Summerfest Tech and MKE Tech Hub Coalition Expand Partnership to Co-Produce Conference Ahead of 10th Anniversary Year
Milwaukee, WI (September 1, 2026) – Summerfest Tech, one of Midwest’s premier annual technology conferences, and the MKE Tech Hub Coalition announced plans to expand their partnership as the event prepares for its milestone 10th year in 2027.
The MKE Tech Hub Coalition works to grow southeastern Wisconsin’s technology ecosystem by supporting talent development, innovation, and startup growth.
Building on a successful multi-year collaboration, the expanded partnership will strengthen both organizations’ efforts to advance Milwaukee’s position as a leading technology hub and elevate the region as a destination for innovation.
Milwaukee World Festival (MWF) has produced Summerfest Tech since its inception in 2018. Through this partnership, the MKE Tech Hub Coalition will lead overall event planning, programming, sponsorships, and marketing. MWF will assist with event planning, sponsorships, and marketing efforts while continuing to expand integrations between Summerfest and Summerfest Tech.
“As Summerfest Tech approaches its 10th anniversary, we’re excited to expand our partnership with MKE Tech Hub Coalition to elevate the conference and showcase Milwaukee and the Midwest as a destination for technology and innovation,” said Sarah Pancheri, President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival. “MKE Tech Hub Coalition has been instrumental in the conference’s success, and we look forward to working together to build on the momentum of the past nine years as we shape the next chapter.”
“Summerfest Tech accomplishes everything MKE Tech Hub exists to do – connecting talent, accelerating innovation, and telling the story of southeast Wisconsin to the world. This partnership brings that together through one incredible crescendo moment for our ecosystem,” said Joe Poeschl, Executive Director, MKE Tech Hub Coalition. “Our mission alignment is real. Our commitment to this community is real. And our shared vision for where this goes is real. This is going to be a lot of fun.”
MKE Tech Hub Coalition has played a significant role in the growth and evolution of Summerfest Tech through financial support, strategic collaboration, and programming. The partnership has resulted in mentorship circles that connect founders with regional leaders, as well as workforce skilling workshops for attendees. Additionally, in 2026, new networking experiences powered by Sit By Me were introduced, along with a team of MKE Tech Navigator volunteers who helped attendees build meaningful professional connections throughout the conference.
Summerfest Tech has grown from a two-hour event attended by 50 community stakeholders into a multi-day conference that attracts thousands of attendees from around the world. Since its launch in 2018, the conference has brought together technology and business leaders to connect, learn, and celebrate innovation. Leveraging the reach and reputation of Summerfest, the conference serves as a hub for collaboration across the Midwest’s business and tech communities. This year, the conference marked its strongest year to date with more than 3,300 registrations from 33 states and nearly 60 sponsors, reinforcing its position as one of the region’s leading tech conferences.
Dates for the 2027 Summerfest Tech conference will be announced in the coming months and will coincide with the 2027 festival. For the latest information visit Summerfest-Tech.com.
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. For more information, visit Summerfest-Tech.com or Facebook, Instagram, and X @SummerfestTech.
About MKE Tech Hub Coalition
MKE Tech Hub Coalition is a nonprofit coalition connecting southeast Wisconsin’s technology ecosystem across 140+ corporate member organizations spanning corporations, startups, educational institutions, and civic leaders. Through programs including Synapse (AI advisory services), Catalyze (enterprise tech leadership development), FOR-M (early-stage startup incubation), and the FUSE AI Bootcamp (collegiate AI literacy), MKE Tech activates leaders, connects the ecosystem, fosters talent, accelerates AI and innovation, and amplifies the region’s tech story. Learn more at mketech.org.
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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