Summerfest TechAI Draws Global Audience, Sets Registration Record at Ninth Annual Conference
MILWAUKEE, WI – Summerfest TechAI concluded its ninth annual conference with record growth, further establishing its position as one of the Midwest’s premier technology conferences. Produced by Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., the event was held June 23–26, 2026, and attracted more than 3,300 registrants representing over 1,500 companies, from 33 states and five countries, along with a record number of sponsors.
This year’s conference focused on the evolving artificial intelligence landscape and featured keynote speaker Chris Barton, founder of Shazam. Over four days, 154 speakers delivered more than 65 hours of programming exploring applied AI innovation, workforce development, digital transformation, and the continued growth of Wisconsin’s technology ecosystem. Additionally, 151 companies participated in programming throughout Summerfest Tech AI, while Entrepreneur Alley continued its year-over-year growth, further strengthening its role as a platform for startups and development.
Summerfest Tech AI featured a gubernatorial discussion on the future of technology policy and innovation in Wisconsin, curated by MKE Tech Hub Coalition and the Wisconsin Technology Council. The conference also welcomed executive leaders from organizations including Eli Lilly and Company, Rockwell Automation, and Johnson Controls to discuss the impact of emerging technologies on business and industry.
“Summerfest TechAI highlights the strength of Wisconsin’s growing tech ecosystem and Milwaukee’s role as a hub for innovation,” said Sarah Pancheri, President and CEO, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. is proud to convene executives, entrepreneurs, and others from across the country, showcasing the region as a leading tech destination.”
Programming Highlights for Summerfest TechAI:
- AI & Innovation Insights – keynotes from the Founder of Shazam, Chris Barton, and Chief Data Science, AI, and Quantum Officer Kristin Milchanowski with BMO Financial Group.
- Entrepreneur Alley – continued its growth as a hub for startup innovation, featuring founders, venture capitalists, and industry experts who shared insights on fundraising, business growth, and market expansion.
- Pitch Competition – the competition drew a record-breaking 249 entries from around the world across four categories. Twenty startup finalists pitched live during the conference, and the winners were selected by judging panels and received$5,000, with Wisconsin’s own Okkanti taking the top Fintech prize. New this year, attendees voted for a “Fan Favorite” in each category, with winners receiving $1,000. The full list of winners can be found HERE. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
- Public Affairs Content – continuing its focus on technology policy, the conference featured a gubernatorial candidate forum with leaders from business, higher education, entrepreneurship, investment, and technology discussing Wisconsin’s innovation and economic future with topics such as AI adoption, talent pipelines, startup ecosystems, and more.
Sponsors of Summerfest 2026 included – ABC Pathways, AdvancedTek, AE Business Solutions, Aleysian, Arista, AWS/Syntax, Bayforce, BMO, Briggs & Stratton, Concurrency, Cream City Cyber, CU Ventures, Customertimes, Dell Technologies, Forward TS, Funded House, Generac Power Systems, GuidePoint Security/Sublime/Torq, Heartland Business Systems, Hitachi Vantara, Husco, JBS Dev, Light the Hoan, M7, MajorKey/Palo Alto, Michels, MKE Tech Hub Coalition, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Moreland Connect, Ping Identity/SDG, Potawatomi Ventures, Proofpoint, Qumulo, Red Foundry/i.c.stars, Regal Rexnord, Rehlko, SailPoint, Slalom, STEP CG, T-Mobile for Business, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee School of Continuing Education, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee School of Information Studies, Waukesha County Technical College, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Werner, Wisconsin Technology Council, Xorbix.
Media support provided by Experience Milwaukee. Production support provided by Majic Productions, Inc.
Visit Summerfest Tech for more 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.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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