The Arizona Technology Council and Eide Bailly are excited to host the 2nd Annual TechFusion: AI, IT, and Computer Science Conference on
Tuesday, March 31.

We are thrilled to invite you to attend the 2nd annual TechFusion conference, a dynamic gathering that brings together a diverse group of professionals and thought leaders in the fields of artificial intelligence, computer science, and information technology. This event is designed for industry professionals such as software developers, data scientists, and IT managers eager to apply cutting-edge technologies in their work. Business leaders and entrepreneurs will find valuable insights into leveraging AI and IT innovations for competitive advantage. Additionally, policymakers and educators will have the opportunity to explore the statewide and educational impacts of these transformative technologies.

By attending this conference, you will be part of a platform that fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation among a wide array of Arizona stakeholders. Join us in shaping the future of technology and its impact on the world. We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring and enriching experience!

Event Agenda: (Subject to change)
12:30 PM | Registration/Networking

1:00 PM | Welcome remarks

• Steven Zylstra, President + CEO, Arizona Technology Council

1:10 PM | Opening Keynote | The Human Advantage

• Eric J Rodriguez, Human-Centered Futurist | Innovation Strategist

1:30 PM | Panel Discussion | Disrupted: How Vendors, Mandates & AI Are Rewriting the IT Rulebook

• Arun Arunachalam, Sr. Solutions Architect, AWS
• Bobby Christian, Executive Chairman, NexusTek
• Craig Jackman, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Paragon IT Professionals
• JP Pilkin, VP, Advanced Solutions Group, NexusTek
• Moderator: Bethany Plaza, Enterprise Executive, Advanced Solutions, NexusTek

2:10 PM | Spotlight Presentation | AZ Tech Week

• Melissa Lamson, EVP Venture Development & Innovation Strategy, Arizona Commerce Authority

2:20 PM | Panel Discussion | Broken or Evolving? Tech Pipelines in the Era of AI and Agentic Systems

• Calline Sanchez, Vice President, IBM Systems Services & Technical, IBM
• Dr. Larry Rother, Global Director, Public Sector, Intel Corporation
• Ed Vasko, COO, Visory
• Moderator: Cathleen Barton, Principal, Cathleen Barton Consulting

3:00 PM | Afternoon Break/Visit Exhibitors

3:15 PM | Panel Discussion | What Breaks When AI Grows — and How to See it Coming

• Bryce Burnham, Patent Attorney and Partner, Fuller Law Group, Blackman Burnham Fuller
• Steve Copeland, CEO and Founder, Rythmz Network
• Sreeram Vadlamudi, Cloud infrastructure Architect/Devops Lead, Accenture
• Moderator: Rawad Habib, Blockchain Professor, University of Advancing Technology

3:55 PM | Panel Discussion | The Bedrock of Digital Infrastructure: The Data Center Evolution

• Valerie Crafton, SVP of Strategy & Operations, Mod42 LLC
• Shelbe Jones, Sr. Manager, AWS State and Local Public Policy
• Karla Moran, Director, Economic Development, Salt River Project
• Moderator: Cepand Alizadeh, Government Relations Specialist, Arizona Technology Council

4:35 PM | Closing Keynote |  Skynet Can’t do it alone: The rise of agentic AI

Patrick Marcus, President & CEO, Marcus Engineering, LLC

4:45 PM | Closing Remarks

5:00 PM | Event Ends

Call for sponsors!

Please contact us at [email protected] for more information on becoming a sponsor of this event.