Get Ready for TECH360!

TECH360 is a local business technology conference featuring the very latest developments in technology, tech workforce, leadership and innovation. Attendees will hear how to advance their companies through technology, as they interact with the region’s top companies, organizations, academic institutions, and tech professionals in today’s market.

2023 theme

AI: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly


Who You Will Meet

  • Thought leaders
  • Industry innovators
  • Top tech employers
  • Tech service providers

What You Will Learn

  • Sector landscape and trends
  • Cybersecurity defense updates
  • Tech growth and innovation
  • Insight into the local tech sector

How You Will Interact

  • Engaging speakers
  • Panel discussions
  • Exhibitor demos
  • Networking sessions

About TECH360

Meet the Speakers

More speakers to come as their information becomes available.

Ray Garcia, PhD

Co-Founder @ PinnacleAI Platforms

Andrew Famiglietti, PhD

Associate Professor @ West Chester University

Julie Goff

COO @ HireBrain

Raghu Sangwan

Director of Engineering Programs @ Penn State Great Valley

Christina Kucek

Executive Director of Intelligent Automation @ CAI

Crystal ONeill

President @ Seer Interactive

Ben Johnson

CEO @ Freya Systems

Cindi Sutera

Founder and Managing Partner @ AMS Communications

Dr. Justin Rademaekers

Associate Professor of English, Writing Across the Curriculum Director @ West Chester University

Dr. Hleziphi (Naomie) Nyanungo

Associate Provost for Learning and Teaching Innovation @ West Chester University

JT Singh

Senior Associate Vice President & CIO – Information Services and Technology @ West Chester University

Suzanne Taylor, PhD

VP, AI Portfolio, Office of the CTO @ Unisys Corporation

Christopher MacNeel

Chief Operations Officer @ Freya Systems

Mike Gadsby

Founder / Chief Innovation Officer @ O3

Mark McCreary, CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPT

Partner and Chair of Privacy and Data Security Practice Group @ Fox Rothschild LLP

Praise for TECH360

Conference Schedule

  • 8:00 am – 8:30 am

LOBBY

Registration and Breakfast

  • 8:30 am – 8:45 am

Room 108

Welcome and Opening

  • 8:45 am – 9:45 am

Room 108

Opening Keynote: Future of Work: Human-AI Collaboration

PRESENTER: Suzanne Taylor, PhD

The ability of AI to boost productivity and creativity opens new possibilities for the way humans and AI will work together across the entire organization. This talk will explore what this collaboration could look like, including how to decide where AI is the most suited partner to bring the most business value. It is not just about having the organization using the most-suited AI-based tools, but also preparing your entire organization with the right skills and mindset for the change that is coming.

  • 9:45 am – 9:50 am

Room 108

Review Event Schedule

  • 9:50 am – 10:00 am

ALL

Break


Session I

  • 10:00 am – 10:50 am

ROOM 108

Preparing Students for an AI Integrated Workplace Panel Discussion

PRESENTERS: JT Singh, Dr. Hleziphi (Naomie) Nyanungo, Dr. Justin Rademaekers, Dr. Andrew Famiglietti

As the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) rapidly grows across industries, it is crucial to recognize the significant role it will play in the future of higher education. Addressing the challenges and opportunities in preparing students for the career world integrated with AI is the focus of this panel discussion.

The panel represents a variety of perspectives in the field of education and technology discussing key issues. 

The panelists will share insights into:

  1. The importance of AI literacy in education
  2. The role of educators in building students’ skill sets for a world of AI
  3. The ethical implications of AI and its impact on society
  4. The importance of teaching students critical thinking to use AI as a tool for innovation and problem-solving
  5. Helping educators understand and intentionally integrate AI in their teaching
  6. Explore some of the latest trends and practical applications of AI

Join us for an engaging discussion and learn how educators can prepare students to thrive in a future integrated with AI.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Address the “crisis” in higher education in relation to AI. 
  2. Discuss the use of AI and explore its capabilities/limitations based on the research at WCU. 
  3. Explore incorporation of AI to support student learning across disciplines.
  4. Consider the implications of AI for assessing learning. 
  • 10:00 am – 10:50 am

Room 112

The Risks and Benefits of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence

PRESENTER: Mark McCreary

It is important for business owners to make informed decisions as they leverage AI’s potential and address associated challenges. While AI can streamline and enhance operations by automating repetitive tasks and improving efficiency, businesses must be aware ofthe legal and regulatory frameworks governing AI. This cutting-edge program, led by Mark McCreary, Chair of Fox Rothschild’s Privacy and Data Security Practice will explore how companies can embrace AI while ensuring safe and thoughtful use.

