[ { "id": 1668, "participant_id": 5505, "presenter_name": "Tenzin Gyaltsen", "presenter_bio": "Tenzin is a Tibetan Refugee born and raised in India. He completed his primary education at Tibetan Children's Village School before attending United World College - USA for high school. Tenzin moved to Minnesota in 2020 to study at Macalester College double majoring in Computer Science and Political Science.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/gyaltsentenzin)", "session_title": "MacGPT: Customizing/Fine tuning GPT model for Macalester College", "summary": null, "description": "## Abstract\r\n\r\nIn the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, ChatGPT and large language models (LLMs) have captured the spotlight, demonstrating unprecedented potential to transform everyday life through advanced computational capabilities. Our project, MacGPT, harnesses the power of LLMs to specifically address the needs of the Macalester College community. Designed to answer queries related to the college, MacGPT serves students, staff, faculty, and prospective students, providing streamlined access to information and various applications.\r\n\r\nThis presentation will explore the foundational aspects of LLMs, focusing on the development and fine-tuning processes that underpin the creation of MacGPT. We will discuss the practical implications of this technology in an educational setting and the broader potential impacts on academic communities.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n## Presenters\r\n\r\n\r\n### Tenzin Gyaltsen\r\nSenior Computer Science student at Macalester College. Passionate about software development, Tenzin is deeply intrigued about the integration of AI technologies within educational frameworks to enhance institutional resources and student experiences.\r\n\r\n### Aalyan Arif Mahmoud\r\nSenior Computer Science student at Macalester College. A tech enthusiast with a keen interest in software development, Aalyan excels in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world problems.\r\n\r\nJoin us at Minnebar to delve into the exciting world of MacGPT and discover how targeted LLMs can revolutionize the educational landscape.\r\n", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 17, "created_at": "2024-04-19 03:54:57 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 13:26:21 UTC" }, { "id": 1667, "participant_id": 5577, "presenter_name": "Chris Saxton", "presenter_bio": "\r\nHello! - I am an independent financial planner for expats and global citizens through my solo practice - Aberdour Investments.\r\n\r\nI've been doing this as a side hustle for the last 5 years with the plan to flip the switch once my kids were done with college in 4 years or so....\r\n\r\nThat was was until last month when I was laid off from my corporate gig. (I was a Senior Product Manager at Entrust working on digital payments and identity decisioning platform).\r\n\r\nSo here I am... hustling some more on my side hustle!\r\n\r\nI'm originally a Brit coming and have lived in Spain, Arizona, California before settling in Minnesota for the last 10+ years.\r\n\r\nHopefully my experiences and knowledge can help you realize your dreams of being a digital Nomad!\r\n\r\n\r\nI got my MBA in finance from St Thomas.\r\nAberdour Investments is a Fee Only, Independent, Fiduciary, Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Minnesota.\r\n\r\nLinks: \r\nI have two seperate LinkedIn profiles (one for the corporate audience, one for financial planning audience)\r\n\r\nHere's my corporate LinkedIn (Product Management focused): https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-saxton/\r\n\r\nHere's my Financial Advising LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-saxton-940a03298/\r\n\r\nHere's my firm website: www.aberdourinvestments.com", "session_title": "Digital Nomads - how to get your finances in order for working in another country", "summary": null, "description": "You want to be a digital Nomad and work while you travel the world! Awesome - the world is your oyster - but you should put some thought into the financial planning before you go!\r\n\r\nIn this session I'll try to cover some of the financial aspects you've probably haven't thought about but really can be nasty \"gotchas\".\r\n\r\n- How to avoid double taxation (the US is the only major country in the world to tax on GLOBAL income... oh joy!) If the country you are moving to has a tax treaty with the US you may be fine - but you still have to declare and file your taxes correctly... it's not always clear...\r\n- Selling property before you leave... be sure not to get caught out by the FIRTPA withholding for non-US persons (15% of the selling price...)\r\n- Access to US based accounts. FACTA rules increased compliance on US based asset managers meaning only a few will now work with international clients (that means you if you're living outside of the US). You want to make sure your custodian can continue to manage your money if you live outside of the US.\r\n- Currency exposure. Whether your moving a lump sum to purchase a property or have retirement assets in the US but plan on retiring abroad - managing your currency risk needs to be an important consideration as you plan. We'll talk different strategies to help limit risk here.\r\n\r\nI'm the founder of Aberdour Investments - a small independent, fee only, fiduciary, financial advisor here in the Twin Cities and until last month (when I was laid off) I was also a Senior Product Manager at Entrust working on FinTech and identity products.\r\n\r\nAs an expat originally from the UK I've navigated the complexities of a cross-border transition. \r\n\r\nAberdour Investments exists to help others enjoy a global life with peace of mind.\r\n\r\nwww.aberdourinvestments.com\r\n\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/c-saxton-940a03298/", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 28, "created_at": "2024-04-19 02:19:10 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 12:27:31 UTC" }, { "id": 1662, "participant_id": 5538, "presenter_name": "Prashanth Pollishetty", "presenter_bio": "Prashanth Pollishetty is the CEO and Founder of Vizworld and SportsVision, where he skillfully merges strategic foresight with profound technical expertise, particularly in the sports analytics sector. Previously, he served as the Senior Director of Technology at United Health Group, showcasing his ability to manage complex data systems effectively. His tenure at Wells Fargo as Vice President of Strategy further highlighted his innovative approaches to technology integration, driving significant business advancements. Prashanth's visionary leadership was instrumental in securing a groundbreaking project with the USOPC, demonstrating his capacity to steer his team toward innovative solutions in the sports technology landscape. His foresight in anticipating market trends continues to guide his company toward pioneering advancements.\r\n\r\n", "session_title": "Mastering LLM Optimization: RAG, Fine-Tuning, and Combined Strategies", "summary": null, "description": "Dive into the whirlwind world of AI, where generative models like ChatGPT and LLama dazzle the public and dominate headlines. As these models captivate imaginations and promise revolution, businesses are left pondering how to harness this theoretical prowess for tangible, impactful applications. This session pierces through the spectacle to explore the nuts and bolts of truly optimizing large language models (LLMs) for specific business needs. We will dissect the integration of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), fine-tuning, and their synergistic potential, offering a blueprint for transforming raw AI capabilities into finely tuned tools that can predict outcomes, understand nuances, and drive business performance.\r\n\r\nOur journey begins with RAG, a method that enhances model responses by dynamically pulling in information from vast external databases, thus enriching the context and relevance of answers. We will then delve into fine-tuning, a critical process that adjusts pre-trained models to better align with the unique datasets and peculiar challenges of your business, ensuring that the model not only understands general language but speaks the specific dialect of your industry. By combining these techniques, we unlock a new realm of possibilities, empowering technologists to not only follow AI trends but to lead them, crafting bespoke solutions that push the boundaries of what's possible in AI optimization.", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Varun Kodathala" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 4629 ], "attendance_count": 53, "created_at": "2024-04-16 19:33:40 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1660, "participant_id": 168, "presenter_name": "Damien Riehl", "presenter_bio": "Damien Riehl is a lawyer and technologist with experience in complex litigation, digital forensics, and software development. A coder since 1985 and for the web since 1995, Damien clerked for the chief judges of state and federal courts, practiced in complex litigation for over a decade, has led teams of cybersecurity and world-spanning digital forensics investigations, and has led teams in legal-software development. \r\n\r\nCo-Chair of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles, he is helping recommend changes to Minnesota statutes, rules, and policies — all related to connected and autonomous vehicles. \r\n\r\nDamien is Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association's working group on AI and the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL). \r\n\r\nAt SALI, the legal data standard he helps lead, Damien develops and has greatly expanded the taxonomy of over 15,000 legal tags that matter, helping the legal industry's development of Generative AI, analytics, and interoperability. \r\n\r\nAt vLex Group — which includes Fastcase, NextChapter, and Docket Alarm — Damien helps lead the design, development, and expansion of various products, integrating AI-backed technologies (e.g., GPT) to improve legal workflows and to power legal data analytics. \r\n\r\nIn 2019, Damien gave a TEDx Talk about his All the Music project, which to date has computationally composed over 400,000,000,000 (400B) melodies, has written them to disc (fixed in a tangible medium), and has given the public access through Creative Commons Zero (CC0), which provides rights similar to rights to works in the Public Domain. Arguably improving copyright law through legal decisions that appeared to draw upon his TEDx Talk's arguments.\r\n\r\n“This guy [Damien] rocks!” - Elon Musk\r\n\r\nLinkedIn\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @damienriehl", "session_title": "LawGPT, All The Music, and All The Patents Projects: Technology helping push legal boundaries", "summary": null, "description": "Veteran 20+ year lawyer and technologist [**Damien Riehl**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/damienriehl/) expands upon his TED Talk and his recent SXSW talk, providing *three* topics — all related to Generative AI:\r\n\r\n1. **Legal LLMs:** How LLMs can turn 50-hour legal tasks into mere minutes — and how that's changing the legal industry, including potential improvements to the judiciary.\r\n\r\n2. **All The Music:** An update on how we copyrighted 471 billion melodies, then placed them into the Public Domain — all to save \"you stole my melody\" lawsuit defendants. Learn how this All The Music project has helped Katy Perry, Led Zeppelin, and Ed Sheeran (twice).\r\n\r\n3. **All The Patents:** Take all the patents, seeking to push the boundaries of what constitutes an \"obvious\" invention — all using LLM-backed vector embeddings.\r\n\r\nLLMs are transforming legal profession — and rapidly: GPT-4 not only passed the bar exam, it beat 90% of humans. This discussion — led by litigator, coder, and AI-builder Damien Riehl — will explore how AI is already shaping legal practice, as well as ways that the judiciary might use AI to better administer justice. He will also discuss how AI can help close the access-to-justice gap. Join us for this timely talk about how Generative AI will continue improving legal practice and justice.\r\n\r\nThis talk will be fast-paced. Plus, I'll be trying to break the land speed record for words spoken per minute. Join us!", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 49, "created_at": "2024-04-16 01:50:48 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1659, "participant_id": 2387, "presenter_name": "Sergey Tolkachev", "presenter_bio": "I am a software developer and founder of a startup software company [256gl](http://256gl.com). Our goal is to deliver AI applications that have the ability to \"understand\". Prior to starting my own company, I worked as the CTO for Outsell, where we developed one of the first commercial ChatBots for car dealerships from 1999-2001. Before that, I was the Director of Academic Computing and an associate professor in the department of Applied Mathematics. My current research focuses on neural networks, contextual and conversational search, and building tools for personal assistants in healthcare, smart homes, and retail businesses. My credo is to merge science and engineering in harmony.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/stolkachev)\n- Twitter: @stolkachev", "session_title": "What's wrong with language models? Fundamental interactions and neural networks.", "summary": null, "description": "From fundamental interactions in physics to biological neural networks and how these models can help create more efficient conversational systems. By abandoning the traditional definition of “language,” we can create a constructive and pragmatic model of information interaction. Fundamental interactions in physics can be transferred to computer science, and the result is an effective model in which traditional engineering concepts such as “tools”, “work”, “productivity” and “power” acquire specific, measurable meanings and help solve a number of problems in artificial intelligence problems.", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 34, "created_at": "2024-04-15 22:04:35 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1658, "participant_id": 3347, "presenter_name": "Vivian Chow", "presenter_bio": "Vivian is a strategic business consultant and executive coach specializing in career design, transition and onboarding. She combines an impactful mix of real-world business experience and innovative coaching methods built from vast professional experience in multiple disciplines at Fortune 500 corporations, private companies and non-profit organizations. She earned an MBA from University of Chicago (Booth School of Business), and is a Career Design Fellow completing ICF accreditation.", "session_title": "Is That Job Right for Me? And How Do I Get It? ", "summary": null, "description": "Is That Job Right for Me? And How Do I Get It? \r\n\r\nIf you're like most people, even if you have a great job, you wonder if you’re in the right job or career. Maybe you want to use your skills in a new company or to pursue a personal passion. Did you see a job posting that caught your eye, and you're trying to figure out if it's right for you? Or perhaps you found your dream job but your experience isn't right to be considered for it.\r\n\r\nIf you've thought about any of these, join this session! We will explore ways to think differently about your career, and how to assess if a job is a good fit for your skills, interests, workstyle, and personality. And learn how to get recruiters to notice and talk to you even if you're not the perfect match for the job.\r\n\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 61, "created_at": "2024-04-15 21:47:08 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1657, "participant_id": 815, "presenter_name": "Steven Clift", "presenter_bio": "[Steven Clift](https://linkedin.com/in/netclift) (LinkedIn) is the CEO of GoodCarts, a startup building a network of hundreds (thus far) of purpose-driven ecommerce brands that cross-promote each other: [GoodCarts.co](https://goodcarts.co)\r\n\r\nHe is the founder of 1 Radio News - a highly rated world radio news app and the TV News app with over 2 million downloads on Google Play.\r\n\r\nHe is also a founder of E-Democracy.org - the world's first election information website back in 1994.\r\n\r\nIn 2013, Clift was recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change for Open Government.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/netclift)\n- Twitter: @democracy", "session_title": "Mobile App/Game Monetization - What's Under Your Hood?", "summary": null, "description": "If you have a mobile app on Google Play and/or the Apple App Store with ad mediation on Admob, AppLovin, Unity/IronSource, etc. let's trade notes.\r\n\r\nIn-app purchases strategies are fair game as well.\r\n\r\n(Please schedule before 2PM and not during Student Developers if possible.)\r\n", "room_name": "Discover", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Advanced", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 15, "created_at": "2024-04-15 21:34:04 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1656, "participant_id": 2481, "presenter_name": "Lou Abramowski", "presenter_bio": "Lou Abramowski or -- as he's known to many -- \"Hot Lou\" has spent the last 20 years building startups from OurFamilyWizard.com (the biggest family management tool on the web, acquired in 2020) to 8thBridge (MN Cup 2009 Grand Prize winner, acquired in 2014) to today [Evergreen](https://evergreen.app) (a social media automation tool for SMBs) and [Combat Candy](https://combatcandies.com) (a creatine gummies supplement DTC brand). \r\n\r\nHe's also helped build gigantic social media communities on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, TikTok, etc. for billion dollar brands like Jack Link's Beef Jerky and the Minnesota Vikings, to just a couple thousand for small non-profits like Simon Says Give, to hundreds of thousands for obscure children's entertainers like Twig the Fairy.\r\n\r\nOutside of the software startup and marketing world, he's a national and world championship ultimate player and coach.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n@hotlou everywhere on social media", "session_title": "Mastering Generative AI for Newbs, Nerds, and Skeptics", "summary": null, "description": "If you aren't already using AI in your daily life for virtually everything, I get it. \r\n\r\nMaybe you have been reading very obvious AI-generated copy in emails and blog posts and thinking to yourself \"I can't believe people are really fooled by this soulless drivel.\"\r\n\r\nOr maybe you tried it yourself and it predictably produced the exact soulless drivel you've been reading in those blogs and emails.\r\n\r\nWell buckle up, because I'm going to show even the biggest skeptics how to use AI to generate copy, images, video, music, code, and combinations of it all that might just rescue you or your company from that next 5 figure invoice that could've been done with AI in 5 minutes.\r\n\r\nWe'll dive into real-world examples, trade secrets, and hands-on exercises that will help you rewrite that pesky email, design eye-catching product packaging, write a script for a viral TikTok, automate your social media, build a million-dollar business (seriously), and everything in between. \r\n\r\nThis will be a casual, interactive session to put AI to the test. So bring some creativity. Or don't. You'll be shocked to see how AI will bring it for us.", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 90, "created_at": "2024-04-15 19:42:49 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1655, "participant_id": 815, "presenter_name": "Steven Clift", "presenter_bio": "[Steven Clift](https://linkedin.com/in/netclift) (LinkedIn) is the CEO of GoodCarts, a startup building a network of hundreds (thus far) of purpose-driven ecommerce brands that cross-promote each other: [GoodCarts.co](https://goodcarts.co)\r\n\r\nHe is the founder of 1 Radio News - a highly rated world radio news app and the TV News app with over 2 million downloads on Google Play.\r\n\r\nHe is also a founder of E-Democracy.org - the world's first election information website back in 1994.\r\n\r\nIn 2013, Clift was recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change for Open Government.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/netclift)\n- Twitter: @democracy", "session_title": "Student Developers (Parents Welcome)", "summary": null, "description": "A chance for student software developers, game designers, etc. to meet and share their technology interests.\r\n\r\nParents welcome.\r\n\r\nFWIW, my son will start Computer Science and Game Design at Augsburg next fall. As far as I can tell all his coding connections are virtual and global, and perhaps this time slot will help build some local connections for all.\r\n\r\n(Please schedule before 2PM if possible)", "room_name": "Discover", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 9, "created_at": "2024-04-15 19:26:46 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1654, "participant_id": 5518, "presenter_name": "Eric Sirkin", "presenter_bio": "Eric Sirkin is an esteemed Talent Acquisition and Culture Thought Leader with an extensive background spanning over 25 years, encompassing Human Resources, Employee Relations, Customer Service, Team Management, Military Operations, Business Development, Employee Training, and Process Improvement. Beyond his civilian career achievements, Eric's dedication and leadership were profoundly demonstrated during his 21 years of active duty in the United States Navy, where his service was marked by 10 deployments, including two combat deployments to Iraq. His exemplary service in challenging environments has earned him significant recognition, including being awarded the Air Medal five times, the Navy Commendation Medal three times, and the Navy Achievement Medal four times, highlighting his courage, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the United States Navy.