PAST EVENT
Shaping CT's Future: AI & Cybersecurity
Driving the Future of AI & Cybersecurity
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Join us for a groundbreaking event exploring AI and cybersecurity at the forefront of Connecticut’s technological future. In an era where digital threats are evolving and innovation is crucial to business growth, this session will unite Connecticut’s brightest minds to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and securing the digital landscape.
Hosted by Rebellion Group, this event will bring together industry leaders, cybersecurity experts, and innovators to delve into the powerful intersection of AI and cybersecurity, providing actionable insights on how businesses can safeguard their digital assets while leveraging AI-driven solutions for growth and success.
Shaping CT’s Future began as a mission to unite fragmented conversations across the state, fostering meaningful ideas and accountability. In 2024, we hosted five events tackling critical issues, creating spaces for tough yet productive dialogue. Looking ahead to 2025, we aim to turn these discussions into action by collaborating with stakeholders to develop pilot programs that drive change and lay the groundwork for broader solutions. Connecticut deserves visible progress on issues impacting daily life, and together, we will address these challenges to shape a better future.
We’re introducing a new way to experience and connect with Shaping CT’s Future thought leaders — we call it “ShapingCast.” Our panel discussions will be live-streamed on the FOX61+ app and will be immediately followed by a roundtable podcast discussion featuring experts who react and expand on the insights shared on stage. This podcast will also be live streamed on the FOX61+ app. This innovative format helps Shaping CT’s Future attendees to participate in actively pushing the state’s most important stories forward.
Avelo Giveaway
We invite you to register for the opportunity to participate in our giveaway of two Avelo Airline tickets.
Reserve your spot
Become Informed. Get Engaged. Shape the Future.
Stay tuned for further information on the upcoming theme and speakers. Together, let’s play a pivotal role in shaping Connecticut’s future.
"*" indicates required fields
Welcoming Speakers
Ron Angelo
President and CEO, Connecticut
Center for Advanced Technology, Inc.
Yetta Augur
President at Cheshire Chamber Of Commerce
Jim Altman
Television Journalist, Fox61
Dan O'Keefe
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
Keynote Speakers
Yin Ho
Cofounder, NYC Health Business Leaders
Steve Shwartz
Angel Investor, Award-Winning AI Author, and Serial Entrepreneur
Cybersecurity Moderator
Jason Pufahl
Vice President Information Security Services, Vancord
Cybersecurity Panelists
Jelle Niemantsverdriet
Total Cyber Solutions, Former National Security Officer, Microsoft, Former Director Cyber Risk Services, Deloitte
Chris Keegan
Senior Managing Director, Brown & Brown Insurance
Dr. Craig Bernier
Chief Information Security Officer, Liberty Bank
Foster Charles
Founder and CEO, CharlesIT
AI Moderator
Michelle Cote
Lead Instructor, Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
AI Panelists
Dr. Christopher Nocera
Chief AI & Data Scientist, Rebellion Group
Senator Tony Hwang
State Senator, Connecticut General Assembly
Michael Acree
Director, Advanced Development Programs, Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin
Mary McPheat
Founder & CEO, Grounded Logic
Michael O'Rourke
Head of AI & Emerging Technology, NASDAQ
Matthew Wallace
CEO & President, VRSim
ShapingCast
Cybersecurity Livestream Panel
BJ Kito
Chief Strategy Officer, Rebellion Group
Sam Barrett
Client Services, Rebellion Group
Jason Pufahl
Vice President Information Security Services, Vancord
Michael J. Purcaro
Chief of Government Administration,
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
ShapingCast
AI Livestream Panel
BJ Kito
Chief Strategy Officer, Rebellion Group
Dr. Christopher Nocera
Chief AI & Data Scientist, Rebellion Group
James Maroney
State Senator, Connecticut General Assembly
Brian Mullaney
Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer, CrushBank
ShapingCast
Post Event Retrospective
Ruan Marinho
Digital Strategist, DeveloMark
Michael O'Connell
Senior Security Solutions Architect, Aspire Technology Partners
Michael Vigeant
CEO, GreatBlue Research, Inc.
Innovation Showcase
Connect with the businesses that are driving change and advances in Connecticut.
Watch to see what is in store for Shaping CT’s Future 2025
Event agenda
11:00am – 12:00pm | Networking & Showcase (Doors Open)
12:00pm – 12:30pm | Welcome and Keynote
12:30pm – 1:30pm | Panel Session 1
1:30pm – 1:45pm | 15-minute Break
1:45pm – 2:45pm | Panel Session 2
3:00pm – 5:00pm | Networking & Showcase
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
By partnering with us, you’ll gain visibility among influential leaders and engaged guests while demonstrating your commitment to fostering progress in our state. Be part of the movement driving Connecticut forward—your support can make a lasting impact!
Take a look at our sponsors
Our current sponsors have been instrumental in making our events possible, providing the support needed to bring together influential leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers. Their commitment not only enhances our gatherings but also underscores their dedication to fostering progress and driving Connecticut forward.
Past events
Shaping CT’s Future: Drive to ‘35
November 19, 2025 | 1:00 - 6:00 PMLocation: 375 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06902If you were to look 10 years into the future, what does the state of Connecticut look like? Are we leading in clean energy? Scaling biotech breakthroughs? Building AI-driven businesses?...
Shaping CT’s Future: Entrepreneurship & Leadership
August 20, 2025 | 2:00 - 6:00 PMLocation: Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103Entrepreneurship is more than building a business—it’s about forging a path, solving real problems, and leading others through uncertainty. This Shaping CT’s...
Shaping CT’s Future: Sports & Entertainment
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Location: Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT 06338From Walter Camp revolutionizing football to the invention of the Wiffle Ball, Connecticut has always been a game-changer in sports. But what’s...
"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
