—it’s a transformative experience designed to equip women and male allies from all industries with the power skills needed to thrive. Whether you're aiming for your next career move, seeking mentorship or sponsorship, or looking for inspiration from trailblazing leaders, this event will provide the strategies, connections, and motivation to propel you forward. 

  Through inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and high-impact networking, NEXT LEVEL will empower you to break barriers, own your voice, and step into leadership with confidence. Whether you're an emerging leader or an established professional, you will leave this event with the tools, insights, and connections to take your career to the NEXT LEVEL.

  Rise. Lead. Succeed.

  
  

  

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• Lunch N Learn: Cybersecurity Threat Awareness

  • When
    05/07/2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Employment Opportunity Center, 4303 W Third St, Dayton, 45417

  Register

  

  Cybersecurity Threat Awareness : Three Financial Risks You Don’t Know and Could Avoid

  Tomorrow's Technology Today will educate attendees on  new and current cybersecurity threats that everyone should be made aware of. She'll leave you with valuable insights that most overlook, and simple steps you can take to protect your business, employees, customers and vendors. You'll discover the truth about:

  • The "Dark Web"
  • Ransomware / Malware
  • Phishing Attacks
  • Cyber Liability Insurance
  • FTC Guidelines
  • Bank Fraud

  Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and network with fellow business leaders.

  Facilitated by:

   Erin Moreno, Tomorrow's Technology Today

  Tina Contini, CNI

  Lunch Sponsored by: 

  
  

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• Workforce Development: From Remote to Reconnected: A Guide to Local Networking in a Hybrid World

  • When
    05/08/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Montgomery Co Business Solutions, 1435 Cincinnati St, Suite 300, Dayton 45417
  • Registered
    19 registrants

  Register

  
  

  From Remote to Reconnected: A Guide to Local Networking in a Hybrid World

  Discover the art of rebuilding connections in a hybrid and remote work era. This session will provide practical strategies for local networking, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities in your professional community. Learn how to navigate the shift from remote isolation to in-person collaboration, and unlock the potential of networking in a post-pandemic workplace. Perfect for professionals looking to reestablish a strong local presence and build a thriving support network.

  Presenter: 

  Matthew Worthen, NextStep Networking

  Powered by: 

  
  

  

  Agenda:

  8:15-8:30 am - registration, network, coffee/snacks

  8:30-10:00 am - meeting

  

  
  

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• IT Leaders: Experience and Lessons Learned from Cyber Threats

  • When
    05/13/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Expedient Technology Solutions, 8561 Gander Creek Dr, Miamisburg, OH 45342
  • Registered
    19 registrants

  Register

  

  Closed Session for Sr IT Leaders Only

  Experience and Lessons Learned from Cyber Threats

  Facilitated by: 

  Scott McCollum and Matthew Coatney
  

  
  

  Powered by Title Sponsor: 

  

  and Supporting Sponsor:

  
  

  Agenda:

  8:15 - 8:30am check-in, light breakfast & networking

  8:30 - 10:00am meeting

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Infrastructure/Cloud: Cloud Administration Challenges and Successes

  • When
    05/20/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Tyler Technologies, 1 Tyler Way, Moraine
  • Registered
    8 registrants

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Roundtable: Cloud Administration Challenges and Successes

  Facilitated conversation: Monitoring and alerting. Cost reductions & reservations for cloud. Different virtualization technologies (what are you doing, and how could we address that, or how did you?)

  Powered by Title Sponsor: 

  
  

  Supporting Sponsor:

  
  

  
  

  Agenda:

  8:15 - 8:30am check-in, box lunch & networking

  8:30 - 10:00am meeting

  
  

  

  
  

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• IT Leaders: Cybersecurity 2.0 – What’s happening in the Marketplace?

  • When
    06/10/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Business Solutions Center, 1435 Cincinnati St, Suite 300, Dayton, 45417
  • Registered
    3 registrants

  Register

  

  Cybersecurity 2.0 – What’s happening in the Marketplace?