\r\nIn his professional journey, Eric has demonstrated a relentless commitment to excellence, whether in developing and implementing strategic recruitment plans at WM Aviation or ensuring operational efficiency as an Operations Manager at Cross Country Mortgage/Wintrust Mortgage. His HR expertise, homed in both union and non-union settings, encompasses a broad range of skills from staffing and recruitment to organizational management and employee retention.\r\nEric's academic accomplishments are notable, with a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Training from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Arts in Management with an emphasis on Organizational Behavior from the University of Redlands, and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business. His technical acumen is also impressive, with certifications and proficiency in various HR and office software systems.\r\nAs a speaker, Eric Sirkin offers a unique blend of military leadership experience and HR expertise, providing invaluable insights into talent acquisition, human resources management, and the impact of organizational culture on business success. His remarkable journey from distinguished military service to his achievements in the corporate world makes him an inspiring figure and a respected voice and thought leader in recruitment. \r\n\r\nCurrently, Eric is exploring the world of consulting and assisting leaders in hiring, skills assessment, and processes for his company Station Six Consulting ", "session_title": "How to read a veteran resume and were they really in charge of a fire squad at 22 years old", "summary": null, "description": "This session will be a how-to guide and resources to understand veterans and their resumes better as the tools that we have in the terms of online skills translators are well let's just be honest junk that vets think are so ridiculous and inaccurate to show what they really did in the military. ", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 12, "created_at": "2024-04-15 18:51:51 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1653, "participant_id": 5500, "presenter_name": "Jennifer Simon", "presenter_bio": "With over a quarter-century of experience in technology sales, I am a seasoned Sales Executive who excels in crafting strategic partnerships and fostering high-level connections. My expertise lies in steering complex sales landscapes and enhancing the customer experience for businesses adapting to the digital era.\r\n\r\nCore Focus Areas:\r\n\r\nConnecting People: Building bridges and nurturing networks.\r\nRelationships: Cultivating meaningful and lasting professional bonds.\r\nStrategic Sales Process: Designing and executing sales strategies that deliver results.\r\nExceeding Sales Goals: Surpassing targets and setting new benchmarks.\r\nMentoring Sales People: Guiding and inspiring the next generation of sales talent.\r\n\r\nSuperpower - The art of human connections", "session_title": "How to Network with Humans - again?", "summary": null, "description": "I have been asked by multiple people to revive this talk in the post covid world. \r\n\r\nHave you wondered, do we fist bump, shake hands or hug? Who knows, let's figure it out together.\r\n\r\nIn this session I will go over tips and tricks to networking with humans and creating meaningful connections.\r\n\r\n1. Go through Networking 101 - get introduced or re-introduced\r\n2. Events to look out for to further your career.\r\n3. Volunteer opportunities for further connection.\r\n4. How can AI help?", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 63, "created_at": "2024-04-15 15:56:15 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1652, "participant_id": 917, "presenter_name": "Matt Decuir", "presenter_bio": "Matt (he/him) is a software engineer, entrepreneur, and Minnestar board member. Past projects include [Invisible Network](https://www.invisiblenetwork.com/), [Mpls Jr Devs](https://mplsjrdevs.com/), and [OMG Transit](https://omgtransit.com).\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/experimatt)\n- Twitter: @experimatt", "session_title": "OFFSITE Happy Hour at Southtown Lanes", "summary": null, "description": "Join us at [AMF Southtown Lanes](https://maps.app.goo.gl/NwViMdNWmnvEBiqZ9) for happy hour from 4:30-7pm.\r\n\r\nWe have the bar area reserved from 4:30-7pm. Be ready to show *something* to prove you attended Minnebar (a nametag, shirt, etc.), in exchange for a free drink token.\r\n\r\n**Address**\r\n\r\n7941 Southtown Ctr\r\nBloomington, MN 55431", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 16:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Jenna Pederson", "Eve Poeschl" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 323, 2182 ], "attendance_count": 73, "created_at": "2024-04-15 02:24:41 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-18 19:17:28 UTC" }, { "id": 1651, "participant_id": 1247, "presenter_name": "Senthil Kumaran", "presenter_bio": "Senthil Kumaran currently serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Virtuwell, a HealthPartners company. He is recognized as a pragmatic leader, skilled in architecture, design, and development of web and mobile technologies. His expertise extends to diverse domains such as Internet development, e-commerce, and multi-tier client-server applications, including those in healthcare, highly secure financial systems, manufacturing, retail, and consumer websites. Within HealthPartners, he is an integral member of the AI and Machine Learning as well as Enterprise Architecture groups, contributing significantly to the security standards of HIPAA/HITEC.\r\n\r\nSenthil has shared his insights at various technology events, including AI World Expo, Open Source North, Applied AI, TechConnect, IOT Fuse, Halicon, DataTech, Google Cloud Fest, MedFuse, Emerging Tech HealthCon, Minnebar, and various user groups. He also serves as a board member for a couple of 501(c)(3) non-profit Asian Indian Associations in Minnesota and holds the position of Adjunct Professor at Concordia University.\r\nBeyond his professional endeavors, Senthil is passionate about investment in both stocks and real estate. He also dedicates time to analyze cricket matches from around the world. He holds an MBA from St. Thomas University, Minneapolis, and a Masters in Electronics Engineering from Bharathiar University, India.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @senthilSkumaran", "session_title": "UNLOCKING PRODUCTIVITY: THE POWER OF AI TOOLS IN THE WORKPLACE V2", "summary": null, "description": "Hey there! Remember how we talked about some cool AI tools last year? Well, guess what? The game's changed! The world of AI is booming, and there are tons of new tools out there that can totally transform the way we work.\r\n\r\nWe're talking about going way beyond ChatGPT. This conference session is all about diving into 50+ awesome AI tools that can make your work life a breeze. Imagine getting more done in less time, with the help of intelligent helpers!\r\n\r\nThink smart robots taking care of repetitive tasks, or programs that understand your writing and make it shine. These innovative tools are like superpowers for the workplace, freeing you up to focus on the really important stuff.\r\n\r\nSo, whether you're a boss, a go-getter entrepreneur, or just someone who loves all things tech, this session is for YOU! Join us and discover how AI can help you and your team work smarter, faster, and achieve amazing things. Plus, we can chat about some of the familiar AI tools we already know and use to make this a super interesting discussion. Sound like fun?", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 79, "created_at": "2024-04-15 00:15:48 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1650, "participant_id": 423, "presenter_name": "Martin Grider", "presenter_bio": "Martin Grider is a game designer and contract software developer (mostly native iOS). He releases games periodically at [Abstract Puzzle](http://abstractpuzzle.com), and writes about games and game development on his blog at [chesstris.com](http://chesstris.com/).\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- Mastodon: [@grid@mastodon.gamedev.place](https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@grid)\r\n- GitHub: [github.com/mgrider](https://github.com/mgrider)\r\n- Resume/bibliography: [martingrider.name](http://martingrider.name/)", "session_title": "Mega Minne Multi Indie Mini Arcade", "summary": null, "description": "![Mega Minne Multi Indie Mini Arcade](http://ianfitzpatrick.com/assets/images/minne-arcade1.png)\r\n\r\nStop by to play some locally made games!\r\n\r\nThis year the arcade will have:\r\n\r\n 🎮 TVs running a selection of locally made video games\r\n\r\n 🎲 Tables with locally designed board games\r\n\r\n 🧠 Information about how to get involved with game development in the Twin Cities, including our chapter of the International Game Developers Association ([igdatc](https://igdatc.org))\r\n\r\n 💪 Volunteers on-hand to talk about all of the above\r\n\r\nThis thing is going *all day long!*", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Beth Korth" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 5482 ], "attendance_count": 51, "created_at": "2024-04-14 23:34:25 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-17 14:38:30 UTC" }, { "id": 1649, "participant_id": 5379, "presenter_name": "Brian Dolan-Goecke", "presenter_bio": "Engineer for over 30 year in the Tech Industry. Have worked as Developer, Operations, and always aware of Security ;) \r\n\r\nStarted working developing on Unix, most recently helped several companies move operations to the Cloud and automate operations.\r\n\r\nStarted the local Penguins Unbound Linux User Group and still a contributing member.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/bdgoeko)", "session_title": "DevSecOps the Good, the Bad, the Ugly", "summary": null, "description": "DevSecOps is an evolution of computing. During this persentation we will discuss how DevSecOps came about and why. And then discuss some Tenants of doing good DevSecOps!", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 42, "created_at": "2024-04-14 18:21:15 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1648, "participant_id": 4828, "presenter_name": "Scott McKuen", "presenter_bio": "Math and Physics geek from Iowa - Iowa State, then UIUC. Twenty+ years in Silicon Valley, then moved back to the Midwest for a better quality of life. Lots of previous work in AI/ML and finance.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/scottmckuen)\n- Twitter: @mckuens", "session_title": "What I Learned Writing My Own Quantum Computing API", "summary": null, "description": "I had a quantum computing hobby project that needed a certain feature. Nobody supported it. What to do? Much like Jurassic Park, this is one of those projects where you start out wondering if you could, but don't stop to think if you should. On the way, I taught myself the basics of gate-based quantum computing by building a basic quantum circuit emulator; I'd like to share some of the nitty-gritty details with you. Some topics: what's the use of a qubit? What's the use of two qubits? Reversible and irreversible logic! How to use all your RAM handling 4-bit integer comparisons! Curious about these what these very new, very experimental machines are supposed to be doing? Let's take a peek under the hood.", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 31, "created_at": "2024-04-14 05:04:20 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1647, "participant_id": 219, "presenter_name": "Robert Tomb", "presenter_bio": "Well, on Twitter, this is who I say I am, \"a nerd in the twin cities who has a family and a bike and some other stuff,\" which is pretty accurate.\r\n\r\nBeyond that, I currently work in Minneapolis as a Director of Engineering for Shipt, by way of a couple of years in Target's tech organization. Prior, I'd worked in online advertising where I got my start in the SaaS world. Even before that, it was all on-prem software in the ERP world. I've helped build remote, local, and hybrid teams starting as far back as 2006. I like to build on those experiences to help new engineering managers grow their teams.\r\n\r\nMost recently, I have formally gotten involved in Shipt's emerging engineer programs, where I'm building out the engineering side of what has traditionally been driven by Talent Acquisition. \r\n\r\nYou may recognize me as someone who has checked you in at a previous minnestar event, which I think might be the longest-running volunteer stint in my life.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/bikeonastick)\n- Twitter: @bikeonastick", "session_title": "Let's Invest: Building Strong Community and Empowering Our Future", "summary": null, "description": "Explore the power of investment in shaping our collective future in this keynote talk. Hear about the speakers’ journey and the investments others made contributing to his success. Dive into the Minnesota computer science plan and its role in fostering youth talent, alongside the broader theme of community investment. Discover how organizations in the Twin Cities' tech space are actively supporting individuals at all levels, from youth initiatives to professional development programs, and more.\r\n\r\nJoin us to uncover actionable strategies for investing in your own success and the success of others, strengthening our community fabric. Together, let's ignite a collective commitment to investing in each other and our communities, forging a path for strong communities and empowered future for all.", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 08:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Steve Buchanan" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 5489 ], "attendance_count": 92, "created_at": "2024-04-13 21:35:09 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-18 13:46:24 UTC" }, { "id": 1646, "participant_id": 208, "presenter_name": "Paul DeBettignies", "presenter_bio": "Paul DeBettignies is the Founder of Launch Hiring and is better known as “Minnesota Headhunter.” Recognized as a Talent Leader, for 25+ years Paul has sat at the intersection of talent advisory and talent strategy building software, tech, product and digital teams with startups and tech companies throughout the country with a focus on Minnesota and the Midwest while creating recruiting strategies for Fortune 500 clients.\r\n\r\nHe is a regional and national writer speaker, trainer, subject matter expert and trusted media source on recruiter, HR, career, job search, networking and social media topics.\r\n\r\nBorn and raised in Minneapolis, Paul despises bios and does not take himself as serious as this all sounds. He loves sunsets, fishing, gardening and still believes that one day the Gophers will go to the Rose Bowl.\r\n\r\nStay in contact with him by clicking: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnheadhunter) | [@MNHeadhunter](https://twitter.com/mnheadhunter) | [Minnesota Headhunter Blog](http://www.mnheadhunter.com)\r\n", "session_title": "\"Recruiting Hacks: Tips for Leaders, Hiring Managers and Senior Team Members to Boost the Talent Hunt\"", "summary": null, "description": "For my 2+ decades helping grow teams one of the most overlooked parts of an effective recruiting function is the role leaders, hiring managers and senior team members play in attracting, interviewing and hiring their new teammates.\r\n\r\nWhile part of my consulting work, I have not done this as a “formal” session and want to debut it at Minnebar.\r\n\r\n2/3s presentation and 1/3 group conversation so we all can elevate our role in the recruiting and hiring process.\r\n\r\nWho should attend:\r\n\r\nLeaders of companies (C-Suite and VP titles)\r\nHiring Managers\r\nTeam members who interview their future teammates\r\n\r\nTopics will include:\r\n\r\n- Writing compelling job descriptions including content that most are missing\r\n- Having a presence at community events, meetups\r\n- LinkedIn profiles, content to post and frequency\r\n- Interviewing skills, process and strategy\r\n- Elevating employer and team brand\r\n- Basic to intermediate level sourcing\r\n- Networking and referrals\r\n- Working with your recruiting team as an ally versus a speed bump\r\n\r\n*If you don’t or can’t attend, do this one thing in the next weeks: do your own recruiting fire drill (audit) from application through onboarding to be sure you have the best candidate and new team member experience possible.", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 49, "created_at": "2024-04-13 20:54:32 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1645, "participant_id": 1793, "presenter_name": "Ian Young", "presenter_bio": "Ian is a professional web developer and an extremely amateur philosopher. He believes in keeping Minnebar weird.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/iangreenleaf)", "session_title": "I Think, Therefore... AI Am?", "summary": null, "description": "What even *is* intelligence? \r\n\r\nAccelerationists are sure that artificial general intelligence is just around the corner. Skeptics think machines will never cross the gulf to true self awareness. But how will we know if we've gotten there or not? The more questions we ask about machine sentience, the more we realize just how murky our understanding of our own consciousness is. This talk will explore a brief history of the problem of consciousness and what it might mean for the future of computing.\r\n\r\nTopics covered include: Alan Turing, _Bladerunner_, and what it's like to be a bat. If you're hoping for a technical deep dive on LLMs or want to compare notes on the hottest new services, there are many other talks that may suit you better. If, on the other hand, you'd like to leave doubting everything you thought you knew, you've found the right place.", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 39, "created_at": "2024-04-13 01:09:41 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1644, "participant_id": 5469, "presenter_name": "Connor Hagen", "presenter_bio": "I entered the digital marketing industry after graduating from North Dakota State University during the peak of the pandemic in 2020. In my studies towards a degree in Strategic Communications and Business Administration, I developed a special interest in workplace communication and technology-mediated communications and their implications on how we develop relationships with each other. Starting my career working remotely in the digital marketing industry allowed me to experience many of the organizational issues that can arise when remote work is done incorrectly.\r\n\r\nSince joining the marketing team at Screenweave, I have made it my job to ask how we can do it right. Screenweave, in essence, is a video communication tool designed to reduce communication noise in remote work environments and to inform, guide, and connect users across an organization. My goal is to ask the right questions and ensure that our platform addresses the issues that people actually experience in their day-to-day lives.", "session_title": "Remote Rethink: Interactive Discussions on Facing Remote Work Challenge", "summary": null, "description": "Join us for a dynamic session where we delve into the pressing questions surrounding remote work environments. In \"Remote Rethink,\" we'll explore together how to effectively navigate the complexities of giving feedback, fostering trust, training new employees, and maintaining company culture—all from a distance. This session isn't just about presenting answers but about creating a space for shared learning and exchange. Whether you are on a remote team, collaborate in digital spaces, or are figuring out how asynchronous work even works, we would like to hear your experiences and insights! ", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "John Lundberg" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 5385 ], "attendance_count": 54, "created_at": "2024-04-12 22:56:28 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1643, "participant_id": 74, "presenter_name": "Jeffry Brown", "presenter_bio": "Jeffry Brown\r\nDreamer - Doer - Storyteller\r\nhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrybrown\r\n \r\nTHINKING DIFFERENTLY - ENTREPRENEUR - CREATE POSITIVITY - INVESTOR\r\nJeff has spent his career starting, leading, leaving and coaching businesses, after first working at Apple in that company's early years where he worked directly with Steve Jobs on creating the companies future and culture. He is one of the founding members of Hill Capital and coaches entrepreneurial businesses in growth strategy and culture. \r\n\r\nLife long teacher and learner never looking back but always looking forward. \r\nNot retired but re-fired to help others find and enjoy their purpose.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @Ideawhiz", "session_title": "Need Money❓ Just Ask❓ What❓", "summary": null, "description": "Entrepreneurs have great challenges in setting their plan but one thing to learn investors are looking for you!💲Want investors to give you money? Ask. If you want a better financial situation for yourself, there is a surprisingly simple way to do it: Ask for it. 💰Want a lower interest rate on your credit card? Ask. Want bank fees waived? Ask. Want a lower medical bill? Ask.\r\n\r\nFor a lot of different reasons – culture, habit, anxiety – we do not like asking people for things, especially money. And it is costing you.\r\n\r\nLearn how to stop this bad habit and you'll find yourself making and saving more money. Ask yourself do you want a few new ideas or, do you want to continue giving money away or not getting the investment you need? 💵💸 Feel free to contribute, have an idea to share? We can all learn together.", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 38, "created_at": "2024-04-12 22:02:57 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1642, "participant_id": 208, "presenter_name": "Paul DeBettignies", "presenter_bio": "Paul DeBettignies is the Founder of Launch Hiring and is better known as “Minnesota Headhunter.” Recognized as a Talent Leader, for 25+ years Paul has sat at the intersection of talent advisory and talent strategy building software, tech, product and digital teams with startups and tech companies throughout the country with a focus on Minnesota and the Midwest while creating recruiting strategies for Fortune 500 clients.