PAST EVENT
Shaping CT's Future: Let's Make It Here
Connect & collaborate
This Shaping CT’s Future event brought together Connecticut’s leaders and innovators for an event aimed at driving positive change across the state, inspired by those actively championing it.
This interactive session tackled an ongoing challenge: shifting perceptions of Connecticut and taking control of its narrative. Too often, the state’s image is shaped by outsiders. During the event, local business leaders who know Connecticut’s real value—because they’re building businesses here—and partners who understand its quality of life—because they live here—collaborated to bring hope, possibility, and positivity back into the conversation, shaping Connecticut’s future together.
Welcoming speakers
Anthony M. Anthony
Chief Marketing Officer, State of CT
Jim Altman
Master of Ceremonies, Fox61
Sam Barrett
Vice President, Client Services, Rebellion Group
Sean Kimball
Town Manager, Cheshire
Tom Moore
Assistant Coach, Uconn Basketball
Keynote speaker
Dan O'Keefe
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
Session leaders
Isaac Mavis
Vice President, Marketing & Ecommerce, Avelo Airlines
Jeff Hamilton
President and General Manager, Mohegan Sun
Tim Restall
President, Hartford Yard Goats Baseball
Jennie Ripps
Founder & CEO, Owl’s Brew
Joe Budd
Vice President, CBIA
Josh Geballe
Managing Director, Yale Ventures
Paul Mounds, Jr.
President and General Manager, Mohegan Sun
Scott Dolch
President & CEO, Connecticut Restaurant Association
Chris Davis
Vice President, Public Policy, CBIA
David Griggs
President & CEO, MetroHartford Alliance
Emily Mingrone
Chef/Owner, Tavern on State
Casey R. Pickett
Co-CEO, ClimateHaven
Showcase companies
Connect with the businesses that are driving change and advances in Connecticut.
"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
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: MarTech & AI
The AI & MarTech Summit, the third installment of the Shaping CT’s Future series hosted by the Rebellion Group, brought together Connecticut’s leading businesses, organizations, and innovators to explore how AI and MarTech are transforming industries and driving...
Shaping CT’s Future: Sustainability
The inaugural event in our "Shaping CT’s Future" series, held in partnership with the Hartford Business Journal, focused on the crucial topic of sustainability and offered invaluable insights into its impact on Connecticut’s [industries]. Thought leaders from Quantum...
Shaping CT’s Future: Manufacturing
The event successfully brought together key figures to strengthen Connecticut and U.S.-based manufacturing, highlighting its role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation. Opening speakers included Chris DiPentima, President & CEO of CBIA; Sean Kimball,...