Technology’s power to drive collaboration is transformative. Summerfest Tech was created in 2018 to showcase the impactful influence of technology in Milwaukee and the Midwest, and provide a platform to network, educate, and celebrate the evolution of technology.
Today, Summerfest Tech continues to leverage the world-class music festival Summerfest, while championing the regional business community, spotlighting Wisconsin’s growing reputation as a tech hub and highlighting the growth and potential of the region. Summerfest Tech’s programming includes local, regional, and national speakers, cash-prize pitch competitions, and workshops for technologists and entrepreneurs, all connecting various tech sectors around relevant topics and programming.
Grounded in Excellence
Summerfest Tech is produced by Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF), a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1965 and hosts various festivals and other events from May through October each year. The organization also operates Henry Maier Festival Park, a 75-acre permanent site along the shores of Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee. The property is the setting for Summerfest, community events, concerts, and ethnic and cultural festivals, attracting over a million patrons annually. Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance is an annual nine-day music festival with the mission of bringing the community together through arts and music. As the festival evolved, Summerfest Tech was created to provide an opportunity to tap into innovation in the Midwest and beyond.
The Evolution of a Tech Community
From a modest three-hour gathering to a multi-day conference, Summerfest Tech has morphed into a cornerstone event. “Hundreds of speakers, thousands of attendees, and a unique blend with the music festival. Summerfest Tech is a step forward for innovation in the Midwest,” shares Sarah Pancheri, President and Chief Executive Officer, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “Our remarkable growth over seven years was driven by the unwavering support from our local tech community and sponsors, alongside the pivotal collaborations we’ve established. This evolution highlights the ability to adapt, grow, and redefine the parameters of success within the tech ecosystem and events industry.”
Thank you to MKE Tech for making this book possible, they are the voice and champion of Innovate® Milwaukee that unifies the community!
Innovate and Grow
At the core of Summerfest Tech lies an unwavering commitment to innovation. “To MWF, innovation means doing something new that hasn’t been done before,” asserts Lena DeLaet, Director, Sales & Summerfest Tech, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. The partnership with Summerfest, one of the nation’s largest and most accessible music festivals, illustrates a bold leap toward creating a unique conference experience for the Midwest that didn’t exist before 2018. “Our expansion is the culmination of taking calculated risks and taking feedback from tech leadership, many of whom are involved in planning all year. This progress, rather than happening overnight, emerged from meticulous strategizing, and valuing the insights received from our audience, along with the feedback from our steering committee and sponsors,” Lena added.
“In 2020, only our third year of the conference, we pivoted to a virtual only format, something our organization hadn’t ever done or considered before, but it opened doors to a national audience. This accessibility continues to attract a wider attendee-base, offering us unprecedented national visibility for the conference and the festival,” reflects Lena.
“Hundreds of speakers, thousands of attendees, and a unique blend with the music festival. Summerfest Tech is a step forward for innovation in the Midwest.”
Envisioning a Brighter Tomorrow
Looking ahead, Summerfest Tech is poised to cement the Midwest’s position on the national tech stage. Lena stated – “Our goal is to make Summerfest Tech a must-attend event and grow tech recognition in the Midwest. As we continue to produce Summerfest Tech, which attracts thousands to Milwaukee with world-class speakers and networking opportunities, we look forward to continuing to highlight the Midwest as a tech hub. The opportunities are endless.”
This conference is more than an event; it’s a mechanism for change, driving the innovation ecosystem forward. “By offering a free and accessible platform, we’re breaking down barriers, enabling a diverse range of voices to share their stories of innovation,” Lena says. “We continue to support innovation as a platform for this ecosystem’s development. It includes the region’s corporations, non-profit organizations, and founders to share their stories. As a free and virtually accessible conference, this inclusive approach not only nurtures local talent but also positions Milwaukee as a crucible of creativity and technological advancement.”
A Journey of Innovation, Community, and Growth
“Amidst the vibrant energy of Milwaukee, Summerfest Tech is a unique opportunity to convene tech leaders and tap into innovation in the Midwest and beyond. This conference is a testament to the city’s collective drive to shape the future through imagination and ingenuity,” added Sarah.
As Summerfest Tech continues to evolve, its impact resonates beyond the confines of the conference venues. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of innovation, and the endless possibilities that arise when technology and community intersect. Join us in celebrating the spirit of innovation at Summerfest Tech, where every connection, conversation, and collaboration brings us closer to a brighter, tech-driven future.
