[ { "id": 1892, "participant_id": 2622, "presenter_name": "Minnestar", "presenter_bio": "Minnestar is a nonprofit community organization that connects Minnesota’s tech ecosystem through free, inclusive, and community-led events. We’re best known for Minnebar and Minnedemo — spaces where technologists, founders, creatives, and curious minds come together to share ideas, demo projects, and support one another.\r\n\r\nAt Minnestar, we believe the best tech community is one that’s accessible, welcoming, and powered by the people in it.\r\n\r\n[Learn more about Minnestar](https://minnestar.org/)\r\n\r\nMeg Steuer is the Executive Director of Minnestar, where she leads efforts to build, nurture, and engage Minnesota’s vibrant tech community. With a passion for fostering connections and championing innovation, Meg brings years of experience in community building, economic development, and scaling initiatives.\r\n\r\nSince moving to Minnesota in 2014, Meg has made a significant impact in the community through her work with organizations like GREATER MSP, Forge North, BETA, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and the Small Business Development Center.\r\n\r\n[Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsteuer/)", "session_title": "Second Annual Charles Edge Social Hour in Sandy's Place", "summary": null, "description": "Let’s close out an incredible day the best way we know how: with great people, good conversation, and a toast to the community that makes it all possible.\r\n\r\nThe Charles Edge Social Hour is named in honor of longtime board member, community champion, and Minnebar legend Charles Edge, who tragically passed in 2024. It’s also a time to remember others we’ve lost — and to celebrate the vibrant, supportive community that carries us forward.\r\n\r\nSocial hour will take place in Sandy’s Place (the cafeteria) from 4:30–6:30pm. Minnebar attendees will receive one free drink ticket, and light apps will be provided — with additional drinks available for purchase.", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 16:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 98, "created_at": "2025-04-29 17:59:58 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-04-29 18:05:15 UTC" }, { "id": 1891, "participant_id": 2622, "presenter_name": "Minnestar", "presenter_bio": "Minnestar is a nonprofit community organization that connects Minnesota’s tech ecosystem through free, inclusive, and community-led events. We’re best known for Minnebar and Minnedemo — spaces where technologists, founders, creatives, and curious minds come together to share ideas, demo projects, and support one another.\r\n\r\nAt Minnestar, we believe the best tech community is one that’s accessible, welcoming, and powered by the people in it.\r\n\r\n[Learn more about Minnestar](https://minnestar.org/)\r\n\r\nMeg Steuer is the Executive Director of Minnestar, where she leads efforts to build, nurture, and engage Minnesota’s vibrant tech community. With a passion for fostering connections and championing innovation, Meg brings years of experience in community building, economic development, and scaling initiatives.\r\n\r\nSince moving to Minnesota in 2014, Meg has made a significant impact in the community through her work with organizations like GREATER MSP, Forge North, BETA, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and the Small Business Development Center.\r\n\r\n[Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsteuer/)", "session_title": "Open-to-Work Table", "summary": null, "description": "Looking for What’s Next? Join us at the Open-to-Work Table located outside of Sandy's Place (the cafeteria)\r\n\r\nWhether you’re actively job hunting, quietly exploring, or just figuring out what comes next — this table is for you.\r\n\r\nJoin a casual, supportive space to connect with others who are navigating transitions, thinking about their next step, or simply open to new possibilities. Share what you’re looking for, hear what others are up to, and maybe spark an idea (or opportunity) you hadn’t considered.\r\n\r\nCome as you are — no pitches, no pressure, just real conversations.", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 50, "created_at": "2025-04-29 17:56:24 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-04-29 17:57:19 UTC" }, { "id": 1890, "participant_id": 2622, "presenter_name": "Minnestar", "presenter_bio": "Minnestar is a nonprofit community organization that connects Minnesota’s tech ecosystem through free, inclusive, and community-led events. We’re best known for Minnebar and Minnedemo — spaces where technologists, founders, creatives, and curious minds come together to share ideas, demo projects, and support one another.\r\n\r\nAt Minnestar, we believe the best tech community is one that’s accessible, welcoming, and powered by the people in it.\r\n\r\n[Learn more about Minnestar](https://minnestar.org/)\r\n\r\nMeg Steuer is the Executive Director of Minnestar, where she leads efforts to build, nurture, and engage Minnesota’s vibrant tech community. With a passion for fostering connections and championing innovation, Meg brings years of experience in community building, economic development, and scaling initiatives.\r\n\r\nSince moving to Minnesota in 2014, Meg has made a significant impact in the community through her work with organizations like GREATER MSP, Forge North, BETA, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and the Small Business Development Center.\r\n\r\n[Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsteuer/)", "session_title": "Newbie Table", "summary": null, "description": "New to Minnebar? Come find the Newbie Table outside of Sandy's Place (the cafeteria)!\r\n\r\nThe Newbie Table is your home base to ask questions, meet friendly faces, and get the lay of the land.\r\n\r\nWhether you’re flying solo or just want someone to chat with between sessions, stop by and say hi. We’ll have longtime community members on hand to help you navigate the day, make connections, and feel right at home.\r\n\r\nThis table is open all day.", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 38, "created_at": "2025-04-29 17:53:17 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-04-29 17:54:26 UTC" }, { "id": 1889, "participant_id": 2622, "presenter_name": "Minnestar", "presenter_bio": "Minnestar is a nonprofit community organization that connects Minnesota’s tech ecosystem through free, inclusive, and community-led events. We’re best known for Minnebar and Minnedemo — spaces where technologists, founders, creatives, and curious minds come together to share ideas, demo projects, and support one another.\r\n\r\nAt Minnestar, we believe the best tech community is one that’s accessible, welcoming, and powered by the people in it.\r\n\r\n[Learn more about Minnestar](https://minnestar.org/)\r\n\r\nMeg Steuer is the Executive Director of Minnestar, where she leads efforts to build, nurture, and engage Minnesota’s vibrant tech community. With a passion for fostering connections and championing innovation, Meg brings years of experience in community building, economic development, and scaling initiatives.\r\n\r\nSince moving to Minnesota in 2014, Meg has made a significant impact in the community through her work with organizations like GREATER MSP, Forge North, BETA, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and the Small Business Development Center.\r\n\r\n[Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsteuer/)", "session_title": "Meet Our Community Partners!", "summary": null, "description": "We’re thrilled to welcome 20 community organizations, user groups, and nonprofits to Minnebar19 as Community Partners! These groups are doing incredible work across tech, education, entrepreneurship, and equity — and we’re proud to share space with them.\r\n\r\nBe sure to stop by their tables during lunch to learn more, make connections, and get involved. They'll be located just outside of Sandy's Place (the cafeteria) so you can easily visit before, after or during lunch!\r\n\r\nHere's the lineup, [learn more about them all here](https://minnestar.org/meet-our-minnebar19-community-partners/):\r\n\r\n**[AppliedAI](https://www.appliedai.mn)** \r\n*A nonprofit developing the next generation of AI leaders in Minnesota through conferences, podcasts, newsletters, meetups, and hands-on learning.* \r\n\r\n**[Blacks in Technology (BiT)](https://bit-twincities.org)** \r\n*The largest community of Black professionals in tech, offering networking, support, and advancement resources.* \r\n\r\n**[City of Bloomington](https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov)** \r\n*An advocate for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.*\r\n\r\n**[Communiful](https://www.joincommuniful.com)** \r\n*Connects people to professional communities where they truly belong.* \r\n\r\n**[creatempls](https://creatempls.org)** \r\n*Provides free, accessible STEM programs to students in underrepresented communities.* \r\n\r\n**[Free Geek Twin Cities](freegeektwincities.org)** \r\n*A tech rescue turning Minneapolis' e-waste problem into a solution*\r\n\r\n**[Elevate Hennepin](https://www.elevatehennepin.org)** \r\n*Offers no-cost business support services to Hennepin County small businesses.*\r\n\r\n**[Groove Capital](https://www.groovecap.com)** \r\n*Helps Minnesota startups secure their first institutional investment by combining an angel network and venture fund.* \r\n\r\n**[Hack the Gap](https://www.hackthegap.com)** \r\n*Expands access to technology through hackathons, training programs, and consulting.* \r\n\r\n**[HandsOn Twin Cities](https://www.handsontwincities.org)** \r\n*Mobilizes people to make a positive impact through community engagement.* \r\n\r\n**[Innovate MN](https://www.innovate.mn)** \r\n*A public think tank helping businesses explore what’s next.* \r\n\r\n**[MN Women in Tech](https://mtn.org)** \r\n*Fosters a diverse and inclusive tech community by connecting and empowering women in the industry.* \r\n\r\n**[MSP Startup Guide](https://mspstartupguide.com)** \r\n*A curated resource hub for Minnesota’s venture-backed startup ecosystem.* \r\n\r\n**[Open Source North](https://www.opensourcenorth.com)** \r\n*Hosts events that connect sponsors, speakers, and attendees to learn and share knowledge.* \r\n\r\n**[Penguins Unbound](https://www.penguinsunbound.com)** \r\n*A Linux User Group for enthusiasts across the Twin Cities, focused on knowledge sharing and community building.*\r\n\r\n**[Smart North](https://www.smartnorth.org)** \r\n*Promotes digital equity in Minnesota with tech hubs and workforce training in underserved communities.*\r\n\r\n**[Technologists for the Public Good](https://www.publicgood.tech)** \r\n*A professional association supporting technologists working to improve public services and government systems.* \r\n\r\n**[The Diamond Resilience](https://www.thediamondresilience.com)** \r\n*A creative collective empowering Web3 and XR creators through storytelling, tech, and community.* \r\n\r\n**[Wild AI](https://www.meetup.com/wild-ai/)** \r\n*Connects Minnesota’s AI community through meetups, talks, and collaboration.* \r\n\r\n", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 12:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 31, "created_at": "2025-04-29 17:23:56 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-04-29 17:53:51 UTC" }, { "id": 1888, "participant_id": 2622, "presenter_name": "Minnestar", "presenter_bio": "Minnestar is a nonprofit community organization that connects Minnesota’s tech ecosystem through free, inclusive, and community-led events. We’re best known for Minnebar and Minnedemo — spaces where technologists, founders, creatives, and curious minds come together to share ideas, demo projects, and support one another.\r\n\r\nAt Minnestar, we believe the best tech community is one that’s accessible, welcoming, and powered by the people in it.\r\n\r\n[Learn more about Minnestar](https://minnestar.org/)\r\n\r\nMeg Steuer is the Executive Director of Minnestar, where she leads efforts to build, nurture, and engage Minnesota’s vibrant tech community. With a passion for fostering connections and championing innovation, Meg brings years of experience in community building, economic development, and scaling initiatives.\r\n\r\nSince moving to Minnesota in 2014, Meg has made a significant impact in the community through her work with organizations like GREATER MSP, Forge North, BETA, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and the Small Business Development Center.\r\n\r\n[Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsteuer/)", "session_title": "Lunch in Sandy's Place! 🍕", "summary": null, "description": "Lunch from Pizza Luce is included with your event ticket, and can be found in the Best Buy Cafeteria (Sandy’s Place). Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free pizza options will be available.\r\n\r\nDuring lunch, the outdoor area near Sandy's will be open and accessible during the lunch hour for anyone who would prefer to eat outside (weather permitting). During the rest of the day, these doors will remain closed for security purposes.", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 12:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 157, "created_at": "2025-04-29 17:21:40 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-04-29 17:54:07 UTC" }, { "id": 1887, "participant_id": 2622, "presenter_name": "Minnestar", "presenter_bio": "Minnestar is a nonprofit community organization that connects Minnesota’s tech ecosystem through free, inclusive, and community-led events. We’re best known for Minnebar and Minnedemo — spaces where technologists, founders, creatives, and curious minds come together to share ideas, demo projects, and support one another.\r\n\r\nAt Minnestar, we believe the best tech community is one that’s accessible, welcoming, and powered by the people in it.\r\n\r\n[Learn more about Minnestar](https://minnestar.org/)\r\n\r\nMeg Steuer is the Executive Director of Minnestar, where she leads efforts to build, nurture, and engage Minnesota’s vibrant tech community. With a passion for fostering connections and championing innovation, Meg brings years of experience in community building, economic development, and scaling initiatives.\r\n\r\nSince moving to Minnesota in 2014, Meg has made a significant impact in the community through her work with organizations like GREATER MSP, Forge North, BETA, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and the Small Business Development Center.\r\n\r\n[Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsteuer/)", "session_title": "Session 0 feat. Dr. AnnMarie Thomas!", "summary": null, "description": "We start Minnebar all together (in the cafeteria) for Session 0.\r\n\r\nThis year, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. AnnMarie Thomas to kick us off.\r\n\r\nAnnMarie is an engineer. An artist. An educator. A maker. A writer. A lifelong learner who built her career mixing science, art, tech, and curiosity into something new — over and over again.\r\n\r\nFrom Squishy Circuits (playdough that lights up!) to OK Go Sandbox (music videos as STEAM playgrounds), to founding the Playful Learning Lab (at the University of St. Thomas), her work reminds us: when we make space for play, we make space for possibility. \r\n\r\nToday, she leads Listo Idea Co., LLC, where she consults on projects ranging from workshop design to ocean focused VR/AR. She’s also an enthusiastic amateur in a wide range of hobbies — including trapeze and magic.\r\n\r\nWe can’t wait to kick off Minnebar19 with AnnMarie — and start the day fueled by play, curiosity, and creativity.\r\n\r\nLearn more about AnnMarie: https://www.annmarie-thomas.com/", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 08:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 166, "created_at": "2025-04-29 17:14:06 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-04-29 22:01:44 UTC" }, { "id": 1886, "participant_id": 2622, "presenter_name": "Minnestar", "presenter_bio": "Minnestar is a nonprofit community organization that connects Minnesota’s tech ecosystem through free, inclusive, and community-led events. We’re best known for Minnebar and Minnedemo — spaces where technologists, founders, creatives, and curious minds come together to share ideas, demo projects, and support one another.\r\n\r\nAt Minnestar, we believe the best tech community is one that’s accessible, welcoming, and powered by the people in it.\r\n\r\n[Learn more about Minnestar](https://minnestar.org/)\r\n\r\nMeg Steuer is the Executive Director of Minnestar, where she leads efforts to build, nurture, and engage Minnesota’s vibrant tech community. With a passion for fostering connections and championing innovation, Meg brings years of experience in community building, economic development, and scaling initiatives.\r\n\r\nSince moving to Minnesota in 2014, Meg has made a significant impact in the community through her work with organizations like GREATER MSP, Forge North, BETA, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and the Small Business Development Center.\r\n\r\n[Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsteuer/)", "session_title": "Mega Minne Multi Indie Mini Arcade", "summary": null, "description": "Stop 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)\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": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Beth Korth" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 1905 ], "attendance_count": 59, "created_at": "2025-04-25 13:41:52 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-04-25 17:35:37 UTC" }, { "id": 1885, "participant_id": 6343, "presenter_name": "Leo Hoffman", "presenter_bio": "I've been working as a kid's coding instructor for Code Ninjas since last August, where I teach kids how to code their own games and projects. I'm trying to break into the Software Development or IT industries.\r\n\r\nIn my spare time, I've been teaching myself php using XAMPP to create my own comic stories database.\r\n", "session_title": "Teaching Kids Coding: The Different Kinds of Students and How to Work With Them", "summary": null, "description": "I work as a kids' coding instructor. While every student has a different learning style and set of challenges, there are common patterns I've noticed again and again. In this talk, I'll outline the different \"types\" of students - sharing stories of how I've learned to work with them and help them become better coders.", "room_name": "Florida", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 39, "created_at": "2025-04-20 04:40:19 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-02 23:57:17 UTC" }, { "id": 1884, "participant_id": 1270, "presenter_name": "Daniel Feldman", "presenter_bio": "I'm a software engineer working on open source network security stuff. Follow me @dfeldman.org on BlueSky.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/dfeldman)\r\n", "session_title": "Lightning talks! ⚡️⚡️⚡️", "summary": null, "description": "SIGN UP SHEET: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M3e2Q6B28BrBQG6XaX-7m4EvQLDYbJXcdlgYYgpaTTc/edit?usp=sharing\r\n\r\nDon’t want to do a full session? Miss the deadline?\r\nJoin us for Lightning Talks, where anyone can have the mic for a few minutes to talk about whatever you’d like. In this longstanding Minnebar tradition, we’ve had quick talks on topics like open-source contribution, rants about tech, and even cooking and board games. \r\n\r\nThere are no requirements. Bring slides if you wish, but they’re not required. ", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 69, "created_at": "2025-04-20 02:26:05 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-03 16:08:57 UTC" }, { "id": 1883, "participant_id": 678, "presenter_name": "Paul Cantrell", "presenter_bio": "Paul fell in love with programming at first sight on an Apple ][+ and never looked back. He teaches computer science at Macalester College and is a freelance software developer (often with the fine folks at Bust Out).\r\n\r\nLiving a secret double life as a classically trained composer and pianist, he brings a musician's passion for aesthetics and nuanced detail to the craft of writing software, thus making his bio sound all fancy.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [Personal site](https://innig.net)\r\n- [Mastodon](https://hachyderm.io/@inthehands)\r\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/pcantrell)\r\n", "session_title": "This Machine ____s Fascists (fill in the blank)", "summary": null, "description": "Around the world and at home, democracy is in decline and authoritarianism is on the rise. Technology is smack dab at the center of this authoritarian movement, both in terms of how it spreads and in terms of the damage it can do. Unfortunately, as designers, builders, managers, and funders of technology, we cannot look away.\r\n\r\nWhat actions can we, the creators and stewards of technology, take to protect democracy and human rights? What power do we have when our own spheres of influence feel small? What harms are preventable? What harms are not obvious? What choices do we have? What kinds of action can we take?\r\n\r\nWhen presented with an ethical dilemma, how will _you_ fill in that blank?\r\n\r\nThis session will offer some prompts, historical examples, and frameworks for thinking about these questions. Let’s discuss and see what we come up with.", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 112, "created_at": "2025-04-19 22:34:32 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1882, "participant_id": 6288, "presenter_name": "Ben Stumpf", "presenter_bio": null, "session_title": "Install and configure remote Linux file sharing", "summary": null, "description": "Using Samba, and ZeroTier, I will demonstrate how to configure a personal file-sharing server and allow remote access using a private vpn.", "room_name": "Oklahoma", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 21, "created_at": "2025-04-19 21:18:54 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1881, "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": "So now you are a Product Owner", "summary": null, "description": "From Engineer to Product Owner: A Journey of Evolution\r\n\r\nThey say the best roles find you when you're not looking for them. My journey to becoming a Product Owner is living proof of that.\r\n\r\nLooking forward to sharing my story and hearing yours :-) \r\n\r\nI started my career as a hardware engineer in 1986, soldering circuits and designing microprocessor based control systems using the intel 8051 microcontroller ... I lived in the physical world where you could touch and see what you were building. \r\n\r\nThen I transitioned to software engineering, where I traded physical components for lines of code - building the invisible architecture that powers our digital lives.\r\n\r\nLater, I evolved into a Test Automation Engineer, ensuring quality and reliability in the products we created. Each role taught me something valuable about the engineering process, adding another layer to my technical foundation.\r\n\r\nThen came that pivotal moment. I was working with a Software Architect, building stories for a new project, when she turned to me and said, \"You'd make a good Product Owner.\"\r\n\r\n\"What's that?\" I asked, with genuine curiosity - Not really - I just added that for fun :-) \r\n\r\nThe room erupted in laughter.\r\n\r\nLittle did I know that this unexpected suggestion would lead me to one of the most fulfilling roles of my career - where my technical background would become my superpower in bridging the gap between engineering and business needs.\r\n\r\nToday, I'd like to share with you what I've learned about being a Technical Product Owner, how my engineering background gives me a unique perspective, and why this role is crucial in creating products that truly deliver value.\r\n\r\nLooking forward to sharing my story and hearing yours \r\n\r\nPeace\r\n&Love \r\nChris \r\n\r\n-- \r\nChris Macgowan (he/him/his) \r\nStaff Scientist \r\ngstream inc. \r\n612.401.2342\r\nListening on 146.520 MHz\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Nevada (by Caribou)", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 39, "created_at": "2025-04-19 01:02:58 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1880, "participant_id": 2188, "presenter_name": "EJ Makela", "presenter_bio": "EJ is a career-switcher, trying to land his first paid gig in the area of experience design (service design, UX, IxD, etc.).\r\n\r\nWith a long background in customer service, education, and IT-oriented roles, EJ also spends a lot of his time engaging in community-building and other volunteer work. He nerds-out on anything related to design or process. Currently, he's a local leader for the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) and the webinar coordinator for UXPA International. \r\n\r\nAt Minnebar 18 (2024), EJ was shocked when 30+ folks attended a humble UX meetup that he had organized. He also volunteered at the all-day UX Office Hours session, and he's doing it again for 2025. *Stop by if you want to talk about your tech project or idea!* \r\n\r\nHis nickname is \"Johnny,\" and he usually finds it odd to speak in the third person.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- LinkedIn profile: [/in/ejmakela](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejmakela/)\r\n- UX portfolio: [ejm-ux.com](http://www.ejm-ux.com/)", "session_title": "UXer & Developer Hangout", "summary": null, "description": "Since the beginning of the year, a group of folks with an interest in the disciplines of both user experience *and* development have been meeting up online. In addition to socializing, we've been pondering what sort of activities we could engage in and offer to the community.\r\n\r\nOur next meetup was due to happen during Minnebar, so the main organizer decided to simply hold an in-person gathering at the unconference itself.\r\n\r\nThere is no formal agenda for this hangout. It's mostly a chance for people to do some casual networking. Some of us may also share some of the things we've been working on, such as a skill-share series set to launch around summertime. This gathering is open to everyone, so feel free to join us!\r\n\r\n***Why UX & Development???***\r\n\r\nThere's a very vibrant tech community in the Twin Cities, and thus a lot of overlap and opportunities for cross-pollination. In addition to exposing new UXers to the development side of things — seasoned developers, especially the old-timers, often practice UX already.", "room_name": "Discovery", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Sebrinia Welch" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 6381 ], "attendance_count": 32, "created_at": "2025-04-18 20:54:37 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1879, "participant_id": 6276, "presenter_name": "Rachel Yenko", "presenter_bio": "Integrating emotional awareness and radical vulnerability into her professional environments, **[Rachel Yenko](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-yenko-martinka/)** uses her expertise in creating immersive event experiences and the building of early-stage startups to improve the life-work balance and individual wellness for everyone she works with.\r\n\r\nOver the last 8 years working for (mostly) remote startups Rachel has built syncronized automations, new departments, interactive events, and internal operations for international teams across industries such as HR, tech, cybersecurity, and crypto, helping founders and team leads design systems that actually make work feel easier and build startups that are ready to scale.\r\n\r\nHer latest project, **[Synq](https://helloyenko.com/synq/)**, is the culmination of her professional expertise, giving teams time back by streamlining inefficient systems through automation, documentation, and clean processes. Rachel is excited to clear the operational clutter and enable teams to truly focus on what they do best, whether they are a growth-focused tech startup or a spread-thin nonprofit looking to better the world.", "session_title": "Eliminate busywork with automation (& other ways) to give your team hours back every week", "summary": null, "description": "If your team feels perpetually overcapacity or constantly “too busy” then this talk is for you.\r\n\r\nIn this hands on session, **[Rachel Yenko](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-yenko-martinka/)** draws from her experience scaling remote startups across fast-paced industries to expose where time is leaking out of your workflows and how to get it back. From bloated meetings to buried documentation, context-switching chaos to redundant updates, she’ll show you the hidden inefficiencies quietly draining your team’s momentum.\r\n\r\n### You’ll learn how to:\r\n- Calculate the real cost of a single meeting \r\n- Audit your team’s time based on task value (and where it’s being wasted) \r\n- Evaluate the trust meter your team currently gives your systems (more trust = more time saved)\r\n- Eliminate busywork with automation, process clarity, and better documentation \r\n- Create visibility without micromanagement\r\n\r\nComplete with tactical questions to directly apply these principles, you’ll walk away with deeper understanding of the changes needed to add efficiency to your day-to-day routine and give your team their time back.\r\n\r\nWhether you are a solopreneur or lead a team of 300, this talk will change how you perceive the value of your time.", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 68, "created_at": "2025-04-18 17:58:31 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1878, "participant_id": 5971, "presenter_name": "Valerie Blomberg", "presenter_bio": "A community exists in need of your business solution. But what if your community hasn't been activated yet?\r\n\r\nHi, it's nice to meet you. I build online communities for businesses and Kickstarters raising $1mil+. \r\n\r\nThe power of community to drive business goals inspires me every day, and I've curated a team of educators, marketing strategists, writers, and facilitators to bring excellence to the sphere of online chat-based community management. \r\n\r\nIf an activated community is part of your business goals, [let's chat](https://www.newaudience.co/meet). My mission is to offer companies a viable alternative to paid ad channels. An activated community is a customer referral engine, and I believe in the power of this method for you and your business. ", "session_title": "Crowdfunding 101: How to Create and Launch a Successful Campaign", "summary": null, "description": "Crowdfunding is a powerful fundraising strategy that can catapult your product idea into broad market awareness—fast. No need to chase down angel investors or land big grants. Sounds good, right?\r\n\r\nBut here’s the catch: 3 out of 5 crowdfunding campaigns don’t reach their goal, and fewer than 0.1% raise over $1 million.\r\n\r\nIn this session, [Valerie Blomberg](https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-blomberg/) shares key benchmarks and insights from launching more than 42 crowdfunding campaigns. You’ll get a clear, honest picture of what it really takes to plan, launch, and reach your goal.\r\n\r\n**You’ll walk away with:** \r\n✅ A decision tree to help you choose the right crowdfunding platform \r\n✅ An outline of an outreach and pre-launch marketing strategy \r\n✅ A realistic timeline from prep to launch \r\n✅ Tips for setting a funding goal that sets you up for success \r\n✅ A breakdown of a typical campaign launch (yes, including the mid-campaign slump) \r\n✅ Benchmarks and hard-earned lessons from real campaigns \r\n\r\nYou’ll also meet [Rocket](https://russellmarketing.co/crowdfunding-ai/), the AI assistant who can support your crowdfunding journey if you decide to move forward after the session.\r\n\r\nFind out if crowdfunding is the right path for you, and leave with the tools and clarity to move forward with confidence. 🎯\r\n", "room_name": "Pennsylvania", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 37, "created_at": "2025-04-18 17:51:03 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1877, "participant_id": 5396, "presenter_name": "Gabriela Lucía Nesheim", "presenter_bio": "Gabriela Lucía (or \"Lela\") is a UX Designer with a strong belief in the power of community, collaboration, curiosity, and accessibility. With these values in mind, Gabriela is always looking for opportunities to bring people from all walks of life and experience levels together to connect and discuss the things they're passionate about.