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Upcoming events

    • 07/10/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Life Connections, 2800 Donation Circle, Kettering
    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.

    Moderator: 

    Nancy Percy, Sinclair College

    Panelists: 

    Emily Miller, Dignified Learning

    Keri Forney, Expedient Technology Solutions

    Aaron Davis, Reliant Research Group


    Powered by: 



    Agenda:

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

    8:30-10:00 am - meeting


    • 07/15/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Wright State University, Emergence Center, 3070 Presidential Drive, Fairborn, Ohio 45324
    Register



    How Do You Build Secure Apps for Private 5G and IoT?

    and

    Tour Studio 5G 

    Let’s talk about security where it matters most. With the rise of private 5G networks powering everything from smart factories to autonomous logistics, the way we build secure applications—especially those involving IoT—is facing new challenges. But how are you thinking about it?

    We’re dedicating this I/C session to opening up the floor:

    What are the best practices you use—or think we should use—when building for security in this space?

    Prompting the Conversation:

    • How do you handle secure provisioning for thousands of IoT devices?
    • Are there tools or frameworks that actually make this easier?
    • What’s your stance on edge vs. cloud security tradeoffs?
    • Ever had a 5G security wake-up call? What did you learn?
    • How do you enforce or validate security during development?

    Why It Matters:

    Private 5G networks offer performance and control—but security isn’t baked in by default. We need shared understanding, open debates, and cross-team knowledge to get this right.

    Facilitated By:

    Bill Magnuson, NexusBlue

    Jason Clishe, CDW

    Powered by Title Sponsor: 


    Supporting Sponsor:



    Agenda:

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

    8:30 - 10:00am meeting



    • 07/16/2025
    • 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Dayton Children's Inspiration Center, 241 Taylor St, Dayton
    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!


    • 07/22/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Eudora Brewing, 3022 Wilmington Pike, Dayton, OH 45429
    • 19
    Register


    Join Technology First for a relaxed and enjoyable evening of networking and connection with fellow tech professionals.

    Whether you're looking to grow your network, reconnect with industry peers, or simply unwind with great company, this is the perfect place to be.

    Eudora Brewing

    3022 Wilmington Pike, Dayton, OH 45429

    5:30 - 7:30 PM

    Light appetizers and drinks will be provided.

    Come as you are, bring a colleague, and let's make some great connections together!

    Presented by:




    • 07/23/2025
    • 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Business Solutions Center, 1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton, 45417
    Register

    Redefining the Rules: Women on the Rise

    Join us for an inspiring meeting focused on the real stories of women who have forged their own paths in tech and entrepreneurship. Our featured speaker will share her journey of breaking through industry barriers, transitioning into business ownership, and redefining success on her own terms. Through honest reflections and practical insights, she’ll explore the challenges women face—and the leadership principles that help them rise. This event is a space to connect, learn, and be empowered by the experiences of women who are reshaping what it means to lead and succeed!


    Speaker: Srujal Sheth, CEO of Vana

    Srujal Started Vana Solutions in 2006 and in 2024 sold Vana to VTG Company. While leading Vana, Srujal developed and executed long-term strategies for growth, fostered client relationships, and set the tone for the company culture and values.

    Throughout her journey, she continually evolved her business in the face of profound challenges—navigating the 2007–08 Great Recession, government shutdowns, rapid technological transformations, and the global upheaval of COVID-19—emerging each time with greater strength, clarity, and resilience.

    She is passionate about sharing her journey of building and growing a business, while evolving as a leader and discovering deeper layers of self-awareness along the way. As a woman in business, she embraces the challenges and opportunities that come with breaking barriers and paving the way for others.

    Prior to starting her own business, her professional experience includes consulting, IT, auditing, and financial management. She received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Wright State University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Srujal is an advocate for community engagement and has supported some of the following organizations over the years: Technology First, Aileron, AFCEA Dayton - Wright Chapter, NCMA Dayton Chapter, and Woman in Defense (WID), Dayton Defense, Dayton Chamber of Commerce.

    Contributing Sponsor:


    • 08/12/2025
    • 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Jurgenson Company 11641 Mosteller Rd, Cincinnati, 45241
    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






    • 08/19/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Tyler Technologies- 1 Tyler Way, Moraine, OH 45439
    • 27
    Register



    AI in Action: Mastering Use Cases, Data, and Prompts

    Facilitated by: 

    Jason Clishe, Cloud Solution Architect, CDW

    This workshop is for the leaders turning AI concepts into action. You will learn to expertly evaluate potential use cases, adopt a data-first mindset for a strong foundation, and craft powerful prompts to drive tangible business outcomes.

