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Upcoming events

    • 02/26/2025
    • 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Business Solutions Center, 1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton, 45417
    Register

    Empowering Women in IT: Navigating Change, Building Skills, and Defining Success

    Are you a woman navigating a career in IT? Join us for "Empowering Women in IT: Navigating Change, Building Skills, and Defining Success," an inspiring and informative meeting designed to help you take control of your professional journey.

    This event will focus on topics like succeeding in IT, measuring success on your terms, and reinventing yourself for new opportunities. Learn how to leverage your transferable skills, adapt to industry changes, and embrace non-traditional IT roles. We’ll also discuss strategies for overcoming feelings of being unqualified, staying current with technology, addressing skill gaps, and exploring training opportunities.

    Whether you’re transitioning to a role you’re passionate about, seeking growth in a changing industry, or just looking for guidance, this meeting is your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Don’t miss this chance to empower yourself and shape your future in IT!

    Moderator: Melissa Cutcher, Technology First

    Panelists: Loretta Gaul, Kettering Health

    Lisa Shivers, Kettering Health

    Jill Campbell, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

    Yolanda Clemons, Savvy Purple Squirrel IT Consulting

    Title Sponsor:

    Contributing Sponsor:


    • 03/05/2025
    • 8:45 AM - 5:45 PM
    • Sinclair Conference Center
    • 197
    Register

    Join hundred of technology professionals at the 22nd annual 

    OHIO INFORMATION SECURITY CONFERENCE

    MARCH 5, 2025

    We bring Cybersecurity experts from all over the country together under one roof to share knowledge, stay ahead of the threat actors and answer your questions about protecting your most valuable asset: YOUR DATA.

    Sponsor Opportunities Available


    • 04/03/2025
    • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Engineer's Club
    Register


    Join us to celebrate the contributions of information technology teams, professionals and students at the 2024 Leadership Awards

    The 11th annual Technology First Leadership Awards recognize individuals and teams exemplifying Technology First Values: Creating a community to share knowledge, grow business, and build for the future. The Technology First Leadership Awards work to ensure a vibrant technology community in our region.

    Wednesday, April 3, 4:00-6:00 P.M.
    Dayton Engineer's Club

    4 p.m. - Registration, Networking, Drinks & Hors d'oeuvres

    4:30 p.m. - Award presentation followed by photos and celebrations!

    Award of Excellence - High School

    Award of Excellence - Student Project

    Best IT Services Company

    Career Champion Award

    Emerging Technology Leader

    IT Executive or the Year

    IT Project of the Year

    Outstanding Technology Team

    Most Promising Startup

    Volunteer of the Year

    Legacy of Leadership

    Join us for a cocktail reception to celebrate the best of the best in several categories including Emerging Technology Leader, IT Executive of the Year, Best IT Service Company, & more!


    The annual event is sponsored by many local organizations. Category sponsors are available.  Contact marketing@technologyfirst.org

    Thank you Sponsors!


     



    • 04/08/2025
    • 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Business Solutions Center, 1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton 45417
    Register

    Closed Session for Sr IT Leaders

    Roundtable discussion:

    Organizational Design

    This facilitated discussion offers IT leaders a valuable opportunity to engage with peers and explore how organizational design impacts IT effectiveness. Attendees will analyze different models, learn how to best align IT structure with overarching organizational strategy.


    Facilitated by: 

    Jon Scruggs and Parag Pujari


    Powered by Title Sponsor: 



    and 


    Contributing Sponsor: 


    Agenda:

    8:15 - 8:30am check-in, lunch & networking

    8:30 - 10:00am meeting






    • 04/10/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Business Solutions Center 1435 Cincinnati St #300, Dayton, OH 45417
    Register


    Demystifying the Shared Responsibility Model and Avoiding Common Misconceptions About Roles & Responsibilities with Cloud Services

    At the end of this talk, you will have learned:

    - The difference between Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)

    - Your roles and responsibilities under the Shared Responsibility Model

    - The Cloud/SaaS provider's roles and responsibilities

    - How roles shift with IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS

    - Examples of Shared Responsibility Models from key Cloud Providers

    Led by: Anthony Peyton, Conflux Cloud

    Agenda:

    8:15 - 8:30am check-in, breakfast & networking

    8:30 - 10:00am meeting


    Title Sponsor:


    Contributing Sponsor:




    Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact sponsorships@technologyfirst.org for more information



    • 04/15/2025
    • 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Business Solutions Center 1435 Cincinnati St #300, Dayton, OH 45417
    Register



    When Social Media and Management Collide: Insights from Three Studies

    Managers feel significant pressure to establish a social media presence that differentiates their organization from rivals, though few managers feel confident that their organization provides social media users with the information they desire. Thus, while the supply of information provided to social media users by organizations continues to proliferate rapidly, few studies have investigated the information social media users want or expect organizations to provide.

