Join us in redefining Tech Respect—where innovation

meets responsibility.

University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is hosting its first annual “Tech Respect Summit: Advancing AI, Cyber & IT," a premier gathering of industry leaders, academics, and innovators at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology. We are excited to announce that this event will be Zero Waste as well.

Date: November 12^th 12-4pm Event with Networking Mixer from 4-5pm 

Location: 2625 W Baseline Road, Tempe, Arizona. 85283.

This summit will bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and industry needs, offering expert panels on AI ethics, cybersecurity resilience, IT leadership, and emerging technologies shaping our digital future, hands on demonstrations, networking top professionals.  Whether you're a tech enthusiast, student, researcher, or business leader, this event is your gateway to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Stay tuned for the full agenda.

Event Schedule

• 12:00 PM – 12:15 PM | Check-In/Arrival
  12:15 PM – 12:30 PM | Welcome Remarks from Special Guest from the FBI Phoenix Division

  12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Green Tech Respect Panel

  • Ashley Weisman, Executive Director, Greenlight Solutions — LinkedIn: Ashley Weisman

  • Sarkes Mkrdichian, Managing Partner at TechBros — LinkedIn: Sarkes Mkrdichian

  • Sotiria Anagnostou, CEO at the Arizona Sustainability Alliance — LinkedIn: Sotiria Anagnostou | Arizona Sustainability Alliance

  1:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Lightning Talks

  1:15 PM – 2:00 PM | Brand Respect Panel

  • Sophie Deskin, Phoenix Tech Group — LinkedIn: Sophie Deskin | Phoenix Tech Group

  • Katri Morrison-Goulias, Phoenix Tech Group — LinkedIn: Katri Morrison-Goulias | Phoenix Tech Group

  2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Panel 2: Cyber Respect Panel

  • Dara Gibson, CEO of AZ InfraGard — LinkedIn: Dara Gibson | InfraGard Phoenix

  • Aaron Rodriguez, Professor of Cyber Security | University of Advancing Technology — LinkedIn: Aaron Rodriguez

  • Paige Hanson, Co-Founder of Secure Labs — LinkedIn: Paige Hanson

  2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Community Respect Panel

  • Craig Belanger, General Education Regent — LinkedIn: Craig Belanger

  • Dapzury Valenzuela, Curriculum Integrity / Senior Professor | University of Advancing Technology — LinkedIn: Dapzury Valenzuela

  • Lisa Hausz, Program Manager, City of Tempe Economic Development — LinkedIn: Lisa Hausz

  3:00 PM – 3:45 PM | IT & AI Respect

  • Ryan Gruver, Banner Health — LinkedIn: Ryan Gruver | Banner Health

  • Tony Hinton, Professor of Artificial Intelligence | University of Advancing Technology

  • Dr. Dave Bolman, Provost — LinkedIn: Dr. Dave Bolman | University of Advancing Technology

  3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks- Robert Walker — LinkedIn: Robert Walker
  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Networking Mixer Sponsored by Four Peaks and PostMates