✨ \r\n \r\nGabriela is currently a Teaching Assistant/Instructor for Hack the Gap's UX and Digital Marketing 2025 cohort, as well as a freelance UX and Digital Designer. But in their free time, you can find them writing stories, playing Dungeons & Dragons, watching campy horror movies, hanging out with sloths at the zoo, and singing in their band (or to their cats😻). \r\n \r\nConnect with them: \r\n[LinkedIn](www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-lucia-nesheim)", "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 love to meet you! ❤️ \r\n \r\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ \r\n \r\n*Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone looking to begin their journey in UX, drop by and share your wisdom!*", "room_name": "Nebraska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "EJ Makela" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 2188 ], "attendance_count": 23, "created_at": "2025-04-18 17:13:51 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1876, "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 is a certified ICF coach, Career Design Fellow, and University of Chicago MBA.\r\n\r\nShe presented a standing-room only session at Minnebar 18: Is that Job Right for Me?", "session_title": "Tell Your Career Story to Get the Job You Want", "summary": null, "description": "Want to switch jobs but your experience doesn't exactly match the role? Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, changing functions or industries, or just ready for something new, how you tell your career story can make all the difference in getting a recruiter - or even your internal HR team - to consider you.\r\n\r\nIn this session, we’ll walk through how to talk about your background in a way that highlights your strengths and connects to the job you want — even if your path hasn’t been perfectly linear. (And mine definitely hasn’t been! I’ve gone from sales to logistics to marketing to strategy, and worked at Fortune 100 companies, small private businesses, and nonprofits.)\r\n\r\nI’ll also share tips on how to update your resume and LinkedIn to fit job descriptions, plus ways to make connections that bring you closer to your next role. \r\n\r\nCome learn how to rethink the way you talk about your career so people realize not just what you’ve done, but what you can do next!\r\n", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 60, "created_at": "2025-04-18 16:30:44 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1875, "participant_id": 6306, "presenter_name": "Grant Gibson", "presenter_bio": null, "session_title": "Building with Venture in Mind: Legal Structures That Won’t Break Later", "summary": null, "description": "You’re focused on shipping, not Delaware law. But the wrong structure can kill your raise before it starts. This session is a quick-start guide to getting legally venture-ready, without needing to hire a whole legal team.\r\n\r\nIn this session, Grant Gibson, a Venture Capital investor and attorney at Great North Ventures, will walk through the foundational legal concepts that every technical founder should understand. We'll cover legal entities, preferred shares, and equity splits. We will also touch on the most common startup funding instruments (like SAFEs and convertible notes) and hopefully have lots of time for Q&A. \r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Gandhi", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 42, "created_at": "2025-04-18 14:25:45 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1874, "participant_id": 6296, "presenter_name": "Andre Smith", "presenter_bio": "Andre Julius Smith, Founder of Chosn AI Journal, brings 9 years of operational management expertise across manufacturing, healthcare, investor research, and digital marketing. After earning his finance degree from UNC Charlotte, Andre's entrepreneurial journey began in Mortuary Science, providing him with foundational insights into innovation challenges.\r\n\r\nHis work with proSapient researching digital health solutions positioned him uniquely to understand how AI is eliminating traditional gatekeepers across industries. Join Andre at \"Control+Alt+Delete the Middleman\" as he shares practical examples of how AI tools are creating direct connections, flattening hierarchies, and opening new paths to success for entrepreneurs and creators who previously faced significant barriers to entry.\r\n\r\nPanel: \"Control+Alt+Delete the Middleman: Top AI Use Cases Reshaping Business as Usual\" @ 2pm in Zeke Landres\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-smith-mental-health/)\r\n- [Chosn AI Journal](https://www.chosn.io/)\r\n- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@chosnapp)\r\n- [Chosn Conversations Podcast](https://feeds.transistor.fm/chosn-conversations-beyond-the-journal)", "session_title": "Control+Alt+Delete the Middleman: Top AI Use Cases Reshaping Business as Usual", "summary": null, "description": "AI isn't just optimizing workflows—it's completely eliminating traditional gatekeepers and middlemen across industries. From solo founders building empire-level businesses to creators bypassing traditional distribution channels, this panel explores the most transformative real-world applications of AI technology. Join our experts as they dive into case studies spanning mental health, education, creative industries, and entrepreneurship, revealing how today's AI tools are enabling direct connections, flattening hierarchies, and creating new paths to success that were unimaginable just years ago. Learn how these practical use cases are redefining who gets to participate—and win—in tomorrow's economy.", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Lori Ryan", "Caroline Swift Holden" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 6005, 6003 ], "attendance_count": 59, "created_at": "2025-04-18 03:22:12 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1873, "participant_id": 2622, "presenter_name": "Minnestar", "presenter_bio": "Minnestar is a nonprofit community organization that connects Minnesota’s tech ecosystem through free, inclusive, and community-led events. We’re best known for Minnebar and Minnedemo — spaces where technologists, founders, creatives, and curious minds come together to share ideas, demo projects, and support one another.\r\n\r\nAt Minnestar, we believe the best tech community is one that’s accessible, welcoming, and powered by the people in it.\r\n\r\n[Learn more about Minnestar](https://minnestar.org/)\r\n\r\nMeg Steuer is the Executive Director of Minnestar, where she leads efforts to build, nurture, and engage Minnesota’s vibrant tech community. With a passion for fostering connections and championing innovation, Meg brings years of experience in community building, economic development, and scaling initiatives.\r\n\r\nSince moving to Minnesota in 2014, Meg has made a significant impact in the community through her work with organizations like GREATER MSP, Forge North, BETA, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and the Small Business Development Center.\r\n\r\n[Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/megsteuer/)", "session_title": "✱✱ State of Minnestar: A Community Conversation on the Past, Present & What’s Possible! ✱✱", "summary": null, "description": "Minnestar has always been by the community, for the community — and as we rebuild and reimagine what’s next, your voice matters more than ever.\r\n\r\nIn this open conversation, we’ll share where things stand today — from events and operations to big-picture goals — and reflect on where we’ve been.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, we’ll gather your ideas, hopes, and feedback to help shape what’s ahead.\r\n\r\nWhat do you want to see more of? What’s missing? What would make Minnestar feel even more welcoming, inclusive, or impactful? This is your chance to weigh in, ask questions, and help steer the ship.\r\n\r\nWhether you’re a first-time attendee or a Minnebar OG, we want to hear from you. Come help shape the next chapter of Minnesota’s longest-running tech community.", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Valerie Lockhart" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 6155 ], "attendance_count": 70, "created_at": "2025-04-17 20:30:39 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1872, "participant_id": 6293, "presenter_name": "Bria Niewenhuis", "presenter_bio": "### Bria Niewenhuis \r\n**Founder & SOP Architect | Sepia Strategies**\r\n\r\nBria Niewenhuis is the founder of Sepia Strategies and a systems architect for founders who are tired of being the glue holding everything together. Through SOPs, operational strategy, and real-talk education, she helps small businesses move from survival mode to scalable success.\r\n\r\nWith a career spanning corporate America, fintech, and nonprofits, Bria has seen what happens when businesses grow without structure—burnout, bottlenecks, and constantly putting out fires. She’s on a mission to change that for historically excluded founders who deserve systems that work *for* them, not against them.\r\n\r\nAt Sepia Strategies, she helps founders and teams build scalable systems that support growth without the grind. Whether you're hiring for the first time or trying to get out of the weeds, Bria brings the strategy, clarity, and tools to turn scattered processes into a real foundation for freedom.\r\n\r\n**The glow-up isn’t more clients—it’s building operations that don’t crumble when you take a break.**\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\n**Check out Bria and Sepia Strategies here:**\r\n\r\n- 🌐 Website: [https://www.sepiastrategiesllc.com/](https://www.sepiastrategiesllc.com/) \r\n- 💼 Bria’s LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bria-niewenhuis-6750b3140/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bria-niewenhuis-6750b3140/) \r\n- 🏢 Sepia Strategies LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sepia-strategies/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sepia-strategies/)\r\n", "session_title": "The IKEA Effect: Why Your Team Can’t Follow What’s Only in Your Head", "summary": null, "description": "You wouldn’t hand someone an IKEA box and say “just figure it out”—so why do we do that with our teams?\r\n\r\nThis session is for founders, creatives, and growing teams who are stuck in the cycle of miscommunication, missed steps, and constant clarification. We’ll unpack how keeping your processes in your head is sabotaging your growth—and what to do about it.\r\n\r\nUsing the IKEA analogy (yes, the missing instructions and all), we’ll walk through a practical method for getting your business out of your brain and into a system your team can actually follow. No jargon. No boring binders. Just real-world strategies for documenting what matters so your team can move without you hovering.\r\n\r\n**You’ll leave with:**\r\n- A clear process for capturing what’s in your head \r\n- A framework for turning chaos into usable SOPs \r\n- Tools to build systems that support your growth—not stall it\r\n\r\nIf your business relies on “just ask me” to function, it’s time to fix that.\r\n", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 65, "created_at": "2025-04-17 17:58:02 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1870, "participant_id": 6248, "presenter_name": "Gina Lemon", "presenter_bio": "Gina is a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience at companies like UPS, Target, and Ameriprise Financial. Most notably, she played a pivotal role in scaling Timberland Partners from 150 to over 500 employees across 18 states, showcasing her expertise in strategic growth and leadership.\r\n\r\nNamed a notable leader in Human Resources by Twin Cities Business Journal in 2020, Gina is passionate about driving business transformation through people and processes. She helps organizations unlock their teams' full potential with practical tools and strategies.\r\n\r\nAs the VP of HR Consulting at Flagship Insurance Services, Gina is committed to helping businesses streamline HR practices, foster positive relationships, and maximize the return on investment in their people.\r\n\r\nFeel free to connect on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginalemon/ \r\nEmail - Gina@FlagshipHR.com", "session_title": "Saboteur Mingle ", "summary": null, "description": "Join us for a playful session that brings awareness to the Saboteurs running your life.\r\n\r\nDo you ever feel like something is quietly sabotaging your success? Your inner Saboteurs—your Judge, Controller, Hyper-Achiever, and Stickler—are working behind the scenes, masquerading as your allies. They convince you that you need them to avoid complacency or failure. But here’s the twist: the greatest damage they cause is in convincing you they’re on your side.\r\n\r\nIn this interactive session, we’ll play a game of \"Seek and Reveal.\" We’re not here to hide from these Saboteurs—we’re actively seeking them out. You’ll learn how to identify these voices within yourself and see how they show up in others. By recognizing how these Saboteurs influence your decisions, you’ll be able to make more informed, conscious choices moving forward.\r\n\r\nWhat you’ll get from this session:\r\n\r\nA fun, engaging game that helps you seek out your Saboteurs rather than hide from them.\r\n\r\nIncreased awareness of how these inner voices shape your actions and choices.\r\n\r\nPractical strategies to challenge these influences and step into your true potential.\r\n\r\nReady to turn the tables on your inner Saboteurs? Let’s make this a game where awareness is the prize, and transformation is the goal.\r\n\r\nFeel free to take the Saboteur Assessment ahead of this session to gain more insights! \r\nhttps://www.positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/", "room_name": "Oklahoma", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 20, "created_at": "2025-04-17 13:13:12 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1869, "participant_id": 6291, "presenter_name": "Anthony Peter Charles Dann", "presenter_bio": "Anthony Dann born in London, half Brazilian and raised in Minneapolis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypcdann/) is the CEO and founder of Biometrica Health (https://biometricahealth.com/), a remote patient monitoring startup transforming chronic care through real-time, device-agnostic technology. With a background in entrepreneurship and healthcare innovation, Anthony has worked with and consulted for leading organizations including Mayo Clinic, Cardinal Health, Optum, and Elevance, as well as multiple private equity–backed companies. He has led large-scale healthcare business transformations, bringing a strategic lens to complex operational, regulatory, and technical challenges. Anthony specializes in building scalable SaaS platforms, guiding startups from prototype to revenue, and driving innovation that improves access, efficiency, and outcomes across the healthcare ecosystem. He holds a degree in Entrepreneurship from the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas, where he was part of one of the program’s first graduating classes.", "session_title": "Starting a MedTech with Your Friends: What’s the Best and Worst That Can Happen (and Everything in Between)?", "summary": null, "description": "Starting a company is hard. Starting one in healthcare is harder. And doing it with your friends? That’s a whole other level. In this session, we’ll dive into the real-world highs and lows of launching a MedTech startup with people you care about—and the lessons learned along the way.\r\n\r\nLed by Anthony Dann, CEO of Biometrica Health, this session will explore the unique challenges of building a company in a highly regulated industry while navigating personal relationships, equity splits, founder expectations, and investor dynamics. Whether you're in the early stages of building a startup, working with friends, or just curious about the MedTech space, you’ll walk away with stories, strategies, and some cautionary (and encouraging) tales.\r\n\r\nWe’ll cover:\r\n\r\nThe good: trust, shared values, and the creative energy that can come from building something with people you know well.\r\n\r\nThe bad: what happens when visions diverge, timelines stretch, or roles become unclear.\r\n\r\nThe ugly: how to handle fallout, protect the business, and preserve friendships (when possible).\r\n\r\nThe real: navigating HIPAA, FDA pathways, investor expectations, and burn rate—all with a small, tight-knit team.\r\n\r\nThere will be time for Q&A, so bring your questions, stories, and war wounds. This is an open, honest look at what it takes to build something meaningful in healthcare—and still want to grab a drink with your co-founder after.", "room_name": "Pennsylvania", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 21, "created_at": "2025-04-17 04:34:57 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1868, "participant_id": 6240, "presenter_name": "Richard Chandler, MA, LPC", "presenter_bio": "Richard Chandler, MA, LPC, combines decades of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, executive coach, and business partners counselor, bringing unique expertise in relationship dynamics in personal and business settings. He works with partnerships and teams throughout the United States and Canada to help business partners overcome communication barriers and move forward productively.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [Website](https://thebusinesspartnerscounselor.com/)\r\n- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjchandler/)", "session_title": "From Friction to Consensus: Tools for Tackling Tough Conversations for Partners & Teams", "summary": null, "description": "Are you struggling to address difficult topics with your business partner or team member? Many partnerships or teams stall because people avoid risky conversations, leading to months of inaction and pent-up frustration. \r\n\r\nThis session provides practical tools and methodologies for productively addressing challenging discussions before they escalate into relationship-damaging conflicts.\r\n\r\nYou'll learn:\r\n\r\n- How to understand and analyze the true nature of your frustration\r\n- A proven methodology for approaching difficult conversations with confidence\r\n- Techniques for engaging constructively instead of disengaging or arguing\r\n- Skills to help you flex toward different communication styles and viewpoints\r\n\r\nThis session will help you transform risky discussions into productive ones. Although focused on business partnerships and teams, these skills work with any relationship.\r\n\r\nPerfect for: Business partners, entrepreneurs, professionals and people who want to improve their ability to handle difficult conversations effectively.", "room_name": "Texas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 35, "created_at": "2025-04-16 18:11:48 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1867, "participant_id": 6196, "presenter_name": "Lindsey Fine", "presenter_bio": "Lindsey Fine got her start in sales slinging Girl Scout cookies door-to-door, then leveled up by waiting tables—secretly competing with coworkers to see who could upsell the most dessert + wine.\r\n\r\nShe spent nearly 20 years selling in tech at companies like Amazon, Salesforce, Dropbox, and Meta. She finally realized she was most fired up about helping the people building the next generation of those companies.\r\n\r\nToday, she coaches early-stage founders on how to sell without feeling gross, fake, or winging it every single time. She’s the one you call when you’ve got a great product, no sales team, and no clue what to say on a call.\r\n\r\nShe lives out in the west metro with her family, and their boxer Pancho. Loves a good strong cup of coffee and a good run. Always in that order. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseyefine/", "session_title": "You're the Founder 𝙖𝙣𝙙 the Sales Team. Now what? ", "summary": null, "description": "You've got a product. Maybe even a few early customers. \r\n\r\nBut now, it's time to sell—and surprise: 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 the sales team. If you're a founder who didn't \"mean\" to be in sales, this session's for you. \r\n\r\nWe'll talk about what founder-led sales 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 looks like (hint: it's not thousands of cold emails and praying for replies) \r\n\r\nWe'll break down: \r\n\r\n- The mindset shift that changes everything\r\n\r\n- How to stop overcomplicating your funnel\r\n\r\n- What to say on sales calls when you feel like a fraud\r\n\r\n- Why progress beats perfection when you’re early\r\n\r\nYou’ll leave with real talk, real tactics, and hopefully a little less dread when you hear the word “sales.”\r\n\r\nWhether you’re pre-revenue or scaling your first team, this is the stuff I wish every founder knew.", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 44, "created_at": "2025-04-16 15:46:24 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-02 20:49:39 UTC" }, { "id": 1866, "participant_id": 6281, "presenter_name": "Tanya Alvarez", "presenter_bio": "Tanya Alvarez is a mom, serial entrepreneur, speaker, and systems-driven optimist who believes any monumental goal is possible—with the right squad.\r\n\r\nA first-gen Colombian American, she scaled her first business to $1M in a year while traveling to 43 countries and running marathons with a brittle bone condition.\r\n\r\nToday, she’s the co-founder of PeerProgress.ai, an AI-powered, human-led accountability platform helping high-ticket coaching programs and entrepreneurial communities turn passive participants into consistent action-takers.\r\n\r\nShe’s currently writing Go Against Your Defaults, a guide for high-achievers stuck in patterns that no longer serve them—showing how to break free and level up with the right support.", "session_title": "Go Against Your Default: Why ‘Trust Your Gut’ Is Keeping You Small", "summary": null, "description": "You’ve heard the advice: “Trust your gut.”\r\nBut what if that voice in your head—the one whispering “You’re not ready” or “Don’t try”—isn’t intuition at all? \r\nIt’s your default: a fear-based loop dressed up as logic.\r\n\r\nIn this raw, practical, and inspiring talk, Tanya Alvarez shares how defying her default helped her go from “7% chance of having kids” to building a thriving business and life on her own terms. \r\nYou’ll walk away with a clear 3-step system to name your default, disrupt it with accountability, and build unstoppable momentum—one small win at a time.\r\n\r\nThis isn’t about motivation.\r\nIt’s about strategy.\r\nBecause growth doesn’t come from staying safe—it comes from choosing differently.", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 31, "created_at": "2025-04-16 13:44:54 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1865, "participant_id": 6279, "presenter_name": "Sara Newman", "presenter_bio": "Sara Newman is a leadership and change strategist who’s spent over two decades helping teams navigate transformation without losing their humanity. Her work focuses on emotional intelligence, people-first strategy, and team effectiveness, especially in tech environments where brilliant minds often hit invisible walls. ", "session_title": "People Debt: The Hidden Cost Holding Your Team Back", "summary": null, "description": "We talk a lot about technical debt in the tech world, but what about the stuff that’s not in the backlog? The team tension, messy communication, unclear roles, and leadership gaps we all quietly work around? That’s what I call people debt, and it’s just as damaging.\r\n\r\nPeople debt is what builds up when we ignore cultural and interpersonal problems to keep moving fast. Over time, it tanks morale, slows teams down, and makes change nearly impossible. Sound familiar?\r\n\r\nIn this session, we’ll break down what people debt is, how to spot it, and what to do about it. Expect a mix of real talk, reflection, and easy tools you can use to build more trust, clarity, and accountability on your team.\r\n\r\nWhether you’re a team lead, engineer, product person, or just someone who’s tired of tiptoeing around people problems, you’ll walk away with fresh perspective and a few ideas to try on Monday.", "room_name": "Gandhi", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 59, "created_at": "2025-04-16 04:36:04 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1864, "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 (Umbrella project for Bazzite).\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 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 (including Bazzite). 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.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [LinkTree](https://linktr.ee/noelmiller)", "session_title": "Bazzite: The Gateway to Gaming on Linux", "summary": null, "description": "**What is Bazzite?**\r\n\r\n[Bazzite](https://bazzite.gg) is an open source custom operating system image built upon Fedora Atomic Desktops that brings the best of Linux gaming to all of your devices - including your favorite handheld. It is built with Cloud Native Technology through the use of OCI containers and GitHub Runners.\r\n\r\nIt is built for Linux newcomers and enthusiasts to provide the best user friendly experience for playing your favorite video games.\r\n\r\n**Topics**\r\n\r\n- What is Bazzite?\r\n- Bazzite Features\r\n- Why Use Bazzite?\r\n- Impacts of Bazzite on the gaming industry\r\n- Q&A\r\n\r\n**Why come to this session?**\r\n\r\n- Learn more about gaming on Linux\r\n- See Bazzite running on real hardware\r\n- Play some video games with us!", "room_name": "Georgia", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 20, "created_at": "2025-04-15 20:27:20 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1863, "participant_id": 6261, "presenter_name": "Melissa \"Mel\" Bernstein", "presenter_bio": "Hello! I'm a Minneapolis-based full-stack developer and cloud engineer who loves UX and design. I love biking, jazz, and sharing good food with friends!\r\n\r\nI grew up in the Twin Cities and attended university in Vancouver, Canada, where I completed my BSc in Computer Science, took many electives, and joined numerous climate activism and athletics clubs (ultimate frisbee, cycling, outdoor recreation). In the fall of 2023, I returned to Minneapolis. That winter and spring, I involved myself in numerous [bike groups](http://bikegroups.org/) around the city and in the fall, started making lots of nerdy urbanism friends, including [Joel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-w-601ba4350/) and [Mike](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-odell-pe-0a1b52171/) who both work for the City of Minneapolis in the Traffic Engineer department. I loved learning about the connection between digital UX and physical infrastructure design. Also, in the summer of 2024, I visited Montreal for the [annual jazz festival](https://montrealjazzfest.com/) and loved exploring the city and admiring its bike and transit infrastructure.\r\n\r\nScooting ahead to this winter, I asked Joel and Mike lots of questions about how things work and why they are the way they are. With every acronym I learned, I gained a deeper appreciation for their work and the incredible complexity of traffic signal management. I also started researching more technologies like bus and bike lane detection (see [Hayden AI](http://hayden.ai/)) and curb management (see [SMART grant](https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/File/RacialEquity/24075)). These topics and more will be discussed in our presentation!\r\n\r\nI am excited to join the Minnestar community! This will be my first big event!\r\n\r\nI have a [personal website](https://melissabernstein.notion.site/) that needs to updating, and here is my [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-bernstein-ubc/). I'm sometimes wary of connecting with people I don't know, so please add a connection message and/or wait until after the presentation to connect.", "session_title": "Signals, Sensors, and Safety: Technology in Smart Cities", "summary": null, "description": "Ever wonder...\r\n\r\n- Why you sometimes cruise through green lights—and other times hit red at every block?\r\n- How emergency vehicle preemption (that flashy-light thing) actually works?\r\n- What’s inside those big metal traffic cabinets? And why *are* they so big?\r\n- How traffic signal timing is determined?\r\n- I could just program the intersection with a Raspberry Pi. What’s the big deal?\r\n\r\nIn this presentation and Q+A, you’ll hear from\r\n\r\n- [**Mike Odell**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-odell-pe-0a1b52171)- Professional Traffic Engineer\r\n- [**Melissa “Mel” Bernstein**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-bernstein-ubc/) - a very full-stack Software Engineer who’s asked *a lot* of questions\r\n- with support from [**Joel Wacker**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-w-601ba4350/) - System Integrator\r\n\r\nWe’ll cover:\r\n\r\n- A tour of the traffic signal cabinet\r\n- Safety features built into intersections\r\n- The hardware and networks behind it all (well, not all)\r\n- Multi-modal (bike, bus, pedestrian, cars, trucks, etc) signal coordination\r\n- Sensors, sensors, and more sensors\r\n- Pilot projects, startups, and innovation in urban traffic technology\r\n- the connection between digital UX and physical infrastructure design\r\n\r\nYou’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for how traffic technology keeps cities moving—and probably at least 10 new acronyms in your vocabulary.\r\n\r\nIf you've got topics/questions to ask ahead of time, feel free to dm me (Melissa) on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-bernstein-ubc/) ", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Mike Odell " ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 6305 ], "attendance_count": 92, "created_at": "2025-04-15 04:16:43 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1862, "participant_id": 4420, "presenter_name": "Dianne Shelton", "presenter_bio": "**_TLDR:_**\r\n\r\nI'm a corporate drop out turned entrepreneur who loves to nerd out on all things digital marketing & geek out even more on helping my clients (actually) make money in their business. **Let's connect on [LinkedIn!] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannecshelton)**\r\n\r\n\r\n_The fancy official-ish bio for street cred:_\r\n\r\nDianne Shelton is a digital marketing + online growth strategist & the founder of Passion Breakthrough [(website)](http://PassionBreakthrough.com)\r\n\r\nAs a first-generation Filipina-American, she is passionate about sharing her journey to adapt in order to achieve more success like moving halfway across the globe & trading in her corporate experience for building generational wealth and living a fun-fueled life.\r\n\r\nGrowing up in a family of business owners, she developed an entrepreneur's mindset early on which served her well in both her professional career & in her own business. This is prevalent in the lessons she brings forward from her computer science & MBA degrees paired with 12+ years of strategic consulting serving small to mid-sized businesses and Fortune 500 companies with their program & project planning, stakeholder requirements, leadership development, vendor + contract management / negotiation & business operations. \r\n\r\nNowadays, she helps heart-led entrepreneurs with innovative digital marketing strategy paired with AI-powered business system. Her clients get results faster with the CEO Success Flywheel©: Client (leads), Engine (funnel), Offer (sales). \r\n\r\nTrue to her passion, she continues to grow her business alongside clients in 175+ countries from her Minnesota home where she empowers others streamline to focus on what matters most to them & to serve well in their industry instead of working in the weeds of their business because as much as we can do anything we set our minds to, we're not meant to do everything.\r\n\r\nDianne is also an author, speaker, and her work has been featured on places like All Business, Digital Journal, & Thrive Global. When she’s not working, you'll find her traveling in search of good food or playing board games with her 3 younger siblings. \r\n\r\n_Get her 5-step Guide to Getting Clients on Social Media by sending her the word \"MINNEBAR\" on Instagram [@PassionBreakthrough](http://www.instagram.com/passionbreakthrough)_", "session_title": "🎯 Marketing with AI: Drive Sales With Less Time", "summary": null, "description": "With the rise of AI, let's chat about how you can leverage tools + strategies to help you **supercharge your online presence with AI-powered marketing without losing YOUR brand voice.** _During this session:_

\r\n✅ I'll share with you some **key metrics to consider** when it comes to AI for marketing & how it's relevant for all business owners, whether you're newer to AI or already an AI expert.

\r\n✅ We'll discuss how to **craft magnetic content** that speaks directly to your dream clients, helping you stand out and WIN more business in the saturated, noisy digital space.

\r\n✅ You'll discover other **tools beyond just ChatGPT** that could help you in your marketing & discuss a handful of AI initiatives from Google, LinkedIn & Meta (Facebook, Instagram).
