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Technology First Events

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Technology First event!  Rules of Engagement | Cancellation Policy


Upcoming events

    • 08/12/2025
    • 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Jurgenson Company 11641 Mosteller Rd, Cincinnati, 45241
    Register

    Jurgenson Tour and Tech's Role in the Organization

    Join us for lunch, a tour of the facility and a closing discussion on how technology enables the plant.

    Facilitated by: 

    Parag Pujari


    Powered by Title Sponsor: 



    and 


    Contributing Sponsor: 


    Agenda:

    11:15 - 12:00pm check-in, lunch & networking

    12:00 - 1:00pm tour & discussion






    • 08/14/2025
    • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Virtual
    Register


    Cybersecurity Blueprint: Strategy, Risk & Resilience

    Join us for an insightful session with Candi Green, SR Workshop & Principal Advisory Director at Info-Tech Research Group. Candi will walk through cybersecurity blueprints, offering a practical approach to building strong security programs—covering governance, policy development, threat and vulnerability management, user awareness, and incident response. The session will include examples and guidance on assessing cybersecurity maturity, prioritizing actions, and aligning efforts with business goals. 

    Facilitator: 

    Candi Green, Info-Tech Research Group

    Agenda:

    8:30am check-in

    8:30 - 10:00am meeting


    Title Sponsor:


    Contributing Sponsor:





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



    • 08/19/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Tyler Technologies- 1 Tyler Way, Moraine, OH 45439
    • 14
    Register



    AI in Action: Mastering Use Cases, Data, and Prompts

    Facilitated by: 

    Jason Clishe, Cloud Solution Architect, CDW

    This workshop is for the leaders turning AI concepts into action. You will learn to expertly evaluate potential use cases, adopt a data-first mindset for a strong foundation, and craft powerful prompts to drive tangible business outcomes.

    In this workshop, we will explore three critical areas:

    • Prompt Engineering Techniques: Discover how to craft the perfect prompts to get the results you want from generative AI models. We'll cover key techniques to refine your interactions and maximize the power of language models.

    • Thinking Like a Data Engineer: Learn to adopt the mindset of a data engineer, understanding the critical importance of data quality, structure, and flow in any AI system. A strong data foundation is the key to successful AI.

    • Evaluating AI Use Cases: Gain a valuable framework for identifying and qualifying potential AI use cases. You'll learn how to spot opportunities where AI can provide real-world value and how to assess the feasibility of an AI project.

    Desired attendee

    The desired attendee for this workshop is someone who is tasked with bridging the gap between business strategy and the technical implementation of AI. Anyone that’s technically curious and responsible for identifying and executing on practical AI initiatives. In short, the "doers" and "planners" within an organization who are actively being asked, "How can we use AI?"

    Jason is a passionate technologist with over 30 years of experience designing innovative solutions that drive business value. As a Principal Solution Architect at CDW, he specializes in Google Cloud Platform, with a focus on generative AI using Vertex AI and cross-cloud integrations. His career spans roles in architecture, partner strategy, and customer success, consistently delivering impactful results. Jason actively shares his expertise at industry events and holds certifications across Google Cloud, Azure, AWS, and Terraform.

    Sponsored By:

    CDW Logo


    Agenda:

    11:30 - 12:00pm check-in, lunch & networking

    12:00 - 1:30pm workshop


    Sponsorships available!


    • 08/20/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Pickle Lodge, Bainbridge Room, 7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester Township, OH 45069
    Register


    Join Technology First and The Circuit for a fun and relaxed evening of networking, connection, and conversation with fellow technology professionals. Whether you're looking to expand your network, catch up with industry peers, or just enjoy some good company, this is the place to be!

    Pickle Lodge,

    Bainbridge Room, 7373 Kingsgate Way, West Chester 

    5:30 - 7:30 PM

    Light appetizers and drinks will be provided.

    Come as you are, bring a colleague, and let's make some great connections together!

    Interested in playing Pickleball? We have a couple courts booked, paddles and balls will be provided. Sign up at the registration table and lets play!

    Presented by:



    • 08/26/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • DTC-1520 S. Main St, Suite 214 Dayton, OH 45409
    • 36
    Register


    Rise without Burnout: Using AI to Achieve Work/Life Balance

    Facilitated by: Ashima Sharma, Founding Partner, Ayuka Consulting

    Co-hosted by: Digital Transformation Center and Ayuka Consulting

    Digital Transformation Center 

    In collaboration with:


    Discover how artificial intelligence can be a powerful ally in achieving sustainable productivity and well-being. In this engaging session, Ashima Sharma, founder and CEO of Ayuka Consulting, will share insights on how to integrate AI tools and strategies into your daily routine to reduce stress, enhance focus, and maintain a healthy work/life balance.

    Whether you're a busy professional, team leader, or tech enthusiast, this event will offer actionable takeaways on leveraging technology mindfully to prevent burnout while still reaching your goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices at the intersection of innovation and personal well-being.

