UPCOMING EVENT

Shaping CT's Future: Entrepreneurship & Leadership

Leading the Charge: Entrepreneurship in Connecticut

August 21, 2025 | 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Entrepreneurship is more than building a business—it’s about forging a path, solving real problems, and leading others through uncertainty. This Shaping CT’s Future event explores the mindset, momentum, and mechanics behind entrepreneurship and leadership in Connecticut.

We’ll dive into the inspiration, vision, and strategies that fueled some of the state’s most impactful founders and leaders:

  • Insight reveals the personal journeys—the influences, setbacks, and hidden drivers that shape vision and purpose.
  • Intel uncovers the sources of wisdom—mentorship, guidance, and the critical thinking that helped eliminate blind spots and build strong foundations.
  • Ignite explores the inflection points—the moments leaders chose to scale, delegate, and sustain their mission with clarity and conviction.

This high-impact event features panel conversations, expert-led breakout sessions, and innovative networking opportunities designed to spark new ideas, partnerships, and pathways for growth.

Whether you’re launching your first venture, scaling a company, or mentoring the next generation, join us to gain an actionable perspective—and help shape what’s next for Connecticut.

 

Reserve your spot

Become Informed. Get Engaged. Shape the Future.

Check back soon for registration details, speakers, and more. 

"*" indicates required fields

Looking to network? Give us your LinkedIn profile! (URL)

Avelo Giveaway

We invite you to register for the opportunity to participate in our giveaway of two Avelo Airline tickets.

Moderators and MC

Stay tuned for bold founders, game-changing innovators, and entrepreneurial leaders taking the stage.

We’re not just exploring today’s business landscape—we’re spotlighting the bold ideas shaping tomorrow. Step into the future. Make your mark.

BJ Kito

Chief Strategy Officer, Rebellion Group, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Owner, Virtuoso
Sam Barrett Headshot

Sam Barrett

SVP Client Services, Rebellion Group & Executive Producer, Shaping CT's Future

Jim Altman

Television Journalist, FOX61

Featured Speakers, Panelists, Attendees

Jeff Hoffman

Chairman of the Board, Global Entrepreneurship Network

Greg Buckley

CEO, Alzheimer's Treatment Centers of America

Rhona Free

President, University of Saint Joseph

Bert Wachtelhausen

Founder and Former President, WellSpark Health

Lorraine George-Harik

Co-Founder, Zesty Z

Jennifer Mathieu

Executive Director, Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UCONN

Jay Norris

Co-Founder, Guesst Software

Bob Ruffolo

CEO, IMPACT
Dan O'Keefe headshot

Dan O'Keefe

Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

Tessa Olson

Chief Executive Officer, Pieper Veterinary

Michelle Cote

Director, Launc[H]artford

Jim Wharton

Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Harrison Macris

Co-Founder & CEO, Princeton CarbonWorks

Bill Shufelt

Co-Founder & CEO, Athletic Brewing

Mohan Sachdev

CEO, Sachdev Real Estate

Fran Pastore

Founder & CEO, Women's Business Development Council

Paddi LeShane

CEO & Co-Founder, Sullivan & LeShane, Inc.

Rachel Mele

CEO, Metropolitan Interactive

Stephanie Abrams

President & CEO, New England Air Museum

James LaFond

Founder, Grey Matter Technologies

Scott Dolch

President & CEO, CT Restaurant Association

Lou Auletta

President & CEO, Bauer Aerospace

Jacqueline Laramee

President, NDC Commercial Construction

Amy Roman

Founder & CEO, AmplifyGTM

Chris Allen

CEO, iCleanse

Amanda Meier

President, Reality Interactive

Christopher Kuselias

Founder, Kuselias Holdings LLC & Ocean Crest Ventures

Dr. John Maduko

President, Connecticut State Community College

Shyam Kulkarni

CEO, Fruitful Mixology LLC

David DeRemer

Founder & CEO, Very Good Ventures

John Bourdeaux

President & CEO, AdvanceCT

Richard Taub

Chief Financial Officer & Co-Founder, BIGtoken

Steve Wasik

CEO, VKTRY Gear

Chris DiPentima

CEO & President, CBIA

Jon Ewert

CEO, CapZone Analytics

Jeffrey Mard

Founder & CEO, Channel M

Paolo Volpati-Kedra

CEO, BC Gourmet USA, Inc.

Jodie Gillon

President & CEO, BioCT

Justin Kuntz

Chief Operating Officer, RIPE Bar Juice

Justin Lutz

Founder & CTO, Cause Connect

Jill Mayer

CEO, Bead Industries, Inc.

David Joosten

Co-Founder & President, GrowthLoop

Jill Turlo

CEO, Hartford Parking Authority

Tommy Febbraio

Principal & Managing Partner, Gray Goose Tavern

Kevin Klipstein

President & CEO, US Squash

Jimmy Burchfield Jr.

Founding Partner, D’Amico.Burchfield, LLP, COO, Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.

Donald DeVivo

President, DATTCO, Inc.

Brad Miller

President, Xcitium

Mark Mandell

CEO & Founder of MarketBridge, Missing Thorn Wine, and Intelisent, LLC
Matthew Wallace Headshot

Matthew Wallace

CEO & President, VRSim

Mike Astrachan

Owner, XVIVO

Andy Greenawalt

Co-Founder & CEO, Storyhub

Eric Lopez

Founder, Arrowhead Leadership Consulting

Doug Roth

Managing Director, CT Innovations

Innovation Showcase

Connect with the businesses that are driving change and advances in Connecticut.

hb logo
hb logo
assured partners
charles logo
Nesso group logo
connecticut logo
charles logo

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.

Litchfield Distillery logo
owls brew logo
hb logo

Watch to see what is in store for Shaping CT’s Future 2025

Join the Conversation

We’re bringing the conversation to life with live podcast sessions at our event featuring founders, investors, and industry disruptors. These thought-provoking discussions will dive deep into the future of sports and entertainment in Connecticut—covering innovation, growth, and the impact on our communities. Plus — we’re on the lookout for some fresh voices! Stay tuned for more details on how to get involved.

Timely Topics with Rory McGloin and Jen Mathieu

Timely Topics is a monthly video podcast hosted by Rory and Jen, where their witty and lively perspectives bring fresh energy to conversations on current events and contemporary business trends. The show connects audiences with entrepreneurs, innovators, and business thought leaders from diverse industries, offering insightful and engaging discussions.

One Pour
Problems Podcast

One Pour Problems is a podcast by Charles IT where business solutions flow as smoothly as your favorite drink. Featuring local business leaders, each episode kicks off with a sip and a story behind the guest’s beverage of choice, leading into insightful, relaxed conversations about today’s most pressing business challenges.

Visionary’s Podcast

Visionary’s Podcast illuminates what defines a true “visionary” and how they push their dreams and goals forward. It is your go-to source for insight, motivation and actionable advice. We talk to CEOs, founders, tastemakers and investors about their origins and the steps they took to create and unlock their vision, regardless of circumstances.

Past events

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...

read more

Shaping CT’s Future: Innovation & Energy

Thursday, November 14, 2024  |  2:30 - 5:30 PMConnecticut is facing dramatically escalating energy costs, affecting our economy and daily lives. In this fifth installment of the Shaping CT’s Future series, we will explore the far-reaching impacts of rapidly increasing...

read more