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Ann Arbor SPARK Presents Second Annual Tech Talk on June 15
[May 15, 2018]

Ann Arbor SPARK Presents Second Annual Tech Talk on June 15


From 9 a.m. to noon on June 15, Ann Arbor SPARK will present its second annual Tech Talk. The free event, to be held at the Michigan Theater, features inspiring "TED" style talks from leading innovators. Back by popular demand, Tech Talk, sponsored by PNC (News - Alert) Bank, features some of Ann Arbor's most interesting and impactful business leaders. Presenters will offer key insights on evolving innovations, research, and technology.

"Tech Talk was an incredible success last year and proved to be an interesting and valuable addition to Tech Trek," said Paul Krutko, Ann Arbor SPARK's president and CEO. "The event is an opportunity to hear from visionary thought leaders in our community and is a way for the community to be exposed to the remarkable technology being developed right here in this region."

This year's Tech Talk speakers are:

  • Trey Boynton, diversity and inclusion manager at Duo Security
  • Jamal El-Mokadem, director of quality assurance at Barracuda
  • Dave Forman, managing director at Pillar Technology
  • Larry Freed, CEO of Give and Take
  • Kimberly Gamez, founder and CEO of Mi Padrino
  • Rachna Govani, CEO and co-founder of Foodstand
  • Ryan Kennel, office director at FordLabs
  • Laura Khoury, founder and CEO of Shoptelligence
  • Lisa McLaughlin, co-founder and co-CEO of Workit Health
  • Molly McFarland, co-founder and CRO of AdAdapted
  • Kenneth Natoli, director of delivery technology at Domino's Pizza
  • Shawn Planko, engineering manager at Expedia (News - Alert)
  • Ann Marie Sastry, president and CEO of Amesite



There is no cost to attend Tech Talk, but seating is limited and registration is required. To register, or for more information, visit www.annarborusa.org/techtrek.

Immediately following Tech Talk, from noon to 7 p.m., Bank of Ann Arbor will present Live at Tech Trek. Three live musical acts - Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist Jacob Sigman, Sydney-based, Grammy-nominated trio Mansionair, and "The Voice" finalist Laith Al-Saadi - followed by a DJ enhance this year's Tech Trek activities.


Live at Tech Trek will be held on the corner of Washington and South Fifth Avenue in downtown Ann Arbor. Washington Street between S. Fifth Avenue and Division will be closed for the music festival and Ann Arbor SPARK's inaugural Mobility Row, featuring self-driving shuttles and leading edge connected and autonomous mobility technology.

Tech Talk, Tech Trek, Live at Tech Trek, and Mobility Row are part of Ann Arbor SPARK's a2Tech360 program, a multi-day series of events showcasing the region as an area of innovation. More information on the a2Tech360 program is online: www.annarborusa.org/a2tech360.

About Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone (LDFA), Washtenaw County /Michigan Works!, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.


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