Latest News
Shaping CT’s Future is making headlines! Our events are garnering attention and influencing action as we champion positive change and innovation throughout the state. Stay up-to-date on how we’re driving progress and making a difference.
News & Insights
Audacity – Brian Shactman x Bryn
5/15/26 – Business leaders and lawmakers from across Connecticut gathered Friday at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) for the “Shaping Connecticut’s Future” Summit.
FOX61 – Tackling workforce hurdles | Shaping CT’s Future
5/15/26 – Business leaders and lawmakers from across Connecticut gathered Friday at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) for the “Shaping Connecticut’s Future” Summit.
WFSB – ‘Shaping Connecticut’s Future’: Business leaders, lawmakers gather at SCSU for summit #4
5/15/26 – Business leaders and lawmakers from across Connecticut gathered Friday at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) for the “Shaping Connecticut’s Future” Summit.
WTNH – ‘Shaping Connecticut’s Future’: Business leaders, lawmakers gather at SCSU for summit
5/15/26 – Business leaders and lawmakers from across Connecticut gathered Friday at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) for the “Shaping Connecticut’s Future” Summit.
FOX61 – Shaping CT’s Future: Developing CT’s Workforce
5/14/26 – Team members from Rebellion Group join Bridgette to talk about an upcoming event at SCSU to support workforce development.
FOX61 – Shaping CT’s Future Workforce Development Velocity
5/13/26 – FOX61 discusses the upcoming Shaping CT’s Future: Workforce Development Velocity event with Sam Manz of Rebellion Group and Rich Portelance of Pierce Ridge Technologies.
Patch – Shaping CT’s Future: Workforce Development Velocity
5/13/26 – Workforce Development Velocity is part of an ongoing series of synergistic events about Shaping Connecticut’s Future.
WFSB – Workforce development in Connecticut
5/11/26 – Bryn Tindall from Rebellion Group talks about the workforce situation in Connecticut.
FOX61 – ‘Shaping New England’s Future’ summit at Foxwoods
2/20/26 – Hundreds of business and tourism leaders gathered at Foxwoods today with one goal in mind – reimagining how New England tells its story.
WFSB – Tourism industry leaders gather at Foxwoods to discuss AI’s impact on Connecticut travel
2/20/26 – Hundreds of hospitality industry leaders are meeting at Foxwoods to discuss how Connecticut can capitalize on tourism opportunities created by artificial intelligence and modern technology.
Full Programs
Shaping CT’s Future: Drive to ’35 (Full Program)
11/19/25 – View the full program!
Shaping CT’s Future | Entrepreneurship & Leadership (Full Program)
8/20/25 – Business leaders from across Connecticut gather to discuss how to support the new generation of entrepreneurs.
Shaping CT’s Future | Sports & Entertainment (Full Program)
4/24/25 – The Rebellion Group hosts a series of discussions on the sports and entertainment industries in Connecticut.
Shaping CT’s Future: AI & Cybersecurity (Full Program)
2/20/25 – An event bringing together industry leaders, cybersecurity experts, and innovators to delve into the powerful intersection of AI and cybersecurity in Connecticut.
Podcasts
Beyond the Job: Learning Through Failure | A.M. Bhatt & Mostafa Analoui
7/6/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with A.M. Bhatt, Founder of DAE and U of Next and Mostafa Analoui, Director of the M&T Bank Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Quinnipiac University. They discuss the state of workforce development in Connecticut, the factors holding back the effectiveness of workforce training, and the state’s economic disparities. Bhatt and Analoui argue that most programs focus on preparing people for specific jobs rather than teaching them how to navigate a constantly changing career landscape. The conversation explores the idea of learning through failure and the need for a shift in policy philosophy that puts human equity first.
Shifting Industries: Building a Versatile Skill Set | BJ Kito, Jon Feld
6/29/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with Jon Feld, Associate Creative Director at Rebellion Group, to discuss Feld’s publishing roots, dealing with various personalities in the workplace, and the impact of AI on the creative field. They compare the current technological shift to the emergence of the web in 1999, and point out that the value in AI comes from user expertise. The conversation touches on empathy as a core tenet, the importance of being a versatile team member, and the belief that “perfection is the enemy of good.”
Artificial Intelligence. Human perspectives. | James Dowd, BJ Kito, Elena Anetrella, Samantha Manz
6/23/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with James Dowd, Elena Anetrella, and Samantha Manz to talk about AI as a tool for enhancement, regional economic challenges, and the resistance to adopting artificial intelligence into everyday life. The conversation explores how AI can be used to enhance human skills, comparing it to historical inventions like the calculator and abacus. The ethical debate surrounding AI-generated content is discussed, along with projections that by 2030, about 1.5 million people could be displaced from their jobs if they do not start using AI to upskill.
The AI Evolution | James Dowd & BJ Kito
6/17/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with James Dowd, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Creative Officer at Rebellion Group, to talk about AI’s impact on jobs and innovation, brand integrity, and future strategy. They highlight the current state of AI adoption in workplaces, the importance of brands focusing on humanity, and the nuances required for a successful business to succeed. The conversation explores Agent XQ (an internal project developed to move beyond generic output), machine learning vs. artificial intelligence, and the factors required to move forward in an AI-saturated environment.
Paid Leave. Workforce Stability. | Erin Choquette
5/26/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with Erin Choquette, CEO of CT Paid Leave…
Critical Skills for the Future of Work | Lisa Jacobi
5/26/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with Lisa Jacobi, Senior Vice President and Chief HR Officer at COCC (Connecticut Online Computer Center)…
The Creative Capital Mindset | Joe Wilson Jr.
2/17/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with Joe Wilson Jr….
Storytelling, Scale, & the Reality of Influence | Vincent Errichetti
2/10/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with Vincent Errichetti…
Transparency, Power, & the Future of the Label | Becky Lewis
2/10/26 – In this episode of 87:60, BJ Kito sits down with Becky Lewis…
Shaping New England: From Warehouse to Regional Movement
1/16/26 – What began as a small gathering has evolved into a regional platform, bringing together smart, experienced voices who are ready for change.
Media Inquiry
Please reach out to our communications team for press releases, interview opportunities, and exclusive insights into our initiatives. Together, let’s amplify the conversation around progress and innovation in Connecticut!
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"Shaping CT's Future has reignited people's passion and pride in our state. We're proud to work in partnership with Virtuoso to create positive change."
Anthony Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer, CT DECD





