  Facilitated by: 

  Nick Enger, Advanced Technology Consulting,

  J.D. Whitlock & Nick Schopperth, Dayton Children's
  

  
  

  The cybersecurity landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with organizations facing increasingly sophisticated threats, regulatory pressures, and emerging technologies that both enhance and challenge security postures. From AI-driven cyberattacks to supply chain vulnerabilities and the rise of zero-trust architectures, the market is shifting rapidly. This panel will explore key trends shaping cybersecurity today, including the impact of generative AI, evolving threat actors, and the changing role of security leaders in modern enterprises. Join us for an engaging discussion on what’s happening in the marketplace and how businesses can stay ahead in this dynamic environment.

  
  

  Powered by Title Sponsor: 

  
  

  Agenda:

  8:15 - 8:30am check-in, light breakfast & networking

  8:30 - 10:00am meeting

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Small Business - Responsible IT Asset Disposition: Balancing Cybersecurity, Sustainability, and Social Impact

  • When
    06/12/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Business Solutions Center 1435 Cincinnati St #300, Dayton, OH 45417
  • Registered
    8 registrants

  Register

  
  

  Responsible IT Asset Disposition: Balancing Cybersecurity, Sustainability, and Social Impact

  As organizations retire outdated hardware, the proper destruction and disposition of equipment—especially data-bearing devices like copiers—are critical to minimizing cyber risk. Equally important are the environmental and social impacts of recycling and repurposing technology, turning IT asset disposal into an opportunity for sustainability and social good. This discussion explores best practices in equipment recycling, secure destruction, and how thoughtful disposition can support both security and community benefits.

  Panelists: 

  Kyle Marks, CEO of RetireIT Assest Disposal Company

  Michael Sutter, President & CEO, Enlivened Tech

  Cliff Nelson, Charitable Recycling

  Agenda:

  8:15 - 8:30am check-in, breakfast & networking

  8:30 - 10:00am meeting

  
  

  Title Sponsor:

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact sponsorships@technologyfirst.org for more information

  
  

  
  

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• Data Analytics: Student progress in higher education: examining and predicting retention

  • When
    06/17/2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Wright State University, Student Union, Endeavour Room
  • Registered
    9 registrants

  Register

  

  Data Analytics: Student progress in higher education: examining and predicting retention

  Trends in Ohio predict declining high school graduates for the foreseeable future. This trend, coupled with increased competition from two-year institutions offering lower-cost four-year degrees and many potential students choosing online boot camps or certificate program alternatives, has left many four-year colleges and universities struggling to attract, retain, and graduate a smaller pool of students. This project aimed to utilize predictive logistic regression and machine learning techniques (k-means clustering) to examine the effect of traditional student success factors on retention.

  Facilitated by: 

  Marsha Henderson, Wright State University

  

  
  

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• Cybersecurity: Back Doors and Breaches Game

  • When
    06/25/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Life Connection of Ohio, 2800 Donation Circle, Kettering 45420
  • Registered
    12 registrants

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Back Doors and Breaches Game

  Backdoors & Breaches is an incident response card game developed by Black Hills Information Security. Players use these cards to simulate real-world scenarios, such as initial compromises, pivot and escalate tactics, and persistence mechanisms. The goal is to enhance the players’ ability to identify, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats effectively.

  During the game, participants learn to recognize various types of cyber attacks and understand the sequence of events that typically occur during a breach. They practice decision-making under pressure, improving their ability to prioritize actions and allocate resources efficiently. The game also helps players familiarize themselves with different tools and techniques used in incident response, such as network monitoring, threat hunting, and forensic analysis. By working through these scenarios, players develop a deeper understanding of the importance of communication and collaboration in managing cybersecurity incidents.

  Facilitated by:
  

  Joe Tinney
  Secure Cyber Defense

  Powered by: 

  
  

  
  

  Agenda:

  8:15 - 8:30am check-in, breakfast & networking

  8:30 - 10:00am meeting

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Emerging Tech Leaders

  • Start
    07/08/2025
  •  
  • End
    09/16/2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Business Solutions Center Boardroom, 1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton 45417
  • Spaces left
    16
  • Registered
    4 registrants

  Register

  
  

  

  Building our future leaders

  The Emerging Tech Leaders program will give new and prospective IT leaders an opportunity to explore and learn about the many facets of what they will experience in their new and exciting role. Participants will be led through a journey of discovering who they are as a leader, where they excel and where they have opportunities to grow by working through scenario-based exercises as well as participating in group coaching and discussions. Participants will also grow their skills by working in peer groups to solve and analyze complex organizational and business problems involving company politics, measuring change, coaching team members, and more.

