Event recap: Midwest Technology Summit 2024

August 15, 2024, The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber) hosted The Midwest Technology Summit (The Summit) at the Butler Machinery Arena, Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo, North Dakota. The Summit gathered industry leaders, educators and technology experts to discuss the future of workforce development, education and the critical role of technology in driving innovation across various sectors.

A collaborative effort across the Midwest
This Summit, a collaboration with 31 other Chambers and associations across the Midwest, was also livestreamed across the region by Forum Communications and broadcast on-air by KFGO. These partnerships showcase the region's commitment to advancing and elevating these critical conversations, with a combined in-person and virtual audience of 5,116 across the Midwest and country for this event.

Innovative Opening: An AI-Generated Shannon Full
The event began with a futuristic touch - a video introduction by an AI-generated version of Shannon Full, President and CEO of The Chamber. Created by Bisblox, this AI counterpart set the stage by highlighting the cutting-edge technologies being explored today and in the future. This innovative opening underscored the growing influence of artificial intelligence in shaping industries and communities, perfectly setting the tone for The Summit.The real Shannon Full then took the stage, expressing her enthusiasm for the innovative technology featured in the video.

Workforce Development and Education: The First Panel
The first panel of the day, moderated by Terry Effertz, executive director of TechND, explored the pressing workforce demands within the technology sector. Panelists Blaine Booher from Emerging Digital Academy, Jerry Rostad from the North Dakota University System and Chad Davis from Turtle Mountain Community College shared insights on how educational institutions and industry leaders collaborate to meet the region's growing workforce demands. They emphasized lifelong learning, flexible curriculum design and the role of public-private partnerships in preparing the workforce for the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Industry Insights: Sector-Specific Transformations
The Summit transitioned into the Industry Insights segment, where experts delved into how technology is transforming specific sectors.

• Christian Beckner, vice president of retail technology and cybersecurity at the National Retail Federation, discussed AI-driven customer service enhancements and the challenges of increasing regulatory burdens in privacy and cybersecurity.
• Jeff Bewley from ONEOK focused on securing critical infrastructure amid evolving cyber threats.
• Dr. Dave Newman of Sanford Health explored innovations in virtual health care, emphasizing technology's potential to improve health care accessibility and quality, particularly in rural areas.
• George Woodward, president and CEO of Trilogy Networks, wrapped up the segment by discussing precision agriculture and the Dakota Innovation Corridor Project. He underscored the importance of innovation in agriculture and the global significance of the work being done in the Red River Valley.

Keynote: Sophisticated Cyber Threats
The keynote address by Rob Spiger, director of cybersecurity policy at Microsoft, was a highlight of the Summit. Spiger discussed the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. He provided actionable insights on how organizations can protect themselves against cyberattacks, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. You can view his presentation slides here.

Enhancing Security Posture
The Summit concluded with a panel discussion on enhancing security posture, where experts from Google, Candor and the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers provided practical advice on navigating the risks associated with emerging technologies.

The Midwest Technology Summit offered valuable insights and fostered important conversations that shape the region's technological future. The event not only highlighted the region's commitment to innovation but also underscored the collaborative efforts needed to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Thank you to our Premier Sponsor, Dakota Carrier Network.