\r\n\r\nHe is a regional and national writer speaker, trainer, subject matter expert and trusted media source on recruiter, HR, career, job search, networking and social media topics.\r\n\r\nBorn and raised in Minneapolis, Paul despises bios and does not take himself as serious as this all sounds. He loves sunsets, fishing, gardening and still believes that one day the Gophers will go to the Rose Bowl.\r\n\r\nStay in contact with him by clicking: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnheadhunter) | [@MNHeadhunter](https://twitter.com/mnheadhunter) | [Minnesota Headhunter Blog](http://www.mnheadhunter.com)\r\n", "session_title": "Managing Your IT Career v15 – (Why do recruiters suck so bad?)", "summary": null, "description": "Truth... this year I may not have all the answers you are looking for this year. As the economy continues to trudge along I appreciate the angst level about careers, job search, salaries is increasing.\r\n\r\nI do have some insights, advice to give along with some crystal ball predictions that while I can't say when, likely come true.\r\n\r\nI promise you this, you'll feel a bit more certain/aware about things after we finish. \r\n\r\nI’ll start by talking about:\r\n\r\nThe current state of MN, Midwest and remote jobs and trends\r\n\r\nWhat employers in town are saying, doing and planning for jobs this year\r\n\r\nHow I am thinking about the economy the next 3, 6 and 9 months\r\n\r\nFor those planning a job search later this year, I’ll have info to get you started\r\n\r\nWe’ll talk about LinkedIn profile makeovers and content to post\r\n\r\nThat’s where we’ll start.\r\n\r\nPlease bring your questions, thoughts and opinions.\r\n\r\nSend them ahead if you like to be sure we get to them => paul@mnheadhunter.com", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 77, "created_at": "2024-04-12 19:18:46 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1641, "participant_id": 2520, "presenter_name": "David Dangerfield", "presenter_bio": "People have been paying me to develop software for over 20 years. Since 2014 I've focused on frontend development using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Vue.js, React, Angular, etc.\r\n\r\nUp until 2014 I was a backend developer with experience in Java, C#, C++, etc.\r\n\r\nFeel free to message me on [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/dangerfield).\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/ddanger)", "session_title": "How to use AI tools like GitHub Copilot to improve your software development", "summary": null, "description": "It's 1 week out and I don't see the session I want, so I'll host it!\r\n\r\nThis will be an informal talk about how I've been using AI tools as a software developer.\r\nWhen I run out of info to share, I'll ask all assembled what they've been doing so we can learn from each other.\r\n\r\nAt a minimum you'll see a demo of using GitHub Copilot in VS Code to explain code, modify code, and write tests.\r\n\r\nIf you know something about this topic please stop by and share it!", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 100, "created_at": "2024-04-12 14:51:08 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1640, "participant_id": 46, "presenter_name": "Neal Tovsen", "presenter_bio": "Tech nerd specializing in product development and software engineering. Cofounder of two tech startups, and years of helping build teams, build software, and launch (or reinvent) products.", "session_title": "Blank Checks and No Deadlines! Why delivering software projects on time and under budget is so freakin hard.", "summary": null, "description": "We've been building software for something like 75 years or so. But if you attempt to judge our ability to produce software by any metrics used by any other industry, it is clear we still suck at it. Why is software product development so notoriously bad at delivering on expectations for time and budget? What are some better ways to do it?", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 50, "created_at": "2024-04-11 19:17:30 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1639, "participant_id": 5455, "presenter_name": "Michael de Vera", "presenter_bio": "More information about me can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmdevera/", "session_title": "Cryptography - Public and Private Key generation", "summary": null, "description": "In this session I will show how public and private keys are used to securely send data over the internet. I won't be using any 3rd packages but instead will actually show the math used from the Diffie Hellman algorithm.", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Advanced", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 27, "created_at": "2024-04-11 00:32:31 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1638, "participant_id": 5442, "presenter_name": "Brian Bies", "presenter_bio": "New to the tech/startup space. Lived and worked in China for over a decade, recently moved back to Minneapolis.", "session_title": "Packets and Sockets and Ports - Oh My!", "summary": null, "description": "For 50 years, getting computers to work together over the internet has been a constant source of headaches. Modern platforms do their best to smooth out the rough edges, but every once in a while network issues still rear their head to terrorize unsuspecting developers.\r\n\r\nAre you a battle-hardened network engineer with years of experience? A cybersecurity expert who knows all the latest vulnerabilities? Can't figure out why that one API call keeps failing and don't know what else to try? Or are you just interested in learning more about the wonderful world of networking? Then this is the event for you!\r\n\r\nWe'll be having a roundtable discussion where attendees can swap war stories, unravel mysterious bugs, debate best practices and new technology, and get to know other people working on similar problems.\r\n\r\nTopics of discussion will be tailored to the interests of everyone in attendance - if there is something you are particularly interested in please leave a comment below!", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 40, "created_at": "2024-04-10 18:34:01 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1637, "participant_id": 1881, "presenter_name": "Girish Jorapurkar", "presenter_bio": "[LinkedIn profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishsj/)", "session_title": "Retro-computing hobby", "summary": null, "description": "Retro-computing and Retro-gaming hobby have been on a rise for last 10-15 years. The hobby stretches from local thrift stores to large community events across US and to other continents in the world. During this session, I will walk through my journey, observations and thought/tips if you get interested in this hobby. This is meant to be fun & interactive talk.", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 36, "created_at": "2024-04-10 13:35:28 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1636, "participant_id": 5441, "presenter_name": "Andrew Rahn", "presenter_bio": "Andy is a partner at Modern Logic, a software development consultancy based in the Twin Cities. He's a geek, an oboist, dog lover.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/paddlefish)\n- Twitter: @@paddlefish@rls.social", "session_title": "🙀 Do you know you can save 💰 on SaaS?", "summary": null, "description": "Are you tired of bleeding cash on SaaS tools? In this talk, we talk about our journey from myriad specialized SaaS tools to our adoption of **Odoo**, an open source ERP. Like many small businesses, we faced the growing costs associated with SAAS tools such as Harvest, Parallax, Docusign, and HubSpot. Odoo is an integrated suite of tools for businesses that can replace many of these expensive offerings.\r\n\r\nWe will share insights into the transition to Odoo and how it improved our operations and cost efficiency. We will demonstrate some simple workflows that replaced our former tools, share our experiences with customizations that enhanced our workflows, and detail our approach to hosting Odoo Community Edition on AWS. This session is for anyone interested in simplifying their software stack, enhancing operational efficiency, and exploring cost-effective, open-source solutions.\r\n\r\nFinally I will encourage a discussion to hear __what SAAS tools your business uses__. How much do they cost? What is something you wish was out there that would really make a difference to your business?\r\n", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 20, "created_at": "2024-04-09 22:00:03 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1634, "participant_id": 3082, "presenter_name": "Stephanie Rich", "presenter_bio": "Stephanie Rich is Head of Platform at Bread & Butter Ventures where she works to add continuous value to portfolio companies and founders. She is the former Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator in partnership with Cargill and Ecolab. Steph has worked with numerous early stage startups as a mentor and advisor, and has received the Techstars #givefirst award three separate times. She has hands-on expertise in bringing products and companies to market while building, cultivating and sustaining customer bases online and off.

\r\n‍\r\nStephanie is the founder of Starting Up North, a publication focused on telling the stories and sharing the insights of Minnesota startups, innovators and their ecosystem, and Goby Partners, a marketing consultancy for startups and growing brands. Prior to Goby, Stephanie was employee #1 at Particle, the leading development platform for the Internet of Things. She established operational infrastructure and built the Particle brand in the marketplace by leading communications, social media, and product launches.

\r\n\r\n\r\nShe received her BSJ at the Medill School of Journalism and her MBA at the University of Cambridge. Stephanie's bread and butter is connecting dots - whether that means facilitating unexpected collaborations, surfacing the right tools for solving a problem, or helping teams identify previously unknown strengths. She is also very good at logic puzzles and stopping to pet every dog she meets.", "session_title": "Equity Fundraising Basics: Answering Why, When, How Much and From Whom ", "summary": null, "description": "In this session, we'll delve into considerations for startups contemplating equity fundraising. Beginning with the fundamental question of whether or not seeking investment is the right path for your venture, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of raising capital from angel investors and venture capitalists (and why the distinction between the two types of investors is important). We'll also talk about how to determine the amount of capital to raise, align this with market expectations, and prepare the necessary docs and resources potential investors will be interested in.\r\n

\r\nThere will be lots of opportunities to ask questions. Whether you're new to fundraising or looking to brush up on your knowledge, this session is designed to provide valuable insights into the entire equity fundraising journey.\r\n

\r\nYour guide through this discussion is Steph Rich, a seasoned professional from the local venture capital firm, Bread & Butter Ventures. With extensive experience sitting on nearly all sides of the investment table, Steph brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to those looking to navigate fundraising.\r\n\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 37, "created_at": "2024-04-09 14:56:34 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1633, "participant_id": 4871, "presenter_name": "Bjorn Orstad", "presenter_bio": "I am a 17-year-old health and tech enthusiast with aspirations to be a psychiatrist. I go to school at Exploration High School and Minneapolis Community and Technical College. I enjoy learning about consumer tech and its history. The only real personal tech industry experience I have is that I enjoy creating indie video games in my spare time. I love coming up with weird questions and then finding the answers.", "session_title": "Identifying and Maintaining health", "summary": null, "description": "Keeping up with technology can be harsh on our health whether it be mental or physical. But what is health? \r\n\r\nI hope to help people discover what health means to them as individuals. With all of the huge tech and especially AI sessions that are going on, I felt like it would be nice to have a session to look inward to make sure that we are all staying as healthy as we can. \r\n\r\nIn this session, I will talk about the following.\r\n\r\n**How to identify health**\r\nHealth means different things for different people so finding what it means to you is very important.\r\n\r\n**How to chunk your health**\r\nIt can be overwhelming to take on a large challenge all at once, so chunking is key when trying to keep yourself healthy.\r\n\r\n**How to identify actions to achieve health**\r\nIn line with the first two bullet points the goal is to use your definition of health and chunking techniques to identify actionable steps to reach a healthy state of being.", "room_name": "Discover", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 27, "created_at": "2024-04-08 20:06:10 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1631, "participant_id": 5388, "presenter_name": "Cherie Meyer", "presenter_bio": "Cherie is a software engineer returning to Minneapolis from San Francisco.\r\n\r\nIf you’d like to connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-m-3834aa29", "session_title": "Build-A-Bank: Minneapolis Edition 💵", "summary": null, "description": "Join for a 30-minute discussion about creating a publicly-owned bank in Minneapolis.\r\n\r\nNot sure what this means? Come see what steps other cities around the country are already taking to create a more robust financial future for their communities — freeing up capital for affordable housing, climate-related investments, and most importantly, providing access to financial resources where they are most needed.\r\n\r\nKindly attend and add your voice and areas of expertise to what will undoubtedly be a rousing conversation about capital, profit, and the communities we care about. ", "room_name": "Discover", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 36, "created_at": "2024-04-08 15:24:22 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1630, "participant_id": 5437, "presenter_name": "Erik Janzen", "presenter_bio": "Erik Janzen is a UX Designer, storyteller and dog dad. \r\n\r\nWith a focus on designing for AI/ML, he currently works at Thomson Reuters where he collaborates on CoCounsel, the AI legal assistant. CoCounsel uses Chat GPT in combination with unique machine learning algorithms in an intuitive user interface to craft a new way for legal professionals to accomplish their tasks with AI/ML. \r\n\r\nHe has over 17 years of experience in design ranging from video production, special events, and graphic design. \r\n\r\n\r\n", "session_title": "✨ Designing for AI: tips, tricks & things to consider ", "summary": null, "description": "The growth of AI today brings many new and exiting ideas. What makes an AI experience good for the user? Join Tom and Erik for a conversation about designing for AI based on their own experiences.\r\n\r\nWe'll discuss: \r\n\r\n- designing for trust\r\n\r\n- principles of good AI UX\r\n\r\n- real world examples \r\n\r\nParticipants will leave this session with tips, tricks, and things consider when designing for AI. \r\n\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Tom deBruyn" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 2979 ], "attendance_count": 65, "created_at": "2024-04-08 02:51:09 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1629, "participant_id": 911, "presenter_name": "Aaron Hurd", "presenter_bio": "Aaron Hurd is a nationally recognized expert about credit cards, loyalty programs and travel rewards. He has been published by The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Rolling Stone and dozens of other outlets. \r\n\r\nIn 2020, he left a corporate job to pursue freelance content creation and now spends most of his time helping people access new travel adventures, discover new places and make better use of personal finance products.\r\n\r\nIn addition to freelance writing, Aaron runs a strategic consultancy where he helps clients reexamine their business processes and learn how to run their businesses better.\r\n\r\nHe is on Twitter at [@aaronmhurd](https://twitter.com/aaronmhurd) and has a [personal website](https://aaronhurd.com/).\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @aaronmhurd", "session_title": "✈️ Introduction to travel rewards. ✈️ Learn how travel hackers use miles, points, and credit card benefits to get into airline lounges, fly in business class, and travel on the cheap.", "summary": null, "description": "Ever wonder how people travel the world for pennies on the dollar using frequent flyer miles, credit card rewards, hotel points, and travel rewards? Learn how in this session.\r\n\r\nI presented a version of this for the last two years at Minnebar, and I'm reprising it by popular demand.\r\n\r\nThis will be an introductory session for those curious or starting out in the travel reward game. In this session, we'll cover:\r\n\r\n**The basics of how travel rewards work.** You'll learn the fundamentals of how travel rewards work with an example using Chase Ultimate Rewards, an easy-to-use bank rewards program that offers cash back, travel rewards, and point transfers to airline and hotel partners.\r\n\r\n**Easy airline transfer partners.** I'll show you the airline programs I use most often to find business class international flights and cheap hotel rooms.\r\n\r\n**An plan to get started.** I'll present an actionable plan that you can use to get started collecting and redeeming travel rewards using Chase Ultimate Rewards.\r\n\r\n**Enhancing your travel experience by buying benefits.** Airport lounge access, companion certificates, hotel night certificates. How to think about buying these benefits at a discount with credit cards.\r\n\r\n**Cards I like.** Credit cards I like for travel rewards and travel benefits. I'll share the cards I particularly like for travel rewards and benefits.\r\n\r\nWe'll reserve some time for a question/answer session at the end. And I'll stick around outside the room afterward to jam about travel rewards.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAaron Hurd is a credit card and travel rewards expert who has been a paid contributor to The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, TIME, Forbes, Nerdwallet, Bankrate, The Points Guy, SFGate.com, and many more recognizable outlets, with over 1,000 published articles over the last decade and a half. His current project is building out [Cards and Points](https://www.cardsandpoints.com/), where he gives his own take on credit cards and travel rewards.\r\n\r\n[Cards and Points - Everything credit cards, miles, and points.](https://www.cardsandpoints.com/)", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 66, "created_at": "2024-04-08 02:25:20 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1628, "participant_id": 5436, "presenter_name": "Misha Hawthorn", "presenter_bio": "Misha (they/she) is passionate about leveraging technology to empower people and foster positive change that enhances relationships and communities. When they're not staring at screens Misha enjoys geocaching and adventuring with her husband, and spending time with cats Mousey and Cicero. ([blog](https://heymisha.com/)) ([github](https://github.com/mishagp))\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/mishagp)", "session_title": "Building scalable, real-time apps with Laravel for fun and profit", "summary": null, "description": "I enjoy building web applications in a variety of different languages, and within PHP I find myself using the [Laravel framework](https://laravel.com/) often. The wide and vibrant ecosystem of existing libraries that build on Laravel and the worldwide community of developers who work with it make it a joy to work in.\r\n\r\nOne essential aspect to many apps, depending on what you're building, is the ability to update information for the user as quickly as possible. There are a few approaches to doing this with Laravel and I'll walk through a few with some live coding demonstrations. Through the curated examples I also hope to show why the Laravel framework might be a great choice for your next project/startup! I plan to draw from and provide updates for [a blog article](https://heymisha.com/blog/laravel-websocket-server-guide/) I published over a year ago with some recent developments in that space.", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 19, "created_at": "2024-04-08 02:05:14 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1627, "participant_id": 5436, "presenter_name": "Misha Hawthorn", "presenter_bio": "Misha (they/she) is passionate about leveraging technology to empower people and foster positive change that enhances relationships and communities. When they're not staring at screens Misha enjoys geocaching and adventuring with her husband, and spending time with cats Mousey and Cicero. ([blog](https://heymisha.com/)) ([github](https://github.com/mishagp))\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/mishagp)", "session_title": "🐍 Battlesnake: Learn, Build, Duel! 🐍", "summary": null, "description": "I love [Battlesnake](https://play.battlesnake.com/)! I was introduced to it a year ago at a convention and since then I've been telling everyone I know about it. You build and host a live web server, your Battlesnake, which responds to calls from a \"game board\" web server. It's a fun way for folks to engage in programming at a wide range of skill levels, in an entertaining arena with others!