TECHNOLOGY & ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT
EVENT PROGRAM
8:00 AM - Registration Opens
Check-in Tables:
General Attendee Registration: Maroon Balloons
University / College Faculty and Staff All Day Registration: Maroon Balloons
University / College Student All Day Registration: Gold Balloons
University / College Students Attending for NSU Classes: Gold Balloons
High School Educators and Students: Inside the JFAC East doors
Extra Things Going on:
Coffee Bar (Market on the Plaza): 8 AM - 10 AM or until supplies last
Sponsored by South Dakota First Capital
Professional Headshots (Bremer Photography): 8 AM - 1 PM
Black Box Theater: Networking and Work Area
Furniture in Black Box and on Stage provided by Montgomery’s Furniture
9:00 AM - Entrepreneurship Keynote (Jewett Theater)
The Bonfire Effect: Sparking Innovation and Connection in a Digitally Distracted World
Let’s not kid ourselves, since the rise of smartphones and social media, people spend more time in virtual spaces than in physical ones. This digital drift has upended everything from retail to religion, orchestras to startup culture. In this provocative lecture, behavioral design architect Kevin Ervin Kelley explores how place-based organizations can create social and emotional value that transcends the transactional, commoditized nature of the internet. Drawing from his book Irreplaceable and decades of strategic design experience, Kelley shares essential principles for designing meaningful places that foster innovation, fuel entrepreneurship, and draw people together around a timeless, universal human experience he calls The Bonfire Effect.
Entrepreneurship Keynote Speaker: Kevin Ervin Kelley
Sponsored by The Cramer Center of Design and Innovation
10:00 AM - (Jewett Theater)
The Innovation Engine: Driving Ideas Forward with Creative Force
At the crossroads of creativity and commerce, this conversation dives into how thoughtful design and bold entrepreneurship can reimagine spaces, solve problems, and inspire meaningful growth in both business and community.
Panelists: Kevin Ervin Kelley, Steven McKay, and Ben Victor
10:00 AM - (Blue Room)
Critical Thinking with AI: Turn Fluent Output into Sound Decisions
Discover how to harness AI as a powerful business ally, without falling into the trap of blind trust. You’ll learn six practical critical thinking habits that turn AI’s output into reliable insights for real-world decisions. Walk away with smarter prompting techniques, quick verification checks, and the confidence to use AI as a true superpower in your business.
Speakers: Jennifer Schmidtbauer and Kevin Elsing
Sponsored by South Dakota Biotech Association
11:00 AM - (Jewett Theater)
Cybersecurity Isn’t Optional: Real Talk on Cyber Threats and Smart Protection
Get ready for a no-fluff conversation packed with practical wisdom and hard-learned lessons on staying safe online. This panel will empower you with the tools to protect what matters most, your business and your peace of mind.
Panelists: James Villarrubia, Dr. Josh Pauli, and Pat Wolberg
11:00 AM - (Blue Room)
Forged Through Experience:
Crafting a Business with Heart
Join Chef Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart, an Oglala Lakota chef and entrepreneur, for an inspiring conversation about navigating the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship with resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose. Drawing from her journey of building and growing multiple ventures, Chef Brave Heart will share valuable insights on business growth, adaptation, and staying grounded in personal values. This session will offer practical advice, honest reflections, and a fresh perspective on innovation shaped by lived experience and cultural roots.
Speaker: Chef Kimberly Brave Heart
12:00 PM - Networking Lunch
Participating Food Trucks: Pickled Pig (Lisa Morgan and Dana Oye) and Pop’s Bayou Mama’s (Marc and Kim Runnels)
1:00 PM - (Jewett Theater)
Thinking Sideways: Curiosity in the Age of AI
In an era of rapid AI disruption, organizations and individuals are scrambling to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. In this keynote, James Villarrubia explores how curiosity - especially about strange, overlooked stories from history, science, fiction, and film - can reveal powerful insights about humanity and technology. By thinking sideways, we uncover the hidden patterns that help us make sense of change, spark innovation, and build a more thoughtful, resilient future in the age of AI.
Technology Keynote Speaker: James Villarrubia
2:00 PM - (Jewett Theater)
Boldly Pursuing the Improbable: Coastal Venture Capital in the Dakotas
As the Founder and CEO of Thread, North Dakota' second, and most recent, company to receive Series A funding, Josh shares his improbable journey, determined to break the coastal venture capital barrier.
Closing Speaker: Dr. Joshua Riedy
Other Events Happening the Week of the Summit
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 | 6:30 PM - EVENT ENDED
Ancient Ingredients with Modern Innovation: Reimagining Indigenous Foodways through Entrepreneurship.
Join Chef Kim Brave Heart for stories, recipes, and ancestral wisdom that inspire modern food and business.
Hosted by the Northern Innovation and Startup Center, K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library, and Wo'takuye Oyate; Kinship Nation Inter-Tribal Network
Location: K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library (Directions)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 | 3:30 PM
The Fourth Moon of Jupiter: Drawing at the American Academy of Rome.
Discussion with Architect and Artist Lane Duncan on his exhibit, open for attendees to explore.
Hosted by: The Cramer Center for Design and Innovation
Location: Beulah Williams Library, NSU (Directions)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 | 7:30 PM
Northern State University will welcome internationally renowned author and advocate Loung Ung as the keynote speaker for the annual Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture.
Location: Johnson Fine Arts Center, NSU
Hosted by the NSU Honors Program
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 | 9:00 AM
Behavioral Design Breakthroughs: Standing Out in a World That Scrolls Past You.
Kevin Ervin Kelley, author of Irreplaceable, shares strategies to outsmart big competitors by creating unforgettable experiences.
Hosted by: The Cramer Center for Design and Innovation
Location: Beulah Williams Library, NSU (Directions)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 | 10:30 AM
Moccasin Creek: Aberdeen’s Living Network of Water, Wildlife and Community.
Board Member Philip Enquist presents the Cramer Creek Board’s vision for a healthy, restored environment. He highlights how expert input and community pride can drive environmental and civic benefits.
Hosted by: The Cramer Center for Design and Innovation
Location: Beulah Williams Library, NSU (Directions)