    In this workshop, we will explore three critical areas:

    • Prompt Engineering Techniques: Discover how to craft the perfect prompts to get the results you want from generative AI models. We'll cover key techniques to refine your interactions and maximize the power of language models.

    • Thinking Like a Data Engineer: Learn to adopt the mindset of a data engineer, understanding the critical importance of data quality, structure, and flow in any AI system. A strong data foundation is the key to successful AI.

    • Evaluating AI Use Cases: Gain a valuable framework for identifying and qualifying potential AI use cases. You'll learn how to spot opportunities where AI can provide real-world value and how to assess the feasibility of an AI project.

    Desired attendee

    The desired attendee for this workshop is someone who is tasked with bridging the gap between business strategy and the technical implementation of AI. Anyone that’s technically curious and responsible for identifying and executing on practical AI initiatives. In short, the "doers" and "planners" within an organization who are actively being asked, "How can we use AI?"

    Jason is a passionate technologist with over 30 years of experience designing innovative solutions that drive business value. As a Principal Solution Architect at CDW, he specializes in Google Cloud Platform, with a focus on generative AI using Vertex AI and cross-cloud integrations. His career spans roles in architecture, partner strategy, and customer success, consistently delivering impactful results. Jason actively shares his expertise at industry events and holds certifications across Google Cloud, Azure, AWS, and Terraform.

    Sponsored By:

    CDW Logo


    Agenda:

    11:30 - 12:00pm check-in, lunch & networking

    12:00 - 1:30pm workshop


    Sponsorships available!


    • 08/20/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Pickle Lodge, Bainbridge Room, 7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester Township, OH 45069
    Register


    Join Technology First and The Circuit for a fun and relaxed evening of networking, connection, and conversation with fellow technology professionals. Whether you're looking to expand your network, catch up with industry peers, or just enjoy some good company, this is the place to be!

    Pickle Lodge,

    Bainbridge Room, 7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester 

    5:30 - 7:30 PM

    Light appetizers and drinks will be provided.

    Come as you are, bring a colleague, and let's make some great connections together!

    Presented by:



    • 08/26/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • DTC-1520 S. Main St, Suite 214 Dayton, OH 45409
    Register



    Rise without Burnout: Using AI to Achieve Work/Life Balance

    Facilitated by: 

    Ashima Sharma, Founding Partner, Ayuka Consulting

    Co-hosted by: Digital Transformation Center at UD Research Institute 

    Digital Transformation Center

    Discover how artificial intelligence can be a powerful ally in achieving sustainable productivity and well-being. In this engaging session, Ashima Sharma, founder and CEO of Ayuka Consulting, will share insights on how to integrate AI tools and strategies into your daily routine to reduce stress, enhance focus, and maintain a healthy work/life balance.

    Whether you're a busy professional, team leader, or tech enthusiast, this event will offer actionable takeaways on leveraging technology mindfully to prevent burnout while still reaching your goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices at the intersection of innovation and personal well-being.

    Key Takeaways:

      • Use AI to streamline daily tasks
      • Spot and reduce burnout early
      • Set healthy tech boundaries
      • Discover wellness-focused AI tools
      • Balance work and life with smart tech habits

      Agenda:

      11:30 - 12:00pm check-in, lunch & networking

      12:00 - 1:00pm meeting


      Sponsorships available!


      • 08/27/2025
      • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
      • Business Solutions Center, 1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton 45417
      Register



      Social Engineering Workshop

      This interactive presentation dives into the world of social engineering, where hackers focus on the most vulnerable aspect of cybersecurity—people. We’ll look at how attackers gather information from everyday sources like job postings, Google Maps, and social media, and how they use that data to launch targeted attacks. Real-world examples will show how these customized payloads are created for maximum impact. The session will also cover practical ways to recognize and defend against these manipulative tactics.