\r\n\r\nIn this workshop I'll provide an overview of how Battlesnake works and jump into a live workshop where you may create and take home your very own Battlesnake if you choose. For those who may have begun working on a Battlesnake or already have one we may be able to host some friendly competitions, but the focus will be collaborating and pairing to build and refine a Battlesnake. If you would like to participate please bring a laptop.", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 40, "created_at": "2024-04-08 01:40:37 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1625, "participant_id": 5435, "presenter_name": "Nathan Sterner", "presenter_bio": "I've been in the tech world my whole life; for big organizations like in the Air Force and Goldman Sachs and then startups like BacklotCars, FactoryFix, and DemoHop. \r\n\r\nI have an electrical engineering background and recently have been the first marketing hire at 3 startups. We sold one in 4 years for $425M. \r\n\r\nI have passions for many sectors especially including marketplaces, health, B2B SaaS, and climate tech. \r\n\r\nCurrently, I am at DemoHop where we power online demo days to bring large tech / R&D teams together. These demo days are great for bringing all the developers, product teams, and business stakeholders together to boost innovation. \r\n\r\nI am recently back in Minnesota after being away since high school and want to help continue to build this amazing community. I live in Minneapolis and love tennis, biking, and skiing, reading + learning, and trying new superfoods. I have a lot of family in the area including 4 younger sisters.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @@sterner13", "session_title": "How to maximize your tech team ROI (or really any team) ", "summary": null, "description": "I want to discuss how to maximize your tech team ROI. As we all know, tech teams are super valuable and provide some of the key competitive edge for any business. I've been in technology my whole life both as an electrical engineer and marketer and want to share some perspectives. But much of this applies to any team not just tech. \r\n\r\n\r\n-\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome experiences I will draw upon: \r\n\r\n** Things I learned on the Goldman Sach's CIO's team to foster collaboration for a large enterprise \r\n\r\n** What led to Target's tech turnaround and helped them compete and thrive in a crowded retail space \r\n\r\n** Some lessons learned at BacklotCars; how we grew the company 114x in 4 years and sold for $425M \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n-\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI want to touch upon: \r\n\r\n** Optimal team alignment and structure \r\n\r\n** Creating sense of ownership \r\n\r\n** Avoiding disaster and keeping a level head personally and professionally when things go off the rails\r\n\r\n** Fostering creativity, innovation, and teams \r\n\r\n** Blocking and tackling -- what are the basics ", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 50, "created_at": "2024-04-07 16:47:52 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 16:21:57 UTC" }, { "id": 1624, "participant_id": 5377, "presenter_name": "Pete Steege", "presenter_bio": "Pete Steege has worked with dozens of technology businesses on three continents, from Fortune 100 enterprises to Silicon Valley startups, with a front-row seat to 40 years of technology transitions and the opportunities created by them. He has been quoted and featured in USA Today, Fortune, CIO, Computerworld and TechCrunch.\r\n\r\nPete is the founder of B2B Clarity and the author of the book \"On Purpose: The CEO's Guide to Marketing with Meaning\". \r\n\r\nPete helps Tech B2B business owners apply the power of meaning to grow their businesses.", "session_title": "How AI Will Break Marketing - and What Founders Can Do Now to Win Later", "summary": null, "description": "One of the outcomes of the exciting AI journey we are on is a fundamental change in content. Cracks are already forming in the content marketing landscape. The coming Content Flood and Abstraction Arms Race will change forever how businesses engage prospects.\r\n\r\nThis creates an opportunity for founders willing to lean in to the coming changes.\r\n\r\nThis session will describe the coming changes, postulate three likely market scenarios, and propose actions founders and startups can take - starting now - to be well-positioned to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the coming disruptions\r\n", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 55, "created_at": "2024-04-07 16:39:22 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1623, "participant_id": 4437, "presenter_name": "Alex Bangs", "presenter_bio": "Alex Bangs is a recent transplant to the Twin Cities after spending over two decades in Silicon Valley. He is Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer for a new digital health startup, and advisor to multiple startups in healthcare and life sciences including software, devices, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Previously, he has been a company founder, and the CTO/CIO for three startups involved in life sciences and healthcare. He has developed systems including a simulation platform for pharmaceutical R&D, an analytics platform for healthcare providers, an app for people living with rheumatoid arthritis, and a data science and modeling organization focused on fighting infectious disease. Before getting into healthcare, he developed software for analytical decision-making and robotics, including the world’s first robot bartender.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbangs/)", "session_title": "A Series of Irrational Acts - Lessons Learned from 3.1 Silicon Valley Startups", "summary": null, "description": "Joining a startup is in many ways an irrational act - and yet it can be a very rewarding experience. Alex Bangs has been a founder and CTO/CIO across three Silicon Valley startups – and just started another. In this session, he’ll discuss lessons learned from the rollercoaster ride of creating and growing startups, and tips for people who are thinking of joining or founding a startup. Topics will include founding teams, financial realities, timing and luck, nurturing a mission-driven culture, learning and the pit of success, scaling yourself, having a life, and engaging with the community. ", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 42, "created_at": "2024-04-06 21:10:14 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1622, "participant_id": 1910, "presenter_name": "David Duccini", "presenter_bio": "Responsible for Software and Security Architecture. David is on a dozen patents for Blockchain Technology with Wells Fargo and wrote his own unique crypto-currency called 2GIVE that had a market cap worth over 20 MILLION USD (at the peak). David has been an active member of Bitcointalk.org since 2011, with status listed as Legendary. Additional experience includes founding an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that acquired seven competitors before a merger and a successful exit. David is a unique expert with a breadth of experience as a software security architect, successful tech entrepreneur, AND visionary with extensive practical experience in Regulated Financial Technology, Blockchain, Smart Documents, and Cryptocurrency. Neck Deep in Blockchain & Fintech for 9 – 10 years, Software for 25+\r\n\r\nIf you're curious about our master plan for Global Domination, check out [the 2017 TECHdotMN 'Minnesota Moonshot' article](https://sppx.io/moonshot) to see where we've been and where we're going!\r\n\r\nDavid recently joined the [investment banking](https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/6851423) ranks on his way to launching a secondary market for securities sold under various exemptions. When he's not busy wrestling with regulators he enjoys donating his time, plane and pilot skills to \"Pilots n Paws\" a volunteer organization that helps move pets around the world!\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/littleduke)\n- Twitter: @TheLittleDuke", "session_title": "rideshare.coop : A More Cooperative Ride Sharing Experience", "summary": null, "description": "A humble proposal to create a Cooperative based ridesharing platform! Check out https://rideshare.coop for updates!\r\n\r\nThis session will share the initial concept and be an opportunity for questions/answers as well as IDEATION. Come tell us what you love and hate about current ridesharing options and your ideas to make it better!\r\n\r\nTHE VISION\r\n\r\nA truly decentralized, peer to peer ride-sharing system based on a cooperative model where riders and drivers mutually agree on the equitable value provided and earned using a real time auction model.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this model different:\r\n\r\n* The cooperative governance model means a more democratic method for setting operating standards, provides members with a shared platform of services that could include member benefits. Riders would be required to join the coop and obtain an endorsement before being permitted to ride.\r\n* Drivers could set their own rates or accept local market rates\r\n* Drivers could advertise range and hours to aid in Selection\r\n* Drivers could receive alerts about demand\r\n* Riders could make offers and Drivers could make counter-offers including a reverse-auction bidding system that lets drivers compete for rides, potentially lowering the over all cost to the Rider.\r\n\r\nAverage trip pricing data would be available to both Drivers and Riders based on historical data and could be calibrated to time of day and location\r\n\r\nEndorsements would be based on a “web of trust” model originally envisioned by PGP with riders and drivers digitally signing off on the rating awarded and both parties having access to their own networks rating system. For example, a Rider could see the ratings of their friends on a given Driver to aid in selection.\r\n\r\nThe system will be designed using an open-source decentralized distributed ledger based on a gossip protocol that can bootstrap from DNS SRV records. Once online nodes would share the ad hoc peer node connection information with connected nodes.\r\n\r\nDrivers could remotely control their nodes that would automatically manage their bids/asks and record their transactions and track taxable events including fuel, maintenance and miles. This decentralizes the computing power back to their home network which would have more reliable power and internet.\r\n\r\nThe coop could provide a branded “spend” credit/debit card that could be plugged into via API to pull and confirm eligible spend transaction data for the Driver and make tax preparation easier.\r\n\r\nThe coop would be the ideal location to provide small business consulting services and could potentially obtain preferential car loan pricing for its members in addition to potentially having a fleet of vehicles that members could rent.\r\n\r\nRiders could run nodes and act as validators and regulators would be encouraged to participate to monitor the system.\r\n\r\nThe system is NOT designed to operate on a “coin” or a “token” per se but rather on the digital signatures of the participants involved in the transactions and could potentially earn “credits” to be applied to rides or rewards.\r\n\r\nInitial reference design suggests deploying nodes on a pre-packaged Raspberry Pi brick and could be a potential nominal source of revenue for the coop.", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 42, "created_at": "2024-04-06 19:44:30 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1589, "participant_id": 828, "presenter_name": "Jeffrey Williams", "presenter_bio": "I presented a lecture at the UC Tech 2022 conference: \"How Long Until the Robots are Teaching?\", and then 2 months later ChatGPT was released.\r\n\r\nAttend my talk to hear what I've been thinking and testing related to AI.\r\n\r\nJeffrey Williams, Tech Lead, Berkeley IT &\r\nProject Lead, Trust Berkeley Mail Project \r\nUniversity of California, Berkeley\r\n\r\nGDG Cloud Twin Cities organizer\r\n\r\nIf you want to connect on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-williams-developer\r\n", "session_title": "Google Sheets + AI, the new Brainstorming, and Custom GPTs", "summary": null, "description": "**Google Sheets + AI, the new Brainstorming, and Custom GPTs**\r\n==================================================\r\n\r\nA talk in 4 parts.\r\n\r\n**Part 1. Lots of AIs in Google Sheets**\r\n---------------------------------------------------\r\nThe blank spreadsheet is sitting there with cell boundaries boxing in the emptiness, the equations still to be written, the data still to be gathered, and the data analysis far in the future. When will your weekend ever begin, you wonder silently...\r\n\r\nJust then you look over and see someone chatting with a large language model, smiling, as an AI model does all of their work for them.\r\n\r\nAre you feeling left out of the AI Chat game, as a spreadsheet user?\r\n\r\nThe solution: 1 Google Sheets + 7 AI models\r\n\r\nThis is easier than you might think, attend to see how to connect multiple AIs to Google Sheets via Apps Script, and that's just the beginning. \r\n AppsScript works with Gmail, Drive, Calendar, etc, \r\n\r\n\r\n**Part 2. The New Brainstorming: LLMs as a thought partner (in Sheets)**\r\n----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\r\n - LLMs as a problem-solving partner through the \"invert, always invert\" principle\r\n - NOT forecasting: **Backcasting** from an idealized future\r\n - Entering 1 input and getting multiple outputs from different LLMs, building off each other, etc\r\n - The New Brainstorming (you won't want to miss this)\r\n\r\n**Part 3. Custom GPTs**\r\n-------------------------------------\r\n - How to make your own Custom GPT to help you question your assumptions, and to connect it to a third party API\r\n - How I'm learning more by being asked questions (by my Custom GPTs)\r\n\r\n\r\n**Part 4. Will AI do bad things**\r\n--------------------------------------\r\nThe potential of AI will be balanced with both practical and theoretical concerns about current large language models.\r\n\r\n - Attribution\r\n - Bias\r\n - Copyright\r\n - Ghost work\r\n - Hallucination\r\n - Lack of Transparency\r\n\r\n\r\nBonus: Stay to the end to talk with a Custom GPT, live, that can talk to DNS, and maybe we can call a voicebot.", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 67, "created_at": "2024-04-04 05:41:37 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1588, "participant_id": 3279, "presenter_name": "Brandon Ly", "presenter_bio": "Brandon is a full-stack software engineer at MongoDB.\r\n\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-scott-ly/\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/branberry)", "session_title": "Concurrency for Web Developers", "summary": null, "description": "If you've worked with JavaScript at all, then you've most likely written asynchronous code. JavaScript is well known for handling concurrency with it's single-threaded event loop. It's commonly used to handle asynchronous API requests, reading and writing to files, all without blocking the main thread. \r\n\r\nWe'll be discussing different ways concurrency benefits web developers outside of common use cases, and we'll also discuss pitfalls when using synchronous I/O methods in Node.js. This presentation will be from the perspective of both frontend and backend development, specifically with JavaScript.", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 55, "created_at": "2024-04-04 01:57:04 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1587, "participant_id": 731, "presenter_name": "Sean Weiser", "presenter_bio": "Sean has more than fifteen years of mobile and web development experience. Currently he is a software developer at Livefront, focusing on Android development. He also helps out with TC Hack (http://tchacknight.com) with some of the others from Livefront.", "session_title": "Generating API Documentation For Your Kotlin or Java Library", "summary": null, "description": "When creating a library for consumers, accurate and accessible documentation is vital. Learn how we go about generating and customizing external docs for our Kotlin libraries. Intended for developers, this talk will involve Kotlin and a little bit of CSS.", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 24, "created_at": "2024-04-03 23:45:40 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1586, "participant_id": 5384, "presenter_name": "Chris Wodicka", "presenter_bio": "By day I'm a UX/UI Designer at Livefront where I get to work on cool mobile apps and websites. By night I love to tinker with my home server, shoot and develop film photography, and hang around various NE dive bars.", "session_title": "💾 Why You Should De-Google Your Online Data and Start Self Hosting 🌥️", "summary": null, "description": "Your online data is at peril, subject to the whims of big tech! Where does your personal cloud data live, who has access to it, is it safe, and what is it being used for? These are all very important questions we should be asking ourselves in an increasingly online world. What if I told you that you could take back control of your data into your own hands? Better yet, you don’t need to be a tech wizard or development genius to figure it out; heck, I’m a UX designer!\r\n\r\nIn this session we’ll cover what some of those perils are, what some of the risks are that are posed by relying too heavily on cloud-based services, and tell you how to get started with self hosting and why you should give it a shot.", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 117, "created_at": "2024-04-03 19:52:30 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1585, "participant_id": 4794, "presenter_name": "Noel Miller", "presenter_bio": "Noel Miller is a Systems Administrator, Technical Account Manager at Red Hat, and the Project Manager and a Core Contributor at Universal Blue.\r\n\r\nHe has been working in IT for a little over 10 years, with most of his career being focused on Small and Medium Size businesses. He recently joined Red Hat as a Technical Account Manager with a focus on Ansible. \r\n\r\nHe is the Project Manager and a Core Contributor at [Universal Blue](https://universal-blue.org/). Universal Blue builds a diverse set of continuously delivered operating system images using Fedora Atomic Desktop's support for OCI/Docker containers. That's nerdspeak for the ultimate Linux client: the reliability of a Chromebook, but with the flexibility and power of a traditional Linux desktop.\r\n\r\nOutside of his IT endeavors, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, heavy metal music, and playing guitar.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/noelmiller)\n- Twitter: @dogphilosopher@fosstodon.org ", "session_title": "Bazzite: The Next Generation of Linux Gaming", "summary": null, "description": "https://bazzite.gg\r\n\r\n**Topics discussed in this talk:**\r\n\r\n- Discuss the current state of gaming on PC (and handhelds)\r\n- Why use Bazzite for gaming instead of Windows\r\n- Why Bazzite is the best choice\r\n- Hardware demo of Bazzite running on a Steam Deck and a Home Theater PC (HTPC)\r\n\r\n**What is Bazzite?**\r\n\r\nBazzite is a custom image built upon Fedora Atomic Desktops that brings the best of Linux gaming to all of your devices - including your favorite handheld.\r\n\r\nIt is built with the intention to make using Linux for gaming as approachable as possible and provide an improved experience of SteamOS that can run anywhere.\r\n\r\nBazzite supports many devices including:\r\n\r\n- Desktop, Laptop, and HTPCs\r\n - Specific Specialized Driver support for:\r\n - Framework Laptop\r\n - Surface Laptop\r\n - ASUS Laptop\r\n- Steam Deck LCD (OLED currently in development)\r\n- Lenovo Legion Go\r\n- Asus ROG Ally\r\n- GPD Devices\r\n- AYN Devices\r\n\r\n**Why you should come to this talk**\r\n\r\nWe're going to have some fun playing some video games on Linux!", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 31, "created_at": "2024-04-03 17:24:14 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1584, "participant_id": 1805, "presenter_name": "Collin Flynn", "presenter_bio": "Collin is a Principal Software Engineer with Livefront\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/cdflynn)\r\n- Twitter: @collin_flynn", "session_title": "🤖 What's a Transformer? Understanding the Innovation That Changed Artificial Intelligence", "summary": null, "description": "\"Transformer\" is a very generic name for a specific machine learning architecture, first published in a paper titled \"Attention Is All You Need\". \r\n\r\nTransformers were conceived to handle text translation, but are surprisingly effective in other (non-text) domains. What was the key innovation that set transformers apart from previous methods?\r\n\r\nIn this talk we'll look at embeddings, gradient decent, loss functions, and how Transformers learn to pick up on conversational context using matrix multiplication. We'll also take a look at a newer architecture called \"Mamba\", and how it improved upon some of weaknesses of Transformers.", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 78, "created_at": "2024-04-02 18:01:34 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1582, "participant_id": 3791, "presenter_name": "Paul Himes", "presenter_bio": "As a principal software engineer, Paul has over 10,000 hours of three-dimensional experiences at [Livefront](https://livefront.com).\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/paulhimes)\n- Twitter: @‪paulhimes@mastodon.social‬", "session_title": "😎 Developing for Apple Vision Pro", "summary": null, "description": "This winter, Apple introduced a hardware platform that’s unlike anything they’ve released before: Apple Vision Pro. It’s a high-end virtual reality headset that, along with it’s operating system visionOS, offers a new way of interacting with computers and apps. \r\n\r\nIn this talk, we’ll provide an overview of the hardware and software that make up Vision Pro and visionOS. You’ll see how interacting with spatial computing apps differs from traditional desktop and mobile platforms. Along the way we’ll share design and coding tips that we’ve learned while developing for Vision Pro. ", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Ben Wood" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 4792 ], "attendance_count": 72, "created_at": "2024-04-02 16:37:55 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1581, "participant_id": 4692, "presenter_name": "John Caplinger", "presenter_bio": "John Caplinger is a QA Analyst at [Livefront](https://livefront.com/) who loves breaking apps for the sake of making them better! ", "session_title": "👨‍🦼 Accessibility Testing 101: Native App Manual Testing 👩‍🦯", "summary": null, "description": "Welcome to \"Accessibility Testing 101: Native App Manual Testing\" - your crash course in uncovering accessibility barriers in native digital experiences! In this fun and informative session, I'll take a beginner-friendly approach to exploring the fundamentals of manual accessibility testing for native apps.