    We’ll discuss three studies on social media. The first study explores the information desires of two social media user groups: nonprofessional investors and non-investors. The second study explores how non-professional investors process financial information when the media doesn’t match the message and the consequences to management when there is a disconnect. The final study investigates how different sources of corporate information (CEO versus Corporate) and message norms violations influence investor perceptions of management and subsequent investing activity.


    Facilitated by:


    Dr. Neal Snow


    Powered by Title Sponsor: 


    • 04/23/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Business Solution Center, 1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton 45417
    Register



    The Road to Zero Trust

    What is Zero Trust? What does it mean? How do we get started? First off, it is not a product but rather a mindset with how things are secured in your environment. Much like DevSecOps is not a product. Let’s discuss and chat about what is and what isn’t working in this space to help us all become more secure.


    Facilitated by:

    Randy Hinders
    MileTwo

    Powered by: 



    Agenda:

    8:15 - 8:30am check-in, breakfast & networking

    8:30 - 10:00am meeting




    • 04/30/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Dayton Children's Inspiration Center 241 Taylor St, Dayton
    • 200
    Register


    Lift as You Rise:

    The Power of Sponsorship, Well-being, Storytelling, and Growth for Women in Tech

    The journey of women in technology, focusing on sponsorship, personal growth, and storytelling to grow and advance careers and leadership.

    Facilitated by:



     

    Vicki Giambrone, CBD Advisors

    Jennifer Leen, Inward Success


    Vicki Giambrone

    CBD Advisors

    For the past ten years, Vicki has been a driving force at CBD Advisors, helping healthcare and corporate clients reach new heights. She specializes in developing and executing growth strategies, while navigating the complex worlds of policy and politics. Vicki's expertise also extends to consulting with large nonprofits, where she implements best practice governance strategies and strategic planning.


    Jennifer Leen

    Inward Success

    Jennifer is a certified professional coach from the Institute of Professional Coaching (IPEC), as well as a Chopra Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Currently, Jennifer provides holistic well-being coaching sessions, including teaching Primordial Sound Meditation and other mindfulness practices to individuals and small groups in Dayton, OH. In addition, Jennifer consults with businesses to implement impactful corporate wellness initiatives.

    LIFT AS YOU RISE

    Agenda:

    8:30-9:00am - Icebreaker, registration, breakfast

    9:00-12:30pm programming

    12:30-1:00pm lunch

    Click here for full agenda


    ABOUT NEXT LEVEL Conference:

    Empowering Women with Skills for Leadership

    & Success

    NEXT LEVEL is a transformative conference designed to equip women from all industries with the power skills needed to lead, influence, and thrive in today’s dynamic world. This immersive experience goes beyond technical expertise, focusing on the essential skills that drive success—communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, negotiation, and executive presence.

    Through inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and high-impact networking, NEXT LEVEL empowers women from all industries and male allies to break barriers, own their voice, and step into leadership with confidence. Whether you're an emerging leader or an established professional, this event will provide the tools, insights, and connections to take your career to the NEXT LEVEL.

    Rise. Lead. Succeed.



    • 05/08/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Montgomery Co Business Solutions, 1435 Cincinnati St, Suite 300, Dayton 45417
    Register


    From Remote to Reconnected: A Guide to Local Networking in a Hybrid World

    Discover the art of rebuilding connections in a hybrid and remote work era. This session will provide practical strategies for local networking, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities in your professional community. Learn how to navigate the shift from remote isolation to in-person collaboration, and unlock the potential of networking in a post-pandemic workplace. Perfect for professionals looking to reestablish a strong local presence and build a thriving support network.

    Presenter: 

    Matthew Worthen, NextStep Networking

    Powered by: 


    Agenda:

    8:15-8:30 am - registration, network, coffee/snacks

    8:30-10:00 am - meeting


    • 06/17/2025
    • 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Wright State University, Student Union, Endeavour Room
    Register
    • 06/25/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
    • In-person (Location TBD) & Virtual Option
    Register



    Back Doors and Breaches Game

    Backdoors & Breaches is an incident response card game developed by Black Hills Information Security. Players use these cards to simulate real-world scenarios, such as initial compromises, pivot and escalate tactics, and persistence mechanisms. The goal is to enhance the players’ ability to identify, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats effectively.

    During the game, participants learn to recognize various types of cyber attacks and understand the sequence of events that typically occur during a breach. They practice decision-making under pressure, improving their ability to prioritize actions and allocate resources efficiently. The game also helps players familiarize themselves with different tools and techniques used in incident response, such as network monitoring, threat hunting, and forensic analysis. By working through these scenarios, players develop a deeper understanding of the importance of communication and collaboration in managing cybersecurity incidents.

