2026
MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGY LEADERS SUMMIT
- One Campus Martius, Detroit, MI 48226
- April 22nd, 2026
COUNTDOWN TILL THE SUMMIT:
About Event
Making a Difference in Metro Detroit
On behalf of SIM Detroit, the conference steering committee, and the conference advisory board, we invite you to join us at the Michigan Technology Leadership Summit on April 22nd, 2026 at the amazing One Campus Martius Event Space 16th Floor.
The summit brings together many great IT leaders and thinkers, focusing on key players from the Michigan region to network, discover the latest trends in information technology and share ideas. While there are many technology conferences, the unique and most compelling aspect of this conference is that 100% of the profits will be given back to the community via charitable initiatives by SIM Detroit and our partner, Michigan Council of Women in Technology. These initiatives include scholarships and other programs intended to help the less fortunate and strengthen Metro Detroit’s technology position by educating those who have the desire – but not the means – to pursue a career in a STEM-related field.
Agenda
Michigan Technology Leaders Summit
Agenda
Breakfast & Networking
- 8:00 - 8:45
Welcome, Introduction & Sponsor recognition
Jef Fisk
- 8:45 - 8:55
Morning Keynote - Rethinking Resilience - Fueling Your Life & Leadership
Tissa Richards, Award Winning Author, Founder & CEO
- 8:55 – 9:55
Networking Break
- 9:55 - 10:20
Diamond Sponsor (zscaler) - Value drives Transformation - Why Zero Trust Must Be Everywhere in a Digital and aI world
Nathan Howe, SVP, Innovation & Product Management; Zscaler
- 10:20 – 11:00
Networking Break
- 11:00 - 11:25
State of Auto
Glenn Stevens, Executive Director; MICHauto
- 11:25 - 12:00
Lunch, Speakers/Presentations
Chuck Williams, RISE/SOAR presentations, SIM awards, Checks – MCWT, Square One, Winning Futures, Drawing
- 12:00 – 1:00
Digital Forensic
- 1:00 - 1:30
Afternoon Keynote - State of MI CISO
Rex Menold, CISO; State of MI
- 1:30 - 2:10
FBI
Ian Riddle Special Agent; FBI Detroit Division
- 2:10 - 2:30
Networking Break
- 2:30 - 2:55
Diamond Sponsor
- 2:55 - 3:35
Credit Acceptance Case Study - Gen AI virtual agent project & demo
- 3:35 - 4:15
Closing Remarks & Raffles
Jef Fisk, Steve York
- 4:15 - 4:30
Cocktail Hour
- 4:30 - 5:30
Exit
- 5:30-6:30
Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Tissa Richards
Award-winning author | Founder & ceo
About Tissa Richards:
Tissa Richards has pioneered innovative approaches that link leadership development directly to organizational resilience, effective communication, and measurable results. Her models have been embraced by global organizations and leadership teams across various industries, transforming the trajectories of Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups alike. Her books, “Rethinking Resilience” and “No Permission Needed” have won multiple awards and are Amazon best-sellers. Tissa guides hundreds of diverse candidates to public and private board positions each year. Learn more at www.tissarichards.com.
Rex Menold
Chief Security Officer Michigan Department of Management, Technology & Budget
About Rex Menold:
Rex Menold is the chief security officer for the State of Michigan, leading the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection division at the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB). In this role, he leads a 140-person team responsible threat detection and response, risk governance, identity and access management, and security compliance in close partnership with 20 state agencies and public–private stakeholders. Rex oversees the digital security of 64,000 computers and 24,000 mobile devices and the physical security of 45 state-managed facilities and 47,000 state employees. A dedicated public servant with more than 25 years of experience within state government, Rex is a sought-after speaker on the topics of public sector insider threat management and the true cost of complexity in IT. Rex holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and management from Northwood University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.
ABOUT SIM DETROIT
Building a Strong Network through Shared Interests and Values
SIM Detroit provides technology leaders the unique experience of networking with peers via educational, networking, and other special events throughout the year. An active philanthropic effort engages with various local charitable and educational organizations through volunteerism and other support.
Event Venue
- One Campus Martius
- April 22, 2026
- 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Parking
Parking will be provided in the One Campus Martius Garage. Final event information, logistics, including details on parking will be provided via email to participants approximately a week before the event.
Hotel Info
Local Area Hotels that are within walking distance of event space
- Westin Book Cadillac
- Shinola Hotel
- Element Detroit at the Metropolitan
- The Siren
- Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney
- Holiday Inn
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Greektown
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Diamond Sponsor
About Zscaler
Platinum Sponsor
Closing Reception Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Executive Co-Sponsor
About Netskope
About Renodis
About WZC Networking
About Fortinet
Breakfast Sponsor
Event Partnership
Powerup Sponsor
Parking Sponsor
Advertisement Sponsor
Please Join Us For The SIM Michigan Technology Leaders Summit On April 22nd 2026.
Please join us for the SIM Michigan Technology Leaders Summit on April 22, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at One Campus Martius, 16th Floor Event Space, Detroit.
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