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2024 Program

Keynote Speaker

Keynote Sponsor

Vince Kadlubek

Chief Vision Officer 
Meow Wolf 

Vince Kadlubek steered Meow Wolf through its formative years, crafting the groundbreaking House of Eternal Return business plan and guiding the team to its grand opening in March 2016.

In January 2017, Kadlubek established Meow Wolf, Inc. as a full-scale arts production company and creative studio, aiming to create the world’s most innovative and monumental art exhibits. 

Kadlubek, a Santa Fe native, proudly states, “New Mexico is pure potential right now, and I think Meow Wolf’s success has proved that. By basing Meow Wolf in our home state, we opened up New Mexico’s brilliance to the world. Our state is an open landscape of innovation just waiting to be unleashed.” 

2:40 PM | Ballroom

Track Topics

Advanced Strategies in Cybersecurity Incorporating AI in the Everyday Creating the Workforce of Tomorrow Ingenuity & Innovation in the Land Of Enchantment Demystifying the Emerging Technologies of Tomorrow

Enchantment 2

Advanced Strategies in Cybersecurity

Sponsored by

This panel features industry experts discussing the benefits and challenges of Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA) in professional organizations. Participants will share insights on enhancing security by eliminating implicit trust, improving threat detection, and promoting compliance. The panel will address obstacles like integration complexity, business disruption, and cultural shifts. Attendees will gain practical knowledge for successful ZTA adoption and resilient security strategies.

Moderator |

Mark Fidel

Principal Consultant, Fidel Consulting Group

Panelists |

JR Garcia

Director of Solutions Engineering, ANM

Ian Cook

Regional vCIO

John Linford

Forum Director, The Open Group

As cyber threats evolve, the human element remains a key vulnerability. This session explores how building a ‘human firewall’— of vigilant and informed people—can reduce risks like phishing and social engineering. We’ll discuss effective training methods, leadership’s role in fostering a security-conscious culture, and the importance of psychology. Join us to learn how to make cybersecurity a collective priority and empower your team as the first line of defense

Kristen Sanders

Senior Security Advisor, Aquila

Del Ameko

Chief Information Security Officer, ThetaPoint

Michael Davis

CEO and Founder, Merek Security Solutions

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Enchantment 1

Incorporating AI in the Everyday

Sponsored by

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our lives, transforming industries, economies, and societies. However, as AI systems become more sophisticated and autonomous, they raise profound ethical questions about responsibility, bias, fairness, transparency, and the impact on human well-being.  This lecture will explore the ethical challenges posed by AI, examining case studies, theoretical frameworks, and practical solutions.

Mark Smith

Sr. Full-Stack Developer and Team Lead, Mindset Consulting, LLC

The presenters will explore the benefits, such as enhanced productivity and innovation, alongside challenges like ethical concerns and integration issues of widely used AI platforms in the workplace. The discussion will focus on implementing best practices to navigate this emerging field, offering insights on responsible usage, technical hurdles, and strategic deployment. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge for leveraging AI effectively in their organizations.

Chris Perkins

Chris Hinch

Microsoft Practice Director, ANM

Chris Maestas

Worldwide Client Technical Architect – Data Solutions, IBM

In a rapidly changing world of AI and GenAI, public service organizations face unique challenges and opportunities in attracting, retaining, and empowering talent. This session explores innovative strategies for building a future-ready public service workforce. We will delve into how emerging technologies like Generative AI are transforming public sector organizations.

Join Accenture’s Public Service Data and AI Lead as he shares insights and case studies on navigating this evolution. Learn how to foster a culture of innovation, enhance employee engagement, and implement sustainable workforce practices. Whether you’re a public sector leader or a professional looking to make an impact, this session offers valuable perspectives on leveraging talent to drive meaningful change in public service.

Eyal Darmon

Accenture North America Public Service Data & AI Lead

Fiesta 1

Enchantment 1

Creating the Workforce of Tomorrow

Sponsored by

The attendees will leave with knowledge of how Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is supporting high tech initiatives across disciplines such as advanced manufacturing, computer science, sustainable building, and aerospace.

 Amy Traylor

Join us for a dynamic session exploring how national strategies enhance technology and education. We’ll discuss recent survey findings and innovations in K-12 EdTech, addressing key challenges like workforce development, cybersecurity, ethical use of Generative AI, and digital access for rural and underserved communities. Discover insights and actionable strategies to enhance today’s educational opportunities.

Jill Brown

Director of Professional Learning at Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)

Life happens…and builds skills needed to grow tech industry.  During this panel, you’ll hear from CNM Ingenuity, employers, and military-connected graduates to learn about training/hiring through a focus on skills development vs degree completion.  You’ll better understand: accelerated tech training offerings in ABQ, how to decrypt a military resume and identify the skills you need, and military talent recruiting and retention best practices.