\r\n\r\nPlus, you'll walk away with **actionable insights & prompts** that will help uplevel your AI-driven marketing game.\r\n\r\n_Want a copy of the presentation? DM me \"AIMarketing\" on [LinkedIn] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannecshelton)_\r\n\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Nevada (by Caribou)", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 41, "created_at": "2025-04-14 18:28:03 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1861, "participant_id": 6172, "presenter_name": "Daniel Sandau", "presenter_bio": "Daniel Sandau has spent the past 16+ years in the security industry with a primary focus on offensive security testing, working with clients and developers, and leading groups of people. His work spans everything from web apps and thick clients to mobile and network security assessments with a perspective that only comes from years in the trenches.\r\n\r\nHe is currently a Cyber Director for Security Testing for Aon, and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of security professionals. Daniel’s spoken at past Minnebar events and other tech conferences, and he’s always happy to swap stories or chat shop.", "session_title": "Good Vibes Only: Security with AI Vibe Coding", "summary": null, "description": "As large language models (LLMs) and AI tools become increasingly powerful in the development world, a new concept has emerged: vibe coding, or guiding an AI to build out code without ever laying a finger on the code yourself.\r\n\r\nBut as with most shiny new tools, security is often left behind in the rush to innovate. AI-generated code can be incredibly helpful, but it rarely defaults to being secure unless explicitly guided. Beyond the usual concerns of bugs and bad actors, vibe coding also introduces risks around copyright, attribution, API usage limits, and data privacy.\r\n\r\nThis session explores the hidden (and not-so-hidden) security pitfalls of AI-assisted development. You'll walk away with a mild amount of paranoia, practical tips, go-to resources, and solid practices to help ensure that your next side project, startup prototype, or enterprise application is built on secure foundations.\r\n\r\nIf you're going to let an AI build code, at least make sure it’s not building your next security incident as well. Let the good vibes roll!", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 36, "created_at": "2025-04-14 18:20:06 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1860, "participant_id": 3355, "presenter_name": "Colin Hirdman", "presenter_bio": "I'm a Twin Cities entrepreneur and Minnebar veteran. Love building and learning, you can learn about what I'm up to at https://monkeyislandventures.com. I'm also a volunteer on the MN Blockchain Initiative board (https://www.mnblockchain.org/).\r\n\r\nLook forward to meeting you!\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhirdman/\r\n- Twitter: @colinhirdman\r\n", "session_title": "🎉 Founders: Learn how to grow your network, leads, and sales using LinkedIn! (and receive the proven playbook u can use immediately)", "summary": null, "description": "A LinkedIn growth workshop built specifically for founders where you'll learn lead/sales strategies you can begin **implementing immediately**.\r\n\r\n**Some highlights of what you'll learn:**\r\n\r\n- ✅ The successful LinkedIn philosophy I've used to generate millions in sales\r\n- ✅ LinkedIn prospect building so you can connect with real prospects\r\n- ✅ Best performing LinkedIn campaign strategies to generate leads and sales\r\n\r\n\r\nThis is a **\"no fluff\"** session. We will **NOT** be spending time on your LinkedIn profile, how often you should be posting, likes, comments, etc.\r\n\r\nWe **WILL** be focusing specifically on how to grow audiences of ideal prospects and how you can turn them into leads and customers using specific LinkedIn strategies.\r\n\r\nCome prepared to learn, with an open mind, and ready to ask questions!\r\n\r\n———————\r\n\r\nI want to help as many entrepreneurs be successful as I can. By sharing my LinkedIn expertise, I'm able to help them stay authentic and build their businesses through smart LinkedIn strategy that will grow their network, leads, and sales.", "room_name": "Nevada (by Caribou)", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 38, "created_at": "2025-04-14 15:41:27 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-02 15:24:50 UTC" }, { "id": 1859, "participant_id": 4965, "presenter_name": "Frank Schilder", "presenter_bio": "Frank Schilder is a senior director at Thomson Reuters Labs, specializing in AI and machine learning. He holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from the University of Edinburgh and previously taught at the University of Hamburg, Germany.", "session_title": "Can LLMs Reason? Challenges, Breakthroughs, and Future Directions", "summary": null, "description": "Large Language Models (LLMs) excel at generating text but face challenges in true reasoning. This talk explores these limitations, using examples like NYC taxi route prediction or the reversal curse, where LLMs struggle with drawing the correct logical inferences. For example, while trained on “A is B” (e.g., Tom is the parent of John), LLMs are unable to infer the reverse “B is A” (e.g., John is the child of Tom) during inference even if the two sentences express an equivalent statement. Critics have argued such brittleness stems from LLMs’ reliance on statistical patterns rather than structured logic.\r\n\r\nRecent advances, including OpenAI’s o1/o3 and Google’s Gemini-2.5, address these gaps by integrating reinforcement learning and chain-of-thought (CoT) techniques enabling models to work through their reasoning steps. Although the developers of closed models do not provide extensive insights into their underlying techniques, open-source models such as DeepSeek-R1 enable the development of custom-made reasoning models. The talk concludes with a vision for hybrid architectures that augment—not replace—human experts, positioning LLMs as collaborative tools for brainstorming and error-checking in fields like software engineering and scientific research.\r\nAttendees will gain a nuanced understanding of the current state of LLM reasoning and its potential to transform knowledge work.", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Advanced", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 52, "created_at": "2025-04-14 03:44:59 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1858, "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": "So you want to hire a veteran, let me help you", "summary": null, "description": "I will teach you how to help a veteran, how to read a veteran resume, and how to utilize the skills that veterans can bring to your company.", "room_name": "Kansas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 3, "created_at": "2025-04-11 23:01:11 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1857, "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.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/Mathiasaurusrex)\r\n- Twitter: @Mathiasaurusrex", "session_title": "Designing for Crisis: ‘This information can save lives’", "summary": null, "description": "The community has been in an elevated state of crisis for years. Human-centered and Trauma-informed design plays a critical role in how we respond, recover, and rebuild. This talk explores the intersection of design, technology, and leadership in moments of crisis.\r\n\r\nFrom the ongoing enhancement of systems like 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to the mental models that shape how we show up during emergencies, we will examine how thoughtful design can make a life-saving difference.\r\n\r\nWe will also look beyond the screen -- at the leadership practices that can guide people through uncertainty. How can we design thoughtfully for the moment and lead with empathy? And what does it mean to lead with empathy in environments where it may not be valued?\r\n\r\nWhether you're building for public health, scaling infrastructure during disasters, or leading a team through an organizational crisis, this talk offers thoughtful reflection, real-world examples of designing with resilience and responsibility.\r\n", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 69, "created_at": "2025-04-11 18:35:16 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1856, "participant_id": 3109, "presenter_name": "DeLonn Crosby", "presenter_bio": "Hey! I'm the founder of SayKid and creator of the ToyBot. We combine voice tech and tangible play to help kids learn in a more-engaging way - without screens). SayKid won the Grand Prize in the Alexa EdTech Challenge, MN Cup Moonshot Prize, and was recently shortlisted for the WISE Prize, which some consider to be the \"Nobel Prize of Education.\"\r\n\r\nif interested in learning more, see TEDx Talk and socials below:\r\n- [TEDx Talk](https://youtu.be/xljPpLiQajY?)\r\n\r\n- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/delonncrosby/)\r\n- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SayKidPlay/)\r\n- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/saykidplay/)\r\n- [X](https://x.com/SayKidPlay)\r\n- [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@saykidplay)", "session_title": "🤖 Robots aren't coming... they're here! At Minnebar! 🤯", "summary": null, "description": "**The robots aren't coming... they're here.**\r\n\r\nWe've seen robots doing incredible things... cleaning the house, making pizza, or mow your lawn.\r\n\r\nThese are great but have you ever seen a robot do magic tricks, play monopoly, or 4-in-a-row? Want to?\r\n\r\nIf so, come to this *hands-on* session, where we'll show you what's possible with natural language and robotics.\r\n\r\nAlthough this will be great for people of all ages, parents with young kids will get a lot out of this. \r\n\r\n40 mins will go by very quickly! Come prepared to play!", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 60, "created_at": "2025-04-11 16:12:26 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1855, "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 45 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, Ameriprise, and Komatsu. She is super passionate about her work, and specializes in user interaction, responsive web design, design systems, WCAG accessibility, and HTML/CSS. ", "session_title": "UX design in Agile development", "summary": null, "description": "Agile teams move fast -- but where does design fit in? If your UX designer is operating outside your sprint cadence, this session is for you! Whether you're a product manager, developer, or designer, learn how to seamlessly integrate UX/UI into your Agile processes without slowing things down. (And likely speeding things up!)\r\n\r\nJoin a seasoned pro who's worked with numerous Agile teams and trained with the best scrum masters, and leave with a sprint structure that actually makes room for design. Get tips for getting everyone speaking the same language, and ceremony tweaks that'll turn your team into a smooth-running product powerhouse.", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 46, "created_at": "2025-04-11 15:52:41 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-02 05:06:49 UTC" }, { "id": 1854, "participant_id": 6202, "presenter_name": "Peter Somerville", "presenter_bio": "**Peter Somerville** is the Co-founder of [Caparra](https://caparra.ai), a Minneapolis-based startup building AI-powered tools that help software teams eliminate toil, improve code quality, and reduce tech debt -- automatically. \r\n\r\nPeter met his Caparra co-founder Chad Rhyner 8 years ago at a fin-tech startup, and was quickly impressed with Chad's DevOps expertise. With their shared background as Midwestern natives and U.S. Marine Corps veterans, the two have stayed in touch discussing innovation in software engineering. \r\n\r\nPeter is the \"much less technical co-founder,\" but has surprised himself (and sometimes even impressed Chad) with his AI-assisted contributions to the Caparra codebase. When not attempting to code, Peter enjoys \"Type 2 Fun\" such as trail marathons, training at a Muay Thai camp in Thailand, and hiking 2,500 miles in Spain, Portugal, and France.", "session_title": "Software Engineering in 2027 or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love AI Vibe Coding", "summary": null, "description": "AI models and tools are improving at blazing speed. The CEO of Anthropic predicts that in 3-6 months, AI will be writing 90% of code. Is he serious? *Is he right?* And if so, what does this mean for software engineering teams? **Are we doomed?** 😅😅\r\n\r\nAs a Marine Corps veteran, Peter Somerville is accustomed to working in fast-moving, high-uncertainty environments, and his 10+ years working in startups leads him to believe that the next few years will offer exciting opportunities for adaptable software teams and developers that can master the new AI-powered landscape.\r\n\r\nThis session is ideal for anyone focused on how AI technology is driving change in the software and startup world. No knowledge of or experience with software development is needed. Peter will share his thoughts, and then foster a discussion about these trends among attendees.", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 82, "created_at": "2025-04-11 01:24:56 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1853, "participant_id": 6236, "presenter_name": "Marlaina Love", "presenter_bio": "Marlaina Love is a visionary entrepreneur, LeanStack-certified startup coach, and founder of The Diamond Resilience, a creator-led community empowering digital creators to thrive in emerging industries like Web3, XR, and gaming. With over nine years of experience in project and program management for software and product development teams, Marlaina has built a reputation for driving innovation and sustainable growth in decentralized digital economies. Her work focuses on workforce development, equipping creators and entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and ecosystems needed to build thriving ventures and NexGen leaders in the digital era.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lovemarlaina)\r\n- [Website](https://www.thediamondresilience.com)", "session_title": "Go Live in 30: Build and Launch Your First Digital Product with AI", "summary": null, "description": "**Shape your vision into a viable product built for a digital-powered economy**.\r\n\r\nIn this live workshop, you’ll learn how to turn your vision into a revenue-generating business, using simple AI and GenAI tools to accelerate your launch. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, building your first venture, or reimagining your business for a digital-first world, this session will give you a clear 30-day action plan to move from concept to market with confidence. Through a guided framework, you’ll map your core value, build a minimum viable product (MVP), and design a launch strategy that positions you for sustainable growth in digital-powered world.\r\n\r\nYou will benefit the most if you are a:\r\n\r\n- **Career Professionals** navigating layoffs, career changes, or looking to create career security on their own terms\r\n- **Startup Founders & Entrepreneurs** seeking to validate new ideas, accelerate growth, or reinvent business models for a digital-first world\r\n- **Product Owners & Small Business Leaders** exploring how to quickly modernize offers using AI and immersive technology\r\n\r\nFor a tailored experience and early access to workshop materials, visit here: https://forms.gle/crMEhhpufXVUQvTPA", "room_name": "Oklahoma", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 31, "created_at": "2025-04-11 01:24:07 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-02 10:10:43 UTC" }, { "id": 1852, "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. His latest book is \"Radical Clarity: How Accidental CEOs Uncover Meaning, Lead with Purpose and Accelerate Growth\".\r\n\r\nPete helps Accidental CEOs—technical experts-turned-leaders—inspire their teams and grow their businesses.", "session_title": "How to Not Suck at CEO-ing When You Didn’t Mean to Be One", "summary": null, "description": "If you're a startup founder or technical expert who suddenly finds yourself with the title \"CEO\"—this session is for you.\r\n\r\nYou didn't set out to lead a company. You wanted to solve a problem, build something new, or escape corporate red tape. Now, you're leading people, managing growth, and trying to figure out how to scale without burning out, selling out, or stalling out.\r\n\r\nThis session is a real-world guide for first-time or accidental CEOs—those of us who are building the plane while flying it. I’ll share 10 hard-earned growth moves that will help you shift from founder mode to real-deal leadership, without losing sight of what made your company worth building in the first place.\r\n\r\nWe’ll cover how to:\r\n\r\n- Make faster, clearer decisions that align with your vision\r\n\r\n- Communicate like a leader (even when you're figuring it out as you go)\r\n\r\n- Get out of the weeds and be more strategic\r\n\r\n- Grow your team and culture without creating chaos and conflict\r\n\r\n- Handle the identity shift from expert to leader\r\n\r\nThis isn't about theory or buzzwords. It’s a practical, honest look at what it takes to lead a growing company when leadership wasn’t your original plan.\r\n", "room_name": "Georgia", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 35, "created_at": "2025-04-11 00:59:28 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1851, "participant_id": 2440, "presenter_name": "Martin Hertz", "presenter_bio": "Martin Hertz is a leader in software development with over 25 years of professional experience. These days, he’s focused on building exceptional software development organizations, shaping robust and self-sustaining delivery teams, and coaching engineers. He’s played roles of developer, architect, scrum master, product owner, people manager, project manager, and process expounder. Over the years, he has been fortunate to learn a lot from brilliant colleagues, mentors, and his mistakes.\r\n\r\n**Links:** \r\n\r\n* [Computers & People ](https://computersandpeople.com) (blog)\r\n* [@computersandpeople.com](https://bsky.app/profile/computersandpeople.com) (Bluesky)", "session_title": "Moving beyond technical debt", "summary": null, "description": "Advocating for technical improvements to a product or system can be extremely challenging. In this session, you’ll learn how to better champion technical initiatives. We’ll talk about how the concept of “technical debt” is, counterintuitively, holding you back.\r\n\r\nThe metaphor of technical debt has had a hugely positive impact on software development. However, its convoluted current state is hindering decision-making and value creation. The technical debt metaphor deserves its exalted place in history, but it’s time to move beyond it.\r\n\r\nWe’ll investigate the origins of the technical debt metaphor and discuss how current approaches driven by it are hampering technical efforts. We’ll use this understanding to identify more inclusive approaches to cross-disciplinary prioritization. You’ll be prepared to better collaborate with your technical and non-technical colleagues to ensure the right technical work is delivered at the right time.\r\n\r\nAlthough this session is geared towards technical advocacy, practitioners of product, design, agile coaching, quality, and all other disciplines are welcome! Anyone involved in cross-functional decision-making and delivery will benefit from understanding the shortcomings of technical debt. Moving beyond technical has benefits for us all.\r\n", "room_name": "Stephen Leacock", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 49, "created_at": "2025-04-10 20:31:53 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1850, "participant_id": 4387, "presenter_name": "Tyler Dane", "presenter_bio": "I’m a frontend engineer who’s tried every productivity system out there — from bullet journals and GTD to second brains and AI time blocking. Most of them worked… until they didn’t.\r\n\r\nWhile building my own [open-source weekly planner](https://github.com/SwitchbackTech/compass) and talking to users, I learned that I wasn't alone. Lots of us feel unorganized, overwhelmed, stuck. Contrary to what you see on socials, the solution isn't to spend an entire weekend setting up five AI apps or religiously following someone else's setup.\r\n\r\nInstead, we just need to get the basics right, and make sure our systems can adapt as our lives change.\r\n\r\nImplementing this simple advice has led to many years of good output, without the chaos. \r\n\r\nThis talk distills the lessons I learned, with an emphasis on combining practical tips that you can implement on day one with a new productivity philosophy that'll last a lifetime.\r\n\r\nFor a preview, I share practical productivity tips on [my YouTube](https://youtu.be/SUHL8K-Oe9w) for normal people who want systems that actually make sense.", "session_title": "The Only Productivity System That Actually Works — Yours", "summary": null, "description": "Tried every fancy productivity method, app, and hack — and still feel like nothing sticks? Or maybe you’re tired of all the complicated apps and just need something simple that works?\r\n\r\nThis talk is for you.\r\n\r\nWe’re skipping the one-size-fits-all approach and getting to the core of how real productivity works — so you can build a system that actually fits *your* brain and *your* priorities.\r\n\r\nYou'll walk away with:\r\n\r\n- A clear understanding of why most systems break down — and how to fix yours\r\n- A framework you will implement *immediately* (yes, during this session!)\r\n- A roadmap to help you keep evolving it for the rest of your life\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat we'll cover:\r\n\r\n- Why every guru's definition of productivity is wrong, and **what productivity really means**\r\n- The **raw materials** of action — intention, focus, energy, and time — and how they work together\r\n- The 3 **building blocks** — *notes*, *tasks*, and *events* — and how to manage them simply\r\n- **Three system architectures** that work, with fully-implemented examples of each:\r\n - Workspace (e.g. Notion for everything)\r\n - Specialized (collection of specific tools)\r\n - Hybrid (a primary tool that filters and routes to others)\r\n- **Debugging** your productivity issues:\r\n - Diagnose what’s really broken (it’s usually not what you think)\r\n - Adjust with small, clear fixes — not full resets\r\n- **Design principles** that make your system adaptable:\r\n - Simplicity wins\r\n - Use life satisfaction as your success metric\r\n - Clarity beats control every time\r\n\r\nForget productivity hacks that don’t work for you. Build a system that actually does — and keep it for good.\r\n", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 65, "created_at": "2025-04-10 11:14:20 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1848, "participant_id": 6210, "presenter_name": "Charles Kuchlenz", "presenter_bio": "Charles is a Senior Data Engineer consultant, lifelong learner, and John Maxwell Certified Leadership Team Member with a passion for transforming vision into action. With deep experience in both the tech and leadership spaces, he empowers entrepreneurs, engineers, and innovators to grow intentionally—both personally and professionally.\r\n\r\nAs a former chair of the Libertarian Party of Minnesota, Charles brings a principled, people-focused approach to leadership. Combined with a background in data engineering and strategic analysis, he helps others bridge the gap between big dreams and practical execution.\r\n\r\nWhether decoding complex systems or coaching others to discover their purpose, Charles is driven by the belief that clarity, autonomy, and alignment are at the heart of every meaningful breakthrough.\r\n\r\nWhen not wrangling data or guiding growth conversations, Charles enjoys DIY projects, reading voraciously, cheering on the Loons at Allianz Field, and exploring what’s next in leadership, liberty, and innovation.", "session_title": "Put Your Dream to the Test — Turning Vision into Reality ", "summary": null, "description": "Join us for a thought-provoking Lunch & Learn at Minnebar as we explore John Maxwell’s Put Your Dream to the Test, a powerful guide for anyone looking to turn vision into reality.\r\n\r\nWhether you're coding the next big app, building a startup, or dreaming of your own venture, this 40-minute session will help you assess the strength of your dream, uncover what might be holding you back, and give you tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.\r\n\r\n🔍 Discover 10 key questions every dreamer must answer\r\n⚙️ Designed for developers, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders\r\n🎯 Leave with actionable insights to start building your future today", "room_name": "Pennsylvania", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 30, "created_at": "2025-04-09 20:35:52 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1847, "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. 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.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- @MKTGuy.bsky.social", "session_title": "The Future of Energy and the 30X 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. 70TW of clean energy by 2050. 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 30X problem.\r\n\r\nBack for a third year at Minnebar, this rapid-fire summary will highlight the latest developments in solar, wind, nuclear, and geo power, with a particular focus on hydrogen. It will suggest what the future of energy might look like for technologists here in Minnesota: founders, engineers, designers, investors, policymakers, and anyone interested in clean energy.", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 68, "created_at": "2025-04-09 17:27:53 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1846, "participant_id": 1247, "presenter_name": "Senthil Kumaran", "presenter_bio": "Senthil S. Kumaran is a seasoned technology leader, architect, and educator with over 30 years of expertise in software engineering, applied AI, and emerging technologies. He is the co-founder of Virtuwell, a leading telehealth clinic in the Midwest that has served over a million patients with a 98%+ positive feedback rating, revolutionizing access to convenient and affordable healthcare. He is currently serving as VP of IT Systems at a Senior Care company.\r\n\r\nA former leader in HealthPartners' AI, Machine Learning, and Enterprise Architecture group, Senthil has driven innovations in HIPAA-compliant systems, predictive analytics, and digital transformation. His expertise spans healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing, with a focus on scalable cloud solutions, enterprise architecture, and digital product development.\r\n\r\nAn accomplished conference speaker and adjunct professor at Concordia University, Senthil blends hands-on expertise with a passion for mentoring. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas and a Master's in Electronics Engineering from Bharathiar University, India. Senthil is also an active contributor to nonprofits and a regular presenter at leading technology events worldwide.", "session_title": "UNLOCKING PRODUCTIVITY: THE POWER OF AI TOOLS IN THE WORKPLACE V3", "summary": null, "description": "Hey! Remember those cool AI tools we talked about last year? The AI world has exploded since then! This year, we're diving into the exciting realms of Agentic AI and the magical trends in Ghibli AI, plus 50+ other awesome tools to transform your work.\r\n\r\nAgentic AI is about smart systems that can independently solve problems and take action – think autonomous digital assistants handling complex tasks and boosting efficiency. We'll explore how businesses are already experimenting with these agents to revolutionize customer service and cut costs.\r\n\r\nThen there's the enchanting world of Ghibli AI. You know that beautiful Studio Ghibli animation style? AI is now making it super easy for anyone to \"Ghiblify\" photos and explore their creativity, thanks to powerful image generation tools.\r\n\r\nBeyond these hot topics, we'll still uncover 50+ other incredible AI tools for productivity, writing, and automation. Imagine AI handling repetitive tasks, crafting compelling content, and making your workday smoother than ever.\r\n\r\nThis session is all about how AI can empower you and your team to work smarter and achieve amazing things. We'll even touch base on the AI tools we already know to see how they've evolved. Ready to see what's new.\r\n", "room_name": "Stephen Leacock", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 71, "created_at": "2025-04-09 16:02:16 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1845, "participant_id": 4733, "presenter_name": "Tor Flatebo", "presenter_bio": "Tor Flatebo is an Engineering Manager at Meta, where he focuses on internal tools for RTC engineers. With over 25 years in tech, he has led engineering efforts at companies like Best Buy, Medtronic, SPS Commerce, and GovDelivery. His work centers on building systems, tools, and cultures that help engineers do their best work.\r\n\r\nTor is passionate about empowering teams that own what they ship. Outside of work, he still builds for fun—most recently, a full-size arcade cabinet with his kid, which they demoed at MinneBar. He lives in Saint Paul and loves connecting with other folks who like to make things.", "session_title": "Better communication: advertise your work so others can understand it", "summary": null, "description": "The number one piece of advice and growth opportunity I talk about as a manager is to communicate more.\r\n\r\nBut what does that mean?\r\n\r\nIs just writing more good enough? Not really.\r\n\r\nThis goal of communicating is to advertise your work so that others can understand it, take part in it, appreciate it, and benefit from it.\r\n\r\n**Maybe you want to** \r\n\r\n* get a promotion \r\n* have more people use your internal tool \r\n* expand the impact of your work \r\n* build a team around your ideas \r\n* anything that goes beyond only you understanding what you are trying to accomplish\r\n\r\nMy audience here is primarily engineers, but I would expect it would apply to other disciplines.\r\n\r\nI will give some examples of how to accomplish some of the above along with how to tailor your writing to your audience and your goals.", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 56, "created_at": "2025-04-09 01:29:32 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1844, "participant_id": 5971, "presenter_name": "Valerie Blomberg", "presenter_bio": "A community exists in need of your business solution. But what if your community hasn't been activated yet?\r\n\r\nHi, it's nice to meet you. I build online communities for businesses and Kickstarters raising $1mil+. \r\n\r\nThe power of community to drive business goals inspires me every day, and I've curated a team of educators, marketing strategists, writers, and facilitators to bring excellence to the sphere of online chat-based community management. \r\n\r\nIf an activated community is part of your business goals, [let's chat](https://www.newaudience.co/meet). My mission is to offer companies a viable alternative to paid ad channels. An activated community is a customer referral engine, and I believe in the power of this method for you and your business. ", "session_title": "Discord, Slack, or Circle? Choosing an Online Community Platform for Your Brand", "summary": null, "description": "If your brand community lacks a cohesive gathering space online, you're not alone! Community builders and social media managers are stretched thin across multiple social platforms and in-person events. They dream of an all-in-one place where their community can gather—away from the noisy, ad-dominated environment of social media. But how do you decide which platform is right for you, given the many options available?\r\n\r\nIn this interactive session, [Valerie Blomberg](https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-blomberg/) will break down the pros and cons of **Discord**, **Slack**, and **Circle.so** as community platforms—and why **Reddit** and **Substack** don’t quite fit the bill.\r\n\r\n**You'll walk away with:** \r\n✅ A clear decision-making framework \r\n✅ Confidence in choosing the best platform for your needs \r\n✅ A deeper understanding of how different platforms shape community dynamics \r\n\r\nIt’s time to stop letting the choice of platform get in the way of launching your brand’s online community. Join us for a practical, hands-on training and get the answers you need to build the right home for your community.\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Nebraska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 21, "created_at": "2025-04-08 20:55:10 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1843, "participant_id": 6209, "presenter_name": "Robert Smith", "presenter_bio": "\r\nI'm passionate about helping mid-sized businesses & manufacturers unlock their digital potential and scale efficiently. As founder of Fractional Digital, I serve as a strategic digital advisor and fractional CMO, helping companies maximize their existing tech investments in CRM, web, and marketing automation.\r\n\r\nMy commitment to the fractional executive community extends through Fractional Conference aka FRAK, the first premier conference for fractional leaders, and ELLA, a groundbreaking SaaS platform designed specifically for fractional CMOs. I also lead MarTech Circle, a collaborative think tank of marketing technology executives.\r\n\r\nBeyond business, I'm honored to serve on the board of Jack's Caregiver Coalition, supporting male caregivers through their journey of caring for loved ones.\r\n\r\nLet's connect to explore how we might collaborate or share insights!\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [Fractional-Digital](https://fractional-digital.com/)\r\n- [Fractional Conference aka FRAK](https://fractionalconference.com/)\r\n- [AtomicElevator aka Ella AI](https://atomicelevator.com/)\r\n- [MarTech Circle](https://www.martech-circle.com/)\r\n- [Jack's Caregiver Coalition](https://www.jackscaregiverco.org/)", "session_title": "Growth Hacking with Fractional CxOs: Leveraging Executive Expertise on a Startup Budget", "summary": null, "description": "\r\n### **Unlock Growth with Fractional CxOs: Executive Power on a Startup Budget**\r\n\r\n**Presented by Rob Smith, Founder of Fractional Conference**\r\n\r\nStartups and small businesses are brimming with vision—but often hamstrung by limited resources, especially when it comes to leadership. How do you scale without breaking the bank? How do you bring in the executive horsepower needed to move faster, smarter, and with more impact?\r\n\r\n**Enter the Fractional CxO model.**\r\n\r\nIn this session, you'll learn how early-stage and resource-constrained businesses can **tap into C-suite caliber talent**—from CEOs and CFOs to CMOs and CTOs—**at a fraction of the cost and commitment of full-time hires.** Rob Smith, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of the global **Fractional Executive Conference**, will demystify how this agile model empowers growth, mitigates risk, and unlocks top-tier leadership when and where you need it most.\r\n\r\nWe'll explore:\r\n- **The economics of fractional talent**: How you can save up to 70% vs. traditional hires while reallocating capital to drive innovation.\r\n- **Integration strategies**: Making fractional leaders part of your culture, not just a contract line item.\r\n- **Risk reduction**: How experienced execs proactively guide you around pitfalls and costly missteps.\r\n- **The power of the ecosystem**: Accessing expansive networks and cross-functional expertise without the overhead.\r\n\r\nWhether you're an ambitious founder, a scrappy operator, or an advisor to high-growth companies, this session will show you how to **scale leadership capacity on demand** and **compete with the big players—without hiring like one.**", "room_name": "Georgia", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 26, "created_at": "2025-04-08 13:16:22 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1842, "participant_id": 5387, "presenter_name": "CJ Jensen", "presenter_bio": "CJ is a 3x founder, product designer, and community builder. She co-owns Sew It Together; a community mending studio in North East Minneapolis. When not selling her labor under capitalism she is a mentor and executive council member with Be Bold Break The Mold, a mentorship program at North Hennepin Community College. She loves talking small business, micro economics, and feminist cities with anyone who wants to rap. \r\n\r\nQuilts often and loves to laugh with other humans. Can be found in their vegetable garden in the summer or playing Backgammon.\r\n\r\n**CJ is currently open to work.**\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n- Lets be peers [LinkedIn] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-jensen/) \r\n- check out [my work] (https://www.cjjensen.work/)\r\n- subscribe to my [substack] (https://substack.com/@cjjensen)", "session_title": "Code, Cloth, and the Loom: The lore and legacy of textiles and technology", "summary": null, "description": "We rely on pixels and binary code like it's water, but where did these concepts come from and why does it matter?\r\n\r\nLearn the rich history of textiles and technology and how the two are intertwined. Will I influence you to pick up the knitting needles or join your local weavers guild? Maybe....come and find out!\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 60, "created_at": "2025-04-07 22:57:19 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1841, "participant_id": 6205, "presenter_name": "Forrest Tracy", "presenter_bio": "I am the **Director of Engineering** at [Livefront](https://livefront.com/)\r\n\r\n I followed an atypical path to become an engineering leader. I spent years in project management and retail sales gaining experience leading through layers of managers to achieve results.\r\n After switching careers to become a software engineer, I started as an individual contributor in tech. I soon became a Senior Engineer, and then I began getting opportunities to leverage my years of leadership experience in partnership with my technical expertise. \r\n Bringing together my diverse professional experiences has helped me to be successful as a leader with many different teams.\r\n", "session_title": "Building Efficient & Resilient Engineering Teams", "summary": null, "description": " There is a lot of information about agile practices, SDLC efficiency, role definitions, etc., but there are very few holistic perspectives available on how to build engineering teams which are efficient, stable, and resilient. Building teams which can stay strong and focused during the various challenges and lifecycle phases of large projects is more important today than ever given the challenges in our industry.\r\n My perspective goes far beyond simply CICD ideas and I explore the convergence of technical best practices with knowing how to build a team culture of trust and collaboration. Proper interviewing, providing feedback, and accountability are universal leadership qualities, but these need to be applied in ways specific to tech. Building the skills as an engineering leader to create small and powerful teams is more crucial today than ever.