  Program Details 

  The six-session program will run 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., every other Tuesday over the course of twelve weeks. In addition, your registration includes (2) 30-minute personal coaching sessions with Coach Mike. Learn more.

  ·       July 8: Discovering Leadership Essence

  ·       July 22: Mastering Performance Management

  ·       August 5: Strategic Hiring for Success

  ·       August 19: Mastering the Business of IT

  ·       September 2: Navigating Relationships & Organizational  Politics 

  ·       September 16: Group Coaching and Action Planning

  About Coach Mike

  

  Mike Czarnecki is the Owner of IT Coach Mike, LLC, which provides IT professionals with individual and group coaching for leadership and career development. Mike has been in IT for nearly 30 years as both a technologist and a leader at multiple levels. Mike is a strong proponent of servant leadership and driving autonomy in his teams to promote growth and accountability which results in strong leaders and high performance. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science, Business Management degree from Western Governors University and in 2018 earned his coaching certification through the International Coach Federation. He enjoys spending time with his family and loved ones, playing video games, collecting and modding classic gaming consoles, building PCs, and performing and teaching improv comedy.

  Sponsor Opportunities Available 
  Please contact sponsorships@technologyfirst.org if you would like to build stronger relationships with our Emerging Tech Leaders over a 3-month period.

  
  

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• Workforce Development: Navigating the Employee Journey: Onboarding, Retention, and Exit Strategies

  • When
    07/10/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Life Connections, 2800 Donation Circle, Kettering
  • Registered
    4 registrants

  Register

  
  

  Navigating the Employee Journey: Onboarding, Retention, and Exit Strategies

  Discover how to design a seamless and effective employee journey, from onboarding to retention and even the exit process. Explore strategies to create a welcoming and supportive onboarding experience, retain top talent in a competitive market, and handle employee exits with professionalism. Address the rising trend of new hires evaluating fit within the first two weeks and learn how to make a lasting positive impression while aligning expectations. Gain actionable insights to enhance your organization's workforce strategy at every stage of the employee lifecycle.

  Presenter: 

  Nancy Percy, Sinclair College

  Powered by: 

  
  

  
  

  Agenda:

  8:15-8:30 am - registration, network, coffee/snacks

  8:30-10:00 am - meeting

  

  
  

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• Workshop: AI Simplified

  • When
    07/16/2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    Dayton Children's Inspiration Center, 241 Taylor St, Dayton
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  
  

  
  

  AI Simplified

  Facilitated by: 

  Kendra Ramirez, CEO, KR Digital Agency

  Join us for “AI Simplified,” an engaging and practical 1 1/2 hour session. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or new to the world of artificial intelligence, this session is tailored to help you harness the power of AI tools for your organization's needs.

  We’ll work through real-world examples demonstrating how these AI tools can solve everyday organizational challenges. From routine tasks to generating ideas, you’ll see firsthand how AI can enhance productivity and creativity.

  You’ll leave with practical knowledge and confidence to apply AI solutions in your organization.

  Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the fundamentals of AI.
  • Learn best practices for crafting effective AI prompts.
  • Real-world business scenarios that you can implement with off the shelf AI tools.
  • Get your AI questions answered

  Must bring your own laptop
  

  

  Kendra Ramirez: As the CEO of KR Digital Agency, a leader in Digital and AI solutions, we spearhead initiatives that drive digital and AI transformation in B2B markets. Since building bots in 2018, I have become an AI advocate, serving on the Cincinnati AI Catalyst Committee and co-hosting the Tristate’s largest AI community. With a track record of delivering over 100 AI talks, my commitment to educating and engaging professionals in AI is my driving force. Additionally, I am globally recognized on LinkedIn.com’s homepage, recipient of the Women of Influence Award, John Barrett Entrepreneur Vision Award, Cincy Chic Woman of the Year, and STEM Influencer. As the best-selling author of “Marketing Fusion” and “Micro Shift,” I share insights on leveraging digital technologies and the importance of understanding our mindset. With over 15 years in technology companies, my leadership is focused on navigating change in sales, marketing, and recruiting.