\r\n\r\nWhether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of manual accessibility testing, this session is perfect for anyone looking to learn the basics. I'll break down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces and show you how to get started with manual testing techniques.\r\n\r\nJoin me as I demystify accessibility testing and dive into the nuts and bolts of manually testing native apps. I'll cover everything from understanding the importance of accessibility to identifying common accessibility issues in digital products.\r\n\r\nAnd hopefully I can teach you some practical tips and tricks for conducting manual accessibility tests! From navigating native apps with screen readers and keyboard navigation to testing dynamic font sizing and landscape designs, you'll gain hands-on experience with a variety of accessibility testing methods.\r\n\r\nBut don't worry - I'll keep it light and fun! No boring lectures or complicated jargon here. Just a relaxed atmosphere where you can ask questions, share ideas, and learn at your own pace.\r\n\r\nSo whether you're a developer, tester, designer, or just someone who cares about making apps more inclusive, \"Accessibility Testing 101: Native App Manual Testing\" is the perfect place to start your journey. Let's roll up our sleeves, dive into accessibility testing, and make the digital world a more inclusive place for everyone. See you there!", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 48, "created_at": "2024-04-02 15:38:23 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1580, "participant_id": 4825, "presenter_name": "Owen Zimmerman", "presenter_bio": "Hello!\r\n\r\nI am Owen Zimmerman, a huge tech enthusiast specializing in Apple, Servers/Enterprise, Chromebook modding, RAID, Linux, and almost anything hardware related.\r\n\r\nI currently attend Dunwoody College of Technology, and work in IT and Server assembly and administration. I am the Hardware Operations Manager at Fyra Labs, working with servers, non-standard hardware, and in-house products. I am very excited about this year's Minnebar, as I had a ton of fun at last years.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/owen-sz)\n- Twitter: @owen_zimmerman", "session_title": "From hating to developing: My journey with Chromebooks", "summary": null, "description": "I used to avoid Chromebooks, I thought I had no use for them. \r\nThat is, until a couple years ago, when I managed to put windows on a Chromebook.. \r\n\r\n\r\nFrom then on, I have:\r\n\r\n- Helped organizations get more use out of their Chromebooks with Windows and Linux\r\n\r\n- Through a start-up I work for, [Fyra Labs](https://fyralabs.com), and with the partnership of the [Chrultrabook Project](https://docs.chrultrabook.com/), we have created a tool to make it easier than ever to boot Linux onto a stock firmware Chromebook, and are implementing it into Chromebook images for our distro\r\n\r\n- Worked with PostmarketOS to port to [mt8192/google-hayato](https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/ASUS_Chromebook_Flip_CM3_(CM3200,_MT8192)_(google-hayato))\r\n\r\n- Connected with other Linux distributions in regard to bringing Chromebook support to as many distros as possible\r\n\r\n- Become the first person to boot an OSTree-based Linux image onto a stock Chromebook, [seen here](https://youtu.be/31apRjM8tAE?si=PwcnYyqVRXfsNGiL)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n**In this session, we will discuss:**\r\n\r\n- My journey with Chromebooks over the years, from how I got started to the topics above\r\n- Live demonstration of our tool used to boot Linux on Chromebooks\r\n- Demos of custom ROM (corebooted) Windows and Linux Chromebooks, and custom ARM and OSTree-based installs\r\n- 'Interesting' (to say the least) ways to use modded ChromeOS devices (Pi-Hole, drawing tablet..)\r\n- How you can get involved\r\n- Different ways to view non-standard hardware\r\n\r\nWhile this may seem like a more technical session, I aim to make a simple, easy to understand session for people of all technical knowledge. To help with this, my little brother will be assisting me with live demos. ", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Emmett Zimmerman" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 5381 ], "attendance_count": 34, "created_at": "2024-04-01 20:30:03 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1579, "participant_id": 5365, "presenter_name": "Jodi Kuehn", "presenter_bio": "**A designer that knows how to CODE?** And an introvert that isn't afraid to stand up in front of an audience and talk for 50 minutes?? You won't want to miss this session! (Peanuts and popcorn optional)\r\n\r\nJodi Kuehn (pronounced \"keen\") has a keen eye for design [see what I did there?!?] and has worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies, including Northwest Airlines, Target, Wells Fargo, Medtronic, and Ameriprise. She is super passionate about her work, and specializes in user interaction, responsive web design, design systems, WCAG accessibility, and HTML/CSS. ", "session_title": "Dev + Design: Improving Web Accessibility in 5 Easy Steps", "summary": null, "description": "**Calling all developers (and designers!) who want —rather, *need*— to improve accessibility of their websites.**\r\n\r\nDid you know…\r\n\r\n+ 90% of all websites are inaccessible to people with disabilities who rely on assistive technology. (AbilityNet)\r\n\r\n+ 98.1% of website homepages had detectable WCAG 2 failures. (WebAIM)\r\n\r\n+ EVERYONE, at some point in their lifetime, will be \"disabled\" and can benefit from websites that are accessible-friendly. \r\n\r\nWe all know we *need* to make our sites accessible. So why are 90% of websites *inaccessible*? It's not as complicated as you may think, I promise you! \r\n\r\nIn this session, you'll learn how to diagnose where your webpages are failing accessibility tests and how to significantly improve your score by applying basic HTML in a more semantic way. This will be a deep dive into fixing the common coding mistakes and bad habits that lead to inaccessible websites. There's no excuse why every website can't be (more) accessible!\r\n\r\nWe're not looking for perfection here…we're just focused on improvement. Every little bit helps make the internet more user-friendly for everyone.\r\n\r\nAnd if you're a designer, see what goes on \"under the hood\" with code (I promise it won't be too over your head!), and how to troubleshoot and QA pages to ensure your designs (and the resulting developed code) pass basic accessibility requirements.\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 68, "created_at": "2024-04-01 17:31:49 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1578, "participant_id": 3070, "presenter_name": "Levi McCormick", "presenter_bio": "Recovering DevOp now cosplaying as a Director of Engineering.\r\n\r\nLevi has spend the last ~20 years in tech at various levels and roles, doing everything from phone support to training and mentoring, architecture and application design, requirements gathering and customer engagement, and even taking out the trash on Fridays. He is very passionate about developer experience and leveraging cloud platforms so that all engineers can be 10x engineers.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/levimccormick)\r\n- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/levimccormick/)", "session_title": "Who knows where DevOps come from? They just appear.", "summary": null, "description": "Over the past 10 years, I've mentored over 100 people in the realm of cloud/devops/platform engineering, everything from 1:1 and group mentoring, to leading cohorts through AWS certification courses. I'll share the insights I've gained into the struggles they're facing.\r\n\r\nThis session will be great for those learning and those looking to teach our next wave of cloud-y engineers. Will gladly take questions if time remains.", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 53, "created_at": "2024-04-01 17:07:20 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1577, "participant_id": 4430, "presenter_name": "David Koerner", "presenter_bio": "David is a marketing nerd. His natural habitat consists of early to mid-stage, fast-growing tech companies or challenger brands. By day he works for an award winning Bill Gates-backed cleantech company, [75F.io](www.75F.io), and speaks about the many marketing and messaging problems of climate change and the sustainability movement. By night, he is asleep.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @brandeveryday", "session_title": "The Future of Energy and the 40X Problem.", "summary": null, "description": "In the next decade, it is predicted that the rising energy demands of AI, EVs, and sustainable energy will require millions of new tech workers and thousands of new billion dollar companies. The US power grid is going to need to be almost completely reimagined and rebuilt. New energy sources must be found, developed, and dispatched, and doing so requires hardware, software, and business models that do not exist today.\r\n\r\nThis is called the 40X problem.\r\n\r\nThis rapid-fire summary will highlight developments in solar, wind, hydrogen, nuclear, and geo power, suggesting what the future of energy might look like and the enormous opportunity it presents for technologists: founders, engineers, designers, marketers, and policymakers.", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 70, "created_at": "2024-04-01 16:14:48 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1576, "participant_id": 3421, "presenter_name": "Kisha Delain", "presenter_bio": "Kisha is a Sr. Software Engineer at Patterson Companies. Things she loves: digging into stakeholder use cases, figuring out how business logic turns into code requirements, learning yet another programming language. She likes to use the appropriate tools for the job, and she liked the fancy sander for smoothing off edges enough that she bought one for herself. Don't ask her about flying planes because she won't shut up about it.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/kdelain)", "session_title": "Amazon Primer", "summary": null, "description": "Curious about AWS? Not sure where to start? Wondering what things we wish someone told us when we started in AWS? This session will cover some of the AWS services you might want to learn about and use as someone new to the AWS ecosystem. For beginners new to development and people new to AWS! We'll touch on the core functions that many businesses use, and talk about some things to watch out for.\r\n\r\n\"Classic", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Levi McCormick" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 3070 ], "attendance_count": 57, "created_at": "2024-04-01 15:19:48 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1575, "participant_id": 1927, "presenter_name": "Chris Macgowan", "presenter_bio": "Chris Macgowan is a Software Engineer, Filmmaker and Co-Founder of gstream\r\n\r\nChris has been building software since 1985. \r\n\r\nHerrn Macgowan has worked on a couple movies!\r\nhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm3807016/\r\n\r\nAfter failing to become a Film Director - he went back to software. Chris has developed various applications running under Windows, Linux/Unix and now iOS. Back in 1986 - Chris wrote assembler targeting the 8051 Intel Microcontroller.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/cmacgowan)\n- Twitter: @macgowan2", "session_title": "Do you make Software? You could be living in Paris, Berlin, Warsaw ... ", "summary": null, "description": "Do you make Software? \r\n\r\nAre you a Software Engineer, Designer, Architect, UI/UX, BA? \r\n\r\nAll these skills are transferable all over the world. Take the opportunity to use your skills to live and work in another country .. learn the culture, travel, meet new friends :-) \r\n\r\nChris Macgowan (Me, the presenter - nice to meet you) - Moved to Berlin in 1990 and worked for Siemens until 1992. There is a love story in here somewhere. He then moved back to Berlin again in 2008, until 2012. He'll share his experiences finding work, taking care of work visas and other permits (German only), not finding work, working in film, finding a place to live and more ... \r\n\r\nUnd vielleicht sprechen wir nebenbei ein wenig Deutsch – es bleibt genügend Zeit für Fragen zur Arbeitssuche, zur Besorgung von Arbeitsvisa und all dem Zeug. Eine Wohnung finden und sich vielleicht verlieben – he he he \r\n\r\nPeace \r\n&Love \r\nChris\r\n\r\nChris Macgowan \r\nhttp://macgowan.com/\r\nhttps://gstream.org/\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n ", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 40, "created_at": "2024-03-30 18:14:18 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1574, "participant_id": 4733, "presenter_name": "Tor Flatebo", "presenter_bio": "I grew up and live in Saint Paul. Currently work at Meta as an engineering manager. I would like to spend more time building things.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/tflatebo)", "session_title": "Unlock the Magic of Retro Gaming: Build Your Own Arcade Cabinet with MDF and MAME", "summary": null, "description": "Ever dreamt of building a custom arcade cabinet that can host not just one, but multiple classic games? Building your own might seem like a daunting venture, often simplified in tutorials that leave you guessing. Worry no more!\r\n\r\nJoin us for an engaging workshop where my 14-year-old son and I will demystify the process of constructing a 4-player arcade marvel. Equipped with top-notch switches and joysticks, our machine runs on a Batocera Linux OS, encapsulating the essence of retro gaming. \r\n\r\nFrom raw materials like 2x4s and MDF sheets, we'll show you the step-by-step transformation into a vibrant, fully operational arcade cabinet—all within about 40 hours in your own garage.\r\n\r\nThis session will focus on the nitty-gritty of building both the cabinet and the control box. As a special bonus, the completed control box will be available for hands-on exploration. Bring your curiosity and questions, and prepare to dive into the world of arcade creation. Whether you're a novice looking to start your first project or a seasoned builder seeking tips, this talk is your gateway to bringing the arcade experience home.\r\n\r\nSneak Peek: [Control Board wiring](https://photos.app.goo.gl/94Ri9YCMJo176npA8)", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 47, "created_at": "2024-03-30 16:14:59 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1573, "participant_id": 1392, "presenter_name": "Mathias Rechtzigel", "presenter_bio": "Mathias Rechtzigel is an educator and designer focused on creating accessible and equitable services for those living in America. His work is currently focused on behavioral health and safety net programs at the Federal level.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/Mathiasaurusrex)\n- Twitter: @Mathiasaurusrex", "session_title": "Minnesota Digital Services", "summary": null, "description": "How can technologists and designers in Minnesota use their expertise for the common good in government work? In this conversation, Liz Tupper and Mathias Rechtzigel will share stories, pathways, and resources about the Civic & Gov Technology movement and how you, too, can work on some of our nation's largest issues.\r\n\r\n\r\nWe'll also share more about the new Meetup group, Minnesota Digital Services, where you can meet local gov tech experts and learn how their work makes a difference in the lives of everyday Minnesotans.\r\n", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Liz Tupper" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 13 ], "attendance_count": 97, "created_at": "2024-03-29 03:45:47 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1572, "participant_id": 1270, "presenter_name": "Daniel Feldman", "presenter_bio": "I'm a software engineer working on open source network security stuff. Follow me @d_feldman on twitter, @dfeldman on BlueSky, or @dfeldman@hachyderm.io on Mastodon.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/dfeldman)\n- Twitter: @d_feldman", "session_title": "🤖🤖🤖 AI Show and Tell 🤖🤖🤖 ", "summary": null, "description": "Everyone right now has an AI side project or two up their sleeve. This is your chance to show off what you're working on, ask questions, and get inspired!\r\n\r\nThere is no firm agenda for this session that we are setting in advance. Just bring something AI-related that you'd like to talk about. We'll have a few to discuss in case there's extra time! \r\n\r\nSIGN UP SHEET: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NiGdaVVHNIZ--H-eAvp3p2GUr10rYzcX14bj92E3OjY/edit?usp=sharing \r\n\r\nSign up if you'd like us to call on you to present your project!", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Ian Bicking" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 366 ], "attendance_count": 95, "created_at": "2024-03-29 02:10:57 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-20 14:55:38 UTC" }, { "id": 1571, "participant_id": 5338, "presenter_name": "Hugh Murphy", "presenter_bio": "Hugh grew up in Northern Ireland, where he was a teenage entrepreneur, first propagating and selling plants, later wholesaling school supplies, and later as a music journalist and promoter with a weekly column in a national newspaper by the time he was 18, and left for the UK to study Electronic Systems Engineering. \r\n\r\nHe buckled down for a 30-year stretch on a more traditional career path, but the tech degree just made him a more inquisitive sales and marketing guy in BT (the UK telco) and sent him off on a path that would travel through 22 countries, a bunch of M&A and start-up roles, and eventually led after business school to a 19-year stint at 3M Company through a variety of digital, marketing and business leadership roles. \r\n\r\nHugh's simple maxim as a marketer was learned 30 years ago and repeatedly validated ever since: figure out why your customers will buy from you, now, and in the future.\r\n\r\nMost recently out of 3M headquarters in Minnesota, Hugh led a team that bootstrapped a $30m program to bring the Net Promoter System approach to 3M, ending up with 1000+ people across functions and continents using customer feedback every day to prioritize CX improvements. He learned a phenomenal amount about experience, but also in driving organizational change and selling investment cases. He also had the incredible privilege to work with some of the original creators of the NPS methodology which came out of Bain and Company, and attend the 20th birthday celebration for NPS last Spring in Boston. \r\n\r\nHis time in CX is where Hugh internalized the other big part of his philosophy: Treat your team and your customers as you would like to be treated yourself.\r\n\r\nHugh is an active entrepreneur through his regenerative food business Sauce North and his digital advisory firm Grá Works (Grá is the Irish word for Love). He also works as CMO and fractional CMO at Atomic Elevator where he helps clients leverage a powerful syndicate of experienced marketing talent through an innovative 'un-agency' model and some bleeding edge technology that makes knowledge accessible at entrepreneurial speed and scale.\r\n", "session_title": "Future-proofed product design from 20 years of NPS lessons learned", "summary": null, "description": "The Net Promoter System has been around now for two decades and the much maligned metric behind it's original adoption, called Net Promoter Score, is often the headline story. Bad implementations of NPS sometimes just measure the score using surveys, treating it like a vanity metric, and can have little to do with improving customer experience. \r\n\r\nIn reality, asking customers how, what and WHY they feel about your brand can be a transfornational source of design input for your experiences, but also for diverse teams right across your organization including very operational folks like logistics and manufacturing. Flowing customer insights daily to your people can help genuinely instill a love for your customers that will affect the bottom line.\r\n\r\nHugh Murphy is an entrepreneur and marketing leader and previously led the team that created the Customer Experience Improvement System at 3M. This enterprise implementation of Net Promoter was recognized as \"doing CX right\" and led to transformative increases in customer experience and over 1000 people reading customer feedback daily and acting on it.\r\n\r\nJoin Hugh for a discussion on how to make CX a game changer for your teams.", "room_name": "Discover", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 34, "created_at": "2024-03-28 21:14:50 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1570, "participant_id": 5347, "presenter_name": "Ayisha Tabbassum", "presenter_bio": "With a Master's degree in Computer Science from Indiana University Bloomington and multiple cloud certifications, I am an Onsite Lead for Cloud Operations and Multi-Cloud Architecture at Otis Elevator CO. I design, automate, provision, and secure Azure, AWS, and GCP infrastructure for various business domains and customer needs. I am also the founder and CEO of One Stop for cloud, an Edtech company with the motto of providing Simplified Learning Solutions for 5 major cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, GCP, OCI, and IBM.