Begin Again: An Evening of Networking & Inspiration with Tech Leaders

This is not a polished panel.This is not what you see on LinkedIn.

This is Real Talk.

Join us for an evening of candid, unfiltered conversation with executives shaping the Utah tech scene.

We spend our careers building, scaling, and optimizing. But behind every "polished" LinkedIn update is a series of pivots, hard-learned lessons, and the courage to start over.

This event is inspired by Br33 Jon3s (CXO, ElizaChat) as she turns 30 and reflects on the mentors and leaders who influenced her career. We’re bringing those voices together on one stage for the conversations you don’t usually hear:

• The wins

• The missteps

• The moments that mattered more than their resumes

Whether you are launching a new venture, navigating a career pivot, or simply looking for your "Version 2.0," this is your chance to learn from and mingle with tech leaders in a fun and relaxed setting. This event is open to all genders.

Expect signature cocktails, refreshments, and a DJ dropping the beats for an evening of great conversation!

This event kicks off The AI Collective’s global Humans in AI Week—with 100+ events happening worldwide.

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: our marquee sponsor, ElizaChat; venue sponsor, HAVN; beverage sponsors, SunTrapp and VIDA Tequila; and music by DJ OKayyyCyrus.

🎙️ Speakers include:

• Bill Schuffenhauer — Executive Leadership Coach; Olympic Silver Medalist

• Brant Johnson — CEO & Founder, Intro

• Br33 Jon3s — CXO, ElizaChat; Tech Anthropologist

• Dave Barney — CEO, ElizaChat

• Esther Jackson-Stowell — Keynote Speaker & Author; Creator of “The Esther Effect”

• Genna Michelle — CEO, Shade Events; Owner, Black Scale Strategy

• Jen Hunsaker — Director, Marketing & Communications, Women's Leadership Institute

• Kristin Wright — Program Director, Women Tech Council

• Leslie Koch — SLC Chapter Founder, The AI Collective

• Margaret Busse — Commissioner, Utah Department of Commerce

• Melanie Paris Jones — CEO, Women’s Leadership Institute

• Nina de Lacy — Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, University of Utah

• Robin Murillo — Senior Management, Nicholas and Company

• Stefan Harlan — Assistant Dean, Advancement, College of Engineering & Technology, Utah Valley University

• Sunny Washington — CEO & Cofounder, OrcaPanda

About the Hosts

• Women Tech Council (WTC)The Women Tech Council (WTC) is a national organization focused on the economic impact of women in driving high growth for the technology sector.

• AI Collective SLCThe AI Collective SLC chapter is Utah’s hub for applied AI, connecting builders, operators, and leaders through community-driven events and programming.

RSVP & Attendance

RSVP is required and subject to approval. Space is limited.

Open bar (2-drink limit). Valid ID required.

If you are not accepted for this event, no worries! There will be many upcoming Women Tech Council and The AI Collective events, with additional opportunities to engage with Utah’s tech community.