  Agenda:

  8:30 - 9:00am check-in, light breakfast & networking

  9:00 - 10:30am workshop

  
  

  Sponsorships available!

  
  

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• IT Leaders: Jurgenson Tour and Tech's Role in the Organization

  • When
    08/12/2025
  •  
    11:15 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Jurgenson Company 11641 Mosteller Rd, Cincinnati, 45241
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  

  Jurgenson Tour and Tech's Role in the Organization

  Join us for lunch, a tour of the facility and a closing discussion on how technology enables the plant.

  Facilitated by: 

  Parag Pujari
  

  
  

  Powered by Title Sponsor: 

  
  

  
  

  and 

  
  

  Contributing Sponsor: 

  
  

  Agenda:

  11:15 - 12:00pm check-in, lunch & networking

  12:00 - 1:00pm tour & discussion

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Workforce Development: Best Practices and Lessons Learned from Business, Interns and Apprentices

  • When
    09/11/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Montgomery Co Business Solutions, 1435 Cincinnati St, Suite 300, Dayton 45417
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  
  

  Best Practices and Lessons Learned from Business, Interns and Apprentices

  Gain valuable insights from companies and students about the successes and challenges of apprenticeship and internship programs. This session will explore best practices for structuring programs, fostering meaningful learning experiences, and ensuring mutual value for both organizations and participants. Learn how companies can build pipelines of future talent while students gain real-world skills and professional connections. Discover strategies to overcome common pitfalls and maximize the impact of these programs on workforce development.

  Presenter: 

  Nancy Percy, Sinclair College

  Powered by: 

  
  

  
  

  Agenda:

  8:15-8:30 am - registration, network, coffee/snacks

  8:30-10:00 am - meeting

  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure/Cloud Joint Event: Cyber Defense Matrix

  • When
    10/22/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Business Solutions Center, 1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton 45402
  • Registered
    9 registrants

  Register

  

  Join us for this special meeting combining the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure/Cloud Peer Groups

  Cyber Defense Matrix

  In today's cybersecurity landscape, organizations face unprecedented challenges in protecting their assets. The Cyber Defense Matrix, developed by Sounil Yu, provides a structured framework to prioritize security efforts. This presentation will explore its origin, structure, and ability to map security measures while identifying gaps. Through real-world examples, discover how companies use the matrix to enhance security, align initiatives with business goals, and streamline processes. Learn how this framework can transform your cybersecurity strategy and help you stay ahead of evolving threats across people, data, applications, devices, and networks.

  Facilitated by:
  

  Doug Davidson, GBQ

  

  Doug joined GBQ in 2016, bringing 30 years of experience working with technology and technology leadership in companies ranging in size from innovative, emerging businesses to Fortune 500s.

  Doug’s passion is for the business side of the information risk management, security and compliance equation. He works with business leaders and executives to assess and improve the operationalization of information risk and information security programs. Doug advises information security and compliance leadership in larger enterprises focusing on control assessment and improvement in areas such as security leadership, policy and procedure, security awareness, third-party risk management and compliance with HIPAA, PCI and ISO 27001.

  Powered by: 

  
  

  
  

  Agenda:

  8:15 - 8:30am check-in, breakfast & networking

  8:30 - 10:00am meeting

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Workforce Development: Holiday Mixer & 2025 Success and 2026 Plans

  • When
    12/11/2025
  •  
    8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Montgomery Co Business Solutions, 1435 Cincinnati St, Suite 300, Dayton 45417
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  
  

  Holiday Mixer

  2025 Successes and 2026 Plans

  Join in on roundtable discussions to share your success from 2025 and your plans for 2025.

  Presenter: 

  Nancy Percy, Sinclair College

  Matthew Worthen, NextStep Networking

  Powered by: 

  
  

  
  

  Agenda:

  8:15-8:30 am - registration, network, coffee/snacks

  8:30-10:00 am - meeting

  

  
  

  
  

  Show details