\r\n\r\nI have extensive work experience in using most sophisticated cloud services and tools, such as AKS, EKS, Storage accounts, Key vaults, Azure Monitor, App gateway, VPC, CloudFront, Route53, S3, ELB, RDS, APIGW, Open search, IAM, and Terraform, to create scalable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions. I am also responsible for reporting and addressing the vulnerabilities in Azure security center, and designing and implementing policy add-ons to enhance security.\r\n\r\nIn addition to my cloud engineering and architecture skills, I have a strong background in infrastructure automation and CI-CD application deployments, using technologies such as Git, Gitlab, Jenkins, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, Openshift, Dynatrace, Splunk, Prometheus, Grafana, Sitescope, Nagios, ELK, and Azure Monitor. I have applied these skills in diverse domains, such as E-Commerce, Retail, Big Data, and Security, delivering high-quality solutions that meet business requirements and customer expectations.\r\n\r\nI am passionate about learning new technologies and staying updated with the latest trends and best practices in cloud computing and DevOps. I am also motivated by collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders and contributing to the organization's goals and vision.\r\n\r\nHave been featured in Architecture and Governance magazine:\r\nhttps://www.architectureandgovernance.com/uncategorized/women-in-architecture-spotlight-ayisha-tabbassum/\r\nHave posted my most popular multi-cloud architecture designs on medium:\r\nhttps://medium.com/@ayishatabbassum\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/ayisha-tabbassum)", "session_title": "Amplify the speed of cloud deployments with Artificial Intelligence ", "summary": null, "description": "Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to amplify the speed of cloud deployments represents a groundbreaking approach that transforms the traditional methodologies of cloud management, resource allocation, and service delivery. At the heart of this transformation is the strategic integration of AI-driven technologies and processes that enable organizations to anticipate needs, automate complex decisions, and optimize resources dynamically, ensuring that cloud environments are both efficient and scalable.\r\n\r\nAI-Driven Predictive Analytics employs sophisticated algorithms to sift through vast amounts of historical data related to cloud usage, application performance metrics, and deployment trends. By harnessing machine learning models, these analytics can forecast future resource demands and identify potential performance bottlenecks before they impact service delivery. The predictive nature of AI not only facilitates a more proactive approach to scaling and resource management but also empowers organizations to make informed decisions, leading to more resilient and responsive cloud environments.\r\n\r\nAutomated Resource Optimization is another pivotal feature, where AI continuously scans the cloud ecosystem to pinpoint inefficiencies—such as underutilized compute instances or unnecessarily high storage allocations. By intelligently adjusting resources in real-time based on current demands and usage patterns, AI ensures that deployments are not just cost-effective but also tailored to deliver optimal performance. This level of automation reduces the need for manual oversight and allows for a more agile response to changing requirements.\r\n\r\nProducts and Services in the market in this space", "room_name": "Discover", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 25, "created_at": "2024-03-28 20:58:11 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1569, "participant_id": 4385, "presenter_name": "Greg Ledray", "presenter_bio": "www.linkedin.com/in/gledray\r\n\r\nThe software developer at the startup IntelligentRx.com since March 2021, his previous roles were as an unsuccessful startup founder (Aug 2019 - 2021), and at Epic Systems of Madison, WI (May 2018 - Jul 2019).\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/@Gregory-Ledray)", "session_title": "Evolving AWS Infrastructure from $0 to $1k / mo", "summary": null, "description": "You can host a full stack web application - frontend, backend, database - on AWS for $0/month... but it's flimsy and nonperformant. When you start a new company or are building a prototype, that might be enough. But as your app is adopted by more and more users you will need to upgrade your infrastructure.\r\n\r\nThis \"Evolving AWS Infrastructure\" will be the focus of the talk. I'll briefly explain a sample SAAS application (frontend, backend, database, authentication) before launching it into AWS infrastructure costing $0/month with the free tier. I'll then walk you through iterative steps which evolve that infrastructure from its flimsy beginnings into a more secure and reliable system which complies with a variety of data security, retention, and management requirements.\r\n\r\nAll templates and code will be available on Github after the talk.", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 44, "created_at": "2024-03-28 20:07:09 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1568, "participant_id": 2188, "presenter_name": "EJ Makela", "presenter_bio": null, "session_title": "UX & Product Meetup", "summary": null, "description": "A casual networking meetup for any & all folks who work in (or are exploring) the related disciplines of user experience.\r\n\r\nIf you're a... \r\n\r\n- designer, \r\n- researcher, \r\n- content writer, \r\n- accessibility specialist, \r\n- information architect, \r\n- student, \r\n- team leader,\r\n- manager,\r\n- or [ add your title here ]\r\n\r\n... then we hope you'll come by and say hello! We'd ❤️ to meet you!\r\n\r\nHosted by your local chapter of the [Interaction Design Foundation](https://www.interaction-design.org/local-group/north-america/united-states/minneapolis) (IxDF).\r\n\r\n+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+\r\n\r\n*By the way, there's a related session here at Minnebar called [UX Office Hours](https://sessions.minnestar.org/sessions/1553). Consider dropping by that session too, especially if you're interested in offering advice to developers, entrepreneurs, or hobbyists. The organizer is seeking volunteers from all levels. Click / tap [here](https://sessions.minnestar.org/sessions/1553) for details.*", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Rothanak Chhoun" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 5398 ], "attendance_count": 57, "created_at": "2024-03-28 19:55:15 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1567, "participant_id": 5341, "presenter_name": "Theodore Thompson", "presenter_bio": "With over a decade's worth of experience working at the world's largest medical device company and years practicing at a boutique FDA law firm, Theo brings a comprehensive perspective to addressing client needs with efficiency and thoroughness. His dedication lies in empowering clients to achieve success, enabling them to concentrate on their primary goal of aiding patients and keeping their products compliant.\r\n\r\nHe helps clients bridge the gap between FDA requirements and industry knowledge. Both in-house and in private practice, Theo has been a trusted advisor providing guidance on intricate matters including medical device reporting, 510(k) submissions, Pre-Market Approval (PMA), Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE), clinical trial agreements, data privacy, cybersecurity practices, and more.", "session_title": "AI in Healthcare: Regulatory Perspectives and Prognoses", "summary": null, "description": "Healthcare is already heavily regulated. AI technology presents some additional concerns for health-tech companies, and new regulations seek to add to the regulatory burden. This presentation is for companies working with FDA and EU regulators on brining their health-tech products to market. ", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 46, "created_at": "2024-03-28 16:57:52 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:01 UTC" }, { "id": 1566, "participant_id": 5338, "presenter_name": "Hugh Murphy", "presenter_bio": "Hugh grew up in Northern Ireland, where he was a teenage entrepreneur, first propagating and selling plants, later wholesaling school supplies, and later as a music journalist and promoter with a weekly column in a national newspaper by the time he was 18, and left for the UK to study Electronic Systems Engineering. \r\n\r\nHe buckled down for a 30-year stretch on a more traditional career path, but the tech degree just made him a more inquisitive sales and marketing guy in BT (the UK telco) and sent him off on a path that would travel through 22 countries, a bunch of M&A and start-up roles, and eventually led after business school to a 19-year stint at 3M Company through a variety of digital, marketing and business leadership roles. \r\n\r\nHugh's simple maxim as a marketer was learned 30 years ago and repeatedly validated ever since: figure out why your customers will buy from you, now, and in the future.\r\n\r\nMost recently out of 3M headquarters in Minnesota, Hugh led a team that bootstrapped a $30m program to bring the Net Promoter System approach to 3M, ending up with 1000+ people across functions and continents using customer feedback every day to prioritize CX improvements. He learned a phenomenal amount about experience, but also in driving organizational change and selling investment cases. He also had the incredible privilege to work with some of the original creators of the NPS methodology which came out of Bain and Company, and attend the 20th birthday celebration for NPS last Spring in Boston. \r\n\r\nHis time in CX is where Hugh internalized the other big part of his philosophy: Treat your team and your customers as you would like to be treated yourself.\r\n\r\nHugh is an active entrepreneur through his regenerative food business Sauce North and his digital advisory firm Grá Works (Grá is the Irish word for Love). He also works as CMO and fractional CMO at Atomic Elevator where he helps clients leverage a powerful syndicate of experienced marketing talent through an innovative 'un-agency' model and some bleeding edge technology that makes knowledge accessible at entrepreneurial speed and scale.\r\n", "session_title": "Side-hustling a hot sauce brand ", "summary": null, "description": "A conversation that will start with my story and go where it takes us...\r\n\r\nWhen I joined Seth Godin's 'Business of Food' workshop and learned about the disfunction of our food and agriculture system, decided I had to do something about it.\r\n\r\nI'll share the journey I went on to create [Sauce North LLC](http://www.saucenorth.com) - Minnesota's not so hot hot sauce brand that's proud to be a #seedtosauce business in the regenerative space while working in a regular day job as a tech exec.\r\n\r\nSome topics I'll touch on:\r\nIndustrial Ag and the top-soil crisis\r\nThe food system, the farm bill, and America's obesity problem (you'll be shocked you didn't know this)\r\nFermented foods and humanity\r\nStarting a food business | Farmers markets and MN Cottage Foods licensing\r\nWebsites, fulfillment and kitchens/ garages\r\nWhy #seedtosauce ?\r\nWhat on earth the idea of 'Minnesota's not so hot hot sauce' is about\r\n\r\nThere'll be some sauces to taste too...\r\n\r\n...and the chance to chat ", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 44, "created_at": "2024-03-28 16:04:59 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 14:07:21 UTC" }, { "id": 1564, "participant_id": 5338, "presenter_name": "Hugh Murphy", "presenter_bio": "Hugh grew up in Northern Ireland, where he was a teenage entrepreneur, first propagating and selling plants, later wholesaling school supplies, and later as a music journalist and promoter with a weekly column in a national newspaper by the time he was 18, and left for the UK to study Electronic Systems Engineering. \r\n\r\nHe buckled down for a 30-year stretch on a more traditional career path, but the tech degree just made him a more inquisitive sales and marketing guy in BT (the UK telco) and sent him off on a path that would travel through 22 countries, a bunch of M&A and start-up roles, and eventually led after business school to a 19-year stint at 3M Company through a variety of digital, marketing and business leadership roles. \r\n\r\nHugh's simple maxim as a marketer was learned 30 years ago and repeatedly validated ever since: figure out why your customers will buy from you, now, and in the future.\r\n\r\nMost recently out of 3M headquarters in Minnesota, Hugh led a team that bootstrapped a $30m program to bring the Net Promoter System approach to 3M, ending up with 1000+ people across functions and continents using customer feedback every day to prioritize CX improvements. He learned a phenomenal amount about experience, but also in driving organizational change and selling investment cases. He also had the incredible privilege to work with some of the original creators of the NPS methodology which came out of Bain and Company, and attend the 20th birthday celebration for NPS last Spring in Boston. \r\n\r\nHis time in CX is where Hugh internalized the other big part of his philosophy: Treat your team and your customers as you would like to be treated yourself.\r\n\r\nHugh is an active entrepreneur through his regenerative food business Sauce North and his digital advisory firm Grá Works (Grá is the Irish word for Love). He also works as CMO and fractional CMO at Atomic Elevator where he helps clients leverage a powerful syndicate of experienced marketing talent through an innovative 'un-agency' model and some bleeding edge technology that makes knowledge accessible at entrepreneurial speed and scale.\r\n", "session_title": "CMO Office Hours", "summary": null, "description": "Get personalized advice on your marketing strategies, branding or digital experience from experienced fractional CMOs. \r\n\r\nNo sales pitch. Just the chance to leverage decades of experience and use Atomic Elevator's launch methodology to get multiple perspectives in a short time window and to walk away with a transformed view of your positioning and approach. \r\n\r\n[Atomic Elevator](https://www.atomicelevator.com/) is an entrepreneurial syndicate of experienced marketing talent delivering for clients through an innovative 'un-agency' model and technology that makes knowledge accessible at entrepreneurial speed and scale..\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n ", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 39, "created_at": "2024-03-28 15:33:59 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1562, "participant_id": 4837, "presenter_name": "Rob Smith", "presenter_bio": "Rob Smith is a seasoned digital executive with over 25 years of experience driving transformation at leading companies. He currently serves as the CEO of Fractional Conference [FRAK](https://fractionalconference.com/), organizing the premier annual gathering for fractional executives. Additionally, Rob is the Chief Technology Officer at [Atomic Elevator](https://www.atomicelevator.com/), a visionary product launch firm, and the Chief Digital Officer of [Fractional Digital](https://fractional-digital.com/), providing strategic digital guidance to businesses.\r\n\r\nRob's expertise spans digital marketing, eCommerce, marketing technology, and business strategy. He spent over two decades at 3M Company, serving in various leadership roles, including Digital Commerce Director, overseeing the company's global digital commerce solutions.\r\n\r\nAlongside his professional pursuits, Rob is passionate about giving back to the community. He is a Board Member at [Jack's Caregiver Coalition](https://www.jackscaregiverco.org/), a non-profit dedicated to supporting caregivers throughout their journeys.\r\n\r\nWith his wealth of knowledge and diverse experience, Rob is a sought-after advisor and speaker, helping organizations leverage digital strategies to drive growth and innovation.\r\n\r\nBest Place to connect is on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfredsmith/)\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @robfredsmith", "session_title": "Growth Hacking with Fractional CxOs: Leveraging Executive Expertise on a Startup Budget", "summary": null, "description": "In this engaging 30-minute talk, attendees will discover how fractional executives can provide a cost-effective solution for startups and small businesses to access executive-level expertise and drive growth. \r\n\r\nThe presentation will cover:\r\n\r\n- An introduction to the challenges faced by startups and small businesses, and how fractional CxOs can help address these challenges.\r\n- A definition and explanation of the fractional executive model, along with its key benefits, including expertise at a fraction of the cost, flexibility, scalability, and access to a broad network.\r\n- The significant cost advantage of fractional executives compared to full-time executive salaries, including real-world examples and case studies.\r\n- How fractional executives can lower risk and increase the probability of success by providing strategic guidance, operational expertise, industry knowledge, and connections.\r\n- Best practices for effectively engaging and integrating fractional executives with your existing leadership team.\r\n- Valuable resources and communities to connect with for finding fractional CxOs, such as [FRAK 2024](https://fractionalconference.com/), [VoyageurU](https://voyageuru.com/), and [Fractionals United](https://www.fractionalsunited.com/) (FrUn).\r\n- The power of the fractional network, showcasing how fractional executives can facilitate access to a broader range of expertise and share case studies of fractional teams assembled for specific challenges.\r\n- A conclusion recapping the key points and an opportunity for audience questions and discussion.\r\n\r\nBy attending this talk, Minnebar participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how fractional executives can be a game-changer for startups and small businesses, providing the expertise and experience needed to drive growth while operating on a limited budget.", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 42, "created_at": "2024-03-27 20:30:57 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1560, "participant_id": 166, "presenter_name": "Pete Edstrom", "presenter_bio": "Generative AI | Prompt Engineering | Director of Technical Product at Optum | Team Builder & Problem Solver | 25 Years of Software Experience", "session_title": "AI-Powered Job Application Automation v2", "summary": null, "description": "**Crafting Personalized Resumes and Cover Letters at Scale.**\r\n\r\nDive into the future of job searching with me as we explore the power of AI and automation in your job application process. In this cutting-edge session, we'll showcase a bespoke script that leverages Apple Shortcuts, AppleScript, Shell Script, LaTeX, and the OpenAI API to read job postings and customize your resume and cover letter for each application—in just 30 seconds! By integrating Generative AI at four critical stages, we transform the traditionally daunting task of creating a custom application into a quick, strategic, and human-centric journey.\r\n\r\nForget the old way of being just another name in a recruiter's spreadsheet. This innovative approach lets you turn the tables, treating each job as a unique opportunity to be assessed. This workshop will empower you to take the reins of your job search, propelling you to the forefront of today’s competitive job landscape.\r\n\r\nYou'll leave this session not just as a candidate, but as a discerning job seeker ready to embrace the numbers game and create personalized applications at scale. Join me in revolutionizing your job application process with the latest in AI and automation technology.", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 64, "created_at": "2024-03-26 12:41:09 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1556, "participant_id": 3861, "presenter_name": "Andrew Harasymiw", "presenter_bio": "\"A\r\n\r\nAndrew is a Software Engineering Instructor at [Prime Digital Academy](https://www.primeacademy.io), a [communicator](https://1767.toastmastersclubs.org/), and a [community builder](https://dnd.wizards.com/adventurers-league). He thrives when learning new things and making them simple for others. Andrew lives in San Francisco, and works remotely. In his spare time, he enjoys learning about security, playing Dungeons & Dragons, cooking, gardening, and hanging out with his wife and cat.\r\n\r\n[@aharasymiw@hachyderm.io](https://hachyderm.io/@aharasymiw) on Mastodon \r\n[aharasymiw](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aharasymiw/) on LinkedIn\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/aharasymiw)", "session_title": "From Passwords to Passkeys, the evolving state of User Authentication", "summary": null, "description": "\"Passkeys are putting passwords out to pasture.\"\r\n\r\nYou've probably heard the hype, and there's good reasons for it...\r\n\r\n- Passkeys are easier than passwords.\r\n- Passkeys are more secure than passwords.\r\n- Passkeys are more convenient than passwords.\r\n- Passkeys are already here.\r\n\r\n\r\nSo, with companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Intel behind the technology, why aren't we all using Passkeys everywhere yet?\r\n\r\nDuring this talk, we'll dive into the concepts behind, benefits of, and tradeoffs involved with the most common user authentication methods in use today. By the end, you'll understand what Passkeys are, how they work, why everyone says they are better, and the challenges hampering wide spread adoption.", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 146, "created_at": "2024-03-25 21:47:12 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1555, "participant_id": 810, "presenter_name": "Asmah Tareen", "presenter_bio": "I am an attorney at Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. in Minneapolis. I work with entrepreneurs and emerging businesses to help protect, develop, acquire and commercialize technology products and services. I've been practicing law for over 20 years and enjoy working closely with businesses to understand their needs and develop strategies to help them meet their goals in a way that is protective, efficient and practical. \r\n\r\nMy work includes advising clients on the protection of intellectual property and drafting and negotiating agreements for consulting, services, technology and mobile application development, implementation, software licensing and SaaS, marketing, sales and distribution, manufacturing and supply other strategic collaborative agreement to develop, commercialize and sell products and services. I also help clients develop and update their template agreements to reflect actual business practices and streamline the contracting process.