2019 Proposal Preparation Courses
MNSBIR is the State’s qualified resource for America’s Seed Fund – the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide competitive awards-based resources that enable small businesses to develop new technologies and facilitate the commercialization of innovation. MNSBIR’s proposal preparation course assists eligible startup and small businesses in understanding and completing the SBIR/STTR application process to all federal agencies.
Questions? Contact Pat Dillon: pat@mntech.org, 952-230-4540
Date | Time | Course | Registration |
---|---|---|---|
September 24, 2019 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Department of Defense | REGISTER |
WLiT Summer Happy Hour
MHTA WLiT Happy Hour
Join the MHTA WLiT Leadership Committee for our Summer Happy Hour! Register today to network and mingle with women leading in technology.
Enjoy an evening of great networking with other technology professionals:
- Meet MHTA’s new President & CEO, Jeff Tollefson
- Meet the new WLiT Leadership Committee Chair
- Celebrate VSI Labs’ Sr. Project Manager Sara Sargent as she begins her 2000 mile journey to Santa Clara, CA in an autonomous research vehicle. Learn more about the Automated Drive West.
- Savor the flavors, surroundings and view from the 2nd floor terrace of the Calhoun Beach Club as you network.
Advanced Registration fee: $30
Walk-In fee: $40
Light refreshments and appetizers are included.

Robin Brown
CIO & Group Business Relationship Manager, North America Protein
Cargill

Alyssa Lawson
Associate
Robins Kaplan LLP

Denise Morelock
Client Engagement Director
ThreeBridge Solutions

Sara Schlauderaff
Vice President
Taylor Communications SCS

Jennifer Simon
Modern Workplace Solution Specialist
Microsoft

New WLiT Leadership Committee Chair
About WLiT
Women Leading in Technology (WLiT) is a program of the Minnesota High Tech Association that works to promote, educate and empower women in technology across Minnesota. The quarterly events attract over 250 women and men for education and networking.
2019 Events:
August 20 – Happy Hour – Calhoun Beach Club
October 22 – Program Event – Metropolitan Ballroom
Announcement of 2019 Tekne Awards Finalists
The 2019 MHTA Tekne Awards have 12 categories, with 3 finalists in each. Who will be a finalist?
Attend this September 17 event to find out!
Be the first to know and congratulate the 2019 Tekne Awards Finalists. Robins Kaplan will host the event at their downtown Minneapolis office and provide an evening of food, drink, and great networking.
Don’t miss this complimentary event to celebrate Minnesota innovation.
Registration Fee: Complimentary
Walk-ins are welcome!
Bids & Bytes Networking and Benefit Event
Bids & Bytes Benefit and Networking Event
The Bids & Bytes Benefit and Networking Event will be returning to Aria in downtown Minneapolis on Wednesday, September 25, 2019. 100 percent of the proceeds from this event go to the Minnesota High Technology Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Minnesota High Tech Association, for STEM programs and scholarships.
Network with Minnesota’s Science and Tech Leaders
Enjoy mingling with the leaders of Minnesota’s science and technology community while supporting the Minnesota High Technology Foundation.
Join the Fun of Our Live Auction
Bid on experiences hosted by leading executives:
- Life-Saving Innovation–A private tour of Medtronic. Offered by Steve Arsenault, Vice President – IT – Global Shared Services, Medtronic
- Technology Night with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Offered by Justin Butler, Vice President of Technology, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Robots and Golf Experience. Offered by Scott Singer, VP and Chief Security and Information Officer, PaR Systems
- An Evening with Optum & UnitedHealthcare. Offered by
– James Franke, CIO Enterprise Enablement and Platform Services, Optum
– Todd Hauschildt, CIO, Optum OmniChannel
– Phil McKoy, CIO, UnitedHealthcare
– Keith Tanski, CTO Enterprise Enablement and Platform Services, Optum - Allianz Field Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Offered by Chris Wright, CEO, Minnesota United FC
- Private Tour of the Minnesota State Capitol. Offered by Doug Carnival, Shareholder, McGrann Shea Carnival Straughn & Lamb, Chartered
- 2020 Ceremonial First Pitch Experience. Offered by John Avenson, Vice President of Technology, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club
- University of Minnesota Athletes Village Tour plus Meet & Greet with Coach Lindsay Whalen. Offered by Dusty Clements, UMN
Silent Auction
View all silent auction items here.
Event Details
Join Us For an Evening of Fun & Networking!
5:00 PM – Silent Auction Opens
6:30 PM – Silent Auction Closes
6:35 PM – Executive Remarks & Live Auction
7:00 PM – Meet the Students & Giving Moment
8:00 PM – Event Concludes
*Agenda and Experiences subject to change.
Tickets Prices:
Individual Tickets: $75
Individual + Guest Tickets $130 (save $20)
VIP Table of 8: $1,000 (Reserved table of 8 in a prime location + perks including extra drink tickets, table recognition and company name in program)
WLiT | Mastering Your Mindset to be the Optimistic Leader Your People and Team Expect
Join WLiT on Tuesday, October 22nd to hear Pam Borton present on Mastering Your Mindset to be the Optimistic Leader Your People and Team Expect.
Optimism, defined as hopefulness about the future and confidence in successful outcomes, is a key quality of emotional intelligence and critical to building and maintaining our resilience. Research has shown individuals who are high in optimism tend to be happier, and have positive attitudes and outlooks on life. What’s more, optimistic individuals have the ability to remain positive despite setbacks, a crucial differentiator between successful leaders and others in the workplace. In this interactive presentation, you’ll walk away with proven strategies and tools to:
- Boost your optimism, well-being, and mental outlook in life
- Strengthen your resilience, remain positive, and persevere despite life’s setbacks
- Learn how to motivate and inspire teammates and colleagues in the workplace
This event is Sold Out!
2019 Tekne Awards
Each year the Tekne Awards shine a spotlight on Minnesota’s science and technology community by honoring innovation across numerous industries. The annual Tekne Awards gala draws our state’s most influential business, educational and government leaders together to celebrate Minnesota’s science and technology based economy.
The Tekne Awards are presented by the Minnesota High Tech Association.
Register by noon, Monday November 18th.
Event Overview
4:30 PM – Private reception (By invitation to finalists, sponsors and other guests)
5:00 PM – Gala arrival and registration
5:45 PM – Gala dinner
7:00 PM – Tekne Awards Program
- Finalist recognition and awarding of recipients in 12 categories
- Public policy awardees
- Small business innovation research/Small business technology transfer awardees
- Lifetime achievement award
- Presentation of 2019 student scholars
- Giving moment for STEM and future student scholarships
8:30 PM – Post-Award Celebration
2019 MHTA Annual CIO Panel
Join us December 10th for the MHTA Annual CIO Panel. Each year, MHTA brings together CIOs from local organizations to share thoughts on topics of interest for the upcoming year. The esteemed panel members will each provide their insights on a specific issue for 2020. Join us on December 10th for one of MHTA’s most popular events and get a glimpse into what some of the area’s CIOs expect to see in the coming year.
Panelists include:
- Anil Arcalgud, EVP & CIO, Ecolab
- John Avenson, VP of Technology, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club
- Dr. Sameer Badlani, CIO, Fairview Health Services
- Sean Lennon, CIO, Medtronic
- Mary Lynne Perushek, CIO, Mortenson Construction
- Tarek Tomes, CIO, State of Minnesota
Fees
MHTA Member – $49
Non-member – $99
Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
Printing Sponsor
Panelists