    Key Takeaways:

      • Use AI to streamline daily tasks
      • Spot and reduce burnout early
      • Set healthy tech boundaries
      • Discover wellness-focused AI tools
      • Balance work and life with smart tech habits

      About the Speaker:

      Ashima Sharma – AI & Change Management Leader | Keynote Speaker | IT Strategy Consultant Ashima Sharma is a charismatic speaker, an effective workshop and training facilitator, and a seasoned leader with a proven track record in driving technology adoption, digital transformation, and organizational change. She excels at leading complex technical initiatives, developing high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of innovation and strategic execution. With over 20 years of experience in IT leadership, including Senior Director and VP-level roles at Fortune 500 organizations, Ashima has developed expertise in Program Leadership, Project Management, AI Strategy, Application Development, Digital Transformation, Agile Development, Organizational Change Management (OCM), and Business Analysis. After two decades in the corporate IT world, Ashima founded Ayuka Consulting LLC (ayukaconsulting.com), where she helps organizations navigate technical transformations with a human centered approach. Her focus is on ensuring long-term sustainability and adoption of AI, automation, data modernization, cloud migrations, ERP implementations, and product/application development. Ashima is passionate about helping individuals and organizations embrace change to foster a cultural shift that drives success. 


      Agenda:

      11:30 - 12:00pm check-in, lunch & networking

      12:00 - 1:00pm meeting


      Sponsorships available!


      • 08/27/2025
      • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
      • Business Solutions Center, 1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton 45417
      Register



      Social Engineering Workshop

      This interactive presentation dives into the world of social engineering, where hackers focus on the most vulnerable aspect of cybersecurity—people. We’ll look at how attackers gather information from everyday sources like job postings, Google Maps, and social media, and how they use that data to launch targeted attacks. Real-world examples will show how these customized payloads are created for maximum impact. The session will also cover practical ways to recognize and defend against these manipulative tactics.

      Facilitated by:

      Josh Boxer
      Afidence

      Powered by: 


      Agenda:

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

      8:30 - 10:00am meeting




      • 09/09/2025
      • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
      • Life Connection, 2800 Donation Circle, Kettering
      Register

      Closed Session for Director level to C Suite

      Strategic Collaboration: How Leadership Works Together Towards a Successful Technology Department

      Moderated by:

      Treg Gilstorf and Parag Pujari


      Panelists:

      Marcus Thompson, CEO, Expedient Technology Solutions

      Blake Michaels, CFO, Jurgenson Companies

      Shawn Prince, CIO, RTA


      The IT Leaders Peer Group has brought together senior technology professionals and executive leadership for a powerful panel discussion on the dynamics of cross-functional collaboration at the highest levels of the organization. Featuring C-suite panelists from across industries, the conversation is centered on how executive alignment and strategic partnerships contribute to the success of modern technology departments.


      BRING YOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM!!


      Powered by Title Sponsor: 


      Supporting Sponsor: 


      Agenda:

      11:15 - 11:30am check-in, lunch & networking

      11:30 - 1:00pm meeting






      • 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



      • 10/15/2025
      • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
      • Life Connection: 2800 Donation Circle, Kettering, OH 45420
      Register



      Demystifying CMMC: From Readiness to Real-World Implementation

      Facilitated by: 

      Eric Parsley

      Compliance Assessment Consultant,

      C3 Integrated Solutions

      This workshop is designed for technology professionals and business leaders navigating the path to CMMC 2.0 compliance. We’ll break down the essential elements of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, including scoping, technical deployment strategies, and how to build a sustainable compliance program. Participants will explore real-world implementation models, understand the role of Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and learn how to prepare for a successful assessment. Whether you're just starting or refining your compliance journey, this session will equip you with actionable insights and tools to move forward with confidence.

         

      Eric is a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science & Engineering at Wright State University and serves as a vCISO at C3 Integrated Solutions. With a strong foundation in cybersecurity, AI, and enterprise-scale systems, Eric combines rigorous academic insight with hands-on experience in protecting organizational digital ecosystems. 

      Agenda:

      8:15 - 8:45am check-in, light breakfast & networking

      8:45 - 10:00am workshop


      Sponsorships available!


      • 10/22/2025
      • 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
      • Business Solutions Center, 1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton 45402
      Register

      Join us for this special meeting combining the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure/Cloud Peer Groups

      Cyber Defense Matrix

      In today's cybersecurity landscape, organizations face unprecedented challenges in protecting their assets. The Cyber Defense Matrix, developed by Sounil Yu, provides a structured framework to prioritize security efforts. This presentation will explore its origin, structure, and ability to map security measures while identifying gaps. Through real-world examples, discover how companies use the matrix to enhance security, align initiatives with business goals, and streamline processes. Learn how this framework can transform your cybersecurity strategy and help you stay ahead of evolving threats across people, data, applications, devices, and networks.