  • 10:50 am – 11:00 am

ALL

Break


Session II

  • 11:00 am – 11:50 am

ROOM 108

Leading an AI Enabled Workforce Panel Discussion

PANELISTS: Ben Johnson, Crystal O’Neill, Julie Goff

MODERATOR: Cindi Sutera

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the business world, and organizations are eager to harness its power for a competitive edge. According to a recent study by OpenAI*, generative AI is predicted to impact at least 10% of work tasks for around 80% of the US workforce. However, one of the biggest challenges companies face is finding the right talent to effectively utilize AI technology while also supporting the existing workforce in developing skills that combine domain knowledge with AI tools. 

While the productivity gains from generative AI will inevitably emerge in various areas, many business leaders are still skeptical about its readiness for prime time. While some may choose to wait until everything is perfectly figured out, this may not be the best strategy considering the rapid pace of AI innovation. 

This panel will delve into how local business leaders are using AI-enabled tools to gain or maintain a competitive advantage. Join us to explore the ways in which AI is shaping the business landscape and discover valuable strategies for success in the age of AI. 

  • 11:00 am – 11:50 am

Room 112

Using Generative AI for Developer Enhancement & Software Factories

PRESENTER: Ray Garcia, PhD

This talk will cover what Generative AI is, what Large Language Models (LLMs) are, and describe scenarios that enhance software developers. A demonstrative example of its use is offered in the form of applying machine learning to security problems.  In particular, a fuzzy inferencing system is created as a solution to the phishing problem.

In particular, two components are covered: (1) The IEC 61131-7 standard of a Fuzzy Control Language and (2) Scalablurry ( https://github.com/raygarcia/scalablurry (https://github.com/raygarcia/scalablurry) ), a platform independent Scala fuzzy logic library that also processes IEC 61131-7 standard scripts.  

The audience will be taken through the details and results of prompts representing the problem and necessary model generation to solve the phishing problem against known standard data sets.


  • 11:50 am – 1:00 pm

Cafeteria and LOBBY

Lunch and Networking


  • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

ROOM 108

Midday Keynote: AI – Stories from the Field

PRESENTER: Christina Kucek

Join Christina Kucek in some storytelling on real world examples AI adoption which went well and not-so-well. Listening to different approaches and outcomes will provide both lessons learned and thoughtful ideas for how you and your business might best use AI to achieve your business goals.

  • 2:00 pm – 2:10 pm

All

Break


Session III

  • 2:10 pm – 3:00 pm

room 108

Personalized, Predictive and Proactive: AI’s Role in the Customer Experience

PRESENTER: Mike Gadsby

The most successful companies in the world are obsessed with creating a great customer experience (CX). As the sum of all interactions between a customer and a business, a positive customer experience can make or break a company’s reputation and impact the bottom line. Now, with the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) – and in particular, ChatGPT – customer expectations for even the smallest businesses will only continue to rise. In this talk, we will examine how AI can revolutionize CX by providing personalized and truly human interactions with customers. We will also dive deep into the potential damage a poor CX and AI strategy can cause a brand if not handled with care.

  • 2:10 pm – 3:00 pm

room 112

AI Engineering – Managing Risks in AI Systems

PRESENTER: Raghu Sangwan

Recent advances have created an opportunity to embed artificial intelligence in software-intensive systems that include those for safety-critical domains such as autonomous vehicles, aircraft maintenance, nuclear power plants and medicine. Any misbehavior in these AI systems can lead to grave consequences such as loss of life and property. This talk will examine the state-of-the-art in engineering AI systems that are safe, secure, and testable, the challenges faced when designing and implementing these systems, and strategies that can help overcome some of these challenges.

  • 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

All

Snack Break


  • 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

108

Closing Keynote: The 95% of AI Everyone is NOT Talking About

PRESENTER: Christopher MacNeel

Join us for a presentation that offers business leaders an opportunity to focus on the broader world of AI and how its application can positively impact their organization. Chat GPT and AGI have stolen the limelight, but the landscape of AI is far wider, with as much as 95% of it being ANI solutions which have the power to solve specific problems. Our workshop will help you begin to navigate this complex field and harness the power of ANI to shape a successful future for your organization.


  • 4:30 pm – 4:45 pm

108

Wrap-Up

Get TECH360 Tickets

ATTENDEE

Individual

$199

  • Full access to the entire schedule of presentations
  • Continental breakfast and lunch included
  • Networking opportunities throughout the day

BUDDY PRICING

Minimum 2 Tickets

$175

  • Full access to the entire schedule of presentations
  • Continental breakfast and lunch included
  • Networking opportunities throughout the day

Event Information

  • Date: Tuesday, October 17, 2023
  • Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: West Chester University, The Science and Engineering Center and the Commons (SECC), 155 University Avenue, West Chester, PA 19383
  • Parking: Free parking at The New Street Garage, 704 S New St, West Chester, PA 19383

2023 Sponsors


Empowering Local Innovation

TECH360 is delivered by the following organizations, with support from contributing local businesses:

TECH360 logo