\r\n\r\nMy clients include companies that provide products or services in the information technology, retail, medical device, healthcare and life sciences industries. \r\n\r\nMore about me at: https://www.fredlaw.com/professionals-asmah-tareen\r\n\r\n", "session_title": "NDAs 101 for Entrepreneurs", "summary": null, "description": "As an entrepreneur preparing to engage in discussions with a potential collaboration partner or prospective client, you will often sign, or be asked to sign, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This session is designed to empower entrepreneurs to make strategic and practical decisions about when to use (or agree to use) NDAs and how and where to focus your review and potential negotiation of NDAs in a fast-moving conversation with a prospective collaboration partner or customer.", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 45, "created_at": "2024-03-24 21:04:29 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1554, "participant_id": 2292, "presenter_name": "Bryce Howitson", "presenter_bio": "Bryce is obsessed with creating products that people want to use. He helps organizations of all sizes prototype, and test their ideas. Sometimes called a designer, a developer, a strategist, a writer, or an artist, Bryce has led teams and worked in the trenches.\r\n\r\nBryce is a Google Developer Expert in UI/UX/Product/Web Technologies and a certified Design Sprint Master.\r\n\r\nHe shares his knowledge by mentoring and teaching from his homeland in the great frozen north of Minnesota.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @howitson", "session_title": "🤖 Responsible AI: Building tools to improve humanity", "summary": null, "description": "As of 2020, nearly 80% of digital tools incorporate some level of AI or Machine Learning. Today that number is even higher and the pitfalls of AI are becoming clearer. I'll share stories and provide real-world examples of algorithms enhancing humanity as a counterpoint to science fiction's HAL or Terminator.\r\n\r\nBy the end of this session, you'll see points of friction all around you that could be solved with AI and be inspired to create useful tools that make your users better humans.", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 89, "created_at": "2024-03-23 19:34:26 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1553, "participant_id": 2292, "presenter_name": "Bryce Howitson", "presenter_bio": "Bryce is obsessed with creating products that people want to use. He helps organizations of all sizes prototype, and test their ideas. Sometimes called a designer, a developer, a strategist, a writer, or an artist, Bryce has led teams and worked in the trenches.\r\n\r\nBryce is a Google Developer Expert in UI/UX/Product/Web Technologies and a certified Design Sprint Master.\r\n\r\nHe shares his knowledge by mentoring and teaching from his homeland in the great frozen north of Minnesota.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @howitson", "session_title": "UX Office Hours", "summary": null, "description": "**Do you crave feedback on your project/product/service/hobby/idea?**\r\n\r\n### Stop by and chat with experts in UX, Product, marketing, and much more. \r\n\r\nTopics are open and varied. We're here to provide feedback and answer questions. But be warned, we like to ask \"why\". You may be challenged to think differently. And we might even discuss unexpected solutions.\r\n\r\nIf you're asking, \"What might I get out of attending?\" Past UX office hours have touched on topics like:\r\n\r\n- How do I get my users to...?\r\n- Help me identify my audience\r\n- What's the best way to get feedback on my product?\r\n- Do I have product market fit? If so how do I know?\r\n- Would you give me a UX review on my project?\r\n- How do I hire a good designer?\r\n- I haven't identified competitors, do I have a valid service?\r\n- How do I work with my engineering team?\r\n- How do I work with my design team?\r\n\r\n\r\n**Where to find us:**\r\nThe UX Office Hours will be staffed throughout the event. Find us in the B1 building near the \"living room\", in the pods (small rooms with tables/whiteboards), or nearby. **Look for volunteers wearing orange mentor badges.**\r\n\r\n\r\n", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "EJ Makela", "Jodi Kuehn", "Ray Canapini", "CJ Jensen", "Homer Rutledge", "Lucy Hinton", "Rothanak Chhoun", "Benjamin Spafford" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 2188, 5365, 5375, 5387, 5453, 4679, 5398, 5395 ], "attendance_count": 62, "created_at": "2024-03-23 19:12:57 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-18 01:14:38 UTC" }, { "id": 1552, "participant_id": 1270, "presenter_name": "Daniel Feldman", "presenter_bio": "I'm a software engineer working on open source network security stuff. Follow me @d_feldman on twitter, @dfeldman on BlueSky, or @dfeldman@hachyderm.io on Mastodon.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/dfeldman)\n- Twitter: @d_feldman", "session_title": "Lightning Talks! ", "summary": null, "description": "If you'd like to talk at Minnebar but don't want to plan a full session, this is the place to be! Just show up with your topic and up to 3 slides. (Also fine if you have no slides!)\r\n\r\nYour topic does not have to be tech-related! Just something you'd like to share with the group. \r\n\r\nPrevious talks have included: Vegan Cooking, React -> Regret, How to Encourage Open-Source Contributors, Mental Health in Tech, Stock Trading Algorithms, and many other diverse topics. \r\n\r\nWe will organize lightning talks SHORTEST to LONGEST. So if you just want to discuss one quick thing, you're likely to get in. If you want 10 whole minutes, you might not get a chance, depending on how long the other lightning talks go. The best lightning talks are really quick!\r\n\r\nYou do not have to sign up in advance! You can just show up. But signing up will help us plan the time better. \r\n\r\nSIGN UP SHEET: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ilrR_6dCXqJVG5bN2ykNTq2ronQU-vVoHjFIlwKYJZM/edit?usp=sharing\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 09:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 90, "created_at": "2024-03-22 22:45:04 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1551, "participant_id": 3421, "presenter_name": "Kisha Delain", "presenter_bio": "Kisha is a Sr. Software Engineer at Patterson Companies. Things she loves: digging into stakeholder use cases, figuring out how business logic turns into code requirements, learning yet another programming language. She likes to use the appropriate tools for the job, and she liked the fancy sander for smoothing off edges enough that she bought one for herself. Don't ask her about flying planes because she won't shut up about it.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/kdelain)", "session_title": "Level up your apps with Micro Front Ends and template-driven code generation", "summary": null, "description": "We will talk about template-driven code generators, when you might use them (pros and cons) and how to customize them for your own use cases. We’ll focus on Nx/Angular as our tools, but the concepts apply to other languages as well. We’ll end with Micro Front Ends as a specific example.", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Alex Hill" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 5316 ], "attendance_count": 51, "created_at": "2024-03-22 20:15:00 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1550, "participant_id": 5311, "presenter_name": "Mark Capaldini", "presenter_bio": "Director and Trustee | Business Advisor | MESA Mentor | Red Cross Volunteer | 3x President and CEO\r\n\r\nCareer mostly in B2B SaaS, both in the Washington, DC metro area and in the MSP metro area. I have been a CEO, CEO Advisor, CEO Coach, and Board Director. My various past roles allow me to be a sounding board, peer, resource, coach, confidential advisor, and \"nudge.\" I've led companies with revenues $5-50 million. \r\n\r\nBS, Engineering & Applied Science, Yale. MBA, Harvard Business School.\r\n\r\nwww.linkedin.com/in/markcapaldini", "session_title": "Entrepreneur Panel: Maximizing Value from a Mentor", "summary": null, "description": "Each member of this panel is currently using a mentor and has found it valuable. They will discuss their experience in a formal mentoring program and will address these issues:\r\n\r\n•\tWhy consider having a mentor?\r\n•\tHow does a mentor differ from other advisors and investors?\r\n•\tWhat should you look for in a mentor or in a mentoring program?\r\n•\tWhat is an example of your mentor’s impact on your decision making?\r\n•\tWhat does a good mentor do and not do?\r\n•\tHow has your mentor changed how you think about your business?\r\n•\tWhat is your cadence for meeting with your mentor? \r\n\r\nA good mentor provides unvarnished, straight guidance and feedback shaped by experience and motivated by a pure desire to see the entrepreneur succeed.\r\n\r\nWe believe that this discussion will benefit any entrepreneur considering a mentor or mentoring program. We hope it will provide specific and actionable guidance. The panel moderator will conduct an “open Q&A” session for the final 10-15 minutes of the session. \r\n\r\nPanelists:\r\n\r\nAndrew DeLeeuw, President & CEO, DOCSI, “Transforming Healthcare Supply Chain through Seamless Physician Engagement,” www.docsihealth.com\r\n\r\nMary Kay Ziniewicz, Founder & CEO, Bus Stop Mamas, “On-Demand Workforce Engagement Tool Connecting Businesses with an Untapped Pool of High-Level Talent – Moms,” www.busstopmamas.com\r\n\r\nNick Wassenberg, CEO, Cludo, “Provides Delightful Search and Discovery Experiences to Unlock Mission-Critical Information,” www.cludo.com\r\n\r\nModerator: \r\n\r\nMark Capaldini, is a MESA (Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory) Mentor with extensive B2B SaaS experience. \r\n", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Nick Wassenberg", "Andrew Mathias DeLeeuw", "Mary Kay Ziniewicz" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 578, 4935, 4691 ], "attendance_count": 74, "created_at": "2024-03-22 19:43:43 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1549, "participant_id": 5309, "presenter_name": "Jenn Czeck", "presenter_bio": "- Accessibility Consultant and Developer\r\n- Cyberpunk witch engineer from the future\r\n- Loves code and sparkles\r\n\r\n**Links**\r\n\r\n- [jenn.dev](https://jenn.dev)\r\n- [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/geekgalgroks.bsky.social)", "session_title": "Crafternoon", "summary": null, "description": "BYOC - Bring your own craft (knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch, etc)\r\n\r\nMeet other crafters and work on your craft.", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Jess Schalz" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 5456 ], "attendance_count": 32, "created_at": "2024-03-21 21:01:08 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1548, "participant_id": 5309, "presenter_name": "Jenn Czeck", "presenter_bio": "- Accessibility Consultant and Developer\r\n- Cyberpunk witch engineer from the future\r\n- Loves code and sparkles\r\n\r\n**Links**\r\n\r\n- [jenn.dev](https://jenn.dev)\r\n- [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/geekgalgroks.bsky.social)", "session_title": "Alt text for fun and profit", "summary": null, "description": "Writing alt text does not need to be complicated and long. This session will go over tips and tricks for writing alt text as well as the difference between alt text and image descriptions.\r\n\r\nDon't worry, there will be memes.", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Jess Schalz" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 5456 ], "attendance_count": 57, "created_at": "2024-03-21 20:22:53 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1547, "participant_id": 3719, "presenter_name": "Lloyd Dalton", "presenter_bio": "Lloyd Dalton is an engineer with [Echo Data Analytics](https://echodataanalytics.com).\r\n", "session_title": "📉📊📈 Superset! Apache's neatest project?", "summary": null, "description": "\r\n**Nerd out with fellow dataviz enthusiasts over Superset's capabilities and potential.**\r\n\r\n📈📉 [It's like Tableau, but free!](https://superset.apache.org)📉📈\r\n\r\n\r\n**Shallow dive:**\r\n\r\n * Introduction\r\n * Flashy demos\r\n\r\n**Deep dive:**\r\n\r\n * Hosting superset yourself - 8 containers?!\r\n * Superset internals\r\n * Superset plugins\r\n\r\n**Open topics:**\r\n\r\n * General Q&A\r\n * Real-world use cases (bring yours!)\r\n\r\n~~~\r\n\r\nSpeakers: Lloyd Dalton - Echo Data Analytics\r\n", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 47, "created_at": "2024-03-21 19:01:42 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1546, "participant_id": 4400, "presenter_name": "Victoria Perkins", "presenter_bio": "Policy analyst turned welder turned full stack developer with hands-on experience in JavaScript, React, Ruby on Rails, Java, and Spring. My unconventional background encapsulates my pursuit of constant learning as well as my skills in problem solving, project management, and design thinking.", "session_title": "The Dark Arcana of Chrome DevTools", "summary": null, "description": "Sure, you know how to navigate the Elements tab. And maybe you're a wizard in the Console. But have you ever tried to interpret the mysterious, inscrutable output of the Performance tab? Or read the tea-leaves of a Heap snapshot?\r\n\r\nIn this session we'll explore some of the more esoteric aspects of Chrome DevTools to better understand how our web apps are performing and identify memory bottlenecks before they become a problem.", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 70, "created_at": "2024-03-21 15:12:22 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1544, "participant_id": 5300, "presenter_name": "John Moroney & Tim Bates", "presenter_bio": "Tim & John are mentors with MESA - https://mesagroup.org/\r\n\r\nTim runs the Exponential Group, a fifteen-year-old company that works with young, early-stage technology businesses in the US, Europe, and Asia developing and bringing to market product and services in the areas of mobile, digital imaging, SaaS, big data and IOT technologies.\r\n\r\nTim started as a software engineer and was the inventor or co-developer of a number of leading-edge computer graphic software systems. He then moved on to managing, running, and starting technology companies that pioneered digital cameras, SaaS services, advanced database systems and e-commerce solutions helping them develop and build markets.\r\n\r\nOver the last 25 years, he has been part of senior management teams that have raised close to $50 million in early-stage venture money with investors in the US, Europe, and Asia.\r\n\r\nTim is currently a board member or advisor to a number of companies and works with others as a mentor. He has a BA in Mathematics from St. Olaf College and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.\r\n\r\nJohn is a sales management executive with over 35 years of experience in high technology products and services. He has a particular passion for sales process design and helping emerging companies uncover their “sales recipe’.\r\n\r\nJohn sold and led sales at enterprise software companies including Fourth Shift (Infor) and Digital Market (Agile/Oracle). Before entering the software industry, he led manufacturing operations at high technology companies in the medical (Phillips), semiconductor (Texas Instruments) and computer industries.\r\n\r\n", "session_title": "When and How to Hire the First Sales Professional", "summary": null, "description": "Hiring your first dedicated sales professional is often one of most difficult actions a startup will take. Most founders have never hired a sales professional and have heard or experienced many stories of failures.\r\nThis session will cover why, when, who and how to hire your first salesperson. \r\nUnderstanding the ‘Why’\r\n•\tIs your business at the right stage to hire?\r\n•\tIs there a clear Go-to-Market Strategy?\r\n•\tHow mature is the understanding of the opportunity cycle?\r\nUnderstanding the ‘When’ \r\n•\tAre there enough opportunities?\r\n•\tAre there identifiable targets outside the founder’s network?\r\n•\tWhat is the right balance between Marketing vs. Sales driven demand?\r\n•\tIs there a good understanding of the costs to building a sales function?\r\n•\tHow to transition from Founder lead sales activity?\r\nDefining the Right Sales Professional: Who to Hire\r\n•\tDefining the ideal Candidate\r\n•\tRole maturity vs. adaptability\r\n•\tBalancing experience vs Potential\r\n•\tHire a Sales Leader first?\r\n•\tBusiness Development Rep (BDR) option\r\nHow to Hire – Navigating the Hiring Process\r\n•\tDIY vs Recruiters\r\n•\tCost of hire and delay\r\n•\tWhere to source candidates\r\n•\tImplementing a robust hiring process\r\n\r\nWe will address challenges and risks in sales hiring and will also discuss the importance of an effective marketing function and collaboration with sales. \r\nWe are looking forward to an open & frank question and answer session, as well.\r\n", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 31, "created_at": "2024-03-20 18:02:13 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1543, "participant_id": 5306, "presenter_name": "Niraikalai Vijay", "presenter_bio": "Niraikalai Vijay (Software Engineer - Currently working in HyVee - Retail - various roles)\r\n\r\n\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/niraikalai-vijay-b546604/\r\n\r\n\r\nHighly qualified software engineering professional both by work experience (with concentration on data structures & algorithms/automation) & education (with concentration on both hardware/operating systems/microprocessors/computer networking/data structures & algorithms/circuit theory/pulse techniques/engineering design/robotics/image processing etc, along with beginner level Retail work experience)\r\n\r\n\r\nOrganizations I worked/I am currently working\r\n\r\n HyVee (Retail) - Current, Veritas Technologies (Xoriant Software Engineer Contractor), AutoZone (Retail), Analog Devices (Software Engineer), Bell Atlantic (Current Verizon) - Software Engineer consultant, IBM (Atlas Software Technologies - Software Engineer sub-contractor), Tata Consultancy Services (Software Engineer), Government College of Technology (Teaching Assistant), Kumaraguru College Of Technology (Associate Lecturer)\r\n\r\n\r\nAccomplishments\r\n\r\n Wazoku Crowd – Nexus - Detecting Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in Building Structures Submitted – 11/7/23 & Moved Evaluation stage 2 11/10/23 - Got selected 3/28/24 - Currently Wazoku - Nexus looking for interested Seekers and/or industry partners for my solution titled 'SEM (Semicoductor) and/or Tuning Fork - MEMS Vibration (Physics Sound) based Sensor Solution'\r\n\r\nCONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS\r\n ANALOG DEVICES, 2011 General Technical Conference – Presented Demo on following topic. (March 2011) \r\n Data Analysis Applications/Content Management System/Web Application Framework\r\n ANALOG DEVICES, 2010 General Technical Conference – Presented Demo on following topic. (April 2010)\r\n DATABASE: For Development of Data Analysis Application\r\nABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS\r\n Abstracts submission for 2012 ADI General Technical Conference\r\n•\tData Analysis Application – For Semiconductor Engineers\r\n•\tCloud Computing/Centralized management of heterogeneous databases \r\n•\tInnovation Ideas\r\n\r\n==================================\r\nEDUCATION\r\n\r\nMasters in Computer Science & Engineering, Government College of Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India (1991 - 1992) - \r\nBachelor of Engineering in Computer Science & Engineering, Government College of Technology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India (1986 – 1990)\r\n\r\n\r\n==================================\r\n\r\nList of contests/challenges for which I have submitted abstract/reviewed/being reviewed/won and organizer looking for seekers/industry partners.\r\n\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7185690843075248128-zQQg?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/vjprdnk)\n- Twitter: @g5zEugkV", "session_title": "Autonomous Platform for Maintenance Operations in Solar Plants (solar farms)", "summary": null, "description": "Title & Main Idea \r\n \r\n Overhead ‘irrigation sprinkler’ like autonomous system for Solar Plants Maintenance Operations\r\n \r\n Rollable solar plants/solar farms maintenance system to maintain the solar panels on-demand based on control center - monitoring system and routine maintenance. Based on the readings about the solar panels' health, directing the rollable system to perform simple to complex tasks as much as possible and rest to get taken care by field maintenance personnel.\r\n\r\n 'Overhead sprinklers' getting replaced by the slim robotic arms with camera and tools to do simple repairs like fixing the wires/harness/fastening the bolts etc.\r\n\r\n Making this easy to dismantle and roll back to storage will help with efficient maintenance of the solar plants/farms.\r\n\r\nWe can think of additional applications based on this idea.\r\n\r\n Having scaled down version for building solar panels \r\n\r\n Having either simple rollable robots with cameras and fixing systems for data centers or achieving same thing with different layouts like have overhead ceiling system which is more user friendly and will help with floor technicians/personnels moving around as comfortable possible.