Save The Date

Driving the Future of AI & Cybersecurity

Thursday, February 20, 2025  |  11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

RSVP TODAY

Join us for a groundbreaking event exploring AI and cybersecurity at the forefront of Connecticut’s technological future. In an era where digital threats are evolving and innovation is crucial to business growth, this session will unite Connecticut’s brightest minds to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and securing the digital landscape.

Hosted by Rebellion Group, this event will bring together industry leaders, cybersecurity experts, and innovators to delve into the powerful intersection of AI and cybersecurity, providing actionable insights on how businesses can safeguard their digital assets while leveraging AI-driven solutions for growth and success.

Shaping CT’s Future began as a mission to unite fragmented conversations across the state, fostering meaningful ideas and accountability. In 2024, we hosted five events tackling critical issues, creating spaces for tough yet productive dialogue. Looking ahead to 2025, we aim to turn these discussions into action by collaborating with stakeholders to develop pilot programs that drive change and lay the groundwork for broader solutions. Connecticut deserves visible progress on issues impacting daily life, and together, we will address these challenges to shape a better future.

We're introducing a new way to experience and connect with Shaping CT’s Future thought leaders we call it "ShapingCast." Our panel discussions will be live-streamed on the FOX61+ app and will be immediately followed by a roundtable podcast discussion featuring experts who react and expand on the insights shared on stage. This podcast will also be live streamed on the FOX61+ app. This innovative format helps Shaping CT’s Future attendees to participate in actively pushing the state’s most important stories forward.

Giveaway

We invite you to register for the opportunity to participate in our giveaway of two Avelo Airline tickets. 

Seats Are Limited

Reserve Your Spot Now!

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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WELCOMING SPEAKERS

Sean Kimball

Sean Kimball

Town Manager, Cheshire

Jim Altman

Jim Altman

Television journalist, FOX61

Dan O'Keefe

Dan O'Keefe

Commissioner, Connecticut Department of
Economic and Community Development (DECD)

Ron Angelo

Ron Angelo

President and CEO, Connecticut
Center for Advanced Technology, Inc.

Keynote SPEAKER

Yin Ho

Yin Ho

Cofounder, NYC Health Business
Leaders

Steve Shwartz

Steve Shwartz

‍Angel Investor, Award-Winning AI Author,
and Serial Entrepreneur

Cybersecurity Panel

Jason Pufahl

Moderator

Jason Pufahl

Vice President Information Security Services,
Vancord

Mary McPheat

Panelists

Dr. Craig Bernier

Dr. Craig Bernier

Chief Information Security Officer, Liberty Bank

 Foster Charles

Foster Charles

Founder and CEO, CharlesIT 

Chris Keegan

Chris Keegan

Senior Managing Director, Brown & Brown Insurance

Jelle Niemantsverdriet

Jelle Niemantsverdriet

Cybersecurity Strategist, Total
Cyber Solutions, Former National Security
                               Officer, Microsoft, Former Director
                               Cyber Risk Services, Deloitte

Chris Keegan

David Bostrom

Chief Security Information Officer, Boehringer Ingelein


AI Panel

Dr. Christopher Nocera

Moderator

Michelle Cote

Director of Strategic Partnerships,
Connecticut Center for
                               Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Panelists

Michael Acree

Michael Acree

Director,  Advanced Development
Programs, Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin

Mary McPheat

Mary McPheat

Founder & CEO, Grounded Logic

Michelle Cote

Michelle Cote

Director, Launc[H], Hartford

Michael O'Rourke

Michael O'Rourke

Head of AI & Emerging Technology,
NASDAQ

Matthew Wallace

Matthew Wallace 

CEO & President, VRSim

Tony Hwang

Tony Hwang

State Senator, Connecticut General Assembly

ShapingCast Podcast
Cybersecurity Livestream
Panel

BJ Kito

BJ Kito

Chief Strategy Officer, Rebellion
Group 

Sam Barrett

Sam Barrett

SVP, Client Services, Rebellion Group

Jason Pufahl

Jason Pufahl

Vice President Information Security Services,
Vancord

Michael J. Purcaro

Michael J. Purcaro

Chief of Government Administration,
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

ShapingCast Podcast
AI Livestream Panel

BJ Kito

BJ Kito

Chief Strategy Officer, Rebellion
Group 

Dr. Christopher Nocera

Dr. Christopher Nocera

Chief AI & Data Scientist, Rebellion Group

Brian Mullaney

Brian Mullaney

Cofounder, Chief Revenue Officer, CrushBank

James Maroney

James Maroney

State Senator, Connecticut General Assembly

Post Event
Retrospective Podcast

Michael O'Connell

Michael O'Connell

Senior Security Solutions Architect,
Aspire Technology Partners

Michael Vigeant

Michael Vigeant

CEO, GreatBlue Research, Inc.

Michael O'Connell

Ruan M. Marinho

Digital Strategist, Develomark

Innovation Showcase

Connect with the businesses that are driving change and advances in Connecticut.

Watch to see what is in store
for Shaping CT’s Future 2025!

REGISTER NOW

Event Agenda

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Networking & Showcase
(Doors Open)

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Welcome and Keynote

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Panel Session 1

1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

15-minute Break

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Panel Session 2

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Networking & Showcase

LOCATION

This event will be held at the Rebellion Group Headquarters:
535 W Main St, Cheshire, CT 06410

GET DIRECTIONS

SPONSORS & partners

Metro Hartford AllianceFruitful mixology
Metro Hartford Alliance