\r\n", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 70, "created_at": "2025-04-07 14:53:06 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1840, "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 45 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, Ameriprise, and Komatsu. 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.", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 58, "created_at": "2025-04-05 15:52:41 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1838, "participant_id": 6200, "presenter_name": "Chris Abrego", "presenter_bio": "[Chris](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-abrego-6602b5248?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app) graduated from the U of M Twin Cities with a degree in Math and Computer Science back in 2023, and he has been a Software Engineer and Scrum Master for SPS Commerce since then. Outside of work, you can find him training for his first marathon, playing video games, and watching WWE\r\n\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [Chris's version of Tetris for the Wii](https://github.com/Christonkler/Wii-Tetris)", "session_title": "I Made a Wii Game", "summary": null, "description": "Last year I began my first side project to create Tetris for the Wii, and I wrote it all in C. I've been a big fan of Tetris for a while, and I always wondered how the game worked, so I figured creating it for myself would be a great way to learn that. In this presentation, I'll talk you through why I chose to do this, some of the steps I took to build a working version of Tetris, many of the challenges I faced along the way, and of course show its current state. ", "room_name": "Nebraska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 37, "created_at": "2025-04-04 15:41:13 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1837, "participant_id": 6001, "presenter_name": "Jon Greenlee", "presenter_bio": "Hello! I'm a software engineer, and the founder and Technical Product Manager @ [CheapestTexting](https://CheapestTexting.com). Since sending our first marketing text message back in 2009, I've seen endless changes in the industry, from the era of shared short codes to the era of The Campaign Registry. We've worked with The Cleveland Indians, The Pittsburgh Penguins, UPMC, and PNC bank on various SMS related projects, and to date we've transmitted over 150 million text messages on behalf of thousands of clients. Today, we specialize in helping small and medium businesses stand up their text messaging programs and navigate the increasingly thorny registration and approval process. \r\n\r\nI'm also a lifetime electric guitar player, band member, and recording engineer. I've written musicals, launched a punk rock record label, and released nearly 50 different titles from multiple artists. I received my first taste of electronics when I disassembled my Fender Strat and marveled at the wiring inside. \r\n\r\nRight now I'm working on a Theremin-controlled power supply for guitar pedals that gives you control of the dying battery sound. I look forward to presenting it at an upcoming Minnestar event. I live with my wife and two kids on the east side of St. Paul. \r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-greenlee/)", "session_title": "The Brownout: The Love-Child of a Dying Battery and a Theremin - For Your Guitar Pedal.", "summary": null, "description": "Did you know that when you mess with the power going to a guitar pedal something cool happens? Check out the Brownout, a controllable power supply for your guitar pedal that gives you control of the dying battery sound. Witness the magic interaction of a Theremin and a power supply as we transform the power input of your guitar pedal into a new musical instrument.\r\n\r\nI'll discuss the initial moment of inspiration, the development process, the hot and cold moments of hardware development, the magic of incremental inspiration, DIY patents, filing trademarks, contemplating Kickstarter, the local businesses that helped me along the way, and the friends and family that provided me with inspiration and encouragement. \r\n\r\nI'll demonstrate the Brownout and how it works with some of my favorite pedals, and I hope to network with other musical instrument folks, nerds, crowdfunders, and marketers in the Minnestar community at the most fun tech event that comes just once a year! ", "room_name": "Maryland", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 26, "created_at": "2025-04-04 15:00:58 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1836, "participant_id": 6197, "presenter_name": "Vikki Baptiste", "presenter_bio": "Vikki Baptiste is a content strategist, AI educator, and founder of 3 Bees Digital, where she helps small business owners and entrepreneurs get comfortable using generative AI without losing their voice or vision. \r\n\r\nKnown for her playful but strategic approach to tech, she’s especially passionate about visual storytelling with tools like Midjourney. \r\n\r\nVikki discovered her own signature image style through moodboards and now teaches others how to do the same, whether they’re building a brand, a blog, or just trying to stand out on social media. She believes that when your style is clear, your audience knows it’s you before they even see your name.", "session_title": "Find your Midjourney style and make it unmistakable", "summary": null, "description": "If your AI images feel random, inconsistent, or just not you, this session will help you fix that. I’ll show you how to use moodboards to guide your Midjourney prompts, so your visuals aren’t just pretty, they’re unmistakably yours.\r\n\r\nThis isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about finding a visual style that clicks with your voice and sticking with it. Whether you’re a mommy blogger, a marketer, or running creative for a brand, you’ll see how to build a look that’s instantly recognizable across your content.\r\n\r\nI’ll walk you through:\r\n\t•\tHow to build and use a moodboard to anchor your visual style\r\n\t•\tWhat makes a consistent aesthetic (and how Midjourney interprets it)\r\n\t•\tMy exact process from concept to final image\r\n\t•\tA live demo so you can watch it happen in real time\r\n\r\nBy the end, you’ll have a repeatable approach to creating on-brand images, fast!", "room_name": "Nevada (by Caribou)", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 29, "created_at": "2025-04-04 03:50:48 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1835, "participant_id": 5431, "presenter_name": "Joe LaChance", "presenter_bio": "Joe LaChance is a founder and engineer who’s on a mission to make AWS less terrifying for the rest of us. He’s spent the last 8+ years building scalable systems, mentoring engineers, and finding clever ways to avoid writing YAML. He’s the founder of Deep Space, a startup that helps developers use AWS without needing to be an SRE. When he’s not shipping code, he’s probably overwatering his succulents, fetching balls his dog doesn’t want to fetch, and watching movies with his wife and daughter.\r\n\r\n\r\n- [Deep Space](https://trydeepspace.com)\r\n- [Astral](https://github.com/deepspaceinc/astral)\r\n- [Twitter/X](https://x.com/jlchnc)\r\n- [Github](https://github.com/joelachance)", "session_title": "How to use AWS without using AWS", "summary": null, "description": "AWS can feel daunting at times! Although AWS can be complex, it doesn’t have to be.\r\n\r\nThis talk dives into why we need platforms like AWS, an overview of some of the more important patterns and best practices, and how developers can adopt tools that abstract away the complexity while still embracing the reliability, scalability, and resilience AWS offers.\r\n\r\nWhether you’re just getting started with AWS or you’re looking for an easier path, you’ll leave with knowledge on how to build production-grade systems without the complexity.\r\n", "room_name": "Florida", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 27, "created_at": "2025-04-04 00:00:39 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1834, "participant_id": 6175, "presenter_name": "Brian Pitts", "presenter_bio": "Brian is a multi-exit founder and the cofounder of Communiful, the in-person professional social network that has been making waves in the MN innovation ecosystem.", "session_title": "Your software moat is dead and AI drank it like a milkshake", "summary": null, "description": "The competitive edge your software once held? It’s gone. AI isn’t just knocking on the door—it’s storming the castle. In this talk, we’ll unpack how AI is rapidly commoditizing traditional software advantages, why your once-defensible product features aren’t safe anymore, and what builders and founders need to do to survive (and thrive) in this new era. We’ll explore real-world examples, strategies for building enduring value, and how to turn this existential threat into your next big opportunity.\r\n\r\nJoin the Communiful founders for this fireside chat you don't want to miss. Hayley and Brian are both multi-exit founders who were pioneers in the application of machine learning and AI in business. After moving to MN in 2024, they have been making waves in the innovation ecosystem with their game-changing events powered by their proprietary AI event management and marketing platform.", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Hayley Brooks" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 6176 ], "attendance_count": 90, "created_at": "2025-04-03 16:34:21 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1833, "participant_id": 6173, "presenter_name": "Robin Marquardt", "presenter_bio": "Robin Marquardt is a Product Designer at [Livefront] (https://livefront.com/) where he designs functional, yet beautiful experiences.", "session_title": "📱🧭 Designing Dynamic Prototypes: Simulate Real App Experiences with Figma Variables", "summary": null, "description": "Tired of testing basic, linear prototypes? Learn how to build dynamic, lifelike prototypes with Figma Variables that feel like real apps! In this session, we’ll walk through a live demo covering conditional logic, user-entered data, and decision-based interactions to bring your designs to life. Whether you’re a designer, product strategist, or engineer, you’ll leave equipped to create user-driven prototypes that break free from rigid, predefined paths—unlocking more authentic user feedback.", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 54, "created_at": "2025-04-03 16:14:41 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1832, "participant_id": 1044, "presenter_name": "David Quimby", "presenter_bio": "I practice systematic innovation, experimental design, and technology forecasting at _Innovation Radiation_. I'm a patented inventor in Web architecture and a published author in technical and social innovation. I advised an array of manufacturing and service industries on emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence as a technology analyst at Stanford Research Institute. I've intentionally wandered, explored, and discovered on six continents... I've climbed Mount Whitney; I've done trekking in Thailand, a photographic safari in Kenya, and sea kayaking in Alaska; I've traversed the U.S. and Canada by motorcycle.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\nLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dhquimby\r\n\r\nWeb: www.innovationradiation.com", "session_title": "Enabling Disruptive Thinking with Generative Intelligence", "summary": null, "description": "Creative thinking is emerging as a new frontier in generative intelligence.\r\n\r\n*Have you ever hit a wall in ideation or wrestled with a difficult trade-off?*\r\n\r\nMost breakthrough ideas don’t arise from compromise... they arise from resolving contradictions. I’ll share how solving a contradiction led to a patented invention in large-scale e-commerce... and how the journey revealed a systematic method for identifying and solving contradictions. I enabled \"Matrix Morphology\" with a custom GPT... and I'll equip you to use \"Matrix Mentor\" for creative thinking and problem-solving with AI.\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 49, "created_at": "2025-04-02 23:21:52 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1831, "participant_id": 4406, "presenter_name": "John Eckhardt", "presenter_bio": "[John Eckhardt](https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-eckhardt-b0271389/) started programming before he could read. Ok, maybe he started at age 9, but that's still pretty early! His passion for programming, entrepreneurship and efficiency has led to the founding of [Code Pros](https://codepros.biz) over 10 years ago to maintain legacy technology. Sometimes it's easier and cheaper to keep an old program going...\r\n\r\nJohn's enjoying the intersection of technology, process, business and efficiency. And shredding organ solos on his keyboard.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/johnwe)", "session_title": "Legacy Software Maintenance - You didn't build it, but you have to fix it.", "summary": null, "description": "Do you roll your eyes when your boss hands you somebody else's code? How about somebody else's code from 10 years ago? How about... Your code from 10 years ago :P\r\n\r\nWorking with old, messy code is hard. Difficult. Frustrating. Confusing. But it doesn't have to be!\r\n\r\nWe'll dive into why it's hard to work with old code, good patterns to use when working with legacy software, and some tips on how to turn a difficult old project into a net positive.\r\n\r\nI've been working with other people's code for 15 years. I'll share some horror stories, tips and tricks, and I want to hear the same from you!", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 54, "created_at": "2025-04-02 19:31:38 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1830, "participant_id": 6169, "presenter_name": "Carina Paton", "presenter_bio": "Carina Paton is President and Founder of VoltaMetrics, a clean energy consulting company that provides data-driven solutions to utilities, state agencies, and communities. She had 15 years of experience in clean energy consulting before daring to step out and start her own business in 2024. \r\n\r\nWhen she's not trying to save the world (and get paid for it) or being Mom's Taxi (and not getting paid for it), you can find Carina in a canoe, on a hiking or cross-country ski trail, on a bicycle, in a tent, or driving her husband and two kids to do one or more of these things.\r\n\r\n[VoltaMetrics](https://www.voltametrics.com)\r\n[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carinapaton)", "session_title": "⚡📜👩🏻‍💼 Empower Your Business: Leveraging Resources for Business Startup and Small and Diverse-Owned Certification", "summary": null, "description": "Starting a business can be a daunting task, but with the right resources, you can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. In this presentation, I will share the story of how I launched in March 2024, and by June had not only had my business registered but also had received woman-owned certification from multiple local and national organizations.\r\n\r\nThis presentation will guide you through the essential steps to set up your business and achieve certification as a small and/or diverse owned enterprise. It will show you how to access free assistance, tap into valuable support networks, and utilize programs designed to empower entrepreneurs.\r\n\r\nLearn from my experiences, including the obstacles I faced and the triumphs I celebrated, to gain valuable insights and inspiration for your own entrepreneurial path. Join me to explore practical strategies, insider tips, and opportunities that will empower you to build and grow your business. Let's unlock your potential and pave the way to faster business success!", "room_name": "Kansas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 22, "created_at": "2025-04-02 17:33:53 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1829, "participant_id": 2296, "presenter_name": "Rob Weber", "presenter_bio": "[Rob Weber](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjweber/) is Managing Partner of [Great North Ventures](https://greatnorthventures.com/), an early-stage venture fund focused on helping founders launch and scale companies in Minnesota and across the U.S. Prior to Great North Ventures, Rob co-founded NativeX (formerly named W3i/Freeze.com) in 2000. Rob has been a successful entrepreneur since the age of 16 when he, along with his brothers, launched their first consumer app and media tech business. By the age of 20 the Weber brothers had turned their basement endeavors into a multi-million dollar business, and Rob became CEO. \r\n\r\nIn 2006, Rob shared the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award with his twin brother, and business partner, Ryan Weber. Rob was also named to the 2007 Inc. 5,000 CEO’s Under 30 list.\r\n\r\nRob received his B.S. in Entrepreneurship from St. Cloud State University. Rob has been one of the most active regional angel investors since 2005 when he co-founded the 32 Degrees angel fund. Rob previously served on the Board of Directors for Minne*, the 30,000+ member community of Minnesota tech enthusiasts.\r\n\r\n- Twitter: [@robertjweber](https://x.com/robertjweber)", "session_title": "Startups in the Real World: Founder Stories from the Frontlines", "summary": null, "description": "What does it really take to build and scale a startup in today’s complex environment? In this candid panel, successful founders share the unfiltered realities of startup life—from navigating macroeconomic uncertainty to tackling the technical challenges of building scalable products. Expect real-world stories, tactical insights, and lessons learned from the frontlines. Whether it’s making tough trade-offs, scaling tech stacks, or fundraising in today’s climate, this session goes beyond the headlines to explore what building a startup looks like now. \r\n\r\n- [Eric Martell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-martell/), Founder at [Pear Commerce](https://www.pearcommerce.com/). Pear is the retail ecommerce platform that connects CPGs to retailers, converting shoppable tools into actionable insights that fuel performance marketing.\r\n- [Meredith (Miller) Englund](https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithrenglund/), Founder & CEO at [Camperoni](https://www.camperoni.com/). Camperoni is a website and service that helps Minnesota parents find and register their children for camps and activities, including summer camps, breaks, and no-school days.\r\n- [Heath Schubert](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hlrbo/), CEO/Co-founder at [HLRBO](https://www.hlrbo.com/). HLRBO (Hunting Land Rentals by Owner) is an online platform that connects landowners with hunters looking to lease land for hunting. \r\n- [Stephen Regenold](https://www.linkedin.com/in/regenold/), Founder at [GearJunkie](https://gearjunkie.com/). GearJunkie is the leading voice of the outdoors and active lifestyles with breaking news, product reviews, and buying guides.", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 81, "created_at": "2025-04-02 17:14:40 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1827, "participant_id": 6167, "presenter_name": "Janneta Tabakov", "presenter_bio": "Janneta Tabakov is the Enterprise Growth Lead at Perplexity AI, where she helps organizations use AI to transform their productivity and decision-making processes. Janneta is passionate about the practical applications of AI for business. She is also actively involved in the startup community. ", "session_title": "The AI-Powered Professional: How Perplexity AI is Changing the Way We Work ", "summary": null, "description": "AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It's today's essential productivity tool. Join us to discover how Perplexity AI can be your competitive advantage in an information-saturated world.\r\n\r\nThrough real-world case studies and practical use cases, you'll learn ways to use AI across various departments and workflows. Whether you're in marketing, R&D, customer support, or leadership, you'll leave with practical use cases to boost your team's productivity immediately.", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 56, "created_at": "2025-04-02 03:19:39 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1826, "participant_id": 6164, "presenter_name": "Jeff Eddy", "presenter_bio": "I'm a Fractional (part-time leadership) Second-in-Command for Solo Businesses, from Independent Creators to Fractional Leaders.\r\n\r\nMy 18+ years of experience running Customer and Product Operations for a marketing technology company from startup though multiple mergers gave me a depth of generalist operations knowledge that I am now delighted to be leveraging to help solo businesses **do great things**.\r\n\r\nI have spent the last six months developing the FOSSA Framework to help Solopreneurs achieve a sustainable pace of business development without giving up their precious free time. I am excited to share the Framework for the first time to a public audience as I prepare to finalize the rollout of the whole product.\r\n\r\nFeel free to connect with me on [LinkedIn] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-eddy/) to learn more about me, my services, and my passion for all things Solotude!", "session_title": "🐻 FOSSA - An Agile Business Development Framework for Solopreneurs", "summary": null, "description": "The *Fossa* is a unique Malagasy apex predator that hunts Lemurs through the treetops. It is a solitary hunter, fast, specialized, and incredibly agile.\r\n\r\nJust like Solopreneurs.\r\n\r\nThe **FOSSA** framework takes the best parts of the Agile Software Development and Scrumban methodologies and tailors it to solve the biggest business development issue that Solopreneurs inevitably face: how to work ON your business while busily working IN your business.\r\n\r\n**FOSSA** combines long-term strategic vision with tactical 9-Week Stories, broken down into four 2-Week Sprints and a 1-Week Review and Reset. Individuals can scope their work to fit their available time and plan Stories for periods that fit their lifestyle.\r\n\r\nIn this session I will give an overview of the framework and provide some examples for how to implement it in your own business.\r\n\r\nStop struggling to make progress without a system designed to work the way you do.\r\n\r\n**Be Fast... Be Observant... Be Strategic... Be Sustainable... Be Agile...**\r\n\r\n**Be FOSSA**\r\n***Apex Productivity for Solopreneurs***", "room_name": "Nevada (by Caribou)", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 26, "created_at": "2025-04-01 15:36:11 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1825, "participant_id": 6162, "presenter_name": "Matt Osborn", "presenter_bio": "Matt Osborn has over 15 years of experience in creating and managing high-growth marketing departments. In the last 8 years, Matt has built marketing teams from the ground up in early-stage fintech startups that led to series fundings and a successful acquisition in 2022. On the side, Matt has also developed a Marketing Technology called [Skail.ai](https://skail.ai)", "session_title": "I Made Every Marketing Mistake So You Don’t Have To (You're Welcome)", "summary": null, "description": "Let’s be honest: scaling a B2B marketing team from zero to Series A, B, and beyond sounds impressive... until you realize it involves equal parts strategy, duct tape, caffeine, and the occasional emotional breakdown in front of a dashboard.\r\n\r\nIn this brutally honest and weirdly cathartic session, Matt Osborn — a B2B Marketing exec who's built growth engines from scratch (and definitely broke a few things along the way) — takes you on a walk through the marketing minefield. Expect war stories, facepalm-worthy mistakes, and actual strategies that don’t involve burning budget like it’s a bonfire party.\r\n\r\nHe’ll spill the beans on:\r\n\r\n🚫 What not to do (aka: “Stuff I did and regretted immediately”)\r\n\r\n⚡ The leanest, meanest ways to drive real growth\r\n\r\n🛠️ How to scale without selling your soul — or your CRM\r\n\r\nIf you’ve ever felt like marketing a startup is like trying to build a plane while it’s flying... upside down... during a thunderstorm... this talk is for you. Grab a seat, laugh at Matt’s missteps, and leave with battle-tested growth tips you can actually use (no buzzwords, we promise).\r\n\r\nSpoiler: There will be metaphors. Possibly too many. 🧠🔥✈️", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 61, "created_at": "2025-03-31 23:46:51 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1824, "participant_id": 6161, "presenter_name": "Jake Brindley", "presenter_bio": "Jake Brindley started Wild AI to bring people together in Minnesota to discuss and explore AI development. Whether you are just starting out or pushing the boundaries of AI and LLMs, Wild AI is a space to connect, share ideas, and build relationships within the community.\r\n\r\nHe is also a cofounder of Attentio, where his team has developed a new way to train LLMs. This approach has the potential to redefine AI training and become essential infrastructure for the future of AI development.\r\n\r\nHis focus is simple. Bring people together, push AI forward, and build technology that matters.", "session_title": "Wild AI at Minnebar 19", "summary": null, "description": "**Wild AI at Minnebar 19**\r\n\r\nWe are bringing **Wild AI** to Minnebar. Join us for a 40-minute session where AI developers, researchers, and innovators connect. We will kick off with short, high-impact talks with no slides, just real insights, followed by open discussion and networking. Speaker list coming soon.\r\n\r\n**Wild AI** is a growing community that meets **every third Thursday at DayBlock Brewing**. Keep the conversation going and connect with others shaping the future of AI. Learn more at the **[Wild AI Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/wild-ai/)**.\r\n", "room_name": "Gandhi", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Peter Somerville" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 6202 ], "attendance_count": 59, "created_at": "2025-03-31 18:32:20 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1823, "participant_id": 5581, "presenter_name": "Naveen Katragadda", "presenter_bio": "Naveen Katragadda is a mid career professional that is deeply involved in the M&A community.\r\n\r\nHe is an independent searcher looking to acquire businesses with over $1M of net income. \r\n\r\nNaveen has extensive experience in consulting and management at several large Twin Cities organizations. \r\n\r\nHe currently works as Director of Automation at Optum and has previously worked at Covidien, Cintas, MoneyGram, Post, Caterpillar, etc. \r\n\r\nNaveen values deep connections with people of high integrity, hard work, and long term mindset and is excited to collaborate with smart entrepreneurs!\r\n\r\n**LinkedIn Profile:** https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveenkatragadda/ ", "session_title": "How to skip the startup grind by buying an already profitable business - Private Equity Playbook", "summary": null, "description": "Acquisition Entrepreneurship is on the rise due to high demand from retiring baby boomers. \r\n\r\n10,000 baby boomers will reach retirement age every day over the next decade. \r\n\r\nMost small business in the US are owned by baby boomers, and they need transitioning. \r\n\r\nThis creates a unique window of opportunity to acquire good businesses at fair prices. \r\n\r\nI will walk you thru the 3 methods to acquire profitable businesses making 6 figures to multiple 7 figures of net income:\r\n\r\n- Self Funded Search (Usually for under $5M enterprise value)\r\n- Independent Sponsorship Model ($5M to $20M enterprise value)\r\n- Search Fund/Private Equity Fund ($5M to any size deals)\r\n\r\nI will discuss how the high level logistics and economics behind each of those methods. \r\n\r\nI will also show you some example business deals and how to analyze them.\r\n\r\nBy acquiring an already profitable business that already has product market fit, you get to start from year 20, instead of starting at year 0. \r\n\r\nThis session will be at a beginner-intermediate level and I will try to provide many resources to give you a head start.", "room_name": "Florida", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 35, "created_at": "2025-03-31 01:57:01 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-02 15:37:22 UTC" }, { "id": 1821, "participant_id": 3095, "presenter_name": "Matt Schraan", "presenter_bio": "Matt Schraan leads Product Management at [Livefront](https://livefront.com), where he always strives to find the correct route. ", "session_title": "🗺️ Don't Let Your Journey Map Lead Your Product Team Astray!", "summary": null, "description": "When used properly, user journey maps can be an invaluable tool to help product teams build empathy and understanding of how users move through your product or experience. They can illuminate customer friction, delight, and opportunities for improvement. However, in practice, they often do not live up to this ideal. Too often, journey maps begin and end as theoretical understandings of your ideal user. Often represented as generic personas, these maps are built on assumption after assumption, never to be tested and validated with actual data. \r\n\r\nIn this session we’ll explore common pitfalls experienced by teams when using journey maps, and how you can advance your map to evolve and grow with your product - backed by real data and insights. ", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Ali Joaquin" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 4376 ], "attendance_count": 69, "created_at": "2025-03-29 02:54:20 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1820, "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 FOLIO, the legal ontology project from the ALEA Institute, Damien helps corporations, their law firms, and legal technology vendors implement legal data standards. For years, Damien led SALI, the legal data standard, where he developed and greatly expanded the taxonomy of over 18,000 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\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- Twitter: @damienriehl", "session_title": "LEGAL AGENTS! Using both (1) LLMs and (2) Symbolic AI (GOFAI) to Help Lawyers (and Everyone) Access Justice", "summary": null, "description": "Today’s legal system runs on **unstructured data**: millions of statutes, cases, contracts, and regulations that are overwhelmingly complex. But structuring that data (e.g., **Knowledge Graphs**), and combining LLMs, can extract insights, automate workflows, and ultimately help everyone (including the poor) access justice.\r\n\r\nA 20+ year veteran lawyer (and mediocre coder), [**Damien Riehl**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/damienriehl/), will break down how hybrid legal agents — combining LLMs and **Symbolic AI** (GOFAI) — can perform substantive legal tasks at scale: writing legal memos, tagging facts, building arguments, comparing cases, surfacing legal standards, and even advising judges. The session will explore Knowledge Graphs, deterministic tagging, and open-source standards that bring structure to legal chaos.\r\n\r\nYou’ll see live demos, real-world implementations, and open-source tools you can use today. If you’re building anything involving words, this talk will show how hybrid, neuro-symbolic agents help tame hallucinations, favoring RAG-backed reasoning. \r\n\r\nWant to see how LLM-backed legal tools — with a billion legal docs — are built? Join us!", "room_name": "Nebraska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 42, "created_at": "2025-03-28 20:19:44 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1819, "participant_id": 6018, "presenter_name": "Hai Nguyen", "presenter_bio": "A seasoned software engineer with a Master’s in Computer Science, I specialize in a broad range of technologies, including Java Spring Boot, Python, JavaScript, React, Flutter, and AWS serverless. I’m passionate about helping individuals and businesses develop innovative, user-centric solutions.", "session_title": "Looking for Someone to Play Sports Together 🎾🏈⚽️🏀⚾️🏐🎳?", "summary": null, "description": "Are you passionate about sports, but struggling to find like-minded players? I've created PlayerMeetup, a comprehensive platform designed to bring sports enthusiasts together. \r\n\r\nWhether you’re at home or on the move, easily discover players, organize games, and join exciting sports meetups. With built-in communication tools, staying engaged and growing your sports community has never been easier. Never miss out—start connecting today!\r\n\r\nhttps://www.playermeetup.com/", "room_name": "Maryland", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 17, "created_at": "2025-03-28 20:02:28 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-03 21:45:58 UTC" }, { "id": 1818, "participant_id": 1068, "presenter_name": "Atul H. Patel", "presenter_bio": "Atul H. Patel is an Indian-American from the Cleveland, Ohio area who is a former automotive engineer, product manager, inventor and standup comedian with probably too many interests and hobbies. He studied mechanical engineering at RIT and earned an MBA at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He has has co-patented a product, co-written a scientific paper and worked at companies such as GM and Bosch. Additionally, he was quoted in articles in Top Gear NZ, Inc. magazine and in a book by Stephen Key called \"Become a Professional Inventor.\" Outside of work, you’ll find him bicycling, playing soccer, volleyball or performing stand-up comedy which is a side business of his.\r\nLike, follow, subscribe, watch him @hahamasala on Instagram and YouTube.\r\n\r\n", "session_title": "What Product Managers Can Learn from The Art of Standup Comedy", "summary": null, "description": "Product management and stand-up comedy may seem like completely unrelated worlds, but they share fundamental principles that drive success. As both a product manager and a stand-up comedian, I’ve learned that the same skills that make a great joke land—observation, iteration, audience focus, and adaptability—are just as critical in building great products.\r\n\r\nIn this engaging and humorous session, I'll break down how lessons from comedy apply directly to product management, covering topics like:\r\n\r\nThe power of observation in identifying unique opportunities (Innovation)\r\n\r\nWhy continuous iteration is key to improving both jokes and products (Continuous Improvement)\r\n\r\nHow understanding your audience drives success (Customer Focus & Segmentation)\r\n\r\nThe importance of timing, branding, and adaptability in both fields\r\n\r\nExpect laughs, insights, and a fresh perspective that will change the way you think about product strategy, user experience, and creative problem-solving.\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 36, "created_at": "2025-03-28 19:45:41 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1817, "participant_id": 1330, "presenter_name": "Brandon Wetzstein", "presenter_bio": "Brandon is driven by a passion to reshape the way we collaborate. In a world brimming with digital tools and automation, he's convinced that our real strength lies in how well we work together. With this belief, he founded IN8 Create, aiming to unearth the hidden potential in all of us. Given the right tools, environment, and support, Brandon believes we can reach incredible heights, enriching our lives, relationships, and communities. \r\nBrandon also loves burgers and welcomes all /any burger discussions and recommendations. \r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brandonwetzstein", "session_title": "🎈🧱 Building Teams: Play Better Together 🧱🎈", "summary": null, "description": "The future is analog! While robots and AI handle the boring stuff, humans get to focus on what we do best - creating cool things together! But let's be real... with everyone working remotely, staring at screens all day, and feeling more disconnected than ever, our teamwork muscles may have atrophied a bit.\r\n\r\nRemember when we were kids? We instinctively knew how to build awesome stuff together! We shared our toys (mostly), celebrated when someone had a great idea, and worked through disagreements with minimal drama. Somewhere along the way to adulthood, we forgot these superpowers.\r\n\r\nJoin us for this hands-on playdate where we'll dust off those childhood collaboration skills. We'll be using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to reconnect with our inner builders and rediscover what made us natural teammates before spreadsheets and status meetings ruined everything.\r\n\r\nCome ready to play, build, and share! LEGO bricks will available for building", "room_name": "Discovery", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Development", "Design", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 43, "created_at": "2025-03-28 18:09:29 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1816, "participant_id": 6151, "presenter_name": "Sara Williams", "presenter_bio": "**Sara Williams**\r\nSara Williams is an experienced technology leader with over 18 years in web development and IT management. She holds two certificates from Harvard in Front-End Web Development and Business Strategy and Execution. Currently serving as Enterprise Technology Systems Manager at Nexstar Network, Inc., Sara leads AI and ERP initiatives for scalability and growth. With a passion for bridging the AI skills gap, Sara actively educates others on how AI tools can enhance their daily work and recently published a book, _Super Employee - A Manual For Encouragement_, about this topic.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [Book](https://a.co/d/j5bPhRg)\r\n- [Website](https://freeyouup.com)\r\n- [YouTube](https://youtube.com/@AIworkday)\r\n- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/aiworkday64/)", "session_title": "AI - How'd You Do That!? Sharing/Demo", "summary": null, "description": "Learn how to use AI tools in **unique and effective** ways by seeing how others do it!\r\n\r\nThe best way to learn a new trick or tip is hearing it from someone else. AI is so new that this kind of knowledge is only beginning to surface. We might hear it from a friend or co-worker if we're lucky. We might figure out how to do something really cool but not know who else could use it.\r\n\r\nCome together with other technologists to share and learn the best tips and tricks in real time during this session.\r\n\r\nDemonstrations will be given by the submitter when possible. If you're not comfortable, don't worry! I'm happy to run through the steps to show your amazing tip/trick.\r\n\r\nSubmit your \"How'd You Do That\" share or demo ahead of time. We will let you know if your share/demo was chosen!