2025 Tech Nebraska Summit

Overview

Agenda

8:00–8:45 AM: Check-in, Breakfast & Networking

The Tech Nebraska Summit opens its doors and begins with coffee and networking ahead of a full day of exciting programming. During this time, you’re invited to meet fellow attendees and learn more about Tech Nebraska. Thank you to our sponsors: Google, Kiewit, Great Plains Communications, FMNE Insurance, JE Dunn Construction, Olsson, Rubrik, Behlen MFG, Cox Communications, Hamilton Business Technologies, McGrath North, IP Pathways, Tenaska, Valmont, Werner Enterprises, Aksarben Foundation, Apex Systems, Cline Williams, Critical Labs, CyncHealth, Don’t Panic Labs, ECC, Lincoln Electric Systems, Nile Secure, Palo Alto Networks

8:45–9:05 AM: Summit Kickoff: The Vision for Tech Nebraska

Start the day with Emily Allen, Tech Nebraska’s new Executive Director, and Chris Dill, CIO at Kiewit and Chair of Tech Nebraska’sExecutive Committee, as they share the vision for Tech Nebraska. From championing innovation to shaping policy, this fireside chat sets the stage for how our community can drive Nebraska’s tech future together.

Speakers

• Emily Allen, Executive Director, Tech Nebraska
• Chris Dill, VP & Chief Information Officer, Kiewit Technology Group

9:05–9:30 AM: The Future of Ag: An Autonomy Story

Greg Tehven, CEO & Co-Founder of Emerging Prairie and Co-Founder & Board Chair of Grand Farm, will share how autonomy is shaping the future of agriculture and the role communities play in driving innovation. In his talk, Greg will highlight how setting a bold vision, building strong teams, and delivering meaningful results can accelerate transformation in food and agriculture. A fifth-generation North Dakotan, Greg brings both local perspective and national experience to exploring how regions like Nebraska and North Dakota can lead this technological revolution.

9:40-10:25 AM: Breakout Session

Track A — From Angels to Exit: Securing Funding at All Stages

From angels to venture capital to private equity, this panel brings together leading investors to break down the funding journey. Learn what investors look for at every stage, how to position your venture for growth, and what market trends founders need to know to secure capital and build toward a successful exit.

Panelists

• Josh Bartels, Executive Director, Nebraska Angels
• Charlie Cuddy, Managing Partner, MOVE Venture Capital
• Alan Davis, Senior Associate, M-One Capital

Moderated by Daragh Mahon, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Werner Enterprises

Track B — Cloud Control: Turning Cost into Competitive Advantage

The cloud promised speed, scale, and savings, but many organizations are seeing spiraling costs and complexity instead. This session offers a clear roadmap for reclaiming control of your cloud investment. Learn how to optimize spend with FinOps, build secure and compliant adoption strategies, and empower delivery teams to accelerate cycles and reduce time-to-market. Discover how to shift the cloud from a cost center into a true accelerator for innovation.

Panelists

• Eric Gerling, Platform Engineering Consultant, Trility 
• Jay Brummels, Principal DevSecOps Consultant, Trility

Moderated by Brody Deren, Chief Strategy Officer, Trility

10:35–11:20 AM: Breakout Session

Track A — Startups and Beyond: Building, Scaling and Staying in Nebraska

Nebraska’s startup scene is growing fast. The challenge is making sure companies don’t just launch here, but also scale and stay. This panel of founders and ecosystem leaders will share real-world lessons on building through early challenges, securing local talent, and tapping into the state’s strengths in cost, community, and support networks. Learn strategies for turning startups into lasting companies that fuel Nebraska’s economic growth.

Panelists

• Jennifer Lea, Founder, Entry Envy
• Karen Borchert, Founder & CEO, Alpaca
• Kellee Mikuls, Executive Director, Ignite Nebraska
• Tullen Mabbutt, CFO, CompanyCam

Moderated by Tom Chapman, Co-Founder & CEO Peeq Industries

Track B — The Great Knowledge Acceleration: Bridging Generations in the AI Era

AI isn’t just changing technology, it’s changing how we work together. This dynamic panel explores how Nebraska organizations can use AI to bridge generational divides in the workplace, from equipping seasoned leaders with data-driven insights to giving young professionals powerful tools for learning and problem-solving. Discover how companies are fostering collaboration across age groups and building a workforce ready to thrive in the AI era.

Panelists

• John Grange, Co-Founder & CTO, OpsCompass
• Brian Zimmer, Co-Owner & Chief Strategy Officer, Don’t Panic Labs
• Nikhil Madan, Founder & CEO, FluteSpace

Moderated by Jisella Brough, Founder & CEO, One For the Ages

11:20 AM–12:15 PM: Lunch

12:15–1:00 PM: A Conversation with Jahmy Hindman, CTO at John Deere

Jahmy Hindman, CTO of John Deere, will explore how innovation and emerging technologies are transforming agriculture — and what it means for Nebraska’s tech economy.

1:05-1:35 PM: Fireside Chat with Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers

Fresh off a strategic listening session with Tech Nebraska’s Advisory Board, Attorney General Mike Hilgers will join Executive Director Emily Allen on stage to continue the conversation on how Nebraska can foster startups, responsibly harness AI, and shape a thriving innovation ecosystem.

