i.c.stars |* iOpener Innovation Conference 2026
September 18, 2026 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
KC’s AI Boom: Billions Invested, What Comes Next?
Listen to engaging keynote speakers, participate in CIO-led discussions, attend breakouts, and network with tech leaders and i.c.stars alumni.
Keynote Speaker Lineup:
Doug Richards, Executive Chairman, Smart Factory
Heather Richards, Managing Partner, Smart Factory
Panel Speaker Lineup: (more to come in the coming weeks)
Reece Clark, Technology Transactions & Data Privacy Attorney, Polsinelli
Key focus area: AI compliance and governance
Craig Moore II, Senior Manager, Entrepreneur Experience, Endeavor Heartland
Key focus area: Economic investment strategies and the impact of AI-driven growth
Traci Willis, Head of Enterprise Portfolio Management Office and Strategy Execution, NAIC
Key focus area: AI adoption and organizational transformation
Dianna Keen, Managing Director of Technology, VML Enterprise Solutions
Key focus area: AI adoption, quality engineering & AI assurance
Kara Lowe, President & CEO, Kansas City Tech Council
Key focus area: Digital infrastructure and data center growth
Scott Jones, CTO, Kansas City Public Schools
Key focus area: Project Sponsor Spotlight (Cycle A – Cycle 6)
Our moderator for the afternoon:
Dr. Jennifer Matthews, Executive Director, DJM Nonprofit
Check out our VIP attendee Table Hosts: (more to be added in the coming weeks)
- Elliot Craven, Sr. Business Development Manager, Strategic Systems, Inc
- Travis McElhany, Head of Growth, The Action Company
- Dianna Keen, Managing Director of Technology, VML Enterprise Solutions
- Maulik Nanavait, Director of Digital Product & AI Strategy, Strategic Systems, Inc
- Brian Norman, VP of Technology and Services, ProActive Solutions
- Terry Owens, CIO, Sr Lead for Digital Transformation & AI, Honeywell – Federal Manufacturing and Technologies (FM&T)
- Brad Rein, CIO, Mazuma
- Jack Recinto, Director of Applications, Ice Miller LLP
- Todd Shutts, Director, Data & AI, 1898 & Co
- Tyrone Watson-Ferguson, Deputy CISO, Burns & McDonnell