Brian Rashap
Professor, Central New Mexico Community College (CNM Ingenuity)

Courtney Power
Deputy Director – Workforce Development, NextFlex

Douglas Taylor
R&D Manager, Sandia National Laboratories

Edward Ishman
IoT Bootcamp Trainer, Central New Mexico Community College

Todd Geddes
Module Group Leader, Intel Corporation

Enchantment 3

Ingenuity & Innovation in the Land Of Enchantment

Sponsored by

Discover how to transform tech concepts into market-ready products with our workshop on leveraging federal funding for tech commercialization. Learn to navigate federal grants and contracts, develop strategies for transitioning between funding types, and understand compliance requirements. Ideal for biotech, renewable energy, IT, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace, this workshop equips you with tools to drive innovation and commercial success.

Kathy Foster

Director of Strategic Operations, Arrowhead Center: New Mexico State University

John Waller  

Program Manager, Arrowhead Center: New Mexico State University

Learn about the close relationship between arising modern sustainable economic ecosystems, storytelling, and XR Technology. XR technology is an emerging media of social change and can be used as a liberatory mechanism for historically underrepresented communities. This interactive session will provide the first steps to building impactful virtual worlds through augmented reality.

Akilah Martinez

XR Developer

Join us for an insightful discussion with leaders from across the local tech industry about how they are working to shape the future of innovation in New Mexico. This panel will explore the state’s unique strengths, emerging tech sector, and the strategic initiatives fostering economic and technological growth. Panelists will share their vision for New Mexico’s future, highlighting the factors and resources needed to meet the needs of tomorrow. Additionally, panelists will recognize the challenges they face and offer suggestions for how to overcome them. The panel will include a Q&A session with the attendees. 

Moderator |

Andrew Clark, CEO, Hooify

Panelists |

Sue Anne Athens, CIO, NM Department of Workforce Solutions  

Mark Leech, Director, CABQ Dept of Tech and Innovation  

Sheila Mendez, VP & CIO, PNM Resources 

Charles Rath, CEO, RS21 

Raja Sambandam, Cabinet Secretary and CSO, State of New Mexico  

Bernina Gray

nDigitize, CEO

Fiesta 2

Demystifying the Emerging Technologies of Tomorrow

Sponsored by

This panel will explore New Mexico’s rapidly growing quantum technology sector and strategic workforce development initiatives. We’ll highlight two key programs: the Quantum Computing and Advanced Materials Program (QCaMP) and the Quantum Learning Lab (QuLL). QCaMP provides hands-on experience in quantum computing and materials science, while QuLL offers immersive learning with state-of-the-art labs and professional mentorship. Recent EDA Tech Hub funding will enhance these programs and position New Mexico as a leader in quantum technology.

David Kistin

Manager, Technology and Economic Development, Sandia National Laboratories

Jake Douglas

Quantum Business Development, Sandia National Laboratories

Join RS21 in an engaging session where speakers will showcase SPAICE, a groundbreaking AI/ML and data analytics platform designed to enhance the resilience of satellites, ground systems, and critical infrastructure.

Annemarie Henton

Director of State and Local Services, RS21

James Arnold

Senior Software Developer, RS21

Join us as we explore the convergence of wetware and hardware to sustainably feed earth and beyond. As our population grows towards nine billion, our outdated agricultural system is failing us.  It has become one of the greatest factors contributing to climate change, species extinction, pollution, pandemics, inequality, and conflict. Learn how Cetaly is leveraging nature and multiple deep techs to solve this previously unsolvable problem.

Elan Colello

CEO & Product Lead, Cetaly

Event Reception

Join ActivateNM and NM Tech Council in celebrating entrepreneurship in New Mexico. Inspired by SXSW, Startup Fiesta is a vibrant showcase for entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, inspiration, and networking within the NM entrepreneurial ecosystem.

  • Highlights:
    • Fast Pitches: High-energy, 60-second pitches from 5 dynamic tech entrepreneurs.
    • Startup Showcase: Meet some of New Mexico’s most promising startups.
    • FREE Reception: Thanks to the City of Albuquerque, admission to the NM Tech Summit Reception is free for all. Food provided!

  • Agenda:
    • 5:00 PM: Doors Open & Networking
    • 6:00 PM: Fast Pitches
    • 6:30 PM: Showcase & Networking
    • 7:30 PM: See you next time!
  • Why Attend?:
    • Network with diverse entrepreneurs and local businesses.
    • Discover and connect with innovative startups.
    • Generate leads and make valuable connections.
    • Register Here!
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