      Facilitated by:

      Josh Boxer
      Afidence

      Powered by: 



      Agenda:

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

      8:30 - 10:00am meeting




      • 09/09/2025
      • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
      • Life Connection, 2800 Donation Circle, Kettering
      Register

      Closed Session for Director level to C Suite

      Strategic Collaboration: How Leadership Works Together Towards a Successful Technology Department

      Moderated by:

      Treg Gilstorf and Parag Pujari


      Panelists:

      Marcus Thompson, CEO, Expedient Technology Solutions

      Blake Michaels, CFO, Jurgenson Companies

      Shawn Prince, CIO, RTA


      The IT Leaders Peer Group has brought together senior technology professionals and executive leadership for a powerful panel discussion on the dynamics of cross-functional collaboration at the highest levels of the organization. Featuring C-suite panelists from across industries, the conversation is centered on how executive alignment and strategic partnerships contribute to the success of modern technology departments.


      BRING YOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM!!


      Powered by Title Sponsor: 


      Agenda:

      11:15 - 11:30am check-in, lunch & networking

      11:30 - 1:00pm meeting






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



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




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



    Past events

    06/25/2025 Cybersecurity: Back Doors and Breaches Game
    06/17/2025 Data Analytics: Student progress in higher education: examining and predicting retention
    06/12/2025 Small Business - Responsible IT Asset Disposition: Balancing Cybersecurity, Sustainability, and Social Impact
    06/10/2025 IT Leaders: Cybersecurity 2.0 – What’s happening in the Marketplace?
    05/20/2025 Infrastructure/Cloud: Cloud Administration Challenges and Successes
    05/13/2025 IT Leaders: Experience and Lessons Learned from Cyber Threats
    05/08/2025 Workforce Development: From Remote to Reconnected: A Guide to Local Networking in a Hybrid World
    05/07/2025 Lunch N Learn: Cybersecurity Threat Awareness
    04/30/2025 Women 4 Technology - Lift as You Rise Conference
    04/23/2025 Cybersecurity: The Road to Zero Trust
    04/15/2025 Data Analytics: When Social Media and Management Collide: Insights from Three Studies
    04/10/2025 Small Business - Demystifying the Shared Responsibility Model and Avoiding Common Misconceptions About Roles & Responsibilities with Cloud Services
    04/08/2025 IT Leaders: Organizational Design
    04/03/2025 2024 11th Annual Leadership Awards
    03/05/2025 2025 Ohio Information Security Conference
    02/26/2025 Women 4 Tech: Empowering Women in IT: Navigating Change, Building Skills, and Defining Success
    02/18/2025 Infrastructure/Cloud: Disaster Recovery and High Availability
    02/13/2025 Workforce Development: Harnessing Practical AI: Workforce Readiness and Organizational Success
    02/11/2025 IT Leaders: Annual CIO Forecast Panel
    01/28/2025 IT Leaders: 2025 Strategic Goals and Priorities
    01/22/2025 Cybersecurity: Supply Chain Risk Management
    01/21/2025 Data Analytics Roundtable: AI Analytics Methodologies
    01/15/2025 2025 Dayton AI Day
    01/09/2025 Small Business - Tips for Using Microsoft 365 at Your Small Business
    12/12/2024 IT Leaders: A Journey to FinOps
    12/11/2024 Women 4 Tech: Building Joy
    12/10/2024 Infrastructure/Cloud: Beyond High Availability: Building a Resilient, Secure, and Recoverable Business Continuity Strategy
    12/05/2024 Workforce Development: Resources to Upskill Your Workforce
    11/21/2024 Small Business - Tips, Tools, & Strategies: Leveraging Tech First to Grow Your SMB
    11/19/2024 Data Analytics Roundtable: Contact Center as a Service
    11/13/2024 2024 Taste of IT Conference
    10/16/2024 Cybersecurity: How to Safely Deploy Generative AI
    10/15/2024 Infrastructure/Cloud: Top Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cloud Strategy
    10/10/2024 IT Leaders - Shaping the Future of Tech Talent: Workforce Survey Results
    10/02/2024 Workshop - Cyber Secure My Business: Managing Risk Without the Technical Know-How


    Meet Our Partners

    Our Cornerstone Partners share a common goal: to connect, strengthen, and champion the technology community in our region. A Technology First Partner is an elite member leading the support, development, and expansion of Technology First services. In return, Partners improve community visibility and increase their revenue. Make a difference in our region and your business. 

    Become A Partner

    Cornerstone Partners



    1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton Ohio 45417

    Info@TechnologyFirst.org
    937-229-0054

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