Summerfest Tech Announces 2026 Dates, Adds Shazam Founder Chris Barton as Keynote, and Unveils New Experience Add-Ons
MILWAUKEE, WI – (October 15, 2025) – Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) and Summerfest Tech announced details for Milwaukee’s ninth annual premier technology conference. Summerfest TechAI will again focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and take place Tuesday, June 23 – Friday, June 26, 2026, at various locations across Milwaukee.
Chris Barton will headline Summerfest TechAI 2026 as the closing keynote speaker to wrap up the conference. Barton, founder of Shazam and Guard, will explore how bold ideas and purposeful AI can spark transformative innovation. He will share lessons on turning vision into scalable impact – inspiring regions and organizations alike to lead in the next era of intelligent, human-centered technology.
NEW – Summerfest TechAI is introducing add-on experience badges, designed to enhance the overall event experience. While the conference’s core programming will remain free of charge, these additions aim to foster connections among the regional tech community and encourage engagement with Milwaukee’s hospitality and tourism offerings.
Summerfest TechAI add-on experience badges include the following:
- $125 All-In Badge
- On June 26 – admission to closing keynote speaker Chris Barton, founder of Shazam and Guard, networking event, and admission to Summerfest
- Admission to Summerfest for two weekends – June 25-27, July 2-4
- Free refreshments at various networking events at popular locations throughout Milwaukee including 3rd Street Market Hall, Experience Milwaukee at Wantable Café, Station 1846, and more
- Conference lunch vouchers
- VIP Deck Access during Summerfest on June 25
- $75 Marquee Keynote Speaker Badge
- On June 26 – admission to closing keynote speaker Chris Barton, founder of Shazam and Guard, networking event, and admission to Summerfest
- $60 Entertainment Badge
- Access to Summerfest June 25-27
- Free refreshments at networking events at popular locations throughout Milwaukee including 3rd Street Market Hall, Experience Milwaukee at Wantable Café, Station 1846, and more
- Conference lunch vouchers
Don’t wait – add-on experience badges are now available – for more details and to purchase visit – Summerfest-Tech.com – quantities are limited.
Additionally, Summerfest Tech AI is expanding its Entrepreneur Alley programming in 2026 and will feature the following breakout session tracks:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- FinTech & InsurTech
- Food, Beverage, & Agriculture
- Healthcare & Biohealth
- NEW – MarTech (Marketing Technology)
Last year, Summerfest TechAI achieved record results, attracting thousands of registrants from 34 states and 10 countries. Since launching in 2018, Summerfest Tech has provided a national platform for thousands of business and technology professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors—enhancing Milwaukee’s reputation as an emerging tech hub.
To register for the 2026 conference, visit: www.Summerfest-Tech.com/register
Further announcements on speakers, agenda, pitch competition application timelines, and accreditation/certification opportunities will be shared in the coming months.
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. Summerfest Tech will be held June 23-26, 2026. For more information, visit Summerfest-Tech.com or Facebook, Instagram, and X @SummerfestTech.
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.