50 distinguished speakers, workshops, hackathon part of 5-day action packed schedule in Historic Folsom
Folsom is set to become a hub of technological advancement, entrepreneurial spirit, and groundbreaking innovation as it hosts the inaugural Folsom Tech Week from February 24 to 28, 2025. This five-day event, held primarily at Granite City Coworking, will feature an action-packed schedule of networking events, expert panels, interactive workshops, a high-stakes startup pitch competition, and a 24-hour hackathon. With over 50 distinguished speakers, investors, founders, and industry leaders, this event aims to connect Northern California’s booming tech community with national and global leaders in emerging technology fields.
The speaker lineup for Folsom Tech Week 2025 is extensive, featuring pioneers and experts across multiple industries. Sadie St. Lawrence, founder and CEO of Human Machine Collaboration Institute will lead the extensive roster of keynote speakers during the 5-day event. Rachel Stern, a Managing Partner, will bring her expertise in investment strategies, while Justin Fortier, the CEO and CTO of Modern Zen, will discuss entrepreneurial growth. Eva Shepherd, an Executive Director, will share insights on leadership in the tech sector. Investor Graham Peck will provide perspectives on what makes startups attractive to venture capital. Phillip Lorenzo, Chief Operating Officer, will address operational efficiencies within scaling companies. Jeremy Owens and Sedale Turbovsky, both founders, will discuss their journeys in building impactful companies. Dr. Antony George, Chief Digital Transformation Officer, will explore how AI and digital solutions are transforming enterprises, and Charles Gellman, CEO, will dive into healthcare innovation.
Other featured speakers include Victoire Chochezi, a professor specializing in education technology, Su Sheth, an Executive Strategy Advisor, and Adam German, a Chief Information Security Officer focusing on cybersecurity advancements. J.P. Morgan, Chief Innovation Officer, will examine how businesses can leverage new technologies for sustainable growth. Josh McCowen, another prominent founder, will discuss startup expansion. Music and business intersect with Mike Johnston, a drummer and entrepreneur, who will speak about creativity and technology. Janice Burt will share insights on effective communication strategies, while Dwight Davis will highlight talent development within the tech industry.
Rich Foreman, Adrian Gonzales, and Brett Hoffstadt will provide their perspectives as seasoned entrepreneurs, while Tim Swaney and Jack Smith, both CEOs and founders, will explore the critical factors behind building successful businesses. Julian Sarafian, an attorney specializing in creators’ rights, will offer legal guidance for entrepreneurs. Liz Coleman, a communications consultant, will discuss branding and messaging strategies, and Saffiyah “Saffy” Johnson, a healthcare innovation strategist, will speak on the future of digital health solutions.
Joe Gagliardi, President and CEO, will talk about regional economic growth, while Oscar Garcia, Director of CA Hispanic SBDC, will highlight diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. Dr. Brad Niles, CEO, will address business transformation, and Justin Raithel, Folsom’s Vice Mayor, will share insights on public-private partnerships fostering innovation. David Lichtman, publisher and president, will discuss media’s role in technology, and California State Assemblyman Josh Hoover will provide a legislative perspective on supporting the tech ecosystem. Additional speakers include Tony Fortenberry, Dr. Art Pimentel, Rick Spencer, John Patricio, Nicole Shuman, Kyra Meyer-Johanson, Sara Ledterman, Dr. Suha Aljuboori, AJ Jacobs, George Usi, Vanessa Shim, Tocher Kellom, Alex Chompff, Arnold Cabral, Veronica Gilliard, Rita Gass, Jason Waits, Travis Cox, Tiffany Martin, and Mark Freeman, all of whom bring unique expertise spanning entrepreneurship, digital transformation, healthcare innovation, and investment strategy.
Beyond its star-studded lineup, Folsom Tech Week offers a wealth of activities tailored to professionals at every stage of their careers. The FTW Hackathon will kick off the event, inviting developers and problem-solvers to create AI-powered solutions for government efficiency. Networking remains at the heart of the event, with curated matchmaking sessions, roundtable discussions, and investor office hours designed to facilitate new business connections. The Startup Pitch Competition will provide founders a platform to showcase their ideas and compete for a $5,000 prize.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in unique experiential events, including polar paddle boarding with tech executives, fireside chats with investors, sake tastings focusing on AI and digital transformation, and wellness-focused sessions such as sound baths and mindfulness workshops. These activities underscore Folsom Tech Week’s mission to blend business with personal and professional development.
The event will conclude with a Job Fair, featuring top employers from the semiconductor, technology, and startup industries, where job seekers can meet potential employers and explore career opportunities. The fair will take place at Falcon’s Roost at Folsom Lake College, reinforcing the region’s commitment to workforce development.
Folsom Tech Week 2025 promises to be more than just a conference—it is an ecosystem-building initiative set to define the region’s place in the tech world. For more details and ticket information, visit folsomtechweek.com. In the week leading up to this brand new event coming to Folsom, Folsom Times will publish a series of articles highlighting some of the key speakers for the affair and more at www.folsomtimes.com.