\r\n\r\n[Submission Form](https://forms.gle/YrTvsgc1zijP1ZjY9)", "room_name": "Discovery", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 62, "created_at": "2025-03-28 17:45:11 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1815, "participant_id": 6147, "presenter_name": "Vaish Sagar", "presenter_bio": "I’m an AI engineer and enthusiast. I went to grad school for natural language processing and enjoy learning and talking about all aspects of technology. I’m interested in learning about what we’re building at the far reaches of science and engineering. I care deeply about technology’s impact on the world and am committed to building equitable software. ", "session_title": "Much ado about AI- scientist, musician, artist, and writer walk into a debate", "summary": null, "description": "What happens when a scientist, a painter, a writer, and a musician sit down and start talking about AI? A lively debate about creativity, innovation, and whether machines are stepping on human toes.\r\n\r\nBut beyond the debate, what do artists actually want from AI? What tools would truly help them create? Our panelists explore what AI should build to empower creativity. ", "room_name": "Nebraska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 24, "created_at": "2025-03-28 08:16:09 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1814, "participant_id": 6146, "presenter_name": "Kris Boedigheimer", "presenter_bio": "Kris is the Associate Director of the Southwest Small Business Development Center. Kris is excited to assist southwest Minnesota residents achieve their business goals. Kris has a strong technical background having worked as a software developer. She also has experience as a business analyst providing solutions to business problems. She has worked in the medical software and retail industries including numerous areas of business including: tax accounting; accounts payable; procurement; and document management.\r\n\r\nKris has a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Southwest Minnesota State University. Kris is also the Program Coordinator for Junior Achievement in the Lyon County area. She is a conference speaker, 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo, and certified self-defense instructor. She enjoys spending her free time enjoying family, traveling, sewing, and reading.", "session_title": "Unlocking the Power of AI Video Tools for Small Business", "summary": null, "description": "In this session, you will explore how AI video tools can revolutionize content creation for small businesses. Learn how to leverage these tools to enhance training videos, website help pages, personalized client communications, customer testimonials, product demonstrations, event promotion, and social media content. Discover budget-friendly and efficient solutions that can transform your clients' marketing and communication strategies.\r\n\r\nKey Takeaways:\r\nIntroduction to AI Video Tools: Overview of popular platforms like HeyGen, Synthesia, and Veed, highlighting their features and benefits.\r\n\r\nPractical Applications: Hands-on examples of how AI video tools can be used for various business needs, such as:\r\n\r\nCreating engaging training videos\r\n\r\nDeveloping personalized client communication videos\r\n\r\nProducing high-quality product demos\r\n\r\nEnhancing social media content\r\n\r\nCost-Effective Solutions: Discussion on how AI video tools can save time and resources compared to traditional video production methods.\r\n\r\nAddressing Concerns: Addressing common concerns about AI video tools, such as authenticity, ethical use, and potential pitfalls.\r\n\r\nFuture Trends: Insights into how AI video tools are evolving and how they will continue to shape business communication and marketing.\r\n\r\nInteractive Elements:\r\nLive Demos: Showcase how to use specific AI video tools to create content.\r\n\r\nQ&A Session: Allow attendees to ask questions and share their experiences.\r\n\r\nBy focusing on AI video tools, you can provide a deep dive into this specific area, offering actionable insights and practical skills that attendees can apply immediately to benefit their clients.\r\n", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 42, "created_at": "2025-03-28 05:25:48 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1813, "participant_id": 3712, "presenter_name": "Robert Boedigheimer", "presenter_bio": "Robert Boedigheimer provides business solutions with web technologies. He is a Microsoft MVP, a Progress Champion (Fiddler), an ASPInsider, a Pluralsight author, and a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Robert regularly speaks at national and international events.\r\n\r\n- Twitter: @boedie", "session_title": "Lock Picking for Fun (not profit)", "summary": null, "description": "Have you ever wondered how locks work? Do you want to be a spy and open locks without a key? In this hands-on workshop you'll learn how and get to practice on a lot of various locks! Purchase your own beginner lock picking set at https://covertinstruments.com/products/the-fng, or we'll have some available to use. Bring your own locks if you want to see how secure they really are. ", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 95, "created_at": "2025-03-28 04:14:36 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1812, "participant_id": 6145, "presenter_name": "Brian Muenzenmeyer", "presenter_bio": "- Author, [Approachable Open Source](https://approachableopensource.com/)\r\n- [nodejs.org](https://nodejs.org) Maintainer, Web-Infra, Moderation, Triage teams\r\n\r\nWith a career spanning many roles, from engineer, maintainer, UX team of one, product manager, analyst, and freelancer, Brian brings an experienced and broad approach to many disciplines. He and his wife Megan’s small business keeps them exhausted and grounded in customer delivery, innovation, and warrantee-voiding laser maintenance. He’s been published in Smashing Magazine, CSS-Tricks, [Shop Talk Show](http://shoptalkshow.com/637/), [Sustain](https://podcast.sustainoss.org/262), and led workshops at Web Design Day and the Node.js Collaborator Summit. He maintains the [Node.js website](https://nodejs.org), and has organized consecutive Grace Hopper hackathons towards first contributions from attendees. Open source software threads into many aspects of his life, and has opened doors he’d never thought imaginable. It can do that for you too. Much of this culminated in the writing of [Approachable Open Source](https://approachableopensource.com/). Give it a read.\r\n\r\nWhen not writing or working within open source software, Brian lives out programming tropes of drinking coffee and woodworking. He enjoys soccer, playing games with his sons, especially X-Wing or Chess, and never turns down a milkshake. Him and Megan spend as much time outside as they can muster, often playing with their kids, deepening the pickleball rivalry on their makeshift court, chasing clouds, or digging up the yard.", "session_title": "Do I still need this dependency for my Node.js app?", "summary": null, "description": "Advancements over time in Node.js are improving the out of the box experience. New versions are released all the time across Active LTS and Current development lines. It's easy to miss something between the release notes and our busy work schedules. Through the efforts of contributors over several recent majors, great new features are landing. Each is useful in isolation, but put together they form a more and more comprehensive standard library.\r\n\r\nWe’ll walk through 6 recent improvements to the standard library. Each feature may replace a dependency in the stack, simplifying your footprint and reducing support burden. We’ll walk through complete before and after diffs, get real about production readiness, and use live examples.\r\n\r\nThis iterative evolution of the project is part of a larger system of learning - continual innovation and stable foundations in balance and conflict. We'll contextualize how this is a marker of a vibrant, competitive ecosystem. and what we can do to keep it that way in our careers and on our teams. Lastly, I’ll inspire attendees to see themselves within these pace layers and find the open source engagement that meets their constraints, skillsets, and time constraints.", "room_name": "Kansas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 20, "created_at": "2025-03-28 04:09:50 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1811, "participant_id": 10, "presenter_name": "Jamie Thingelstad", "presenter_bio": "[Jamie Thingelstad][] is an experienced technology executive with a successful track record of product and platform innovation and technology leadership for large-scale, financial services, media, retail, and software-as-a-service technology companies. He is Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer of [SPS Commerce][] ([NASDAQ: SPSC][SPSC]), the leading provider of retail cloud services powering the largest retail business network connecting 90,000 companies in the retail industry to efficiently and quickly conduct business. Mr. Thingelstad has served on the Board of Directors for the [Minnesota Technology Association][], [Minnestar][], and [CaringBridge][]. He is the recipient of numerous awards including Forty Under 40, Titans of Technology, and the 2021 ORBIE CIO of the Year award. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his wife, two children, and their dog.\r\n\r\n![](https://micro.blog/jthingelstad/avatar.jpg)\r\n\r\n[Jamie Thingelstad]: https://www.thingelstad.com/about/\r\n[Minnesota Technology Association]: https://mntech.org\r\n[Minnestar]: https://minnestar.org/\r\n[CaringBridge]: https://www.caringbridge.org/\r\n[Dow Jones Newswires]: http://www.dowjones.com/product-djnewswires.asp\r\n[Dow Jones Indexes]: http://www.djindexes.com/\r\n[Institute of Technology]: http://www.cs.umn.edu/\r\n[University of Minnesota]: http://www.umn.edu/\r\n[GroupLens Project]: http://grouplens.org/\r\n[8thBridge]: http://www.8thbridge.com/\r\n[SPS Commerce]: https://www.spscommerce.com\r\n[SPSC]: https://finance.google.com/finance?q=spsc\r\n[MarketWatch]: http://www.marketwatch.com/\r\n[Dow Jones]: http://www.dowjones.com/\r\n[BigCharts]: http://bigcharts.marketwatch.com/\r\n[Virtual Stock Exchange]: http://vse.marketwatch.com/\r\n[Wall Street Journal]: http://www.wsj.com/\r\n[Barron’s]: http://www.barrons.com\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/jthingelstad)", "session_title": "How to Newsletter: Lessons from 300 issues of the Weekly Thing", "summary": null, "description": "I have been publishing the [Weekly Thing](https://weekly.thingelstad.com) since May of 2017. With over 300 issues of the newsletter sent I’m hosting this session to share the common questions that I get about:\r\n\r\n- How do you find the things you put in the Weekly Thing?\r\n- How do you create each issue?\r\n- How do you maintain consistency?\r\n\r\nAdditionally I will be covering:\r\n\r\n- My task template that I use for each week\r\n- The automation that I have created to build each issue\r\n- The overall toolchain that I use to create it\r\n- How I’m using AI in a genuine way\r\n- Specific tactics to maintain sustainability of a long-term project like this\r\n- Experiments I've tried: Supporting Memberships, Forums, etc.\r\n\r\nThis session will be focused on creating and building!\r\n\r\nI hope to see you there!", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 68, "created_at": "2025-03-28 01:43:14 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1810, "participant_id": 13, "presenter_name": "Liz Tupper", "presenter_bio": "Liz Tupper is a strategic technology leader with over 25 years of experience driving transformative change across the civic tech, social good, AI (artificial intelligence), IoT (internet of things), web, mobile application, and video game industries. She is the Senior Director of Product at CivicActions and co-leads the Minnesota Digital Service meetup group, a collaborative community of professionals passionate about GovTech (Government Technology) at local, state, and federal levels.\r\n", "session_title": "Open Source Technology and The Future of Civic Tech", "summary": null, "description": "It's important to acknowledge that the landscape of government tech is shifting rapidly, and what worked in January 2024 might look different today. However, one thing remains the same, software development powered by community and for community is essential.\r\n\r\nThis talk will energize attendees by highlighting the far-reaching benefits of open data and open source contributions and showing how even small steps can lead to big changes. You will hear details about the Minnesota Digital Services Hackathon happening in October and how you can get involved. \r\n\r\nMore about Minnesota Digital Services\r\n\r\nIn just ONE year, Minnesota Digital Services has transformed from a simple coffee meetup into a thriving community of 275+ GovTech enthusiasts! Our journey began on January 26, 2024, soon after we soft-launched at Minnebar in 2024, and one of our main goals for 2025 is to host a civic government hackathon.\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 102, "created_at": "2025-03-27 21:25:21 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-03 03:07:55 UTC" }, { "id": 1809, "participant_id": 5502, "presenter_name": "Brad Koehn", "presenter_bio": "I've been in software engineering for thirty years, as a consultant at a boutique, running an office at said boutique, at a multinational, an indie contractor, and most recently as a management consultant. Along the way I've had the chance to learn from a lot of really smart people in a wide variety of fields, from computer science and the business of technology, to organizational theory, leadership, and behavioral psychology. \r\n\r\nI'm at a stage in life where I want to give back to the community and share lessons learned to help people avoid some of the mistakes and do a bit better than I did. ", "session_title": "So, you want to be a consultant?", "summary": null, "description": "Looking back at a decades-long career in consulting, Brad Koehn shares the knowledge he wished he’d had along the way. In this engaging, thoughtful presentation, he outlines different careers in consulting, from working for a firm, to independent contracting, to advisory consulting, to starting a firm. \r\n\r\nDuring the presentation he demystifies how consulting works, outlines four types of consulting practices and how they differ, and gives detailed, practical directions for getting started. \r\n\r\nIf you’ve ever been curious about getting into consulting, be sure not to miss this presentation. ", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 99, "created_at": "2025-03-27 21:21:35 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1808, "participant_id": 5502, "presenter_name": "Brad Koehn", "presenter_bio": "I've been in software engineering for thirty years, as a consultant at a boutique, running an office at said boutique, at a multinational, an indie contractor, and most recently as a management consultant. Along the way I've had the chance to learn from a lot of really smart people in a wide variety of fields, from computer science and the business of technology, to organizational theory, leadership, and behavioral psychology. \r\n\r\nI'm at a stage in life where I want to give back to the community and share lessons learned to help people avoid some of the mistakes and do a bit better than I did. ", "session_title": "Negotiating your compensation", "summary": null, "description": "Negotiating compensation is intimidating, and it's an essential skill for your career. This friendly and practical session will guide you through the psychology of compensation discussions—from your initial interview through the final offer. Rather than viewing negotiations as a win-lose scenario, you'll learn to approach them as opportunities to get as close as possible to your true professional value. Understand the motivations and emotions of hiring managers, and discover how aligning your presentation with their needs can significantly enhance your negotiation outcomes. Overcome common challenges such as imposter syndrome, anxiety about discussing money, and hesitation in confidently asking for your worth. You’ll leave equipped with clear strategies for negotiating constructively and collaboratively, helping you achieve compensation that accurately reflects your value.", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 60, "created_at": "2025-03-27 21:20:04 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1807, "participant_id": 23, "presenter_name": "Toby Cryns", "presenter_bio": "Hi, I'm Toby Cryns! \r\n\r\nI founded [Minneapolis St. Paul WordPress User Group](https://mspwp.com) and [The Mighty Mo! WordPress Design](https://www.themightymo.com). \r\n\r\nI also write for [WP Tavern](https://wptavern.com), [blog about biz stuff](https://tobycryns.com) and [talk WordPress tech](https://themightymo.com/updates).\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n- [My WordPress Tech Blog](https://themightymo.com/updates/)\r\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/themightymo)\r\n- Twitter: [@tobycryns](https://x.com/tobycryns)", "session_title": "The 10 Best WordPress Plugins", "summary": null, "description": "Every WordPress install has instant access to over 60,000 free plugins. Additionally, there are thousands more free and pay-for plugins available all over the internet and on Github.\r\n\r\nI've done the research for you and will share the [Top 10 plugins for your WordPress site](https://themightymo.com/top-10-best-wordpress-plugins-ever/)!\r\n\r\nWe'll also save time for you to share your faves.", "room_name": "Florida", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 33, "created_at": "2025-03-27 18:48:50 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-03 04:19:16 UTC" }, { "id": 1806, "participant_id": 6131, "presenter_name": "J Wynia", "presenter_bio": "Maker, writer, and software guy. J has been writing code for 40 yrs, and consulting for nearly 30 across a wide range of industries and companies, designing and building software systems. When LLM-based AI made its big pivot a few years ago, he realized that the rest of his career was either going to end up working on AI, with AI, or cleaning up after AI. All of those and even the path of fighting against AI had one thing in common: they require knowing how it works at a practical level. He's spent the last 3 yrs doing R&D around the topic and working with companies from startups to big corporations figure out their AI strategy and build applied AI systems responsibly.", "session_title": "Commuting To The Future: Navigating the Gap Between AI Hype, Doom, and Reality", "summary": null, "description": "The conversation around AI has become a disorienting mix of breathless hype, existential doom predictions, and widespread misinformation—making it nearly impossible to understand where we truly stand. As someone who regularly 'commutes' between cutting-edge AI research and mainstream implementation, I've observed how the traditional tech adoption cycle has collapsed with AI, creating parallel realities of understanding. This talk cuts through the noise to provide clarity on what's actually happening, what's genuinely transformative versus incremental, and how to develop your own accurate mental model of AI capabilities. Whether you're confused by contradictory AI narratives or simply trying to make informed decisions about adoption and investment, this session offers a grounded perspective from someone who witnesses both the bleeding edge and everyday reality of AI.", "room_name": "Gandhi", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 58, "created_at": "2025-03-27 15:55:13 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1805, "participant_id": 6002, "presenter_name": "Shannon Seaver ", "presenter_bio": "Shannon Seaver is the Executive Director of CreateMPLS, a nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality computer science education to underserved communities. With over 18 years of experience in engineering, computer science, and math education, Shannon is passionate about workforce development, equitable access to technology, and preparing the next generation for careers in STEM. She is also the co-host of the Tech Together podcast, which explores the tech job pipeline in Minnesota. Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn.", "session_title": "Human Intelligence Movement", "summary": null, "description": "🧠🤖 Human Intelligence > Artificial Intelligence?\r\nExploring the Human Intelligence Movement in the Age of AI\r\nLed by Michelle Ament & Shannon Seaver\r\n\r\nAI is evolving fast—but what does it mean for us as humans in tech, design, and leadership roles? In this interactive session, we’ll introduce the Human Intelligence movement: a growing call to center empathy, ethics, creativity, and emotional intelligence in the conversations around artificial intelligence.\r\n\r\nWe’ll explore big questions like:\r\n\r\nHow can we build and use AI without losing the human element?\r\n\r\nWhat uniquely human skills matter most in the age of automation?\r\n\r\nHow can teams embrace AI and cultivate cultures of curiosity, compassion, and critical thinking?\r\n\r\nExpect a mix of discussion, real-world examples, and space to reflect and share. Whether you're excited about AI or cautiously curious, this session is your invitation to re-center what makes us human.\r\n\r\n✨ Let’s talk about the intelligence that machines can’t replicate.", "room_name": "Gandhi", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 51, "created_at": "2025-03-27 14:33:36 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1804, "participant_id": 6002, "presenter_name": "Shannon Seaver ", "presenter_bio": "Shannon Seaver is the Executive Director of CreateMPLS, a nonprofit dedicated to providing high-quality computer science education to underserved communities. With over 18 years of experience in engineering, computer science, and math education, Shannon is passionate about workforce development, equitable access to technology, and preparing the next generation for careers in STEM. She is also the co-host of the Tech Together podcast, which explores the tech job pipeline in Minnesota. Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn.", "session_title": "Tech Together Podcast Recording", "summary": null, "description": "🛠️ Tech Together Live: Building Community Through Conversation\r\nPresented by the Tech Together Podcast\r\n\r\nJoin us for a live, interactive recording of the Tech Together Podcast—where we explore how authentic conversations can spark collaboration, amplify diverse voices, and strengthen Minnesota’s tech ecosystem.\r\n\r\nIn this session, we’ll break the fourth wall of podcasting by bringing the audience into the dialogue. We'll share lessons we've learned from interviewing local tech leaders, discuss the power of storytelling in community building, and invite attendees to step up to the mic and share their perspectives.\r\n\r\nWhether you're a founder, developer, designer, or just curious about how podcasts can connect people in tech, this session is for you.\r\n\r\n🎤 Come ready to listen, share, and be part of the story.", "room_name": "Maryland", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 23, "created_at": "2025-03-27 14:30:38 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1802, "participant_id": 6127, "presenter_name": "Greg Sax", "presenter_bio": "[Greg Sax](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsax/) has accumulated a wealth of professional writing, editing, marcom, design, research, advertising, website and product development experience in at least one of your favorite North American cities. He currently specializes in real estate topics, but he got there by way of travel health, geography and interactive development. He has logged everywhere he has ever been for the last 15 years, is an avid fan of live music and has a [four-letter X handle](https://x.com/gsax) that he primarily uses to complain about professional Minnesota sports teams.", "session_title": "Remember Foursquare? Long Live Lifelogging!", "summary": null, "description": "Back in 2009, Foursquare was a social media darling akin to Facebook and Twitter. So what happened? It turns out that it was never about the mayorships. Cornering the market on geolocation was where the money was at. When Foursquare split into Foursquare City Guide and the Swarm check-in app in 2014, a mass exodus occurred.\r\n\r\nBut what if you never left Foursquare/Swarm? Find out what it looks like when you have logged every place you have ever visited for 15 years. See what you can do with that data, how it can enhance your life and how it can actually influence others. And learn what the bearers of the Foursquare banner look like today.\r\n\r\nLifelogging doesn't have to mean that you post live from a wearable camera all day. In some way, everybody reading this is a likely lifelogger in some way. Whether you are using Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Tumblr, Reddit, Yelp, Google, Goodreads, Fitbit, Strava or even GitHub, you are providing snippets of your world and work under a profile to be viewed by others.\r\n\r\nAfter a fun presentation, be ready to share any of your favorite lifelogging experiences and apps. As well, share your disappointments and concerns with the state of social sharing. It will all be interesting!", "room_name": "Texas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 28, "created_at": "2025-03-27 03:17:51 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1801, "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.", "session_title": "UX Office Hours", "summary": null, "description": "**Do you crave feedback on your project/product/service/hobby/idea?**\r\n\r\nStop by and chat with experts in UX, Product, Marketing, and much more.\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. **This is your chance to get feedback or ask questions in a small conversational setting.**\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**Where to find us: The 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.**", "room_name": null, "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Cameron MacDonald", "Dante Vono", "Homer Rutledge", "Jared Johnson", "EJ Makela", "Jodi Kuehn", "Tim Armato", "Rothanak Chhoun" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 6026, 6134, 5453, 6174, 2188, 5365, 492, 5398 ], "attendance_count": 45, "created_at": "2025-03-27 02:59:06 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-04-25 04:46:26 UTC" }, { "id": 1800, "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.", "session_title": "🤖 💬 Human Computer Interaction: The UX of AI", "summary": null, "description": "**Prompt Engineer, ...so hot right now!** \r\n\r\nDo you wonder why we need an entire specialization dedicated to communicating with a computer? Does it feel like \"it just doesn't get you\" when \"chatting\" with AI tools? **So why is the default AI interface a chat? Turns out there are better ways!**\r\n\r\nIn this session, we'll cover the history of the ways humans have communicated with computers. You'll see why \"natural language\" doesn't seem to translate as you expected. Finally, you'll learn options for creating an interface with AI that doesn't require a unique title. Along the way, you'll learn to create trust and reduce hallucinations.\r\n\r\nThis session is for anyone building AI products where the audience isn't another computer or for anyone interested in why it's terrible *talking* to computers and what we can do about it.", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 83, "created_at": "2025-03-27 02:56:19 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1799, "participant_id": 200, "presenter_name": "Zack Steven", "presenter_bio": "I am a lifelong entrepreneur and leader who is passionate about good design, big ideas, and strong inclusive communities. \r\n\r\nI find the path from napkin to traction exhilarating and have traveled it multiple times personally and with clients. I am a Founding Partner of [Monkey Island Ventures](http://monkeyislandventures.com), and CEO of [Cloudburst, SBC](http://cloudburststudio.com) and I host the monthly [No-Code Coffee](https://no-code-coffee.kit.com/a17a71e671) meetup for non-technical entrepreneurs building tech companies. \r\n\r\nI have a degree in Studio Art from Grinnell College and have spent the past 20 years mastering the art of business in leadership roles across Product, Sales, Finance and Operations for organizations ranging from startups to public companies. At its best, business is sculpture - beautiful and useful. \r\n\r\nI hold several patents, am a Minnesotan on the Move award recipient, and have served on non-profit boards including MetroIBA, St. Paul Central High School Foundation and Unity Church-Unitarian. I am a native of The North and live in Edina with my wife and two sons.\r\n\r\nIf any of this aligns with your interests, let's connect on X: [@zacksteven](http://www.twitter.com/zacksteven) or in person at MinneBar. Just @ me.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- X: @zacksteven", "session_title": "Beyond Hourly Rates: How Service Providers Build Wealth Through Shared Success Agreements", "summary": null, "description": "Are you tired of trading time for money? As a developer, designer, marketer, or consultant, your expertise helps startups grow - but traditional compensation models limit your upside.\r\n\r\nIn the 6 years since I developed the Shared Success Agreement, I've witnessed how this alternative approach can transform how service providers structure their businesses, replacing some hourly billing with revenue-share partnerships that create ongoing income streams and deeper client relationships.\r\n\r\nAs a non-technical founder myself, I created this model out of necessity. After struggling with traditional funding and compensation options, I developed a framework that better aligned incentives between founders and the talent they desperately need. Through Cloudburst, we've now invested over $500,000 in our clients using these agreements, proving they work for both sides of the partnership.\r\n\r\nIn this practical session, you'll discover:\r\n\r\n- Why traditional equity compensation often fails service providers and freelancers\r\n- How Shared Success Agreements offer a compelling alternative with potential returns of 25% or more annually\r\n- The tax advantages compared to traditional compensation models\r\n- A simple calculator for determining optimal revenue percentages and payback periods\r\n- Frameworks for identifying which clients are ideal for these arrangements\r\n- How the agreements also benefit founders and investors\r\n\r\nI'll share the early lessons we've learned implementing this model at Cloudburst, along with insights from the growing community of professionals exploring revenue-share alternatives to conventional billing models. You'll see how this approach can help create a portfolio of revenue streams that generate income beyond your active client work.\r\n\r\nThe open-source agreement template is freely available at [SharedSuccessAgreement.org](https://www.sharedsuccessagreement.org), but this session will give you the strategic framework to implement it successfully in your service business.\r\n\r\nBring your client scenarios and questions for a hands-on discussion.", "room_name": "Gandhi", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 50, "created_at": "2025-03-27 00:42:19 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1798, "participant_id": 1387, "presenter_name": "Dan Rohda", "presenter_bio": "Dan is a proven people-focused executive leader with over twenty years of experience driving innovative solutions in customer operations and professional services. He has a passion for driving both employee engagement and excellent service. Dan has been recognized by teams and staff for his ability to build a strong corporate culture that leads to positive outcomes for the organization and the individuals contributing to its success. He has helped his teams grow professionally, and implemented service technologies to move his team and customers forward. \r\n\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/danrohda", "session_title": " 🚀 Leading with Impact: Elevate Your Team and Customer Experience", "summary": null, "description": "In today’s fast-paced landscape, successful Team and Customer Experience leadership requires a holistic approach that blends strategy with execution. This session will explore the essential elements of effective leadership, backed by **informative infographics** that will guide you through each topic:\r\n\r\n✅ **Key Questions Leaders Should Ask Themselves:** How effectively are you setting expectations and maintaining clear, consistent, and continuous communication with your team?\r\n\r\n✅ **The Four Essential Considerations Along the Customer Journey:** Strategies to optimize every touchpoint for seamless, memorable experiences.\r\n\r\n✅ **Assessing the STRENGTH of Your Team:** Discover a simple yet powerful framework designed to help your team develop and thrive, enhancing employee engagement and customer outcomes.\r\n\r\n✅ **The Power of a Clear Mission and Vision:** How aligning your team around a shared purpose drives consistency, accountability, and customer trust.\r\n\r\n✅ **Bringing It All Together with People, Process, and Tools:** The formula for sustainable CX excellence by integrating the right talent, workflows, and technology.\r\n\r\nYou’ll leave with **actionable insights and practical frameworks** to transform your operations, foster employee growth, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.", "room_name": "Pennsylvania", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 26, "created_at": "2025-03-26 20:33:09 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1797, "participant_id": 6121, "presenter_name": "Amy Brown", "presenter_bio": "Hi, I'm Amy Brown. My professional background is in human resources and organization development. Early in my career, I became curious about how organizations achieve their best performance outcomes. What I've learned over the years is that behavior at work, the way we do things, matters. Outside of work, I serve on the board of directors for the Behavior@Work Collaborative.", "session_title": "Bullyboss or Bestboss? Leading through Uncertain Times.", "summary": null, "description": "At the St. Patrick’s Day Minnestar Happy Hour, I asked people what is keeping them up at night, what concerns are front of mind. Overwhelmingly, I heard that the chaos and volatility of the world outside their companies is creating a fair amount of uncertainty and discomfort. One leader told me he needed a way to feel grounded, and keep moving forward. If this sentiment resonates with you, join us for a conversation about leading through uncertain times. Participants will leave with one tool, one thing you can do at your organization to address the discomfort and keep moving forward to achieve the performance results you want. \r\n", "room_name": "Maryland", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 33, "created_at": "2025-03-26 15:10:15 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1796, "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": "Networking 101: Building Connections for Success", "summary": null, "description": "Speakers:\r\n•\tJennifer Simon\r\n•\tAli Farnsworth\r\n\r\nSession Description:\r\nIn today's fast-paced and interconnected world, networking is more important than ever. Join Jennifer Simon and Ali Farnsworth for an engaging and informative session on the fundamentals of effective networking. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this session will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you build and maintain meaningful connections.\r\n\r\nJennifer Simon, a portfolio specialist with over 20 years of experience, and Ali Farnsworth, a dynamic business development expert, will share their personal experiences and proven strategies for successful networking. They will cover topics such as:\r\n•\tThe importance of networking in career growth and personal development\r\n•\tHow to approach and engage with new contacts\r\n•\tBuilding and nurturing long-term professional relationships\r\n•\tLeveraging social media and online platforms for networking\r\n•\tOvercoming common networking challenges and pitfalls\r\n\r\nDon't miss this opportunity to learn from two industry leaders and enhance your networking skills. Whether you're looking to expand your professional circle, find new opportunities, or simply improve your communication skills, this session is for you.\r\nTarget Audience: Professionals at all levels who are looking to improve their networking skills and build stronger professional relationships.\r\nSession Format: Interactive presentation with Q&A\r\n", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 74, "created_at": "2025-03-26 14:47:38 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1795, "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. This session will cover why, when, who and how to hire your first salesperson. Understanding the ‘Why’ • Is your business at the right stage to hire? • Is there a clear Go-to-Market Strategy? • How mature is the understanding of the opportunity cycle? Understanding the ‘When’\r\n• Are there enough opportunities? • Are there identifiable targets outside the founder’s network? • What is the right balance between Marketing vs. Sales driven demand? • Is there a good understanding of the costs to building a sales function? • How to transition from Founder lead sales activity? Defining the Right Sales Professional: Who to Hire • Defining the ideal Candidate • Role maturity vs. adaptability • Balancing experience vs Potential • Hire a Sales Leader first? • Business Development Rep (BDR) option How to Hire – Navigating the Hiring Process • DIY vs Recruiters • Cost of hire and delay • Where to source candidates • Implementing a robust hiring process\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. We are looking forward to an open & frank question and answer session, as well.\r\n", "room_name": "Maryland", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 13, "created_at": "2025-03-26 14:43:38 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1794, "participant_id": 2380, "presenter_name": "Susie Douang", "presenter_bio": "I'm a Full Stack Frontend Developer with a background in building user-focused applications across various industries, from startups to enterprise environments. Before transitioning into tech, I studied psychology and worked across various fields—from the service industry to office administration. My journey has been anything but linear—I've navigated layoffs, career transitions, and self-directed learning, enrolling in software engineering bootcamps while staying engaged in the local tech community. \r\n\r\nAs a co-organizer of MSP Tech, I enjoy fostering connections and conversations that help others grow in their careers. Outside of tech, I teach group fitness kickboxing and am working toward my NASM certification. I believe in the power of networking, continuous learning, and sharing experiences to support others in their professional journeys. \r\n\r\n**Links:** \r\n- [Personal Site](https://sdouang.com) \r\n- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/susiedouang/) \r\n- [GitHub] (https://github.com/Susie-D)\r\n", "session_title": "🔥 Reigniting Your Career in Tech: Navigating the Job Search", "summary": null, "description": "### **Session Title: Reigniting Your Career in Tech: Navigating the Job Search**\r\n\r\nAs a Full Stack Frontend Developer with a background in software engineering and diverse experiences across industries, my career journey hasn’t always been linear. I’ve navigated career transitions, self-directed learning, and a recent layoff, which led me to refine what I truly want in my next role. Whether you’re new to tech, looking to pivot, or re-entering the job market, I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way that I’d like to share with you.