      Facilitated by:

      Doug Davidson, GBQ

      Doug joined GBQ in 2016, bringing 30 years of experience working with technology and technology leadership in companies ranging in size from innovative, emerging businesses to Fortune 500s.

      Doug’s passion is for the business side of the information risk management, security and compliance equation. He works with business leaders and executives to assess and improve the operationalization of information risk and information security programs. Doug advises information security and compliance leadership in larger enterprises focusing on control assessment and improvement in areas such as security leadership, policy and procedure, security awareness, third-party risk management and compliance with HIPAA, PCI and ISO 27001.

      Powered by: 



      Agenda:

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

      8:30 - 10:00am meeting




      • 11/12/2025
      • 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
      • Sinclair Conference Center
      • 545
      Register

      STEP BOLDLY INTO WHAT’S NEXT.

      The 19th annual Taste of IT Conference is your launchpad for innovation, connection, and action. 

      As the pace of change accelerates, we’re bringing together technologists, business leaders, and change-makers under this year’s theme — Future Forward —to explore the breakthroughs redefining cybersecurity, cloud, data, infrastructure, and leadership. 

      This event offers a powerful platform to explore what’s next. From technical deep dives to big-picture strategies, attendees will gain insight into the trends, tools, and ideas shaping the next generation of technology.


      Date: November 12, 2025

      Location: Sinclair Conference Center


      Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Remembered.

      Join Our Sponsor Lineup!




      • 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



    Past events

    07/23/2025 Women 4 Tech: Redefining the Rules: Women on the Rise
    07/22/2025 Technology First Summer Networking!
    07/16/2025 Workshop: AI Simplified
    07/15/2025 Infrastructure/Cloud: How Do You Build Secure Apps for Private 5G and IoT?
    07/10/2025 Workforce Development: Navigating the Employee Journey: Onboarding, Retention, and Exit Strategies
    06/25/2025 Cybersecurity: Back Doors and Breaches Game
    06/17/2025 Data Analytics: Student progress in higher education: examining and predicting retention
    06/12/2025 Small Business - Responsible IT Asset Disposition: Balancing Cybersecurity, Sustainability, and Social Impact
    06/10/2025 IT Leaders: Cybersecurity 2.0 – What’s happening in the Marketplace?
    05/20/2025 Infrastructure/Cloud: Cloud Administration Challenges and Successes
    05/13/2025 IT Leaders: Experience and Lessons Learned from Cyber Threats
    05/08/2025 Workforce Development: From Remote to Reconnected: A Guide to Local Networking in a Hybrid World
    05/07/2025 Lunch N Learn: Cybersecurity Threat Awareness
    04/30/2025 Women 4 Technology - Lift as You Rise Conference
    04/23/2025 Cybersecurity: The Road to Zero Trust
    04/15/2025 Data Analytics: When Social Media and Management Collide: Insights from Three Studies
    04/10/2025 Small Business - Demystifying the Shared Responsibility Model and Avoiding Common Misconceptions About Roles & Responsibilities with Cloud Services
    04/08/2025 IT Leaders: Organizational Design
    04/03/2025 2024 11th Annual Leadership Awards
    03/05/2025 2025 Ohio Information Security Conference
    02/26/2025 Women 4 Tech: Empowering Women in IT: Navigating Change, Building Skills, and Defining Success
    02/18/2025 Infrastructure/Cloud: Disaster Recovery and High Availability
    02/13/2025 Workforce Development: Harnessing Practical AI: Workforce Readiness and Organizational Success
    02/11/2025 IT Leaders: Annual CIO Forecast Panel
    01/28/2025 IT Leaders: 2025 Strategic Goals and Priorities
    01/22/2025 Cybersecurity: Supply Chain Risk Management
    01/21/2025 Data Analytics Roundtable: AI Analytics Methodologies
    01/15/2025 2025 Dayton AI Day
    01/09/2025 Small Business - Tips for Using Microsoft 365 at Your Small Business
    12/12/2024 IT Leaders: A Journey to FinOps
    12/11/2024 Women 4 Tech: Building Joy
    12/10/2024 Infrastructure/Cloud: Beyond High Availability: Building a Resilient, Secure, and Recoverable Business Continuity Strategy
    12/05/2024 Workforce Development: Resources to Upskill Your Workforce
    11/21/2024 Small Business - Tips, Tools, & Strategies: Leveraging Tech First to Grow Your SMB
    11/19/2024 Data Analytics Roundtable: Contact Center as a Service
    11/13/2024 2024 Taste of IT Conference
    10/16/2024 Cybersecurity: How to Safely Deploy Generative AI
    10/15/2024 Infrastructure/Cloud: Top Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cloud Strategy
    10/10/2024 IT Leaders - Shaping the Future of Tech Talent: Workforce Survey Results
    10/02/2024 Workshop - Cyber Secure My Business: Managing Risk Without the Technical Know-How



    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



    1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton Ohio 45417

    Info@TechnologyFirst.org
    937-229-0054

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