Anil Arcalgud
EVP & CIO
Ecolab

John Avenson
VP of Technology
Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

Dr. Sameer Badlani
MD, FACP, CIO
Fairview Health Services

Sean Lennon
CIO
Medtronic

Mary Lynne Perushek
CIO
Mortenson Construction

Tarek Tomes
CIO
State of Minnesota
2020 Sponsorship Breakfast
Each year thousands of science and technology professionals build their companies and organizations through the power of MHTA programs and events. Together, we shine a light on the state’s innovation economy, share expertise and shape the policies that help grow Minnesota as a global leader.
Our events and programs are aimed at building Minnesota’s innovation and technology economy by driving conversation and educating participants. On January 17, join our CEO, staff, and select members of the MHTA Board of Directors to learn ways to gain visibility, expand your network, and develop opportunities for business development by sponsoring MHTA's events.
Sponsorship offers the opportunity to reach thousands of tech professionals or a targeted audience, and supports MHTA and our dedicated network of members to making Minnesota a top technology state. Join us to learn about:
- Our slate of 2020 Events
- A variety of price points are based on size of the event, demographics and other considerations
- Audiences
- 2019 Improvements:
- Additional Opportunities
Member companies receive a 20% discount on all sponsorships.
Click here to register for the Sponsorship Breakfast.
2020 CIO Forums
MnTech CIO Forums
MnTech CIO Forums are quarterly educational forums, created by CIOs for CIOs. These morning events provide excellent networking opportunities as well candid discussions around technology issues, trends and challenges that IT leaders face every day.
The CIO Forum events are by invitation. Attendance is limited to individuals who hold the title of CIO or a similar position. Please contact Patty Carruth to request an invitation.
Sponsors are also invited to attend and participate. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for 2020 events. To learn more, click here.
2020 CIO Forum Schedule
Thursday, February 6
Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Topic: The Evolving Role of the CIO
Tuesday, July 21
Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Topic: Role of Platforms – How Technology is Enabling a Return to the Office of the Future
Tuesday, September 15th
Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Topic: Working with the Board
Tuesday, October 13
Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Topic: Workforce Strategies & Efficiencies
TechTalent
TechTalent
The second annual TechTalent event is February 27th at Target Field.
During this event, we will build on the data and ideas we delivered last year to look at specific ways the tech and STEM education communities are addressing supply and demand here in Minnesota.
TechTalent is intended to build ongoing dialogue among educators, employers and talent providers as we work to solve this challenge together. Attendees will leave with a richer understanding of the factors that influence our pool of available talent, what skills companies require new hires to have, and what employees at all levels need to feel engaged and committed in a company.
We encourage colleagues in STEM education, technology management, business leadership, and human resources roles to attend this cross-sector, multidisciplinary event.
The day will include:
- Tech talent pipeline perspective
- Where are the skill gaps?
- What skills are needed for the future and what will this look like?
- How do we need to adapt our work cultures to help all workers feel included, valued, and engaged?
- The state of Minnesota’s tech talent pipeline
- Filling the pipeline: Inspiring the next generation of tech talent
- Attracting and hiring abundant talent
- Developing and retaining talent
- Putting the right players on the field