The Midwests Premiere Tech Event, Summerfest TechAI, Announces Expansive Ai Programming Featuring Marquee Industry Leaders

MILWAUKEE, WI (March 4, 2026) – Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) today announced programming for the ninth annual Summerfest Tech, taking place June 23–26, 2026 throughout downtown Milwaukee and aligning with the second weekend of national renowned independent music festival, Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance.

The Midwest’s premiere tech event, Summerfest TechAI, will spotlight the rapidly evolving AI landscape with featured keynote speaker Chris Barton, Founder of Shazam and Guard, along with sports technology insights from the Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers, a $24,000 Pitch Competition, and significantly expanded programming across AI and corporate innovation. The conference will also highlight significant players in Wisconsin’s tech ecosystem including Microsoft, BMO, Generac, HUSCO, Molson Coors and more.

Registration for the conference’s core programming remains free, with new add-on experience badges offering enhanced perks, programing, and festival access. To register and purchase visit Summerfest-Tech.com.

2026 Summerfest TechAI programming details:

Keynote Speakers

Summerfest TechAI will feature influential leaders shaping the future of AI including:

• Chris Barton – founder of Shazam and Guard, will explore how bold ideas and purposeful AI can spark transformative innovation (Speaker or All-In Badge required)
• Kristin Milchanowski – Chief AI and Data Officer at BMO Financial Group, will keynote on her book, “Return on Intelligence: A Strategic Enterprise Playbook for Scalable AI Agents.”
• Christa Markgraff – General Manager of Datacenter Operations for Microsoft’s U.S. Central Region will discuss how southeast Wisconsin fits into Microsoft’s growth.
• Generac Leadership will discuss the unprecedented demand for backup power and energy solutions for data centers, how data center growth expands manufacturing in the Midwest and how access to reliable power is more critical than ever before.
• The University of Wisconsin–Madison will host a panel discussion on the role of AI in shaping education, innovation, and the future workforce. Featuring the leaders from the Wisconsin School of Business, College of Engineering, and the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences.

The conference breakout sessions will be broken into two pillars – Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneur Alley.

Conference Pillar: Corporate Innovation

The Corporate Innovation pillar will include the following six industry tracks highlighting key sectors driving tech ecosystem growth in Wisconsin and the Midwest: Healthcare / Biotech, Food, Beverage and Agriculture (FBA) sponsored by Molson Coors, Advanced Manufacturing, Fin & Insurtech, sponsored by Potawatomi Ventures, Trending and Cross‑Industry, sponsored by Michels, and Marketing Technology (MarTech).

Select breakout sessions in the Corporate Innovation pillar include:

• Insights into new and emerging sports technology from the Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers.
• Discover how Michels is using immersive tech to revolutionize recruiting and build the future of how they will train and upskill their workforce.
• Hear the innovation story behind HUSCO’s GenSteer™, a groundbreaking Steer-by-Wire (SbW) platform for off-highway vehicles.

Conference Pillar: Entrepreneur Alley

The Entrepreneur Alley pillar will offer programming tailored specifically for founders, entrepreneurs, and investors, ensuring that all participants can connect and engage meaningfully. As a lead partner in this initiative, BMO will host an exclusive entrepreneur lounge and facilitate two dedicated programming sessions focused on advancing founder success. Additionally, Funded House will enhance the experience with an investor-lounge activation, further supporting the collaborative spirit of the event.

The Entrepreneur Alley pillar will include the following breakout sessions and programming:

• From Red Tape to Real Opportunity: Navigating Government Collaboration – Government partnerships can unlock funding, pilot programs, policy influence, and new market access for founders. This session breaks down how to identify the right public-sector partners, align with community priorities, and build collaborations that fuel both business growth and public impact.
• Funding Fearlessly: Investment Strategies for Female Founders
  Explore practical strategies for closing the funding gap, building investor confidence, and raising capital with clarity and purpose. Hear how women founders are leveraging networks, partnerships, and bold financial leadership to scale on their own terms.
• Summerfest TechAI Pitch Competition – the popular Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition is back for this year’s conference on June 24 and 25, 2026. The competition will feature four track-focused mini-pitches, each spotlighting key industries – Healthcare/Biotech, Disruptive Tech, Advanced Manufacturing & FBA, and FinTech. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for a share of the $20,000 cash prize, along with a $1,000 prize for each track’s “Fan Favorite”. Applications are now open at Summerfest Tech Pitch.

Summerfest TechAI is supported by: AE Business Solutions, Bayforce, BMO, Briggs & Stratton, Generac, Husco, Light The Hoan, Michels, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Ping/SDG, Potawatomi Ventures, Regal Rexnord, T-Mobile for Business, UW–Madison School of Business, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee School of Information Studies, Waukesha County Technical College, and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact SummerfestTech@summerfest.com.

About Summerfest Tech

[inarticlea ad=”UM-In-Article-2″]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 details, visit Summerfest-tech.com.

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.