What’s driving the new surge of innovation in climate tech? How should companies protect themselves against ransomware? What do shifting work patterns mean for transportation systems and downtowns?
Experts and innovators across a variety of industries will join us at the GeekWire Summit next week in Seattle to help answer some of these important questions as we prepare ourselves for a future in a rapidly-changing world.
Tickets available here to next week’s reimagined Summit, held Oct. 4-5 with both a limited in-person experience, and a livestream accessible with a virtual pass.
This year’s lineup is one of our best ever, and we are thrilled to bring back GeekWire events in a safe manner to showcase live journalism from the stage. Head here to purchase your virtual or VIP in-person tickets.
If you can’t make this awesome lineup in person, we are excited to offer free scholarship tickets to those who want to tune into the Summit virtually. Non-profits, students, startups, military and others who feel they are eligible for the scholarship tickets — provided through a partnership with our Summit presenting sponsor Bank of America — can email us at events@geekwire.com to obtain passes.
The full Summit agenda is posted on the event site under the schedule tab. Here’s a quick preview of what to expect from our speakers and sessions:
Climate change
The world faces a monumental task: to strip carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions out of every facet of our lives, from power plants to ships, planes and automobiles, from food production to the steel and concrete that are foundational to construction. We have to do it, and as fast as possible, or confront dire climate consequences. The good news is that the climate tech sector is charging ahead, backed by billions of dollars in VC investments and a burgeoning marketplace.
Panelists include:
- Emeka Anyanwu, Energy Innovation & Resources Officer at Seattle City Light
- Kevin Klustner, Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Materials & Clean Energy Technology at the University of Washington
- Brandon Middaugh, Director of the Climate Innovation Fund at Microsoft
Cybersecurity
Cyberattacks disrupt hospitals, schools, city governments and even critical infrastructure like oil pipelines. We’ll hear from experts who are attempting to thwart this hard to understand and nebulous menace. We’ll also discuss the immediate impacts of ransomware attacks on business, and offer solutions to prevent the scourge of ransomware from taking root and what to do if it hits.
Panelists include:
- Alex Gounares, CEO of Polyverse and former chief technology officer for Microsoft’s online division.
- Raja Mukerji, co-founder of ExtraHop.
- Rama Arumugam, IT manager at Plymouth.
- Vanessa Pegueros (moderator), venture partner at Flying Fish Partners and former Chief Information Security Officer at DocuSign and Expedia.
The future of work
COVID-19 remapped nearly everything in our lives, from relationships to politics to education. One of most lasting changes could be where we work, how we work and how we measure that work. Is your company going to a 3-2 home-and-work model or something more radical? How are employers looking to change how employee performance is measured as a result? And what do shifting work patterns mean for transportation systems and downtowns? In this panel discussion, experts share possible futures for you in your workplace.
Panelists include:
- Christine Gregoire, CEO of Challenge Seattle & former Governor of Washington State
- Archana Singh, Chief People Officer at Expedia Group
- Dan Spaulding, Chief People Officer at Zillow Group
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in-person and online at the GeekWire Summit on Oct. 4-5. Check out the FAQ page for more details.
