Bringing Innovation to Erie – Tech Summit 2025 Recap

Brian Marshall, vCIO Velocity Network

Cybersecurity, AI and technology took center stage at a packed Bayfront Convention Center in Erie during our 2025 Tech Summit.

Making Erie, our beautiful home, a hub for technology and innovation has always been one of our goals. The energy in the room was inspiring. As virtual Chief Information Officer, it’s always powerful to see Erie’s tech ecosystem strong and ready to connect. Moments like these remind me why this community is so special and why we’re committed to presenting the Tech Summit every year right here in Erie.

This year’s event drew our largest crowd yet, bringing together business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs from right here and around the country. Not to mention the dozens of students, tech professionals and those just interested in what the incredibly knowledgeable speakers had to say. We had something for all levels of familiarity and this is something we’re excited to expand on in the future. Either way, the summit featured a full day of conversations around the future of tech.

One of the standout highlights was our fireside chat with Jen Easterly, former Director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. She was introduced by Rep. Bob Merski on the PA House Cybersecurity Committee.

Jen joined us for a conversation on the national landscape of cybersecurity and emerging AI policy. Her insights were incredibly informative and timely, emphasizing the importance of digital resilience and the shared responsibility we all have in protecting our data and systems. By the time the Q&A began, it was standing-room-only, a clear sign of how engaged our audience was.

We were fortunate to welcome a phenomenal slate of speakers. Dimitri Nemirovsky and Alex Brandt from Atakama spoke on the importance of browser security solutions; Connor Swalm from PHIN shared practical strategies for reducing human error in cybersecurity; and Chrissy Anthony from Erie Bank offered a valuable perspective on digital trust and how financial institutions can adapt to modern threats while continuing to serve their communities.

James Mignacca and Katie Walford from Cavelo gave an eye-opening talk on data visibility and risk in modern enterprises. Chris Blanding from Juniper Networks led a session on a fascinating look at AI in network security and how predictive technologies are reshaping global industries. Not to mention Matt Lee from Pax8 and his discussion about the importance of consumer safety as new technologies rapidly shift and evolve.

After the main programming wr apped up, we also hosted a networking happy hour. The after-party gave attendees a chance to decompress, reflect, and continue conversations in a more relaxed setting. It was a great way to close out the day and build relationships that will hopefully last well beyond the event.

Our goal for the Tech Summit is to be a place where people can learn, connect, and walk away with cutting-edge ideas they can apply themselves – whether they’re running a small business, building a startup, learning for a career in tech or just working in IT. If attendees can walk out of here knowing one more thing than yesterday, then it was all worth it.

Thank you to everyone who attended. We’ll see you next year, right here in Erie.

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With the great amount of positive feedback received this year, planning for next year’s tech summit in 2026 is already underway as we aim to raise the bar even higher. We’re committed to growing Erie’s tech presence and supporting the people who are building the future right here in our region.