\r\n\r\nIn this session, I’ll share strategies and insights to help you confidently navigate the job search process, from building your personal brand to reflecting on your career goals. We’ll cover how to network effectively, market yourself, and prepare for your next opportunity.\r\n\r\n### **Agenda:**\r\n- **Networking Strategies**: Building meaningful connections within the tech community and leveraging those connections for job opportunities.\r\n- **Marketing Yourself**: Crafting an authentic personal brand that stands out, including tips for updating your resume, portfolio, and online presence.\r\n- **Reflecting on Your Career**: Understanding your strengths, defining your ideal role, and clarifying your career goals—what’s your dream job?\r\n- **Preparing for the Job Search**: Actionable steps to get ready for the search, such as:\r\n - Evaluating your skills, identifying what you want in your next role, and targeting the right companies.\r\n - Updating your resume and portfolio to showcase your experience and abilities effectively.\r\n - Strengthening your personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub, ensuring they reflect your current skillset and goals.\r\n - Researching companies and roles to tailor your applications for success.\r\n - Practicing for interviews and staying resilient throughout the process.\r\n- **Navigating Career Transitions**: How to pivot, upskill, and maintain continuous learning to stay competitive in the ever-evolving tech industry.\r\n\r\nBy the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a clearer sense of your professional brand and a structured approach to the job search. Let’s talk about how to reignite your career in tech and take the next step with confidence.\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\nThis session is designed for individuals with some experience in the tech field, whether you're currently working in a role or actively navigating a job search. The content assumes familiarity with basic networking and job search practices and will focus on refining your approach to the next stage in your career. If you're looking to take your job search to the next level or pivot within the tech industry, this session is for you.\r\n", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 76, "created_at": "2025-03-26 13:44:05 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1793, "participant_id": 6122, "presenter_name": "Joe Meyer", "presenter_bio": "I'm a beekeeper, engineer, and now app developer.\r\nI ran a beekeeping business for about five years, producing honey and raising queen bees locally to promote and sell regional stock.\r\nI've served on the board of the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association and spent a summer assisting research at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. I hold a degree in Electrical Engineering, though my career path has been anything but linear. Beyond beekeeping, I've worked as a sterilization technician at 3M, an exhibit fabricator at the Science Museum of Minnesota, and a stay-at-home dad.", "session_title": "🐝 Honeybees: Click to Save", "summary": null, "description": "Technology and beekeeping might seem like an unlikely pairing, but the “Save the Bees” movement has inspired a surge of tech innovation in the hive. In this session, we'll take a look at the gadgets and technologies gaining traction in the beekeeping world. I'll also talk about my own personal journey developing an app using AI not to disrupt tradition, but to support it. This talk is for anyone interested in the tension between tradition and innovation, and how we can design technology that honors the communities it’s meant to serve.", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 80, "created_at": "2025-03-26 03:47:22 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1792, "participant_id": 3792, "presenter_name": "Tyler Johnson", "presenter_bio": "Tyler is a software developer with Livefront", "session_title": "Taming the Chaos: Mastering Swift Concurrency", "summary": null, "description": "Ever wrestled with callback hell or dodged thread explosion just to keep your app from crashing? Say goodbye to the juggling act of old-school concurrency and hello to Swift’s modern superpower: async/await. In this session, we’ll unravel the magic of Swift concurrency—transforming messy code into clean, readable flows that just work.\r\n\r\nFrom the pyramid of doom to the elegance of actors, you’ll see real-world examples that’ll make you rethink your next project. Expect a practical demo and pro tips to avoid the gotchas. Whether you’re a Swift newbie or a seasoned dev, you’ll leave with tools to make your apps faster, safer, and downright fun to build. Ready to tame the chaos? Join me and let’s conquer concurrency together!", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 42, "created_at": "2025-03-25 21:06:01 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1791, "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": "Don’t Be That Boss: Applying Hard Learned Lessons in Leadership", "summary": null, "description": "There’s a saying that people don’t leave companies, they leave managers. CultureAmp data also points to the importance of a company’s senior leadership on employee engagement. You may have already had the good fortune to experience a great manager or great company leadership, or the misfortune to experience the opposite. So how can each of us strive to be better leaders for our teams and our companies?\r\n\r\nFor over 25 years, I’ve worked with a variety of leaders and witnessed many different styles. I've learned what leadership approaches work well, and which ones are less effective or even damaging to an organization. When I started leading teams, I made mistakes of my own and learned from them. In the process, I have developed my own leadership style which has led to success for my teams and helped me retain people across companies. \r\n\r\nI’ll share stories about the lessons I’ve learned and the style I’ve developed. We’ll talk about leadership anti-patterns and how to avoid them. I aim to give attendees new tools for effective leadership and a healthy work environment. \r\n\r\nI plan to have audience participation and leave time for Q&A. If you’ve got questions about becoming a leader, getting to the next level, or dealing with bad leadership, please join us!\r\n", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 73, "created_at": "2025-03-25 15:12:06 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1790, "participant_id": 6048, "presenter_name": "Steve Conrad", "presenter_bio": "Steve Conrad is the Director of Technology at the [Digital Impact Alliance](https://dial.global). He's worked in technology for over 20 years, both in the public and private sector. He is passionate about using technology to help people who live on the margins and to create a better, more equitable world.", "session_title": "GenAI 101", "summary": null, "description": "If you know that you're supposed to know about AI, but you have no idea where to start, this is your session. \r\n\r\nWe'll provide an introduction to the most common tools and frameworks that are used today to build AI applications. We'll dive into different ways to integrate AI tools into your development workflow. \r\n\r\nThe goal is for you to walk away understanding what people mean when they talk about prompt engineering, RAG and Agentic AI. You'll know where to go to set up AI coding tools on your laptop, and you'll learn about many of the sites that every AI developer needs to know. It's my hope to give you enough to information to understand the current AI landscape so that you can do a deeper dive on your own into the areas that are most relevant to you. ", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 71, "created_at": "2025-03-25 14:59:22 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1788, "participant_id": 6115, "presenter_name": "Arvind Mozumdar", "presenter_bio": "I have been in the Data, Analytics and Technology space for 20+ years and have seen different generational changes leading to today's AI. As a consultant, I have worked across multiple industries and domains, leading large and small teams, both local and global. I focus on making the concepts of AI accessible and usable to companies.\r\n\r\nI write frequently on [Medium](https://medium.com/@arvindmozumdar) and post infrequently on [Mastodon](https://me.dm/@arvindmozumdar) on multiple topics related to Artificial Intelligence, its applications, and impact on society, and business trends.\r\n\r\nPersonally, me and my wife care strongly about being responsible, equitable, and sustainable. As a dad, my time is spent doing all dad things like playing Fortnite, making puns, and coaching soccer. I have been a Minnesota resident for 15 years after having lived in a dozen different cities in 3 continents. I self identify as an avid traveler, reader, and constant learner. Having chosen Minnesota as my home, I have adopted the local custom of embracing disappointment by choosing to follow Minnesota United (Go Loons!).\r\n\r\nYou can also follow me on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arvind-mozumdar/).", "session_title": "Sustainability in Personal Tech - What can you do to help?", "summary": null, "description": "Sustainability is often in the news, and often evokes strong and varying feelings in people. While there is a lot of focus of discussion on fossil fuels and renewable energy, there are smaller things that we as individuals and especially people working in technology can do to make a difference. \r\n\r\nHow big of a difference? While technology is considered one of the \"long-tail\" cases of sustainability, its impact is still substantial. For example, did you know that the estimated global carbon footprint of Internet and Communication Technology is comparable to that of aviation? Did you also know that 70-80% of the footprint is already expended even before you have unboxed your new smartphone?\r\n\r\nIn this presentation we will look at what are relatively small things we can do to systemically reduce the carbon footprint of technology. We will start with a conceptual framework of how sustainability is viewed, what organizations are doing in this space, and end with some recommendations on what we as individuals can do. There is no judgement involved in any of this discussion and the objective is to inform and inspire.", "room_name": "Texas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 36, "created_at": "2025-03-24 18:00:32 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1787, "participant_id": 6075, "presenter_name": "Steve Banks", "presenter_bio": "Steve Banks serves as President of the Improving Minnesota enterprise. He previously served as Vice President of Consulting with Improving, having been with the company for 24 years (20 years with Object Partners, Inc, acquired in 2020). He has over 28 years of consulting experience across a variety of industries. As a result, Steve has a consultant-first focus, ensuring top-quality solutions are delivered to our clients and partners, and our consultants are consistently challenged to grow and learn.", "session_title": "From Code to Community: Launching Innovation Together", "summary": null, "description": "In the Twin Cities, launching great software is about more than just writing code - it is about building a thriving ecosystem where innovation, investment, and talent come together. [Improving](https://www.improving.com/locations/minneapolis/) is partnering with [Minnedemo](https://minnestar.org/minnedemo/), and [CodeLaunch](https://codelaunch.com), to drive the future of technology, startups, and digital services. Join us for a conversation about how we can help launch startups onto the CodeLaunch stage in Dallas for the [World Championships](https://codelaunch.com/events/2025-world-championship/) in November! From early-stage ideas to scalable solutions, we’ll explore how this collaboration fuels local founders, accelerates emerging startups, and strengthens the tech community.", "room_name": "Maryland", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Mark Soule" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 4773 ], "attendance_count": 29, "created_at": "2025-03-24 17:59:21 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1786, "participant_id": 923, "presenter_name": "Jim Bernard", "presenter_bio": "Jim Bernard is an advisor who helps digital product teams transform and grow. He helps companies with consumer engagement, e-Commerce and advertising by developing great product plans and talent. Previously he was at The Star Tribune and MarketWatch. He is a former member of the Minne* Board of Directors and a current community supporter. He is currently learning to play the accordion. ", "session_title": "Minimal Viable Polka: My 100 day plan to win valentines day", "summary": null, "description": "This personal narrative includes practical tips and easy-to-implement suggestions that can be applied to your life. Bring your groaning to-do list, spiraling imposter syndrome and be prepared to be bossed into doing that thing that you've always wanted to do. You've got this! \r\n\r\nWARNING: This session will include a modest amount of beginner accordion music.", "room_name": "Nevada (by Caribou)", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 44, "created_at": "2025-03-24 17:52:48 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1785, "participant_id": 6066, "presenter_name": "Justin Piehowski", "presenter_bio": "Justin Piehowski is a journalist-turned-tech-media ecologist who explores the intersection of technology, communication, and human identity. In his powerful, interactive keynote presentation, he’ll break down why curation isn’t just an editorial choice—it’s an act of self-definition. If content is king, curation is the kingdom’s defense system.", "session_title": "The most important verb of the 21st century: Curation ", "summary": null, "description": "As the volume of information coming at us each day increases every day, we need to tap back into an innate human skill that we've recently turned over to the algorithms: curation. Our ability to select, organize, and promote digital content of our choosing presents us with a way to retain our humanity and preserve our sanity in an unprecedented era of information overload.", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 48, "created_at": "2025-03-24 13:37:22 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1784, "participant_id": 5989, "presenter_name": "Scott MacDonald", "presenter_bio": "Scott MacDonald's IT career spans over 3 decades, with a strong background in leading and managing IT Operations and Engineering teams in several large Tech and Fortune 500 companies, and making problem solving a \"multiple-times a day\" way of life.\r\n\r\nCurrently an Active Directory Defensive Security Consultant for Somerled Technologies, LLC, he's also a motorcyclist, drummer, and teaches 16th century swordfighting.\r\n\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-macdonald/\r\n\r\nhttps://somerledtech.com", "session_title": "2 questions - the keys to solving *ANY* problem", "summary": null, "description": "The 2 most important questions to ask when solving any problem - a method to save time, reduce frustration, and eliminate errors while problem solving. \r\n\r\nWhen faced with a troubleshooting or problem solving situation, most people simply default to what they think they know, \"follow a script\", or use a combination of both. In many cases, these \"scripts\" and assumptions of prior knowledge lead the person down unrelated rabbit-holes, dead ends, and other non-solution results, causing much frustration and wasting valuable time. \r\n\r\nThis presentation will explain and demonstrate the effectiveness of the 2 single-most important questions that need to be asked in order to quickly and effectively solve *any* problem.\r\n\r\nNote: Audience participation isn't just encouraged, it's expected.", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 72, "created_at": "2025-03-24 00:56:44 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1783, "participant_id": 4394, "presenter_name": "Cherie Lemer", "presenter_bio": "As a technology leader supporting health and safety initiatives, Cherie builds technology solutions that reduce the risk of injury and death for colleagues and the surrounding community every day. Yet, the minute she enters the classroom to teach my job readiness bootcamp, she is reminded that the work she does during the day is changing the nature of work for her students. Many technology executives will tell you that someone will have to do something to help people adapt to a world in which careers are constantly impacted by AI and automation. Cherie wants to be that someone. \r\n\r\nIn addition to an understanding of how technology is impacting careers of both today and tomorrow, Cherie has more than 20 years of experience in teaching, training, and communications focusing on social impact and behavior change. In this work, she has mentored people through their career transitions and built educational programs to enhance the competitiveness of people entering new career fields. She is proud to have been the co-conspirator for many who have gotten into graduate school, received promotions, negotiated higher salaries, and landed jobs they thought were out of their reach.", "session_title": "Know Your Value, Negotiate Your Salary", "summary": null, "description": "Does the thought of salary negotiation make your stomach churn? It doesn't have to. Most candidates believe that their potential future employer holds all of the cards when it comes to salary negotiation. That isn't the case. The key to increasing your salary lies in your ability to understand what your future employer values and showing them how your skills and experience provide just that. This talk will cover strategies to communicate your value to your future employer and avoid leaving money (or additional benefits) on the table. ", "room_name": "Challenge", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 63, "created_at": "2025-03-23 22:22:58 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1782, "participant_id": 6113, "presenter_name": "Aaron Cieslicki", "presenter_bio": null, "session_title": "Accidentally building a product I don't dare sell -- the jigglemagic story", "summary": null, "description": "My intentions were nearly entirely wholesome when it all started. Working as a remote engineer in a corporate setting, I kept finding that websites I needed to access for work (stackoverflow, reddit, and others) were blocked by default on the corporate network. While I could appeal to the network team to unblock these sites, it was a site-by-site approach, and frustratingly slow. I found myself more and more researching on my personal laptop, but then my work laptop logged out and showed me inactive, which, as any remote worker will tell you, is not a good thing.\r\n\r\nThis is a story about finding ways to keep my online status green, going down a curiosity rabbit hole, and coming out the other side having designed, built, and bought inventory of a product I didn't dare sell. It's a story about software, hardware, product design, and marketing -- and the difficulties therein.", "room_name": "Nebraska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 26, "created_at": "2025-03-23 11:41:36 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1781, "participant_id": 2427, "presenter_name": "Juan LLerena", "presenter_bio": "**Juan Llerena – Author, Founder, Business & Marketing Consultant, Social Entrepreneur**\r\n\r\nJuan Llerena is a Peruvian-born author, business and marketing consultant, and founder of JLLB Media and Vamos Entrepreneur. With over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow, Juan blends strategic marketing know-how with a deep commitment to empowering diverse communities.\r\n\r\nAs a social entrepreneur, he’s passionate about creating pathways for immigrant and minority-owned businesses to succeed—offering training, branding, and visibility strategies that actually work. Juan is also the author of Elev@te: AI Beginners Guide for Marketers and Business Owners, a journal-style resource designed to help entrepreneurs balance personal growth with business success.\r\n\r\nHis work sits at the intersection of communication, community, and creativity—fueled by the belief that entrepreneurship is not just about making money, but making meaning.\r\n\r\nJuan lives with his family in Waconia, MN and has called Minnesota home for the last 25 years.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-llerena-845ba357/\r\n", "session_title": "😻 Lessons from the Trenches: Real-World Strategies to Help Stuck Entrepreneurs Move Forward", "summary": null, "description": "Our audience are entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, small business owners (especially diverse entrepreneurs) who feel stuck or overwhelmed in their journey.\r\n\r\nEntrepreneurship can be exciting—but for many, it’s also exhausting, isolating, and emotionally draining. You’ve got the background, the drive, the ideas… but still feel like you’re not moving forward. Why?\r\n\r\nYou're not alone. A 2024 global survey of entrepreneurs (Source: Founder Reports, 2024) found that:\r\n\r\n87.7% struggle with at least one mental health issue\r\n50.2% report ongoing anxiety\r\n45.8% experience high stress\r\n34.4% are dealing with burnout\r\n\r\nAnd while many entrepreneurs are brilliant, educated, and full of potential, they’re stuck—caught in overthinking, overwhelm, or silence. From my work supporting many diverse founders, small business owners, and immigrant entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that what most people need isn’t more hustle—it’s clarity, strategy, and mindset shifts that move them forward with purpose.\r\n\r\nIn this interactive and practical session, we’ll explore: \r\n\r\nThe 3 most common ways entrepreneurs get stuck—and how to break through:\r\n\r\n1. How to reduce burnout by simplifying your strategy and focusing your energy\r\n\r\n2. Real-life stories of entrepreneurs who’ve turned things around (without working more)\r\n\r\n3. A simple, repeatable framework to get unstuck and back in flow\r\n\r\n**This isn’t just a talk—it’s a space to reflect, reset, and reclaim your power as an entrepreneur. You’ll walk away with tools you can apply immediately—and the reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your mental health.**\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Georgia", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 24, "created_at": "2025-03-22 16:49:28 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1780, "participant_id": 6110, "presenter_name": "Alex Ulrich", "presenter_bio": "Alex Is a software developer with 15 years of experience, with projects ranging from front-end to back-end to big data. He is currently working at Improving, striving to change the perception of the IT Industry, helping clients with all manner of challenges.", "session_title": "How to Yo-yo", "summary": null, "description": "Have you ever thrown a yoyo? Can you do any tricks?\r\n\r\nThe yo-yo is one of the world's oldest toys, and is a great way to build coordination, focus, and determination.\r\n\r\nWhile my day job is being an engineer at Improving, I was formerly a competitive yo-yo player, and have over 20 years of experience playing with a yo-yo.\r\n\r\nIn this interactive session, we will cover the following:\r\n\r\n- How to setup a yoyo\r\n- How to throw a yoyo correctly\r\n- The three most common yo-yo tricks \r\n - Rock the Baby \r\n - Walk the Dog\r\n - Around the World.\r\n\r\nIf you're a complete beginner, this is the course for you. No prior experience is required. Yo-yos will be available to use, at the session, all you need is the curiosity to learn a new skill.", "room_name": "Georgia", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 33, "created_at": "2025-03-21 22:43:43 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1747, "participant_id": 6074, "presenter_name": "Steve Close", "presenter_bio": "Steve is typical for a programmer with 30 years of experience coding and teaching. Currently working with DevObsessed he has worked on many projects and with many companies and many technologies.", "session_title": "Learn to Juggle: Meditation in Motion", "summary": null, "description": "Ever feel overwhelmed juggling your many daily tasks? Take a break from metaphorical life-juggling to learn 3 ball juggling. Juggling is a fun skill that cam help you improve focus, and sharpen your problem-solving abilities. It provides a constant chance to improve while honing your skills at accepting minor failures. As every juggler knows \"If you're not dropping, your not learning\".\r\n\r\nIn this interactive session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of three-ball juggling, discover surprising parallels between coding and coordination, and explore the benefits of keeping objects in motion.\r\n\r\nNo prior juggling experience is required—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to drop the ball (a lot). By the end of the session, you’ll hopefully walk away with a new skill, and a few tricks to impress your colleagues at the next standup.", "room_name": "Discovery", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 41, "created_at": "2025-03-21 17:09:04 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1746, "participant_id": 5523, "presenter_name": "John Benninghoff", "presenter_bio": "John Benninghoff's interest in cybersecurity began in 1985 when he read the book *Out of the Inner Circle: A Hacker's Guide to Computer Security*, and found a way to get paid to do it starting in 1998. He currently consults through his company, [Security Differently](https://www.security-differently.com).\r\n\r\nJohn has also done work in exploratory data analysis and visualization, risk analysis and quantification, Site Reliability Engineering, and writing code in R. John holds a Masters Degree in Safety Science from Trinity College Dublin, where his research focus was on applying safety principles to technology. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking running, and camping.\r\n\r\nLinks to all his current and past work can be found at .", "session_title": "You already know (most) of what you need to know about cybersecurity!", "summary": null, "description": "You don't have to be Mr. Robot to be secure! While cybersecurity may seem mysterious and difficult, the most effective things you can do are like eating well and exercising: easy to understand, but sometimes hard to do. In the past 5 years, we've learned that much of the work needed to secure software-based systems are activities we already do, like regularly updating software and turning off services you don't need.\r\n\r\nI'll review what data-driven research says about what matters most in cybersecurity, bust myths about what doesn't matter, and when you really do need to call in the experts. Whether you write code, build infrastructure, run a startup, or just manage your home network, I'll share practical advice on what you can do to be secure and what you should leave to others.", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 83, "created_at": "2025-03-21 17:03:17 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1745, "participant_id": 3767, "presenter_name": "Bill Gintz", "presenter_bio": "[Bill Gintz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-gintz-63205b3/) is a Product Owner at [SPS Commerce](https://www.spscommerce.com/) focused on the document processing platform services. Bill is an advocate of the Agile Scrum framework and is a Certified Scrum PO, Scrum Master, and SAFe Agilist. Outside of his career, Bill is passionate about spending time with his family, coaching, and mountain biking year round.\r\n\r\n", "session_title": "Build game changing products using Product Discovery workshops", "summary": null, "description": "This presentation will delve into the dynamic use of Product Discovery workshops within our organization. We'll explore the insights our team has garnered through these sessions and illustrate how they can help synchronize product, delivery, and stakeholder teams. This alignment will pave the way for a more efficient, stress-free delivery process, ultimately leading to the creation of game-changing products.", "room_name": "Texas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "David Quinn" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 6073 ], "attendance_count": 45, "created_at": "2025-03-21 14:18:55 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1744, "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 2.0: Tips for Leaders, Hiring Managers and Senior Team Members to Boost the Talent Hunt", "summary": null, "description": "Last year, I did this session for the first time anywhere and was surprised to have a full room. All I had was a bunch of slides with bullet points and thoughts.\r\n\r\nThis year, a legit session with an actual deck.\r\n\r\nI appreciate that hiring is slower or on hold for many of us. This is all the more reason to have this conversation so that when hiring picks up again, you and your team are prepared.\r\n\r\nOne big update from last year is the introduction of AI in the process, both in the use of technology and the likelihood that your talent acquisition team will be smaller than it used to be. You and your team will likely be tasked with picking up a bunch of this work.\r\n\r\nWho should attend:\r\n\r\n- Leaders of companies (C-Suite and VP titles), Hiring Managers, and team 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- AI: the good, bad, and future\r\n\r\n*If you don’t or can’t attend, do this one thing in the following weeks: conduct your own recruiting fire drill (audit) from application through onboarding to ensure the best candidate and new team member experience possible.", "room_name": "Texas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 38, "created_at": "2025-03-20 23:54:08 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1743, "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 v16 – (Why do recruiters suck so bad?)", "summary": null, "description": "LINK TO DECK: \r\nhttps://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/t76zd73y94z2zjp5d0gqa/ADrksZRgRiBiOETKntprjfs?rlkey=g4g19yvkarw4qmolr0p6fd6a8&st=txpa22dq&dl=0\r\n\r\nOof. I get it. You are thinking about the grind of an uncertain economy on your tech career.\r\n\r\nTruth: I thought about not doing this, but at the Minnestar Happy Hour in March, a number of people from the community said that while I may not have good news or a bunch of answers, the insight is needed. That having an update on what is going on is needed.\r\n\r\nSpecifically I was asked a number of times to talk about how AI is impacting networking, a job search, and how talent acqusition teams are using it. \r\n\r\nOK, I'm in. Let's do this for a 16th year.\r\n\r\nI do have some insights and advice to give, along with some crystal ball predictions that, while I can't say when, will likely come true.\r\n\r\nI promise you this: you'll feel more certain/aware about things after we finish.\r\n\r\nI'll start by talking about:\r\n\r\n- The current state of MN, Midwest jobs and hiring trends\r\n- What employers in town are saying, doing, and planning for jobs this year\r\n- How I am thinking about the economy the next 6 to 12 months\r\n- AI impact on networking and job search\r\n- For those planning a job search this year, I'll have info to get you started\r\n- We'll talk about LinkedIn profile makeovers and content to post\r\n\r\nNOTE: this year I will have a slide deck as some of the content will be a \"how to\" and \"do this\". Yes, I will share it.\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": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 87, "created_at": "2025-03-20 23:15:12 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-03 06:11:09 UTC" }, { "id": 1740, "participant_id": 2973, "presenter_name": "Shalanah Dawson", "presenter_bio": "\r\n\r\nShalanah is a Software Engineer at [Livefront](https://livefront.com).\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n[GitHub](https://github.com/shalanah) • [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/shalanah.bsky.social) • [Portfolio](https://shalanah.com) • [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/shalanah)\r\n", "session_title": "Radical Sabbatical - How I structured one year of creative web-dev", "summary": null, "description": "What happens when you hit pause on your career and hit play on your wildest creative ideas? In 2024, I took a leap—a full year off to explore, experiment, and build. From passion projects to playful prototypes, I’ll share how I structured my sabbatical, the unexpected lessons I learned, and what it’s like to return to the workforce with a fresh perspective. Whether you’re dreaming of your own sabbatical or just curious how to carve out more creative space in your career, this talk is for you!", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 85, "created_at": "2025-03-20 03:25:32 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1739, "participant_id": 2689, "presenter_name": "Greg Swan", "presenter_bio": "Greg is a creative and digital strategy leader at [FINN Partners](https://www.finnpartners.com/bio/greg-swan/), author of [Social Signals](https://gregswan.substack.com/), co-host of [The Cave Project](https://thecaveproject.substack.com/) with Jenny Swan, and an energetic early adopter. \r\n\r\nBut ask him about his fax machine. Seriously. \r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregswan/)\r\n[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gregswan)\r\n[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/gregswan.bsky.social)\r\n[X/Twitter](https://x.com/gregswan)", "session_title": "Deepfakes 101: What’s Real, What’s Not, and What to Do About It", "summary": null, "description": "Deepfake fraud attempts have skyrocketed by 2137% in just three years. And today, it takes less than 27 seconds to clone someone’s voice. \r\n\r\n**But what is a deepfake, and why should you care?** AI-generated misinformation is more than just a tech curiosity—it’s a growing threat to trust, security, and even your personal identity. If people can’t tell reality from manipulation, skepticism toward AI will only grow.\r\n\r\nJoin Jenny and Greg Swan from *[The Cave Project](https://thecaveproject.substack.com/about)* as they break down how deepfakes work, the risks they pose, and (most importantly) what you can actually do about it. From setting up family passwords to recognizing red flags, this session will arm you with the knowledge to stay ahead of the fakes.", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 77, "created_at": "2025-03-20 02:07:14 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-02 03:19:10 UTC" }, { "id": 1738, "participant_id": 6025, "presenter_name": "AbdulRahman AlFayad", "presenter_bio": "", "session_title": "Think AI Code Editors Are Your Friends? Think Again! They’re the Roman Senate and You’re Caesar", "summary": null, "description": "AI code editors are everywhere nowadays, promising to make us faster, smarter, and more efficient. But what if these \"helpful\" tools are quietly eroding the very skills that make you a great engineer? What if, instead of empowering you, they’re turning you into a passive bystander in your own craft?\r\n\r\nOver reliance on AI code editors can sabotage your own growth, outsourcing the very critical thinking and problem solving that makes you exceptional. It’s not all doom and gloom though, AI can be a powerful tool when used intentionally. In this talk, we’ll explore the pitfalls of those editors, when to embrace them and when to push them aside.\r\n\r\nThis isn’t just a warning, it’s a call to action. If you’re ready to take control of your craft, question the tools you use, and ensure you’re advancing in your field, this is the session for you.\r\n\r\nLet’s reclaim our independence, sharpen our instincts, and ensure we’re the ones in control.", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 50, "created_at": "2025-03-19 23:08:08 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1737, "participant_id": 4367, "presenter_name": "Milan Shroff", "presenter_bio": "Milan is a professional trainer and leadership coach with 20 years of experience in Tech. He has taught thousands of students on Product and Agile topics. Currently, Milan is helping a top Fortune company mature through their Product and Agile journey. \r\n\r\nMilan remains a Big Ten fan with his master's degree in business from Michigan State and a bachelor degree in engineering from The U (Minnesota). He has spent most his time in Minnesota at companies such as Target, UHG, and IBM. During cold Minnesota winters, Milan often wonders why he left EA Games in San Francisco. He also has automotive engineering experience from his time in Michigan and loves to talk cars. ", "session_title": "🔓Unlocking Our Brain’s Power to Innovate 🧠", "summary": null, "description": "What is more important? Getting the answer right? Or, asking the right question? This session explores why innovation remains elusive despite companies investing millions in “innovation centers” or hoping that making innovation a company value will somehow inspire employees to be innovative. We will concentrate on the first barrier to innovation: your brain. Once we learn how our brain tries to limit our innovative thinking, we will teach our mind to counteract it. You will learn techniques to decipher what really is the problem, what actually needs to be solved, and ways to creatively solve it. This was previously presented at Minnebar17 and was at full attendance capacity.", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 59, "created_at": "2025-03-19 21:50:58 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1736, "participant_id": 295, "presenter_name": "Alec Rippberger", "presenter_bio": "Alec Rippberger is a web software developer with a passion for creating and deconstructing digital systems. He's currently helping to build amazing digital products at Livefront.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/arippberger)\n- Twitter: @alecrippberger", "session_title": "Back to the : A Brief History of Web Development", "summary": null, "description": "⚡Great Scott! ⚡\r\n\r\nJourney back in time as we review the past 25 years of web development. Learn how web development progressed from server side and applets to front end frameworks and… back again??? Relive the clever development tricks of yesteryear, and learn about the paradigms of today and tomorrow. Will we ever be able to center a `div`? Will the web ever run Crysis? Join us to find out.
", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 97, "created_at": "2025-03-19 19:45:33 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1735, "participant_id": 6045, "presenter_name": "Alan Fernald", "presenter_bio": "Alan Fernald is the founder and purpose coach at The Purpose-Driven Leader, a purpose coaching company that empowers rising and mid-career professionals to deepen their self-knowledge, express their purpose, and maximize their success and impact in delivering on it.\r\n\r\nAlan works with you from a place of your self-knowledge and your strengths. He helps you break through your fixed or scarcity mindset and express your personal mission statement, your North Star. From there, Alan works with you to develop your growth plan, a roadmap to you delivering on your purpose.\r\n\r\nPrior to founding the Purpose-Driven Leader, Alan refined his leadership acumen through a range of roles, from management consulting to electoral campaign leadership, to leading DEI work at Fortune 500 financial services companies.", "session_title": "Cultivating a Transformation Mindset", "summary": null, "description": "Have you sought to create lasting positive change in your life, but struggled to shift long-standing habits, mindsets, or behaviors?\r\n\r\nAre you someone who has set a resolution, intention, or goal, and you are wondering how you will achieve and sustain delivering on it over the long run?\r\n\r\nPerhaps you have set these intentions, goals, or resolutions in the past and they have not stuck?\r\n\r\nAlan Fernald’s talk, “Cultivating a Transformation Mindset” is for you.\r\n\r\nAlan’s talk will support you in achieving your intentions and sustaining lasting positive changes in your life.\r\n\r\nThis mindset and these strategies have enabled Alan to lose 30 pounds in 5 months, transition to the habit of exercising 90 minutes a day, transform his body, and shift to a healthier diet and sleep hygiene. These shifts enabled Alan to unlock a new level of confidence, self-belief, and self-love, and they can help you to do the same.\r\n\r\nDiscover the shifts in thinking that allow you to unlock sustained personal and professional transformation over the long-term, moving to a new frame that supports your direction.", "room_name": "Stephen Leacock", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 43, "created_at": "2025-03-19 18:46:20 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1734, "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": "AI Told You So: The $1M Business I Actually Built Using ChatGPT", "summary": null, "description": "Two years ago at Minnebar, I told you I could \"Build a $1M business in 30 minutes using ChatGPT.\"\r\n\r\nWell, I'm back. And I did it. And I brought receipts.\r\n\r\nWhat started as a presentation demonstrating AI's potential has transformed into [Combat Candy](https://combatcandies.com), a creatine gummies supplement company that's secured half million dollars in seed capital and generates five-figure monthly sales in a rapidly expanding market.\r\n\r\nI'll take you behind the scenes of how I applied the exact AI strategies & tactics to:\r\n\r\n* Discover a market gap so obvious (once AI pointed it out) even someone not taking creatine could find it\r\n* Design packaging that makes competitors look like they were sketched by toddlers drinking red bull\r\n* Design a Shopify store so effective it makes you question free will\r\n* Create formulation innovations despite **zero** supplement industry experience \r\n* Stretch our marketing budget so thin, quantum physicists called to take notes\r\n* Secure $500K in investment using pitch decks built by my ghostwriter \"botlou\"\r\n* Automated tedious marketing efforts in SEO, social media, email, sms, etc.\r\n\r\nThis isn't theoretical anymore—it's a proven case study with real stakes, real challenges, and real victories. I'll share the prompting strategies & tactics that worked, the AI outputs that failed, and the **genuine intelligence** decisions that made all the difference.\r\n\r\nWhether you're an entrepreneur looking for your next venture, a skeptic who needs to see results before buying in, or someone who attended my previous talks and wants to see how the story ends—this session offers tangible proof that AI can be the co-founder you never knew you needed.\r\n\r\nThis will be an interactive, fast-paced, dense session so bring your questions, your skepticism, and your entrepreneurial spirit. ", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 158, "created_at": "2025-03-19 16:11:44 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1733, "participant_id": 2766, "presenter_name": "Candela Larson", "presenter_bio": "Candela is an entrepreneurship and marketing student interested in living the best geeky life possible. ", "session_title": "The Art of Following ", "summary": null, "description": "You can’t step foot into a business seminar, or on a college campus without being recommended half a dozen books on leadership. But do we ever talk about followership? No! My spell check doesn’t even recognize that word. I bet you’ve never heard it. \r\n\r\nWe’re nerds, geeks, and dweebs who often thrive out of the limelight. Let’s explore how to be great followers rather than mediocre leaders.", "room_name": "Texas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 39, "created_at": "2025-03-19 12:48:17 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1732, "participant_id": 156, "presenter_name": "Dan Lew", "presenter_bio": "Dan Lew has code in his DNA and has been speaking since he was two years old. He's focused these skills on software development for the past two decades, working on many large applications (FlightTrack, Expedia, Trello) as well as maintaining some open source libraries and applications. Currently he works on the energy efficiency in cold storage at [SnoFox Sciences](https://www.snofox.com/).\r\n\r\nWhen not speaking, he's silent.\r\n\r\nYou can [contact him on Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/danlew42.bsky.social), [read his website](http://danlew.net/), or [stalk his commit history](https://github.com/dlew).", "session_title": "How to (Privately!) Surf the Internet", "summary": null, "description": "In this day and age, it feels like everything you do online is tracked, analyzed, and used against you. Don’t despair - privacy is not a lost cause! It **is** possible to use the internet without everyone tracking your every action.\r\n\r\nIn this talk we’ll go over how to keep your information to yourself. We’ll discuss various levels of privacy & the tools you can use to achieve it.", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "John Benninghoff" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 5523 ], "attendance_count": 108, "created_at": "2025-03-19 01:07:06 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1731, "participant_id": 6039, "presenter_name": "Ben Stori", "presenter_bio": "Ben Stori is an accomplished Low-Code Leader with extensive expertise in Low-Code Application Development, Advanced Business Automation, Microsoft 365 Architecture & Development, and Digital Transformation. With a proven track record of leading strategic technology partnerships and fostering collaboration between organizations. In his spare time, Ben enjoys spending time with family and friends on the Minnesota lakes during our short summer months.", "session_title": "Modernize with Low Code", "summary": null, "description": "\r\nThere are still a lot of business critical applications running on legacy code that is costly to update and maintain. This presentation highlights a case study around the innovative low-code initiatives undertaken by a health management services organization to streamline development and update their business processes to maximize their ROI. In this presentation we will cover why low-code platforms provide us with a powerful and efficient way to develop applications, making it easier to meet business demands, reduce costs, and improve collaboration and agility within your organization. Walk our journey from discovery to development and a successful launch to learn about production implementation of low code.", "room_name": "Stephen Leacock", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 49, "created_at": "2025-03-18 20:31:28 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1730, "participant_id": 3900, "presenter_name": "Jack Cunningham", "presenter_bio": "Jack Cunningham is the Director of Product Management at Livefront where he helps companies design, build, and grow digital products. ", "session_title": "Assistive Tech Is for Everyone (They Just Don’t Know It Yet 😏)", "summary": null, "description": "Many digital teams begrudgingly seek accessibility “compliance” and fail to see its value as a core product strategy. In this session, we reveal how prioritizing accessibility drives growth and opens new opportunities for those who rely on assistive technology just as much as those who do not. Discover how native mobile accessibility functionality enhances user experience and offers value far beyond what is required to be inclusive.\r\n\r\n**The big takeaways you ask?**\r\n1. Get a grasp on how to deliver accessibly and do so in a way that isn't susceptible to business or political churn.\r\n2. Walk away with some highly practical next steps you can start taking without having to get wide spread buy-in!\r\n3. A chance to get to know some great people!\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 80, "created_at": "2025-03-18 19:51:55 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1729, "participant_id": 6026, "presenter_name": "Cameron MacDonald", "presenter_bio": "Cameron is a **front-end developer** who works on design systems. He finds joy in bridging the gap between visual design and software engineering; artistic creativity and practical problem solving.\r\n\r\nHe is also a **Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC)** through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). He hopes to earn WAS and CPWA certifications in the future.\r\n\r\nWhen he's not ripping his hair out trying to fix bugs he *definitely didn't create*, you can find him doing one of his many hobbies that he can't seem to stop picking up. These include skiing, cycling, illustration, animation, 3D printing, smart home automation, playing guitar and piano, and more.\r\n\r\nCameron is also the current Vice President of [Nice Moves MN](https://nicemoves.org), a volunteer-run organization that hosts events, mixers, and more for animation, motion graphics, VFX, and other moving picture professionals in Minnesota and its surrounding neighbors.\r\n\r\nYou can find all of his socials at [cdmacdonald.com](https://cdmacdonald.com)", "session_title": "3D Printing: How to Get Started", "summary": null, "description": "Are you interested in 3D printing but don't know how to get started?\r\n\r\nThis session is to give newcomers to 3D printing a rundown of what it is, what it *isn't*, and how to start trying it out if you're interested.\r\n\r\nWe'll be exploring:\r\n\r\n- Types of 3D printers\r\n- Types of filaments / resin\r\n- Software for creating objects\r\n- Slicing software for prepping files for printing\r\n- Caveats, considerations, and drawbacks\r\n- Safety\r\n\r\nThere will be time for a Q&A at the end for anyone who has specific questions. 3D printing is an exciting, fun, sometimes frustrating, and extremely vast and deep hobby. I hope you'll join and find out more about one of my favorite hobbies!", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other", "Design", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 78, "created_at": "2025-03-18 18:51:16 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1728, "participant_id": 6037, "presenter_name": "Alessandria Adelai", "presenter_bio": "Post-scarcity climate activist and marketing automation professional with 8 years professional experience and an MS in Data Science at the University of St Thomas.\r\n\r\nIf you have ever asked yourself what it is going to take to hope for and work toward a better world, I look forward to meeting you.\r\n\r\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandriaadelai/ ", "session_title": "How to Choose the Best Email Marketing Solutions for Your Brand", "summary": null, "description": "For the past couple of months, I have been working with a nonprofit client with a unique dilemma. They have a base of tens of thousands of subscribers, but only need to produce monthly emails. We need to find an email scheduling tool that allows better access for marketers to directly interface with email development and take lead in their deployments, while not breaking the bank.\r\n\r\nAs someone who has plenty of experience with the most premier and expensive service, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, I know what to look for when it comes to finding cheaper alternatives for marketing email development and automation. \r\n\r\nIn this session, I compare more mainline subscriber-based services like MailChimp with pay-by-email alternatives such as Mailjet to enlighten small and medium sized businesses on how to get the most value out of quality email deployments, improve ROI, and reduce marketing expenses. I am targeting a 15-20 minute presentation, which should provide some time for questions as well as discussions to share experiences with email marketing programs more broadly. ", "room_name": "Nebraska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 26, "created_at": "2025-03-18 18:48:28 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1727, "participant_id": 6026, "presenter_name": "Cameron MacDonald", "presenter_bio": "Cameron is a **front-end developer** who works on design systems. He finds joy in bridging the gap between visual design and software engineering; artistic creativity and practical problem solving.\r\n\r\nHe is also a **Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC)** through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). He hopes to earn WAS and CPWA certifications in the future.\r\n\r\nWhen he's not ripping his hair out trying to fix bugs he *definitely didn't create*, you can find him doing one of his many hobbies that he can't seem to stop picking up. These include skiing, cycling, illustration, animation, 3D printing, smart home automation, playing guitar and piano, and more.\r\n\r\nCameron is also the current Vice President of [Nice Moves MN](https://nicemoves.org), a volunteer-run organization that hosts events, mixers, and more for animation, motion graphics, VFX, and other moving picture professionals in Minnesota and its surrounding neighbors.\r\n\r\nYou can find all of his socials at [cdmacdonald.com](https://cdmacdonald.com)", "session_title": "Accessibility: Adding \"Why\" to the \"How\"", "summary": null, "description": "The overall goal of this talk is to help you understand the context behind accessibility, ***how*** we approach thinking about accessibility concerns, ***why*** accessibility matters outside of compliance reasons, and how ***everyone***, not just individuals with disabilities, ***benefits from accessible design***.\r\n\r\n**Takeaways:**\r\n\r\n- **Broadening the definition of accessibility**\r\n- Learning to view accessibility and usability from **more than just a compliance perspective**\r\n- Understanding the benefits that accessible and universal design provide for **everyone**\r\n\r\n**Details:**\r\n\r\n**We're not here to just talk compliance.** Accessibility efforts generally benefit ***everyone***, not just individuals with disabilities. Seeing individuals with disabilities as \"a problem to solve for\" often results in quick fixes, temporary solutions and, generally, inconsiderate design. Individuals with disabilities are people who use applications, just with a different set of parameters.\r\n\r\nIf you're only focused on bare minimum compliance to standards, such as WCAG, you're missing out some big things:\r\n\r\n- Better understanding who you serve\r\n- Benefitting everyone you serve, regardless of background\r\n- Learning more about assistive technologies and other means of interacting with technology\r\n- Discovering new tools for testing and ensuring accessibility\r\n- Gaining a better appreciation for how some of our everyday tools and designs came from accessibility\r\n\r\nJoin and help us build a better, more inclusive industry!\r\n\r\n**NOTE**\r\n\r\nThis talk will be mainly focused on **digital accessibility**. There may be some aspects of physical accessibility discussed, mainly as examples.", "room_name": "Discovery", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 47, "created_at": "2025-03-18 18:23:29 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1726, "participant_id": 5986, "presenter_name": "Chris Gallaty", "presenter_bio": "Enterprise Architect | IoT Tinkerer | Hardware Hacker | CAD Dabbler | 3D Printer | Warranty Voider | Retro Tech Fan\n\n**Links:**\n\n- Twitter: @cgallaty", "session_title": "Building A Tricorder", "summary": null, "description": "Who does not want to own a *real* tricorder? There's never been a compelling product offered short of expensive props, and it's something I've wanted to play with for years. Rather than just make it a throw away side project though, I figured I would treat it as an actual exercise in product design of a real, extensible hardware platform. In this session we will break down the process of tackling the project from an engineering stand point, looking at all aspects including case design, hardware selection, software development, and more. We'll also talk about the tools available today to actually build your own products. \r\n\r\nGiven the subject, we have to geek out a little bit, but when it comes to details we won't have time to go too deep, this is more an overview of the journey talking about the trials, tribulations, and tricorders along the way.\r\n\r\nAnd yes, there will be actual tricorders. ", "room_name": "Georgia", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 40, "created_at": "2025-03-18 18:09:09 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1725, "participant_id": 6038, "presenter_name": "Jenna Redfield", "presenter_bio": "Jenna Redfield is a content strategist, Notion expert, and digital organization specialist who helps entrepreneurs and businesses turn their ideas into memorable, scalable systems. With over a decade of experience in social media, marketing, and digital strategy, she has worked with hundreds of small businesses to build personal brands, streamline their workflows, and create content that actually gets remembered.\r\n\r\nAs the creator of the REPEAT Framework, Jenna teaches professionals how to craft messages that stick, spread, and resonate—so they never get lost in the noise. She also leverages AI tools like ChatGPT to help businesses refine their voice, structure their ideas, and develop repeatable frameworks that make their expertise stand out.\r\n\r\nJenna is the founder of Twin Cities Collective, a Notion Ambassador, and a sought-after speaker on digital organization, content marketing, and business optimization. When she’s not teaching others how to organize their digital lives, you can find her creating educational content on YouTube, speaking at industry events, and helping businesses build brands that people remember.", "session_title": "If No One Remembers You, Do You Even Exist? The REPEAT Framework for Making Your Message Stick", "summary": null, "description": "Most businesses don’t fail because they’re bad—they fail because no one remembers them. In a world overflowing with content, competition, and constant noise, the difference between being overlooked and being in demand comes down to one thing: memorable messaging.\r\n\r\nThe REPEAT Framework is a simple yet powerful system that explains why some ideas, businesses, and personal brands become impossible to ignore while others fade into obscurity. In this session, you’ll learn how to craft messaging that people naturally repeat, create signature phrases that make your business stick, and develop a recognizable brand voice that builds trust and authority.\r\n\r\nYou’ll also see how AI tools like ChatGPT can help refine your messaging, generate repeatable frameworks, and make your content more engaging—without losing authenticity. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or professional, this session will teach you how to position yourself in a way that people remember, talk about, and come back to—so you’re never forgettable again.", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 57, "created_at": "2025-03-18 17:51:59 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1724, "participant_id": 6033, "presenter_name": "Matthew Walz", "presenter_bio": "PhD in the Quantitative Social Sciences and former Head of Predictive Intelligence at General Mills, Matthew Walz is the CEO & founder of The Jenny Project, an insights platform that offers consumer feedback via large sample AI-personas. He offers comprehensive strategies for how Generative AI and AI Agents can enhance business strategic decision-making with real-world deployments in forecasting and behavioral insights. He is driven to lead the synthetic data evolution in consumer research and to help companies maximize their potential by utilizing AI to reduce costs, increase revenue, and expand innovation.", "session_title": "Startup 2.0: AI Agents Meet 'The Sims'", "summary": null, "description": "Have you ever played the game The Sims?\r\n\r\nIf not, the core gameplay revolves around creating and controlling virtual people known as \"Sims,\" managing every aspect of their lives, from relationships and careers to personal needs and desires.\r\n\r\nBut what if while you were sleeping all the characters in The Sims acted autonomously by making decisions, interacting with others, and building a society on their own?\r\n\r\nEnter AI Agents—an emerging technology that's redefining productivity for startups and small businesses. AI Agents independently automate complex workflows, integrate seamlessly across multiple tools, and allow teams to reclaim valuable hours.\r\n\r\nWe're not just talking about ChatGPT or Grok—this is an entire ecosystem of intelligent agents that operate autonomously or collaboratively, dramatically amplifying your team's effectiveness.\r\n\r\nAs a startup or small business owner, you're constantly balancing limited hours against endless demands, and agents can help fill-in the gaps.\r\n\r\nIn this talk, we'll explore the essential strategies startups need to adopt to harness the power of AI agents effectively. We'll uncover practical use cases, demonstrate how startups can leverage existing AI agent tools beyond foundational Generative AI models, and share insights into navigating this revolutionary shift. \r\n\r\nAttendees will walk away equipped to transform their businesses into efficient, AI-powered growth engines prepared for the future.", "room_name": "Gandhi", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 50, "created_at": "2025-03-18 01:07:36 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1723, "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": "MN Indie Gamedev Microtalks, 2025", "summary": null, "description": "Get inspired by listening to REAL people talk about games that THEY made! (Or are in the process of making.)\r\n\r\nSee all the games! Hear about all the development!\r\n\r\nWe've got a few presenters already lined up, but we know you're out there, shy, but inside secretly desperate to show off that game you worked on for a weekend and wish you could quit your job to polish up. If that's you (or even if it's not) and you have a game you want to show off – or even just a short rant you want to give (about game development, please) – either let Martin know ahead of time (martin@one-of-his-domains) or just show up and tell us on the day. We'll keep our talks short, and everyone should have a chance to show off their game. If we run out of time, we'll spill over into the hallway-track.\r\n\r\nGames are life! Life is a game!\r\n\r\nSeriously though, games are fun. This should be fun too.", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Josh Anthony", "Cliff Coffee", "Scott Lembcke", "Chip Pedersen", "Dev Jana", "Erik Onarheim", "Rob Stenzinger", "Bjorn Orstad", "Carlo Supina" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 2969, 6032, 778, 906, 793, 6143, 895, 4871, 6395 ], "attendance_count": 85, "created_at": "2025-03-17 22:40:31 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1722, "participant_id": 5541, "presenter_name": "Hillary Drake", "presenter_bio": "Hillary Drake is CEO and co-founder of [Liminal Network](https://liminalnetwork.com/). Hillary has over twenty years of experience in logistics working for manufacturers, resellers, and service providers. She is passionate about creating practical solutions to real-world problems.", "session_title": "Networking Room", "summary": null, "description": "Minnebar is a great place to catch up with old friends - the Networking Room is a dedicated place to meet new people. Join us to chat about anything and everything.", "room_name": "Stephen Leacock", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 54, "created_at": "2025-03-17 18:46:24 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1720, "participant_id": 4688, "presenter_name": "Nick Krantz", "presenter_bio": "Nick is a Software Engineer at [Livefront](https://livefront.com) where he delivers stunning digital experiences, one pixel at a time.\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaskrantz/)\r\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/nick-krantz)\r\n", "session_title": "💎 DevTool Diamonds: Power Features You Didn’t Know Existed", "summary": null, "description": "The browser developer tools are an essential part of a web developer’s toolkit, packed with powerful features—some well-known, others hidden in plain sight. This talk uncovers lesser-known gems that can supercharge your debugging, reduce backend dependencies, and streamline your development workflow.\r\n\r\nWhether you're a developer, QA specialist, product manager, or someone just looking to know enough to be dangerous, you’ll walk away with new techniques to level up your DevTools skills.", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 105, "created_at": "2025-03-17 02:17:09 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1719, "participant_id": 2969, "presenter_name": "Josh Anthony", "presenter_bio": "I'm co-owner at Loonicy Entertainment, a video game developer in the Twin Cities, where I do many things, from programming to game design to project management. Our studio is currently working on a roguelite strategy platformer called Dice Tower. You can found out more at our website, [loonicy.com](https://loonicy.com).\r\n\r\nPreviously, I worked at Best Buy as a senior frontend engineer and engineering manager, and before then have held various web development roles in Minnesota.\r\n\r\nI live in the south Metro with my family. When I'm not working on games or side projects, I enjoy playing video games, writing music, and authoring [blog posts](https://joshanthony.info).", "session_title": "So, You Wanna Do a Side Project?", "summary": null, "description": "Interested in working on a side project? Concerned that you're too busy to do side projects? Curious about how someone maintains a life while doing side projects?\r\n\r\nI have 7 years of experience working on various side projects while holding down a day job, while still spending quality time on family, friends, and fun. I'll share my experiences in doing those things, examine how I start, maintain, and finish side projects, and give tips on how to do this with minimal time and money to spare.\r\n\r\nYou'll see how I do side projects, and gain inspiration to start and maintain your own!", "room_name": "Minnetonka", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups", "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 98, "created_at": "2025-03-15 22:29:12 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1718, "participant_id": 6004, "presenter_name": "Trevor Wagner", "presenter_bio": "Trevor is a Consulting Software Test Engineer with Upstream Consulting LLC.\r\n\r\nWith nearly 20 years of success helping development organizations to develop production solutions, testing, automation, and strategy for products of various sizes in a diverse set of environments, he helps organizations develop vision for visibility and insight into the functional state of work product.\r\n\r\n[Website](https://www.trevorwagner.dev/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorwagner05/)", "session_title": "Exploring the Question “What Is It We Understand We Are Testing For?”", "summary": null, "description": "Conventionally in Software Test Engineering, we dedicate a lot of time and effort on the front end to determining, organizing, documenting, and communicating how software should be tested. This goes for activities like developing traceability matrices, determining code paths, developing test plans (or test cases) based on outcomes, inputs, and use cases. With approaches that focus on testing as just a task (or collection of tasks), it can be easy to overlook the potential for issues that result in operational churn, creep, delay, rework, or missed opportunities for coverage. \r\n\r\nThis can also make it a challenge to estimate or track progress accurately, especially when we dedicate additional resources to attempting to redefine or rediscover what additional effort will be needed to get the task completed. Similarly, common \"Best practice\" approaches and approaches that serve as a response to as many envisioned use cases or failure scenarios as possible often run the risk of similar issues.\r\n\r\nThere is a simple tool anybody can use to understand better what information we can expect to produce from testing, why that information may be important, and how to direct efforts to satisfying the former as serviceably and efficiently as possible. It looks a lot like engineering on its own: it uses our knowns to discover and demystify our unknowns. It is free and easy to use.\r\n\r\nThis presentation will focus on the question *What is it we understand we are testing for?* Using real-world examples, it will outline what makes this question a valuable one to ask and how to use it to develop a better understanding of what our mission in Software Testing is.", "room_name": "Maryland", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 20, "created_at": "2025-03-15 16:34:22 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1716, "participant_id": 6020, "presenter_name": "Joe Decuir", "presenter_bio": "- BS & MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley\n- 42-year industry career spanning medical electronics, video games (Atari 2600), computer systems (Atari PCS, Amiga), networking technologies, Windows OS development, and communication protocols with patents in both USB and Bluetooth technologies.\n- Electrical Engineering professor at University of Washington since 2016\n- IEEE Fellow recognized for contributions to personal computer graphics and video games\n- Yes, I am Matt’s dad", "session_title": "Atari 2600: From Chip Design to Combat - An Engineer's Journey", "summary": "", "description": "As an engineer on the original Atari VCS (2600) development team in 1975, I contributed to both the hardware design and software programming of this early gaming console. I worked on the system architecture and integrated circuit (IC) design while also creating two launch titles: Combat and Video Olympics. This experience shaped my 42-year industrial career and continues to influence how I teach engineering at the University of Washington today.\r\n\r\nIn this session I will talk about the Atari 2600 development process and how the design works, leaving time for Q&A at the end.\r\n", "room_name": "Bde Maka Ska", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 80, "created_at": "2025-03-15 03:17:15 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1715, "participant_id": 6019, "presenter_name": "Martin K", "presenter_bio": "Entrepreneur with a full time job, wife and kids. \r\nFounder, Bantxr.", "session_title": "Creating a Community Platform with no money", "summary": null, "description": "I'll share with you how I'm bringing Bantxr to life with very little.\r\n", "room_name": "Oklahoma", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 15, "created_at": "2025-03-15 02:07:24 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1714, "participant_id": 4929, "presenter_name": "Andrew Dahl", "presenter_bio": "I work as Platform Infrastructure Engineer at [Inngest](https://www.inngest.com) where we provide durable step functions and workflows without having to manage queues, state, and scheduling.\r\n\r\nI am deeply experienced in high-traffic (where the traffic units start with 'tera'), high-availability internet infrastructure on-prem and in the cloud and am passionate about sharing my knowledge to make infrastructure just work.\r\n\r\n[LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/andyindeedy)", "session_title": "Saying sayonara to AWS: Leave the cloud. Run hardware. Save $10 million.", "summary": null, "description": "The costs keep mounting, but you’re not getting anything more. You are allowed to leave!\r\n\r\nOur application was born and grew in the cloud. But it has since grown to a point where it doesn’t make financial or technical sense to keep it there. Our monthly AWS bill began to take on an exponential trend. Because of this, we're now saying goodbye to AWS, moving to dedicated hardware, and are on track to save well beyond $10 million over the coming years. For a startup like us, this is the difference between life and death.\r\n\r\nI will take you through what we did to move a complex, growing distributed application with thousands of customers, who depend on us to run significant parts of their businesses, out of AWS onto new dedicated infrastructure and will show you that, yes, you can too. We’ll look at choosing providers, sizing hardware, linking and routing between environments, moving data, and the huge impact that dedicated hardware has on improving latency, performance and reliability, not to mention reduced, predictable cost. The public cloud providers want you to think that all of this is out of reach and you’d be foolish to try. Not so! If you’re willing to learn and willing to debug, you have all of the tools necessary to make a successful move. Let’s take a look together!", "room_name": "Stephen Leacock", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 58, "created_at": "2025-03-15 01:44:13 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1713, "participant_id": 6000, "presenter_name": "Joe Slaughter", "presenter_bio": "Industrial Automation Engineer, Publisher of DefineTheBox a Microsoft App for dynamic and living documentation\r\n\r\nhttps://appsource.microsoft.com/en-us/product/dynamics-365/layer1holdingsllc1667923574055.definethebox", "session_title": "Risk ledgers Define The Box, starting with the failure in mind", "summary": null, "description": "A risk ledger changes the scope of corrective actions taken and the documents used to support business, operations, quality, maintenance, and the standard operating procedures to satisfy customers. Learn a methodology to classify risk and map the corrective actions with a purpose.\r\n\r\nWe all desire to work on the important before they becomes urgent. Prioritizing corrective actions and steps taken to address the risks of business, process, users and devices. Failure Modes help think outside of the desired results and help you define what it takes to stay in a state of success. \r\n\r\nLayer1Holdings has developed through a Customer Relationship Management, a method to store risks, map risks to scope, and quote to scope. \r\n\r\nLearn the methodology and see it implemented in a Live Product Demo DefineTheBox.com\r\nPublished in the Microsoft App Store:\r\nhttps://appsource.microsoft.com/en-us/product/dynamics-365/layer1holdingsllc1667923574055.definethebox\r\n\r\nOur goal is to stop stitching together Frankenstein's documentation by storing user requirements, failure modes and the corrective actions to reduce scope creep by prioritizing risks to be addressed.", "room_name": "Pennsylvania", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Hardware", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 19, "created_at": "2025-03-14 23:10:44 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1712, "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": "Mastering Event Deduplication in Real-Time Architectures", "summary": null, "description": "Real-time streaming and event-driven technologies like Apache Kafka, Google Pub/Sub, Apache Flink, and RabbitMQ all encounter a similar issue - duplicate events. Delivery guarantees, network retries, crashes, and system restarts can introduce duplicate messages, making it a pervasive challenge for data-intensive applications. Deduplication ensures data accuracy and consistency in real-time systems, preventing inflated metrics, overcounting, and confusion downstream. By handling redundant events effectively, organizations maintain data integrity, reduce storage overhead, and produce reliable analytics.\r\n\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we’ll explore practical, battle-tested strategies for handling duplicates across popular messaging and streaming technologies. We’ll cover the core concepts of unique event identifiers, idempotent operations, consumer-side state tracking, and exactly-once semantics. Developers will leave with a clear playbook of best practices and strategies to build deduplicated, high-throughput data pipelines.", "room_name": "Kansas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 30, "created_at": "2025-03-14 20:21:03 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1711, "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": "AWS Cloud Networking at Scale: How to solve problems for others by creating your own!", "summary": null, "description": "For the past two years, I've been building a scaled network to support multi-cloud, multi-region, multi-service cloud architectures. I will take you through an abbreviated tour of our journey to solve networking as a service for our development teams, and show you where we've cut ourselves in the process. I even have a few gems of wisdom for you all to take with you. We started with thousands of VPCs, dozens of regions, hundreds of AWS Accounts, and so many NAT Gateways. Now we have fewer.\r\n\r\nHow about some buzzwords for the algos? EKS, VPC, NAT, Subnet, CloudWAN, Transit Gateway, Multi Cloud, vNet, VPN, DevOps, GenAI, BYOIP, and many more. I'll talk about all of them, probably very quickly.\r\n\r\nThis will be a technical talk, but we probably won't get into any source code. I'll try to make it accessible. I want you to learn what not to do. Forewarned is forearmed.", "room_name": "Pennsylvania", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 31, "created_at": "2025-03-14 19:50:25 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1710, "participant_id": 4808, "presenter_name": "Bruce Adelsman", "presenter_bio": "Bruce Adelsman is an avid tinkerer and tech enthusiast. Starting with a TRS-80 in high school, he developed skills writing code and exploring the early Internet predecessor MECC and eventually stumbled into a career in computer science while attending Bemidji State. After working for some pioneering tech companies and developing websites on the side, he eventually semi-retired and has been self-employed since the early 2000s. He enjoys pursuing his technology interests, outdoor sports including fishing, cross-country skiing, cycling and running. He currently works as a tech consultant ([TechApt](https://www.techapt.com)) for small businesses while maintaining the cross-country ski website [skinnyski.com](https://www.skinnyski.com).", "session_title": "How to Automate your Home and not Lose your Family", "summary": null, "description": "Home Automation - What it is and how to implement it without driving your family nuts! We'll look at what you need to get started, review the products involved including a wide range of sensors and then dive into a number of examples of automations, from very basic to fairly complex. We'll share tips and pitfalls and we'll want to hear about your own automation experiences and examples!", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 78, "created_at": "2025-03-14 19:43:22 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1709, "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": "Testing Products for Accessibility: Why Manual and Automated Testing Go Hand-in-Hand 👨‍🦽‍➡️👩‍🦯‍➡️🤖🤝", "summary": null, "description": "We often hear debates about whether manual or automated accessibility testing is the better approach, but in my experience, it’s not about choosing one over the other—they work best together! Join me as I share insights from performing manual audits alongside automated tests, revealing what each method catches (and misses) and why combining both is essential for creating truly accessible products.", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 92, "created_at": "2025-03-14 19:05:25 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1708, "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": "🎼 How To Direct a Software Team When You Have No Idea What They’re Talking About", "summary": null, "description": "It’s not easy committing your resources to a software project without having some technical background. What if you have no technical background at all?\r\n\r\nThis session is full of actionable steps *anyone* can take to greatly increase your confidence with a technical partner, including:\r\n\r\n- What expectations you should communicate up-front?\r\n - Specific examples of tight-loop feedback you should ask for, that any competent team can provide\r\n - How to make regular measurements part of the delivery cycle\r\n - What you should measure!\r\n- How do you evaluate a technical proposal?\r\n - Concrete advice on how to understand a technical plan, _before_ you spend the resources on it.\r\n - How to ask great questions that will force technical teams to validate their assumptions\r\n- What do you do when technical difficulties arise?