Speakers

• Emily Allen, Executive Director, Tech Nebraska
• Mike Hilgers, Attorney General of Nebraska

1:40–2:25 PM Policy Playbook: Legislation Shaping Nebraska’s Tech Future

As Nebraska’s tech sector grows, smart policy is critical to sustaining momentum. This panel of government relations experts will forecast the 2026 legislative session and highlight national trends on AI, workforce, cybersecurity, broadband, and startup support. Hear what’s coming, where challenges may arise, and how Nebraska’s tech community can engage to ensure our state stays competitive and at the forefront of innovation.

Speakers

• Jen Creager, SVP, Public Policy, Greater Omaha Chamber
• Dan Harbeke, Regional Head, Public Policy and External Affairs, Google
• Rochelle Mallett, EVP, State Government Affairs HB Strategies

Moderated by Todd Bingham, CEO, Nebraska Chamber

2:35–3:20 PM: Breakout Session

Track A — Cybersecurity: Protecting Nebraska’s Tech Ecosystem

Cybersecurity is no longer just about keeping hackers out—its about protecting data, meeting strict compliance standards, and keeping businesses running. In this session, security leaders will share how organizations can manage rising threats, reduce risk, and respond effectively to attacks. Learn real-world strategies for safeguarding sensitive industries like healthtech and fintech, navigating regulations, and building a culture where security is everyone’s job.

Panelists

• Michael Perdunn, Director of Advisory Services, OakTruss Group
• Dana Turner, CISO at UBT, Director CyberStrong Nebraska
• Katie Curtis, CIO, Great Plains Communications
• Abby Eccher-Young, Nebraska Chief Information Security Officer and OCIO Deputy Director, State of Nebraska

Moderated by Maureen Fulton, Attorney/Shareholder, Chair of Data Privacy and Security Practice Area, Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O.

Track B — Modernizing Professional Services with Data-Driven Decision Making

Across Nebraska, leaders are using data and cloud tools to improve services, cut costs, and drive innovation. This panel brings together public and private sector voices to show how analytics are transforming real projects—from the City of Omaha’s approach to urban planning and citizen services to how professional services firms are rethinking engineering and large-scale project management. Attendees will gain practical insights and a roadmap for putting data to work inside their own organizations.

Panelists

• Jacob Larson, Analyst, Parking, Curbside and Mobility Services, Walker Consultants
• Jim Dolinski, Applications Architect, Dotcomm
• Ryan Wade, Software Solutions Director, Lutz
• Kelli Kramer, Marketing Director, Olsson

Moderated by David Tomlinson, SVP & CIO at Scoular

3:25–3:30 PM: Closing Conversation: What’s Next for Tech Nebraska

Join Emily Allen and Chris Dill as they close out the 2025 Tech Nebraska Summit with reflections on the day’s conversations and a look at what’s ahead. Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, and attendees for fueling the momentum that’s moving Nebraska’s tech sector forward.

3:30–5:00 PM: Happy Hour

Unwind and celebrate the day with good drinks, great hors d’oeuvres, and even better company. This is your chance to relax, connect with peers, and keep the conversations flowing. Cheers to building what’s next for Nebraska tech!

Who Should Attend?

The 2025 Tech Nebraska Summit is ideal for:

• CIOs, CTOs & Technology Leaders: Meet peers and leaders across all of Nebraska’s core industries who are driving technology advancements. 
• Entrepreneurs & Startups: Learn from successful entrepreneurs and gain valuable advice to take your startup to the next level. 
• Industry Professionals: Expand your knowledge and skills in your area of expertise. 
• Policy Makers: Learn about policy opportunities that are critical to advancing Nebraska as a leading technology state. 
• Tech Enthusiasts: Stay ahead of the curve with insights into the latest trends and technologies. 
• Students: Gain inspiration and guidance for your future career in tech. 

Pricing Information & Ticket Options

Select from varying options depending on your membership status with Tech Nebraska:

Tech Nebraska Member — $135

Non-Member — $150

Corporate Table — $1,500

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! This isn’t possible without you.

Platinum: Google, Kiewit, Great Plains Communications

Gold: FMNE Insurance, JE Dunn, Olsson, Rubrik

Silver: Behlen MFG, Cox Communications, Hamilton Business Technologies, McGrath North, IP Pathways, Tenaska, Valmont, Werner Enterprises, YASH Technologies

Bronze: Aksarben Foundation, Apex Systems, Cline Williams, Critical Labs, CyncHealth, Don’t Panic Labs, ECC, Lincoln Electric Systems, LogicGate, Nile Secure, OPTK Networks, Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler

Tech Nebraska Summit sponsors don’t just get brand visibility—they get a seat at the table. As a sponsor, you’ll help shape the future of technology in our state while building meaningful connections with tech leaders, innovators, and decision-makers across Nebraska.

Whether you’re looking to boost your presence, support local innovation, or recruit top talent, there’s a sponsorship level to match your goals. Reach out to Emily Allen at eallen@nechamber.com if you’re interested in sponsoring.