WELCOME!

Welcome — and thank you for joining the Business Summit & Expo.

Today’s half-day is built to move ideas into action: from AI & data, leadership in turbulent times, to digital marketing, workforce development and strategies for regional competitiveness. Pop into a session, visit the Expo and meet a sponsor or partner who can help you grow.

Before you close the program, please take 2 minutes to complete our survey — tap Take the Survey or scan the QR. We read every response and use them to make the next Summit better.

Were glad you’re here.


Joe Snell
President & CEO, The Chamber of Southern Arizona

Quick Survey, Major Changes.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Title Sponsors

COLLABORATOR Sponsors

Advocate Sponsor

Educational Sponsor

Signature Sponsorss

Sustainable Sponsor

Contributing Sponsor

Venue Showcase Sponsor

AGENDA

8:00 AM – 9:20 AM
Expo Booths open

9:20 AM
Summit Kickoff

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Tomás Díaz De La Rubia
Senior VP for Research & Innovation, University of Arizona
“University Of Arizona Research That Shapes The Future”

10:10 AM – 10:40 AM
Scott McKain
Author and CEO, The Distinction Group
“AI-Driven Leadership: Thriving in Turbulent Times”

 

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Ron Cates
Founding Team, Constant Contact
“Digital Marketing Demystifie”

 

11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Break

12:00 PM
Luncheon Keynote
 Address/Q&A/ Lunch

 

12:30 – 1:00pm
Sam Deneke
President, Air & Space Defense Systems, Raytheon
“The State of Raytheon”

Summit Kickoff Speaker:

RESEARCH THAT SHAPES THE FUTURE

Tomás Díaz De La Rubia
Senior VP for Research & Innovation, University of Arizona

Hear an exclusive State of Raytheon address, including key initiatives, new technologies and Raytheon’s commitment to education, workforce development and local impact in Tucson  and Southern Arizona.

Morning Session:

AI driven leadership:
Thriving in Turbulent Times

Scott McKain
Author and CEO
The Distinction Group

Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry—but success isn’t about the technology itself. It’s about the leaders who know how to use it to create clarity, inspire innovation and earn trust in a time of constant disruption. Author Scott McKain will reveal how entrepreneurs and business leaders can harness AI not to replace people, but to elevate performance and strengthen relationships. Discover how to turn turbulence into opportunity by leading with AI; ways to balance cutting-edge technology with the human touch that customers and employees demand; and a framework for building distinction that ensures your business thrives—even when the marketplace is unpredictable.

Morning Session:

 Digital Marketing Demystified

Ron Cates
Founding Team, Constant
Contact

Created exclusively for The Chamber of Southern Arizona by one of the world’s leading experts on digital marketing, this workshop will cover the core elements of a successful marketing strategy, taking into consideration the budget and time constraints of running a business. Effective online marketing tools will be emphasized, along with strategies to use them together to amplify each other and save time. Advanced marketers will learn new tricks, but beginners will never feel lost.

Keynote Lunch Speaker:

The State of Raytheon

Sam Deneke
President, Air & Space Defense Systems Raytheon, an RTX Business

Hear an exclusive State of Raytheon address, including key initiatives, new technologies and Raytheon’s commitment to education, workforce development and local impact in Tucson  and Southern Arizona.

THANK YOU!