Technology First upcoming events

IT Leaders: Leading Responsible AI Adoption (07/14/2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Leading Responsible AI Adoption

AI integration requires a shift from managing technical tools to driving cultural leadership. Glen Horton will share a framework for responsibly guiding staff through AI adoption.

We'll explore how to bridge the "governance gap" by setting role-specific expectations, model "responsible curiosity", promote human-in-the-loop oversight, and proactively manage AI anxiety and fatigue. Participants will have opportunities to share the challenges and successes from their own organizations.

Discussion areas:

AI Adoption Starts with Leadership
Human/AI Hybrid Work
Redefining Work in an AI World
Setting and Communicating AI expectations

Agenda:

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

8:30 - 10:00 am meeting

Title Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsor:

Cybersecurity: Digital Tools and Cross Integration (07/22/2026)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

The Era of 'Bring Your Own Proprietary Black Box' is Ending. The Era of 'Integrated, Traceable Toolchains' is Here.

The problem isn’t a lack of tools – it’s too many disconnected ones. The DAF and industry are shifting toward interoperable, role-based toolchains that support workflows and lifecycles end-to-end. This Insight Lab focuses on what standardization without stagnation actually looks like.

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2026 Dayton AI Day (08/26/2026)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMT

The Future, Applied

Dayton AI Day is about moving AI from concept to capability. We bring together leaders and practitioners who are turning emerging AI ideas into real-world results. This is not speculation or surface-level demos. It is practical insight on how AI is being implemented today, what is coming next, and how organizations can apply it responsibly and at scale. Join the conversation shaping how the future of AI actually shows up in work, decisions, and outcomes.

Dayton AI Day 2026 is where AI moves from idea to implementation. Practical sessions. Real lessons. Clear takeaways. This is the future, and it is already at work.

See the Full Agenda

Now Accepting Event Sponsors

Connect with the people shaping how AI is being applied across our region.

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Technology First Digital Mixer (10/14/2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Join us where over 200+ students, faculty, and IT professionals' network and connect.

The Digital Mixer is an annual event that brings together hundreds of students and IT professionals to network and connect with regional employers. Join us for casual yet meaningful conversations that could land you the job or the talent you’ve been

looking for!

Students - Bring your resumes and learn more about the internships and career possibilities in the region.

Employers - Bring your company information to share internship, part-time, and full-time opportunities they have available.

Dress Code: Business Casual

NOTE: This event is exclusively open to students, faculty, and hiring employers only. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this opportunity remains focused on the intended audience.

Please contact info@technologyfirst.org with any questions!

IT Leadership Institute (10/16/2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Hosted by The Circuit, the IT Leadership Institute is a leadership development program now available to Technology First members.

Successful IT leaders, whether in formal leadership roles or leading through influence, combine technical expertise with emotional intelligence and a commitment to growth. They set vision, understand people, and shape culture with intent. The payoff: stronger teams, better business outcomes, and lasting impact across the IT community.

About the Program

The IT Leadership Institute is a 10-month, immersive leadership development experience designed specifically for IT professionals. Through expert-led sessions, peer discussion, and applied learning, participants will:

Increase self-awareness and understand how they are perceived by others
Identify their leadership style and apply it for maximum impact
Build and inspire high-performing teams
Develop critical leadership skills for an evolving technology landscape
Lead through influence rather than authority
Navigate complex organizational dynamics with confidence

Program Structure

Schedule: One half-day session per month, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, October through July (no December session)
Format: Expert-led discussions, peer collaboration, and CIO-level guest speakers
Environment: A focused, trusted space for tackling real-world IT leadership challenges

Key Topics

The Essence of Leadership
Community Project Planning
Technology Leadership and Why It’s Different
Is Management for Me?
Transformational Leadership: Vision and Strategy
Transactional Leadership: Delivering Results That Matter
IT Budgeting and Financials
Relational Leadership: Coaching, Communication, and Trust
Higher-Order Leadership: Leading Other Leaders
HR Insights: Interviewing, Career Management, and Networking

Click here to register and use the password TechnologyFirst