\r\n - How to categorize issues: was this a talent/experience issue? Was it purely exogenous?", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 92, "created_at": "2025-03-14 16:21:19 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1707, "participant_id": 6008, "presenter_name": "Britta Newly", "presenter_bio": "Britta Newly is the Founder and CEO of Crane Podcasts, where she helps businesses harness the power of podcasting for creating meaningful connection with their customers at scale. She is passionate about helping businesses use podcasting as a tool to build a robust sales pipeline and real revenue growth. With a diverse background spanning from conceptual art and metal scuplture to startup GTM strategy and corporate marketing, she brings a fresh perspective rooted in human development and business technology. Her unique career journey, combined with an MBA in business psychology, allows her to blend strategy with storytelling, making podcasting a powerful tool for B2B relationship-building and brand trust. Passionate about authentic conversations, she helps brands amplify their voices and turn listeners into loyal advocates.", "session_title": "Relax, Robots Won’t Steal Your Job: How AI Can Bring Back Humanity at Work", "summary": null, "description": "The year is 2025. The robots have risen. You are huddled in a damp, windowless basement with the other survivors, formerly known as your coworkers. The air is thick with the stench of stale busywork. Everyone is huddled around the ancient coffee machine for warmth. Greg from accounting clutches an old Excel printout, rocking back and forth, whispering, \"I used to be needed...\" The office’s once feared middle managers now trade crumpled performance reviews for scraps of stale granola bars. The AI overlords have taken everything from us; spreadsheets, emails, office memos, scheduling, PowerPoint decks...and the list goes on. We are all shells of our former selves left with nothing but existential dread and…*GASP*... free time.\r\n\r\nTerrifying, right? I guess it depends on your perspective. \r\n\r\nAI isn’t here to replace us; it’s here to take the soul crushing tasks off our plates so we can focus on what truly makes us human. Imagine a world where you spend less time drowning in emails and more time solving problems, building relationships, and doing creative, meaningful work. \r\n\r\nIn this talk, I’ll bust the myths about AI stealing jobs. I will uncover how it might shift our collective identities in good and maybe uncomfortable ways. But best of all I will explore how it can actually help us reclaim our humanity at work.\r\n\r\nStop panicking... the robot takeover is going to be much better for us than you think. ", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Design", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 116, "created_at": "2025-03-14 14:25:12 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1706, "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": "Detecting RAAC in Building Structures using SEM (Semiconductor) and/or Tuning Fork - MEMS Vibration (Physics Sound) based Sensor Solution", "summary": null, "description": "\r\n\r\nMain Presentation\r\n\r\nhttps://1drv.ms/p/c/48cc94a5ffdaebaf/EVcJ9PwYuWZGp2NltiaS5g4BO0apfqEV0B5LG6cLdatxjA?e=0takhC\r\n\r\nPlease click the links on the slides for pictures and YouTube and SEM machine/applications details\r\n\r\nI have other Applications where SEM can be used.... but needs research \r\n\r\nPresenter\r\n\r\nNiraikalai (I am a Software Engineer by work experience & education and currently working at HyVee - Grocery retail when I am conituning to look for Software Engineer job)\r\n\r\n(Mrs Vijay - (Niraikalai Vijay - (Niraikalai - first name Vijay - last name))\r\n\r\n=========================\r\n\r\nFrom: Niraikalai Vijay \r\nTo: \"julie.donovan@uponor.com\" \r\nSent: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 12:52:39 PM CDT\r\nSubject: Fwd: Nexus Challenges: Someone mentioned you in a comment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSent from my iPhone\r\n\r\nBegin forwarded message:\r\n\r\nFrom: noreply@wazoku.com\r\nDate: April 2, 2024 at 3:25:13 AM CDT\r\nTo: vjprnir@yahoo.com\r\nSubject: Nexus Challenges: Someone mentioned you in a comment.\r\n\r\n\r\nlogo\r\nHi avpdnk\r\nHenry Crabtree mentioned you in a comment on \"Detecting Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in Building Structures\":\r\n\r\n@avpdnk Hi Niraikalai, hope you're well. I can confirm receipt of your pitch deck for your solution and we'll begin to use it to gather interest from potentially interested Seekers and/or industry partners. We'll be in touch should we receive further interest about your solution or requests for interview/discussion from these potential partners.\r\n\r\nUntil then, we'll keep you updated by email or on the platform if anything happens! Happy April and thanks for your quick work on this, thanks, best,\r\nHenry Crabtree\r\nCommunity Marketing Manager - Wazoku Crowd\r\n\r\n- Henry Crabtree\r\n\r\nreply to the comment\r\n \r\nlogo alt\r\nFurther Information\r\nFurther Information\r\nGot a question? Visit the Support area\r\n\r\nReceiving too many emails? Edit your notification settings to choose which emails you receive.\r\n\r\nCopyright © 2024 Wazoku.\r\n\r\n", "room_name": "Kansas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 6, "created_at": "2025-03-14 13:59:11 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1705, "participant_id": 6007, "presenter_name": "Grant Udstrand", "presenter_bio": "Grant Udstrand is a Software Architect and Edge Computing Specialist with a passion for designing low-latency, high-performance systems that bridge the gap between the cloud and the physical world. With deep expertise in IoT, real-time data processing, and distributed systems, Grant has spent his career building and optimizing edge-first architectures that power industrial automation, smart devices, and mission-critical applications.\r\n\r\nCurrently working in embedded and edge computing, Grant helps organizations deploy scalable, secure, and intelligent solutions that process data where it matters most—at the edge. He is an advocate for containerized deployments, real-time telemetry, and AI-driven insights in Edge ecosystems.\r\n\r\nBeyond his technical expertise, Grant is passionate about mentoring engineers, fostering innovation, and demystifying Edge Computing for developers, architects, and decision-makers. When he’s not architecting next-gen computing systems, you’ll find him exploring emerging technologies or engaging in hands-on projects with hardware and IoT devices.\r\n\r\n💡 Talk to me about: Edge Computing, IoT, Go, AI at the Edge, and real-time systems.\r\n\r\n[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-udstrand/)", "session_title": "Cutting The Cord: The Future Is Living on The Edge", "summary": null, "description": "Cloud computing has dominated the conversation for years, but latency, bandwidth constraints, and data privacy concerns are driving industries toward a new frontier: Edge Computing.\r\n\r\nThis session will explore:\r\n\t•\tWhat is Edge Computing? (And why it’s not just “mini cloud”)\r\n\t•\tReal-world use cases across manufacturing, IoT, and AI/ML at the edge\r\n\t•\tChallenges & trade-offs of computing outside the data center\r\n\t•\tHow to design an effective Edge architecture\r\n\r\nWe’ll dive into the practical aspects of developing, deploying, and securing applications at the edge, touching on IoT, real-time data processing, containerization, and security best practices.\r\n\r\nExpect a highly interactive discussion, real-world examples, and insights from hands-on experience in deploying Edge solutions. Whether you’re an engineer, architect, or just edge-curious—this session will leave you with a strong foundation in Edge Computing and where it’s headed next.\r\n\r\nWho Should Attend?\r\n\t•\tSoftware engineers, architects, and IoT enthusiasts\r\n\t•\tAnyone working with real-time systems, low-latency applications, or industrial IoT\r\n\t•\tThose considering when (or if) Edge Computing makes sense for their projects\r\n\r\nTakeaways:\r\n\r\n✅ Understand why and when Edge makes sense over Cloud\r\n✅ Learn best practices for building and securing Edge applications\r\n✅ Get hands-on insights into deploying Edge solutions in real-world environments\r\n\r\nLet’s push compute closer to the action and discuss the future of intelligent, decentralized systems! 🚀", "room_name": "Nevada (by Caribou)", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 41, "created_at": "2025-03-14 13:34:19 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1704, "participant_id": 5543, "presenter_name": "Chris Josephes", "presenter_bio": "Chris is a systems engineer with 25 years experience building server and network infrastructures focusing on scaling, configuration management, and devops.", "session_title": "Cataloging A Movie And Music Library", "summary": null, "description": "If you have a movie or music collection, you've probably tried to track it using speadsheets, databases, or custom tools with varying degrees of success. Sometimes those tools disappear, change, or they no longer meet your requirements. Sometimes the companies making those tools will change their business model and you end up paying to access the same information you freely contributed.\r\n\r\nThis session covers a coding and data project designed to build and maintain a local media catalog that gives you the flexibility of tracking your collection, analyzing it, and developing your own tools to maintain it.\r\n\r\nKey topics include:\r\n\r\n* A history of online tools and the pitfalls of user contributed data.\r\n* Building data structures suitable for movies and music.\r\n* Validation and completeness.\r\n* Creating reports on collection data.\r\n* Coding examples using Python and basic Git operations.\r\n* Future directions and goals of the project.\r\n ", "room_name": "Louis Pasteur", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Other", "Design" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 41, "created_at": "2025-03-14 07:12:06 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1703, "participant_id": 151, "presenter_name": "Genghis Philip", "presenter_bio": "Genghis is an ultimate player, boxer, and gamer. He has spent well over a decade making sure teams work well together at various and sundry tech companies around the cities, with titles ranging from Scrum Master to Director of Engineering to COO. He also sits on the board of the Twin Cities Ultimate League and is an assistant coach for the Strike, Minnesota's professional women's and nonbinary ultimate frisbee team.\r\n\r\nI guess you could follow him on Twitter (@hawksfire) or Bluesky (@genghis.bsky.social), but only if you're particularly interested in all-caps tweets about the Chicago Bears and Ultimate.", "session_title": "Networking. No, the other kind.", "summary": null, "description": "As the job market shifts, the clichéd adage that it's Who you know, not What you know has only proven more prescient. Unfortunately, that means that a lot of people end up hoping for luck -- that a friend randomly gets a job at a place that's growing, that an old boss remembers them, that a family member is owed a favor. Those kinds of connections are boons when they work out, but it can be frightening to bet a career on lucky timing.\r\n\r\nSo how do we increase the chances that those connections hit? By networking! It's what everyone tells us to do. So we go to events, meet some cool people, connect on LinkedIn, and then....nothing. Names sit in a list that we only look at when we need a job.\r\n\r\nMy goal in this talk is to give folks the tools to build a network and actually use it. That is, real concrete steps anyone can take to forge connections that can help define a career and maybe even create a community. Networking can feel like it's all about charm, or persuasion, or about turning every interaction into a transaction. I hope that by following some of the advice I give in this talk, more people can see that, far from a zero sum game, networking is an investment that pays dividends for everyone involved.", "room_name": "Harriet", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 102, "created_at": "2025-03-14 03:07:16 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1701, "participant_id": 6003, "presenter_name": "Caroline Swift Holden", "presenter_bio": "Caroline Holden is a creative technologist with a background startups, AI, venture, advertising, comedy, and film. She has helped sell a data / AI startup in four months as head of marketing, scaled a grocery delivery app 10,000%+ YoY in the first three months of the pandemic, built and shut down her own social real estate app, and worked in NYC in venture capital, and as a freelance comedian. Nowadays, you can find her consulting on marketing / product / AI projects, creating content about AI with her brand Swift Start Go, or telling jokes at startup networking events to anyone who will listen. ", "session_title": "The Rise of the Creative Technologist: Why Artists and Creatives Will Shape the Future of AI", "summary": null, "description": "For years, creatives have been overlooked in the tech world, often dismissed as lacking the technical skills required to thrive in the industry. But now with Generative AI, what if the future of tech belongs not to engineers alone, but to artists, writers, and humanities nerds? Caroline Holden, a creative technologist and content creator with 7 years experience in startups, AI, and venture capital explains why creatives are uniquely positioned to become the tech leaders of tomorrow.\r\n\r\nThis session is ideal for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and technology or anyone interested in how Generative AI may fundamentally change what it means to be a stellar employee or startup founder.", "room_name": "Theater", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 124, "created_at": "2025-03-13 20:54:30 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1700, "participant_id": 6005, "presenter_name": "Lori Ryan", "presenter_bio": "Lori Ryan helps entrepreneurs and businesses make sense of AI without the overwhelm. She’s not here to geek out on algorithms—she’s here to show you how AI can be your brainstorming buddy, problem-solver, and secret weapon for working smarter. With a background in tech, media, and business strategy, she keeps things practical, fun, and refreshingly real. Through her company, Lorignite, she helps people see AI as the sidekick they didn’t know they needed.", "session_title": "AI as My Thought Partner: Gaining Courage and Perspective 24/7", "summary": null, "description": "Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but what if you had a thought partner available anytime to challenge your thinking, spark new ideas, and boost your confidence?\r\n\r\nIn this interactive session, we’ll explore how generative AI can help you navigate tough decisions, refine ideas, and gain fresh perspectives so you’re never truly going it alone. Come ready to share, learn, and leave with new ways to make AI your always-on business ally.", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 74, "created_at": "2025-03-13 20:28:58 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1699, "participant_id": 105, "presenter_name": "David Simmer", "presenter_bio": "David Simmer is a designer and engineer with a couple decades of experience building for people who use the web. Homeschooled as a kid, and having shifted to working in tech as second career, he's had a weird and fortunate career journey.\r\n\r\nMost recently, he's been a fullstack engineer at Netflix for 5+ years working on a wide variety of efforts: GraphQL Federation, unifying UX across internal tools, improving the experience of software migrations large and small, and cross-functional projects that make other engineers' days better.\r\n\r\nAfter five years away in California, he now lives in St Paul with his wife Cleo and two rescue dogs named Chuck and Greta. Among other hobbies, he plays piano, mountain bikes, skis, and is learning to build cabinetry.\r\n\r\nWebsite: https://simmer.ooo\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/simmerer)\r\n- [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/simmer.ooo)", "session_title": "LED The Way: From Plug-and-Play to Soldering and WLED", "summary": null, "description": "So you'd like to have some LED lighting behind your TV. Maybe under a shelf. Hmm, built in to your closet shelves? Programmable colors and patterns would be fun... and before you know it, you're eyeballing full-house installations that sync to music and are the delight of neighbors for miles around.\r\n\r\nBut where to start? What can you accomplish with an off-the-shelf kit? As your project aspirations get more complicated and custom, what are the components you'll need to understand in order to achieve your glowing vision?\r\n\r\nCome take a look at my journey into beginning/intermediate LED hackery, and leave with a better grasp of how to get your own LED projects started.", "room_name": "Tackle", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Other", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 43, "created_at": "2025-03-13 18:50:11 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1697, "participant_id": 5521, "presenter_name": "Robert Phillips", "presenter_bio": "Father, Grandfather and futurist. Trying to solve real problems in the world. https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-phillips-93699587/ ", "session_title": "Identity and Personhood Credentials in the 21st century", "summary": null, "description": "How do we know that we are interacting with a real person when online. AI has become so sophisticated that we are incapable of distinguishing a real human from an AI bot. The advent of decentralized systems, zero knowledge proofs and smart contracts is finally giving us an ability to provide proof of humanity and proof of permissions using zero knowledge proofs with smart contracts. Grokism is a tool to use to PUSH permissions down to an individual self sovereign digital identity and then use those permissions to interact online without revealing much of who you are. Only that you have been given a personhood credential and that you have those permissions...https://arxiv.org/pdf/2408.07892 Much of my work over the last 6 months at least has been based on the personhood credential paper defined in line. I am interested in solving problems of building generalized voting systems based on the solutions I am talking about. You can take a look at my youtube channel to further define what I am bringing to the Minnebar conference. https://youtube.com/@grokism4659?si=WmHTBaWjWBWdjXAU ", "room_name": "Georgia", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "Advanced", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 31, "created_at": "2025-03-13 18:31:18 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1696, "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": "You Love It—So Why Are You Exhausted? The Burnout Puzzle", "summary": null, "description": "I think that we all have experienced burnout at one point or another. I thought that burnout could only be related to school or work, but the reality is that burnout can strike any activity. I love game development. I'm not very good at it yet, but it's fun for me, so why is it that after 3-5 months of working on a project, I can't bear to see it ever again? I love that project, and I love making games, so what gives?\r\n\r\nJoin me in learning about the history of burnout, the effects of passion on burnout, and how we can make our hobbies (and our work) fun again.", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 78, "created_at": "2025-03-13 18:01:18 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1695, "participant_id": 131, "presenter_name": "Jachin Rupe", "presenter_bio": "Jachin is a former full time software engineer, now he's mostly a stay-at-home dad, but he still has time for some consulting and an endless parade of personal project. His favorite programming language is [Elm](https://elm-lang.org/).\r\n\r\nHis name is pronounced JAY-kin; it's a Hebrew name, but he’s not Jewish.\r\n\r\nHe's got a blog at [jachin.rupe.name](http://jachin.rupe.name/)\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/jachin)", "session_title": "Building a Smart Door Bell and e-ink Home Dashboard", "summary": null, "description": "Let's go over some fun projects for around the house I got to work on recently.\r\n\r\nI made a regular old doorbell \"smart\". Even though I had a couple of solid YouTube tutorials to follow (that made this project look easy), [it stretched me a lot](https://jachinrupe.name/posts/door-bell/).\r\n\r\nI made a home dashboard for my refrigerator with some [TRMNLs](https://usetrmnl.com/). I wrote some custom plugins to show some things on my dashboard that I care about. I also 3D printed some mounting hardware to attach magnets to, so I could mount them on my refrigerator.\r\n\r\nI'd also love to hear about *your* projects and what you've learned.", "room_name": "Discovery", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 58, "created_at": "2025-03-13 17:37:44 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1694, "participant_id": 5999, "presenter_name": "Deborah Peteler", "presenter_bio": "\r\nDeborah Peteler\r\n\r\nFounder of AnnapurnaBlue Health and Wellness, LLC,\r\nSpeaker and Educator ​\r\n\r\n​Deborah’s mission in life is to help others thrive! A retired nurse, Mental Health Professional. She works with somatic healing and Eastern healing modalities, Deborah brings a powerful, unique skill set to AnnapurnaBlue Health and Wellness, grounded in evidence-based and trauma-informed methods.​\r\n\r\nDeborah also has a background in business wellness, through which she works with entrepreneurs to establish workplace programs that increase compassion, interpersonal relations and wellness within a business environment, improving both the workspace environment and the work outcomes.\r\n\r\nDeborah helps clients work with toxic emotional issues that cause internal damage as well as harming relationships with others, in their relationships as well as their personal, family and business lives.\r\n\r\nAuthor of \"The Five Life Poisons\" to be released on April 2nd, 2025. \r\n\r\n​\r\n", "session_title": " The Five Poisons of Business: Identifying and Transforming Destructive Patterns", "summary": null, "description": "\r\nIn business, success isn’t just about strategy, marketing, or finances—it’s also about mindset and leadership. Just as in life, businesses can suffer from harmful patterns that create obstacles to growth, collaboration, and long-term success. \r\n\r\nI call these patterns the Five Life Poisons of Business: When these poisons seep into business culture and decision-making, they can be detrimental, leading to toxic work environments, stalled progress, and lost opportunities. \r\n\r\nBut the good news? With awareness and intentional change, these poisons can be transformed into wisdom that fosters a thriving and sustainable business.\r\n\r\nThis session is perfect for all levels of your company. ", "room_name": "Texas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 37, "created_at": "2025-03-13 17:36:48 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1693, "participant_id": 3381, "presenter_name": "Sharyn Morrow", "presenter_bio": "Sharyn is a seasoned accessibility professional with over 30 years of experience in consulting, design, web development, manual and automated testing, remediation, and training. Dedicated to continuous learning, Sharyn possesses in-depth knowledge of WCAG guidelines and industry best practices. Committed to improving digital experiences, they utilize empathy, organization, analytical skills, and collaborative approaches to effectively reduce user frustration.\r\n\r\nSharyn is an AuDHDer and hold a CPACC (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies) credential from IAAP. They are committed to fostering an environment of kindness, inclusion, and support for neurodiversity.\r\n\r\n**Currently:** Principal Accessibility Engineer at iCIMS\r\n\r\n**Previously:** US Bank, Siteimprove, Clockwork, Fallon, Securian, State of MN DHS, Thomson Reuters \r\n\r\n[sharynmorrow.com](https://www.sharynmorrow.com)\r\n", "session_title": "Choose Your Own Adventure: Pros and Cons of a Formal Autism / ADHD diagnosis vs Self-Diagnosis", "summary": null, "description": "An exploration of neurodiversity. This session is designed for individuals who are preparing for an assessment related to Autism or ADHD, as well as those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves in relation to Autism and ADHD, or to foster better connections with family members, friends, or colleagues who are Autistic or have ADHD. Drawing from my lived experience as an individual with late-diagnosed Autism and ADHD, as well as a parent of an Autistic child, I will offer insights that you can share with your therapist, coach, partner, or healthcare provider. Additionally, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a formal diagnosis compared to self-diagnosis.", "room_name": "Nokomis", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 10:30:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 84, "created_at": "2025-03-13 17:29:47 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1692, "participant_id": 4629, "presenter_name": "Varun Kodathala", "presenter_bio": "I am Sai Varun Kodathala, the CTO at SportsVision (Techstars' 24). My background in engineering, highlighted by two University President Gold Medals, has grounded my approach to technological solutions. I specialize in image processing and computational optimization, focusing on practical applications in sports analytics. My work includes developing algorithms that enhance our understanding of athlete biomechanics and performance. I have also filed provisional patents to secure our innovative methods. Passionate about bridging the gap between academic theories and real-world applications, I am committed to advancing sports technology through thoughtful and effective solutions.\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/varunkodathala)", "session_title": "Building Video-Understanding AI: How We Taught Computers to Watch Sports", "summary": null, "description": "In this session, we'll walk through our technical approach to creating a video understanding system specifically for sports analysis. We'll share insights from our development of a lightweight yet effective framework that helps computers understand and analyze sports videos.\r\n\r\n## Key topics we'll cover:\r\n* How we tackled the challenge of quickly identifying the most important moments in sports videos\r\n* Our approach to balancing detailed visuals with motion analysis\r\n* How we extract key frames that represent critical positions in sports movements\r\n* Methods we developed to preserve the dynamic movement between these key frames\r\n* Our results: 60.8% improvement in cross-modal retrieval accuracy and 9.7% higher correlation in semantic textual similarity compared to standard benchmarks\r\n* How our specialized sports language model outperformed models 5 times its size in accuracy and relevance metrics\r\n* Our resourceful development process using only two GPUs (thanks to Microsoft) to build a high-performing system\r\n* Practical challenges we faced with amateur sports videos, including varying camera angles and lighting conditions\r\n\r\nThis session is for those interested in computer vision, sports technology, and practical applications of AI in resource-constrained environments. We'll share both our technical achievements and the real-world limitations we encountered along the way.\r\n\r\n![image/png](https://cdn-uploads.huggingface.co/production/uploads/669feaf2243a0a91c4bc4251/jvpCf-x8AytOi248AJw28.png)", "room_name": "Florida", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:55:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Prashanth Pollishetty" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 5538 ], "attendance_count": 27, "created_at": "2025-03-13 17:10:53 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1691, "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. BS, 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• Why consider having a mentor? • How does a mentor differ from other advisors and investors? • What should you look for in a mentor or in a mentoring program? • What is an example of your mentor’s impact on your decision making? • What does a good mentor do and not do? • How has your mentor changed how you think about your business? • What 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\n*********************\r\n\r\nThis panel was well-received at Minnebar 18, with about 50 attendees. Mark Capaldini will once again serve as Moderator. ", "room_name": "Learn", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Startups" ], "other_presenter_names": [ "Derek Borkowski", "Wessam Sonbol ", "Brian R Gezella" ], "other_presenter_ids": [ 6232, 6234, 6242 ], "attendance_count": 59, "created_at": "2025-03-13 16:57:24 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1690, "participant_id": 442, "presenter_name": "Jason Hsu", "presenter_bio": "\n\n**Links:**\n\n- [GitHub](https://github.com/jhsu802701)", "session_title": "Horror Movie Survival: Protecting Yourself From Airborne Pathogens", "summary": null, "description": "A common trope in stupid horror movies is authority figures who prove to be too clueless and wimpy to protect the people.\r\n\r\nSadly, the writers of those stupid horror movies are proving to be much smarter than they seem. Because there's nobody in charge of public health, you and I have MORE responsibility.\r\n\r\nThe threat I'm focusing on in this session is airborne pathogens. COVID-19 is an airborne disease and is still raging. Worse yet, so many people have had their immune systems weakened by COVID that more diseases have become more prevalent. H5N1 bird flu has become a full-blown pandemic for birds and cows, and not enough is being done to prevent it from becoming a pandemic for humans as well.\r\n\r\nI believe that airborne pathogens are nastier than ingested pathogens. Unlike your stomach, your lungs do not have a strong acid that kills pathogens. You can wash your hands, but you CANNOT wash your lungs.\r\n\r\nFortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from airborne pathogens, and the world would be a much better place if these practices were the norm. In this session, I will focus on air purifiers and masks. Air purification and masking in tandem provide MUCH more protection than either one alone.\r\n\r\nPeople are more concerned about sanitizing surfaces, but sanitizing the air is MUCH more important. Air purifiers sanitize the air, and there are ways to build them on the cheap. Yes, it's possible to build your own air purifier that's just as effective as some commercial products that are at least 10 times more expensive. You can use the money you save to build more air purifiers.\r\n\r\nIf you have abandoned wearing a mask, you should return to this practice. Just because you should wear a mask does NOT mean you have to suck it up and suffer from an uncomfortable one. In this session, I'll discuss the masks/respirators that I like because they offer comfort AND N95 or better protection. I'll discuss why I recommend the 3M HF-802SD elastomeric respirator over all others, my paper bag system for reusing my 3M Aura masks, and the masks that I hate.\r\n\r\nNOTE: I've posted much of the content of this session at https://groups.google.com/g/horrormoviesurvival .", "room_name": "Kansas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 20, "created_at": "2025-03-13 16:32:48 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-03 04:15:44 UTC" }, { "id": 1689, "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": "My year with cancer: A tech retrospective", "summary": null, "description": "Lessons learned from my past year with triple positive breast cancer.\r\n\r\nHow I made my drop dead book, what tech was helpful, and how to organize your people.", "room_name": "Florida", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 37, "created_at": "2025-03-13 16:31:53 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1688, "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": "Discovery", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 36, "created_at": "2025-03-13 16:23:34 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1687, "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": "EarPilot: flying an airplane by ear", "summary": null, "description": "Eyesight is normally a requirement for flying an airplane.\r\nBut not completely, not anymore!\r\n\r\nEarPilot is a novel iPhone app that provides audio cues to allow control of an airplane through basic maneuvers without sight.\r\n\r\n- Learn why we made the app, how it works, and what happened when our brave blind pilot tried it out in a real airplane.\r\n\r\n- Talk about Accessibility and inclusivity techniques in apps\r\n- Talk about computing with spatial data\r\n- Talk about private aviation and medical certification\r\n\r\n![EarPilot screenshot](https://eclecticode.com/assets/earpilot1.jpeg)", "room_name": "Florida", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 09:35:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Development", "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 24, "created_at": "2025-03-13 15:55:01 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1686, "participant_id": 5997, "presenter_name": "Brian Hackerson", "presenter_bio": "Brian is a Delivery Manager at lntertech and a recognized leader in agile transformation. His career includes key roles at Scrum Inc., where he advanced Scrum and Scrum@Scale adoption, and as Director of Agile at 3M's Corporate Research Laboratory, where he led a pioneering organizational transformation. Before that, he led the Software R&D Laboratory in 3M's Corporate Research Laboratory, leading new product and technology innovation efforts.\r\n\r\nAs the co-creator of Agile Best Self, Brian is passionate about fostering personal growth and helping teams thrive through adaptability and collaboration. He combines deep expertise in agile practices with a commitment to empowering leaders to excel in today's ever-changing world.\r\n\r\n[Personal site](https://agilebestself.com)\r\n[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhackerson/)", "session_title": "Lead Where You Are: The Skill of Intentional Adaptability", "summary": null, "description": "In today's workplace, where every day we are bombarded with constant change and uncertainty, adaptability is no longer optional—it's essential for survival and success. This interactive workshop, Lead Where You Are: The Skill of Intentional Adaptability, is designed to equip leaders at any stage or level with practical strategies to thrive in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environment. You will delve deeply into Agile principles and Scrum practices, experiencing firsthand how they can be leveraged to set powerful intentions, reframe challenges as opportunities, and harness feedback loops to drive continuous learning and improvement.\r\n\r\nThrough engaging activities, thought-provoking discussions, and real-world examples, you'll gain insights into cultivating a mindset that embraces change and fosters resilience. Imagine learning how to transform setbacks into stepping stones and uncertainties into competitive advantages. This workshop is not just about theory; it’s about actionable takeaways you can implement the next day to lead confidently, inspire your team, and navigate the complexities of today's fast-paced world.\r\n\r\nBy the end of this session, you'll have a toolkit of techniques to help you stay grounded in your values while being flexible in your approach. You'll understand how to create an environment encouraging innovation and collaboration, ensuring you and your team can adapt swiftly and effectively to any situation. This isn't just another workshop—it's a transformative experience that empowers you to lead with intention and adapt with agility, setting you on a path to sustained success in a rapidly changing landscape.\r\n", "room_name": "Stephen Leacock", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 55, "created_at": "2025-03-13 15:49:29 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1685, "participant_id": 5998, "presenter_name": "Rawson Stovall", "presenter_bio": null, "session_title": "Growing up “Vid Kid”", "summary": null, "description": "Starting at age 10, Rawson Stovall was the first regular reviewer of video games with his nationally-syndicated newspaper column, “The Vid Kid,” from 1982-1992. During that era he appeared on numerous television shows including The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Good Morning America, the CBS Morning News, and That’s Incredible! Articles about him appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. His 1984 book, “The Vid Kid’s Book of Home Video Games” was published by Doubleday and was the host of the event where Nintendo introduced the NES. Hear stories from those crazy days! ", "room_name": "Kansas", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 13:05:00 -0500", "level_name": "Beginner", "categories": [ "Other" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 25, "created_at": "2025-03-13 15:44:58 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1684, "participant_id": 1801, "presenter_name": "Adeel Ahmad", "presenter_bio": "Founder/Principal at [Lab 1908](https://lab1908.com), a startup studio in St. Paul. \r\n\r\nInvestor/advisor at a bunch of startups around Twin Cities and San Francisco. \r\n\r\n\r\n**Links:**\r\n\r\n- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeelahmad/)\r\n- [The Misophonia Podcast](https://misophoniapodcast.com)", "session_title": "✨ AI as Your Health Ally: Beyond the Doctor's Office 🏄‍♂️", "summary": null, "description": "Many of you may remember my previous MinneBar talk \"Side Projects for Fun and Profit.\" Today, I'm sharing a different journey – one that began with a routine checkup revealing concerning biomarkers and led to an unexpected exploration of how AI can transform health management.\r\n\r\nBetween brief doctor visits every few months, I found myself turning to AI for guidance – asking detailed questions about diet modifications, medication interactions, and lifestyle adjustments. By capturing food images, tracking metrics, and providing health context, I received increasingly personalized guidance that produced measurable improvements in just three months.\r\n\r\nThis experience highlighted a critical gap in our healthcare system: the lack of intelligent day-to-day guidance between medical appointments. Drawing on my engineering background, I've been developing a solution that combines medical records, wearable data, and AI to provide continuous, personalized health support – turning scattered numbers into actionable insights.\r\n\r\nWhat's particularly promising is how this approach could democratize healthcare for widespread conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. By making personalized guidance accessible regardless of location or socioeconomic status, we can help address health inequities that disproportionately affect underserved communities.\r\n\r\nJoin me to explore:\r\n\r\n* How AI can decode complex health information and make it personally relevant\r\n* Practical techniques for using AI as a health companion (with live demonstrations)\r\n* The technical challenges of creating memory-aware AI that builds context over time\r\n* Privacy-first approaches to handling sensitive health data\r\n\r\nI'll share honest insights from both perspectives – as someone who used AI to improve health outcomes and as an engineer crafting solutions to help others navigate similar paths.", "room_name": "Zeke Landres", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 11:25:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development", "Startups", "Other", "Design", "Hardware" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 63, "created_at": "2025-03-13 15:41:16 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1682, "participant_id": 3712, "presenter_name": "Robert Boedigheimer", "presenter_bio": "Robert Boedigheimer provides business solutions with web technologies. He is a Microsoft MVP, a Progress Champion (Fiddler), an ASPInsider, a Pluralsight author, and a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Robert regularly speaks at national and international events.\r\n\r\n- Twitter: @boedie", "session_title": "Cryptography 101", "summary": null, "description": "Learn the fundamentals of cryptography, including public/private and symmetric encryption, hashing, and digital signatures. Discover which techniques are appropriate for various situations. Review practical real life examples for storing passwords, protecting URL parameters, securely exchanging information with partners, and safely encrypting sensitive information on public web sites. Concepts apply to all platforms, examples will be in C#. \r\n", "room_name": "Proverb-Edison", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 15:50:00 -0500", "level_name": "Intermediate", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 80, "created_at": "2025-03-13 02:43:39 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" }, { "id": 1681, "participant_id": 3712, "presenter_name": "Robert Boedigheimer", "presenter_bio": "Robert Boedigheimer provides business solutions with web technologies. He is a Microsoft MVP, a Progress Champion (Fiddler), an ASPInsider, a Pluralsight author, and a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Robert regularly speaks at national and international events.\r\n\r\n- Twitter: @boedie", "session_title": "Advanced Fiddler Techniques", "summary": null, "description": "Fiddler is a great free web diagnostic tool that nearly everyone uses, but typically only for very basic things. Fiddler has many more advanced features that most developers are unaware of. It can be used to capture traffic from smartphones, tablets, and non-Windows platforms! Discover the power of manipulating requests and responses with breakpoints, the auto responder, and a visual composer. Review popular extensions for formatting JavaScript, syntax highlighting, and detecting image bloat. Go beyond the basics and learn the full capabilities of the tool and how it can improve your web development and debugging techniques today!\r\n", "room_name": "Pennsylvania", "panel": false, "projector": false, "starts_at": "2025-05-03 14:00:00 -0500", "level_name": "All levels", "categories": [ "Development" ], "other_presenter_names": [], "other_presenter_ids": [], "attendance_count": 28, "created_at": "2025-03-13 02:39:07 UTC", "updated_at": "2025-05-01 23:47:53 UTC" } ]