Summerfest Tech Hosts Panel at SXSW and NFL Draft


MILWAUKEE, WI (March 6, 2024) – Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) announced that Summerfest Tech will be hosting programming at two upcoming high-profile events, South By Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas on March 10, and the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, Michigan on April 27, 2024.

This panel, titled “Brews, Beats, and Bytes: The Fusion of Tech, Entertainment, and Entrepreneurial Spirit,” will feature a collaborative keynote discussion on how music, technology, hospitality, and entertainment intertwine, crafting a nurturing environment for startup ventures. The panelists are:

  • Moderator: Matt Adamczyk, Technical Advisor and Technologist in Residence, Microsoft
  • Cordero Barkley, Partner, TitletownTech
  • Jonah Turner, Head of Technology Innovation, Molson Coors Beverage Company
  • Sarah Pancheri, President and Chief Executive Officer, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
  • Guest Panelist at SXSW: Ben Kvalo, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Midwest Games

Both sessions will be featured at the Midwest House official venue locations at SXSW and the NFL Draft. This panel will also kick off Summerfest Tech on June 24, 2024 in Milwaukee, WI at Henry Maier Festival Park.\

“Summerfest Tech has the unique opportunity to help shape Milwaukee’s trajectory as a dynamic tech hub as we continue to gain national attention at these high-profile events. We are grateful to partner with other leaders who help amplify our city and unlock new pathways to innovation,” said Sarah Pancheri, President and Chief Executive Officer, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. 

Registration for Summerfest Tech is now open, as is the Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition application window. Additionally, Summerfest Tech is asking for a call for content - to submit session ideas, fill out the form (Community Choice Call for Content) before April 14, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

All 2024 conference attendees will receive FREE entrance to a networking luncheon on-site at Henry Maier Festival Park during Summerfest on June 27 and FREE admission to the music festival’s second weekend June 27-29, 2024. 

Summerfest Tech is supported by Generac Power Systems*, Molson Coors Beverage Company*, American Family Insurance*, BMO*, Charter Manufacturing, Potawatomi Business Development Corporation*, Regal Rexnord, UScellular Business*,  AE Business Solutions*, Concurrency Inc.*, Expedient*, Fresh Coast Labs, Husch Blackwell*, i.c.stars*, Insight Enterprises, Inc., MKE Tech Hub Coalition*, Salesforce*, Sitecore, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County*, UW-Milwaukee*, UW-Milwaukee School of Information Studies*, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation*, Zscaler*, Bridge to Cures* and the Wisconsin Tech Council. Media support provided by Experience Milwaukee*. *indicates a returning partner. 

More details on the agenda and other speakers will be forthcoming - visit Summerfest Tech for the latest information. 

About Summerfest Tech 
Summerfest Tech began in 2018 with the goal of leveraging the Summerfest brand to showcase technology and provide a forum for attendees from the tech and business community to network, educate, and celebrate the evolution of technology. Summerfest Tech continues to champion the regional business community, while shining the spotlight on Wisconsin’s growing reputation as a tech hub, highlighting the growth and opportunity in the region. Programming from local, regional, and national speakers, as well as a cash-prize pitch competition, connects the tech community around relevant topics. Summerfest Tech will be held June 24-27, 2024, free of charge, in-person and available virtually.  For more details, visit Summerfest-tech.com.