    Facilitated by:

    Joe Tinney
    Secure Cyber Defense

    Powered by: 



    Agenda:

    8:15 - 8:30am check-in, breakfast & networking

    8:30 - 10:00am meeting




    • 07/08/2025
    • 09/16/2025
    • 6 sessions
    • TBD
    • 17
    Register
    • 07/10/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Life Connections, 2800 Donation Circle, Kettering
    Register


    Navigating the Employee Journey: Onboarding, Retention, and Exit Strategies

    Discover how to design a seamless and effective employee journey, from onboarding to retention and even the exit process. Explore strategies to create a welcoming and supportive onboarding experience, retain top talent in a competitive market, and handle employee exits with professionalism. Address the rising trend of new hires evaluating fit within the first two weeks and learn how to make a lasting positive impression while aligning expectations. Gain actionable insights to enhance your organization's workforce strategy at every stage of the employee lifecycle.

    Presenter: 

    Nancy Percy, Sinclair College

    Powered by: 



    Agenda:

    8:15-8:30 am - registration, network, coffee/snacks

    8:30-10:00 am - meeting


    • 07/16/2025
    • 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Dayton Children's Inspiration Center, 241 Taylor St, Dayton
    Register



    AI Simplified

    Facilitated by: 

    Kendra Ramirez, CEO, KR Digital Agency

    Join us for “AI Simplified,” an engaging and practical 1 1/2 hour session. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or new to the world of artificial intelligence, this session is tailored to help you harness the power of AI tools for your organization's needs.

    We’ll work through real-world examples demonstrating how these AI tools can solve everyday organizational challenges. From routine tasks to generating ideas, you’ll see firsthand how AI can enhance productivity and creativity.

    You’ll leave with practical knowledge and confidence to apply AI solutions in your organization.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Understand the fundamentals of AI.
    • Learn best practices for crafting effective AI prompts.
    • Real-world business scenarios that you can implement with off the shelf AI tools.
    • Get your AI questions answered

    Must bring your own laptop

    Kendra Ramirez: As the CEO of KR Digital Agency, a leader in Digital and AI solutions, we spearhead initiatives that drive digital and AI transformation in B2B markets. Since building bots in 2018, I have become an AI advocate, serving on the Cincinnati AI Catalyst Committee and co-hosting the Tristate’s largest AI community. With a track record of delivering over 100 AI talks, my commitment to educating and engaging professionals in AI is my driving force. Additionally, I am globally recognized on LinkedIn.com’s homepage, recipient of the Women of Influence Award, John Barrett Entrepreneur Vision Award, Cincy Chic Woman of the Year, and STEM Influencer. As the best-selling author of “Marketing Fusion” and “Micro Shift,” I share insights on leveraging digital technologies and the importance of understanding our mindset. With over 15 years in technology companies, my leadership is focused on navigating change in sales, marketing, and recruiting.

    Agenda:

    8:30 - 9:00am check-in, light breakfast & networking

    9:00 - 10:30am workshop


    Sponsorships available!


    • 09/11/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Montgomery Co Business Solutions, 1435 Cincinnati St, Suite 300, Dayton 45417
    Register


    Best Practices and Lessons Learned from Business, Interns and Apprentices

    Gain valuable insights from companies and students about the successes and challenges of apprenticeship and internship programs. This session will explore best practices for structuring programs, fostering meaningful learning experiences, and ensuring mutual value for both organizations and participants. Learn how companies can build pipelines of future talent while students gain real-world skills and professional connections. Discover strategies to overcome common pitfalls and maximize the impact of these programs on workforce development.

    Presenter: 

    Nancy Percy, Sinclair College

    Powered by: 



    Agenda:

    8:15-8:30 am - registration, network, coffee/snacks

    8:30-10:00 am - meeting


    • 12/11/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Montgomery Co Business Solutions, 1435 Cincinnati St, Suite 300, Dayton 45417
    Register


    Holiday Mixer

    2025 Successes and 2026 Plans

    Join in on roundtable discussions to share your success from 2025 and your plans for 2025.

    Presenter: 

    Nancy Percy, Sinclair College

    Matthew Worthen, NextStep Networking

    Powered by: 



    Agenda:

    8:15-8:30 am - registration, network, coffee/snacks

    8:30-10:00 am - meeting



Meet Our Partners

Our Cornerstone Partners share a common goal: to connect, strengthen, and champion the technology community in our region. A Technology First Partner is an elite member leading the support, development, and expansion of Technology First services. In return, Partners improve community visibility and increase their revenue. Make a difference in our region and your business. 

Become A Partner

Cornerstone Partners



1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton Ohio 45417

Info@TechnologyFirst.org
937-229-0054

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