\r\n\r\n For retail shop planograms organization, prize tags' maintenance, reading for inventory replenishment and doing simple replenishment for human operated stores and more complex inventory replenishment and monitoring for stores like Amazon brick stores.\r\n\r\nFinally, \r\n listing all the solar plants/farms autonomous needs \r\n\r\n Recyling solar panels/batteries to allow for much better reach to more customers.\r\n\r\n how both renewables/non-renewables resources can be used in balanced ways to achieve the sustainability goals for environmental benefits.\r\n \r\n\r\nPlease refer to the following Power point presentation of the full paper. Please click this link and do 'slide show and press 'enter' to read thru the slides. \r\n\r\nhttps://1drv.ms/p/c/48cc94a5ffdaebaf/EfWFAdXsdhpOq3_oUijFLW8BLBKR9Zfq-xY89NiKEXKcRg?e=GiksQX ---- Latest (4/15/24)\r\n\r\nhttps://1drv.ms/p/c/48cc94a5ffdaebaf/Edzeiirwmk9Psi2tDyt_RtgB0Y_vwJDIvdQIcEu6Qz3DZQ?e=A0ZugL ---- previous version\r\n\r\nThe brief abstract ends here.\r\n======================================================================================================\r\n\r\nIf you are not able to access the above links, please refer to the following from the slides.\r\n\r\n\r\n======================================================================================================\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSlide 1\r\n=====\r\n\r\nAUTONOMOUS PLATFORM FOR MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS IN SOLAR PLANTS (SOLAR FARMS)\r\nNiraikalai vijay  (Software engineer, currently working at HYVee – retail – VARIOUS JOB ROLES)\r\n\r\nDiscussion for solution that I submitted(reviewed by Wazoku – A2A (not selected) ) for challenge – Wazoku Innocentive – A2A - Overhead ‘Irrigation Sprinkler’ like autonomous system for Solar Plants Maintenance – December 2023  \r\nhttps://a2a.community.wazoku.com/idea/94957902c4b34d0cb71ecc5b201ef859\r\n\r\nSlide 2\r\n====== \r\nChallenge Statement\r\n\r\nHow to make the maintenance of solar farms easy & efficient\r\nExtension to this challenge statement, I like to add how to make the maintenance of roof top solar panels autonomous \r\nIs it possible to have thin solar panels against the walls both exterior and interior . \r\nEPA Launches $7 Billion Competition to Bring Low-Cost Solar Energy to More Hard-Working American Families | Clean Energy | The White House (June 2023 – September 2023) - saw only yesterday (7th April 2024)\r\nA Guide to Community Solar: Utility, Private, and Non-profit Project Development (Book), Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) (nrel.gov)\r\n\r\nSlide 3\r\n======\r\n\r\nOverhead ‘Irrigation Sprinklers’ like autonomous system for solar plants(farms)\r\n\r\nThis solution suggests designing/using Autonomous Solar Plants maintenance similar to 'Overhead Irrigation Sprinklers' that are being used in industrial level agricultural farming irrigation needs.\r\n      This movable/rollable system with sprinklers replaced with machine vision cameras/brushes/robotic arm that can perform both extended and detailed operations.\r\n      If solar farms already built, don't have spacings, this system can be designed to cover end to end of the breadth of the farm that can be moved. But need to be sturdy enough as it is going to be so wide to have a balance.\r\nSimilar, to industrial robotic arm that can bend/twist under the hood, over the hood, this robotic arm can be designed to be flexible to navigate under the panels to inspect the bolts/wires/harness and perform the repair or send back the required information to control center for the manual repair or sending rollable robot to locate the panel(s) and do the repairs.\r\n\r\nSlide 4\r\n======\r\n\r\nOverhead ‘Irrigation Sprinklers’ like autonomous system for solar plants(farms) - continuation\r\n\r\n\r\nEvery sprinkler hanging needs to be slim robotic arm with camera for machine vision to inspect the solar panels to accuracy.\r\nSmall brush can be part of the robotic arm that can be used to dust the panels clean.\r\nThis robotic arm can also have robotic fastener to do simple repair work for the solar panels\r\nFor solar panels’ wires/harness, these robotic arms can be used to do machine vision inspections and report it back to control room. If there are options for land rover robot that can fix the wires/connections, it can be used. Otherwise, wire/connections can be manually repaired on individual basis.\r\n\r\nSlide 5\r\n======\r\n\r\nOther applications & Collaboration\r\n\r\nPrimary collaborator if anyone interested in trying this solution, I like to suggest Analog Devices, my former employer where I worked as Software Engineer.\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7176280877562302464-Sh5k?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopn ---- Huge data center can be maintained using robots to fix the systems/wirings including automated systems that can roll between data center stacks of severs . Please refer to the above link.\r\nThis session can help with discussions related to current technology needs like upcoming new Meta (Facebook) - Datacenter at Rosemont, Minnesota, US.\r\nhttps://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/facebook-owner-meta-to-build-800-million-data-center-in-rosemount/ar-BB1jTyZX\r\nand this paper discussion can identify various other application areas either by direct application or customized application based on my solution for the topic of this paper.\r\n\r\nSlide 6\r\n======\r\n\r\nOther Discussion Points....\r\n\r\nExtension to this challenge statement, \r\n\r\n      Making maintenance of roof top solar panels autonomous using drone or auto extendable pole with cleaning brush and tool to check the connections and to do repairs\r\n   Related Agrophotovoltaic - Wazoku – A2A submissions (not selected) \r\nMimic Trees/Plants/Crops for Solar PV Structures for bountiful harvesting from Agricultural Land (August 2022)\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7182846388479668224-6Gzp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\r\nIngredients based Optimal Crop Identification with PV structures integrated into agricultural land (August 2022)\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7182847051423006720-kMq8?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop\r\n\r\nSlide 7\r\n======\r\n\r\nConclusion\r\n (yet to re-write - as repair/recovery of my final presentation from one-drive location didn't show few of the modifications/additions I did\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 26, "created_at": "2024-03-20 17:08:33 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1542, "participant_id": 4395, "presenter_name": "Rogers George", "presenter_bio": "Rogers (yes, first name) is an [iOS developer](https://eclecticode.com) and [software engineering](https://cse.umn.edu/msse) master. He has worked for [Hidrate](https://hidratespark.com), [When I Work](https://wheniwork.com), and [other](https://lab651.com/) [small](https://www.clockwork.com) [companies](https://habitaware.com/) [and](https://gomodus.com/) [startups](https://resonantcavity.com) that needed their iOS apps done right. He flies [sailplanes](https://www.rwsa.org) and likes to go for walks with his [parrot](https://bsky.app/profile/ceramicatheist.com).", "session_title": "HOW TO NOT BE WRONG ABOUT DATES", "summary": null, "description": "\"Dates Are Hard\", says the conventional wisdom. \"Don't program with Dates\". But what then? We have to model dates and times in our software somehow! And, apparently, make the same mistakes again and again.\r\n\r\nSee some of the corner cases and geopolitical oddities that make date handling hard. Go beyond the superficial lists of falsehoods we programmers supposedly believe about Dates. Learn the One Weird Trick to (almost) always handle Dates right, and clean up the damage The Last Team left for you.", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "Advanced", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 79, "created_at": "2024-03-20 17:05:26 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1541, "participant_id": 3288, "presenter_name": "Kelly Heikkila", "presenter_bio": "I'm an Art History major turned developer, app architect, product manager, founder and CTO for tech companies since 2000. \r\n\r\nBefore transitioning careers into tech I worked in the film industry as a Location Manager during the Mighty Ducks, Fargo and Little Big League era, if you are old enough to remember those movies.\r\n\r\nI love adventures big and small, especially in the outdoors.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/k2heikkila)", "session_title": "How To Fail A Long Distance Thru-Hike", "summary": null, "description": "Having attempted the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2023, I'd love to discuss my experience including planning, tech, logistics, physical issues, psychological strain and anything else people want to talk about. If you're thinking of attempting a thru-hike, have done a thru-hike, or just want hear about losing toe nails, this session is for you!", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 62, "created_at": "2024-03-20 14:18:46 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1539, "participant_id": 3095, "presenter_name": "Matt Schraan", "presenter_bio": "Matt Schraan leads Product Management at [Livefront](https://livefront.com). At Livefront, Matt strives to always pay it forward. ", "session_title": "🚫 💳 Zero Tech Debt: How to Build an Engineering Culture of No Deferred Work", "summary": null, "description": "Have you ever inherited a codebase so full of mixed concerns, bloat, and untested code that you couldn’t help but wonder “who are the developers responsible for this spaghetti code hellscape?” \r\n\r\nWhile it may be convenient and even cathartic to blame the faceless, nameless developers responsible for creating the debt-ridden mess you’ve inherited, the better question to ask is “what is the engineering culture that allowed this to happen?”\r\n\r\nThe truth is, technical debt is less often the result of individual incompetence and more often the result of the engineering culture from which it was allowed to spread. \r\n\r\nIn this session, we’ll dive into the practical habits and norms of engineering teams that don’t defer work, avoid technical debt, and hold each other accountable to high standards. With the right culture, you can actually make it easy to uphold best practices across your engineering team. Join this session to learn how! ", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 14:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Sam Kirchmeier" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 34 ], "attendance_count": 127, "created_at": "2024-03-20 03:59:00 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1538, "participant_id": 5303, "presenter_name": "Casey Flynn", "presenter_bio": "As a Resilience Coach, I help founders overcome failure quickly. \r\n\r\nAfter working with 1,000+ founders, Harj Taggar of Y Combinator states: \"Resilience is the most important quality...\"\r\n\r\nI partner with founders to build their resilience and get stuff done. We do this together through embracing healthy failure for growth and learning. \r\n\r\nI bring experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, product/project management, UX & DesignOps, software development, Lean-Agile coaching, accessibility & inclusive design, and digital marketing.\r\n\r\nI have coached numerous product and portfolio teams and watched them reach their full potential. This is primarily through leadership coaching as the success and health of teams and organizations rise and fall with their leaders.\r\n\r\nWith a view of the end-to-end product lifecycle and a focus on value to the customer, I help teams and organizations measure what matters and lift beyond possible.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @CoachCaseyLLC", "session_title": "Get Stronger Through Failure", "summary": null, "description": "Get ready to boost your resilience with a Resilience Builder Masterclass - learn practical strategies to bounce back after failure.\r\n\r\nLearn how to:\r\n\r\n1. Fail well\r\n2. Find good stress\r\n3. Take one step toward the top 10% of founders\r\n", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 71, "created_at": "2024-03-19 14:55:18 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1537, "participant_id": 4773, "presenter_name": "Mark Soule", "presenter_bio": "Mark Soule is a technologist specializing in distributed systems, with a particular focus on event-driven systems. He is proud to be a Principal Engineer at Improving where he has led many successful projects. Mark is a Minnesota native and still lives there with his daughter. Outside of work you can expect to find him with a Nintendo controller in his hands.", "session_title": "KEDA Karate Chopping Through Kubernetes Autoscaling", "summary": null, "description": "Kubernetes Event-Driven Autoscaling (KEDA) is recognized as the CNCF-graduated gold standard for Kubernetes autoscaling solutions. It features an extensive catalog of event sources beyond basic CPU and memory metrics, the capability to scale pods to zero, and extensibility. In comparison to third-party adapters such as Prometheus Adapter, KEDA stands out for its unparalleled maturity and completeness.\r\n\r\nThis showcase presents practical examples of two significant use cases. The first illustrates scaling in response to fluctuating HTTP traffic, essential for APIs. The second demonstrates event-driven architectures and the nuances of scaling based on Kafka consumer lag. Designed for Kubernetes users of all levels, this session demystifies advanced autoscaling techniques to optimize workload efficiency and reduce waste in light of rapidly increasing cloud costs.", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 15:45:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 20, "created_at": "2024-03-15 23:07:54 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1536, "participant_id": 4189, "presenter_name": "Jade Barker", "presenter_bio": "Warrior Princess of Tech - I use a wacky title because it saves me hassles\r\n\r\n\r\nFintech Cofounder at Silicon Prairie, Founded in 2016\r\nWe're mostly Technologists that had to become Investment Bankers\r\nProprietary Software, plus three regulated Financial Institutions\r\nWe've done about $50 Million worth of deals as of Mar 2024\r\n\r\n\r\n- Co-Founder of a Blockchain 501(c)(3) - 2014\r\n- Investment Crowdfunding Portals - 2016\r\n- Smart Contract Document Stack Geppetto - 2017\r\n- SEC Transfer Agency - 2018\r\n- FINRA Broker Dealer - 2020\r\n- Adjunct Professor for Blockchain Graduate Computer Science - 2023\r\n- SEC/FINRA Alternative Trading System (\"ATS\") - 2023\r\n\r\n\r\nFeel free to reach out on Linkedin, just mention Minnebar. \r\nWe have FREE online Open Office hours every Friday around 10 am, link in my linkedin profile summary; \r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jadebarker/", "session_title": "10 Diagrams to get your $hit together", "summary": null, "description": "Real life examples/tools from a Startup founder that has to solve absurdly complex things from a living. I'll show you the evolution of my ugly ducklings to stuff thats setting some standards and you can apply to your gig. Things Like; \r\n\r\n- How to turn a User Flow into a Swimlane across different entities\r\n- WTF is a Wire-Flow, did you make up that word Jade?\r\n- DIY Heatmap of which things are on fire, when you run 7 things at once\r\n- Likeable is just a 2x2 of Trustworthy vs Credible\r\n- And Some other stuff I poke at frequently", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 13:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 118, "created_at": "2024-03-14 22:12:33 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1535, "participant_id": 1910, "presenter_name": "David Duccini", "presenter_bio": "Responsible for Software and Security Architecture. David is on a dozen patents for Blockchain Technology with Wells Fargo and wrote his own unique crypto-currency called 2GIVE that had a market cap worth over 20 MILLION USD (at the peak). David has been an active member of Bitcointalk.org since 2011, with status listed as Legendary. Additional experience includes founding an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that acquired seven competitors before a merger and a successful exit. David is a unique expert with a breadth of experience as a software security architect, successful tech entrepreneur, AND visionary with extensive practical experience in Regulated Financial Technology, Blockchain, Smart Documents, and Cryptocurrency. Neck Deep in Blockchain & Fintech for 9 – 10 years, Software for 25+\r\n\r\nIf you're curious about our master plan for Global Domination, check out [the 2017 TECHdotMN 'Minnesota Moonshot' article](https://sppx.io/moonshot) to see where we've been and where we're going!\r\n\r\nDavid recently joined the [investment banking](https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/6851423) ranks on his way to launching a secondary market for securities sold under various exemptions. When he's not busy wrestling with regulators he enjoys donating his time, plane and pilot skills to \"Pilots n Paws\" a volunteer organization that helps move pets around the world!\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/littleduke)\n- Twitter: @TheLittleDuke", "session_title": "Don't Quit Your Day Job! : When to Start Your Startup (and how to get it funded)", "summary": null, "description": "Don't Quit Your Day Job! At least not until you have burned up all your vacation or Paid Time Off.\r\n\r\nYou know you're ready to leave Corporate America and launch your startup when you've used up all your vacation time or Paid Time Off attending meetings with potential CLIENTS -- NOT just potential investors!\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you are prepared to face a week where every day feels like Monday (startup life in a nutshell) and you've embraced the idea of learning to love eating ramen purchased by the pallet then this session is for you!\r\n\r\nWe're going to SLICE through the top ten myths about the glamorous life of running a startup including :\r\n\r\n1. When to actually start\r\n2. When to get an advisory and how they should be compensated\r\n3. Solving problems people actually have, are willing to pay to have solved at a price point above what it costs you to solve it for them.\r\n4. Finding your tribe: \"It's more fun with a friend\" and how to \"outsource your weaknesses\r\n5. Firing Your First Customer : \"It's not me it's you\" and encouraging others to \"find success elsewhere\". Say it with me, \"No.\" is a full sentence!\r\n6. Raising capital at any stage : From F/F/F funding to ringing the bell on wall street and everything in between\r\n7. Learning to \"ship early, ship often\" -- the art of the pivot\r\n8. Recognizing and accepting failure -- and learn to accept that \"nobody cares\"\r\n9. Celebrating your successes -- and learn to accept that \"nobody cares\"\r\n10. Not the last train leaving the station: Learning to \"Solve Your Today Problems\" \r\n\r\nSeasoned, as in salty, local technical founder with multiple exits, David V Duccini a serious software nerd with financial technology and financing chops will teach you how to recognize if you're doing something \"For Vanity\" or \"For Profit\" and what it takes to move from \"Flounder\" to \"Founder\"!", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 10:20:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 63, "created_at": "2024-03-13 23:34:17 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" }, { "id": 1534, "participant_id": 442, "presenter_name": "Jason Hsu", "presenter_bio": "\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/jhsu802701)", "session_title": "Horror Movie Survival Tips: What To Do When the CDC Walks Off the Job", "summary": null, "description": "A common trope in stupid horror movies is the authority figures who prove to be too clueless and wimpy to protect the people from Jason Voorhees, Freddy Kruger, Michael Myers, Leatherface, Ghostface, and the killer dressed like the Gorton's Fisherman.\r\n\r\nIt turns out that the script writers are smarter than they seem, because the authorities are proving to be too clueless and wimpy to protect the people from COVID and Long COVID. Contrary to popular belief, the COVID-19 pandemic is NOT OVER, and people are still being disabled by Long COVID. Yet the CDC has effectively walked off the job. It's telling people to disregard its previous talking points about breaking the chains of transmission. The CDC has not only stopped supporting vaccine mandates and mask mandates but has also retracted its calls to stay home when sick.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, so many people have had their immune systems weakened by COVID that flu, RSV, and many other diseases have become more transmissible. People who used to get sick once every 5 years now spend more time sick than not sick.\r\n\r\nIn my opinion, even a \"minor cold\" is nasty. I cannot do much of anything if I have even the slightest hint of a fever. I've always hated sneezing, nose blowing, and the sensation of suffocation from a stuffy nose. The pandemic only multiplied my motivation to avoid sickness.\r\n\r\nIn this session, I will explain the precautions you should take to make yourself and those around you safer. These include not only the most obvious/proven/no-brainer precautions but also additional precautions in the category of \"won't hurt but just might help\". Topics include vaccines, N95 face masks, mask fit testing, DIY air purifiers (including Corsi Rosenthal boxes), DIY nasal spray, and a healthier diet. You'll get to see what kind of mask I choose to wear when sharing indoor air with lots of people, and you'll get to see some of my DIY air purifiers.", "room_name": "Discover", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2024-04-20 11:15:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 25, "created_at": "2024-03-13 02:33:28 UTC", "updated_at": "2024-04-19 03:03:00 UTC" } ]