Thursday March 19, 2026
9:00am - 6:00PM
vermilionville - Lafayette, louisiana

Join industry leaders, visionaries, and changemakers as we explore the power of connectivity in shaping our communities, businesses, and economy.

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About the summit

Acadiana thrives on connection. Whether it’s the culture that unites us, the businesses that drive us, or the technology that powers our future.

The Powered by Connectivity Summit isn’t about tech jargon or abstract ideas but real stories, practical solutions, and meaningful collaboration. With insightful sessions, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities, this summit will provide the strategies, connections, and ideas you need to stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.

Conversations That Drive Connectivity and Progress

2026 Sponsorship Opportunities

Participating as a sponsor gives your organization the chance to showcase its commitment to community connectivity and development, engage directly with local and national leaders in fields such as technology, education, medical, and economic development, and gain visibility among key stakeholders and decision makers both within the region and beyond.

makers conf 2024

Platinum Sponsorship

Premium logo placement across all event materials and website

Recognition during opening and closing remarks

Option to host a breakout session or panel

Featured social posts leading up to the event

$ 10,000
Become a Sponsor
makers conf 2024

Gold Sponsorship

Logo placement on event materials and website

Recognition during the event

Option to sponsor a networking meal or break

Mentions in promotional emails and social posts

$ 5,000
Become a Sponsor
makers conf 2024

Silver Sponsorship

Logo placement on event materials

Recognition during the event

Included in select promotional content

$ 2,500
Become a Sponsor
makers conf 2024

Bronze Sponsorship

Logo placement on event website

Recognition during the event

Acknowledgment in the event program

$ 1,000
Become a Sponsor

Last Year's Speakers

2026 line-up coming soon!
Get ready to hear from industry leaders, technology experts, and community visionaries as they share insights on the power of connectivity and its role in shaping Acadiana’s future.

Mayor-President of Lafayette Parish, leading initiatives in infrastructure, economic development, and government transparency.
Monique Blanco Boulet
Mayor-President Lafayette Parish
Expert in e-discovery and data analytics, developing technology strategies for litigation and investigations.
Dan Regard
Founder & CEO of iDiscovery Solutions
Heads Louisiana's broadband development, aiming to eliminate the digital divide by 2029.
Veneeth Iyengar
Executive Director of ConnectLA
Heads Lafayette Economic Development Authority, driving initiatives to attract and retain businesses in the region.
Mandi Mitchell
President & CEO of LEDA
Chef, educator, and cookbook author with over 32 years in Cajun and Creole cuisine; former executive chef at notable Lafayette restaurants.
Chef Pat Mould
Director of Retail Food & Beverage Operations at UL
Leads the future-focused strategic advisory firm founded by Alvin and Heidi Toffler, guiding organizations through industry shifts.
Maria Bothwell
CEO and Board Chair of Toffler Associates
Seana Siekman has built her career helping companies make better decisions through the power of data and analytics.
Seana Siekman
VP of Innovation & Market Intelligence at Athena Global Advisors
Leads the Acadiana Center for the Arts, expanding regional arts programs, supporting artists, and promoting cultural accessibility.
Sam Oliver
Executive Director at ACA
Co-founded Techneaux in 2010, expanding it from a two-person garage startup to a multi-location IT services firm.
Ben Johnson
Founder & CEO of Techneaux
With nearly 20 years in IT, Will specializes in transforming government services through digital and citizen-centric solutions.
Will Labar
Vice President, Consulting Services at CGI
Dr. Reed leads Louisiana's efforts to increase educational attainment, aiming to double the number of credentials awarded by 2030.
Dr. Kim Hunter Reed
Commissioner of Louisiana Higher Education
As Chief Information Officer, Josh oversees IT strategy and infrastructure to support economic growth initiatives in Louisiana.
Josh Fleig
CIO at Louisiana Economic Development
With over two decades in collegiate athletics administration, Dr. Maggard oversees Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns athletics, emphasizing student-athlete success and community engagement.  
Dr. Bryan Maggard
Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at UL
An experienced IT executive, Chris Rader leads Rader Solutions, providing technology services to businesses. He is recognized for his expertise in cybersecurity and IT infrastructure.
Chris Rader
CEO of Rader Solutions
Expert in cyber-physical systems and semiconductor research, Dr. Margala has led innovation in computing, mentoring top industry and academic leaders.
Dr. Martin Margala
Professor & Director of the School of Computing & Informatics at UL
Over 29 years of leadership experience in Web development, Healthcare Technology, IP telephony, network infrastructure, large scale web and data infrastructure and security.
John Collier
CTO at VieMed
A recognized leader in talent and organizational development, known for helping organizations build stronger workplaces. CEO at MKR Development and a doctorate holder from Baylor.
Dr. Mechelle Roberthon
CEO at MKR Development
Author, entrepreneur, and speaker. She leads Brand State U, TrainYard Advisors, and co-hosts the Razor Branding podcast. A civic leader and mentor, she is among the less than 1% of women-owned agency founders in the U.S.
Jaci Russo
CEO and Co-Founder of brandRUSSO
Leads creative strategy, marketing, and business development, driving digital innovation, brand experiences, and process improvement while fostering a collaborative team culture.
Jeremy Beyt
CCO and Co-Founder of ThreeSixtyEight
A Lafayette native with expertise in strategic communications and marketing, she has led initiatives at BBR Creative, Downtown Lafayette Unlimited, Moncus Park, and professional sports organizations.
Jamie Boudreaux
Chief Communications Officer of LCG
A healthcare innovator, Bruce leads technology and value-based care at LHC Group with experience at HHS, Microsoft, CMS, and as Louisiana’s Health Secretary.
Bruce Greenstein
EVP, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer of LHC Group
A leadership consultant with 20+ years in media, Rob specializes in executive training and supports Acadiana through local media and community initiatives.
Rob Kirkpatrick
Owner of Lafayette-based KirkpatrickBrands
A telecom leader, Michael directs LUS Fiber with experience at Comcast, O3, and CBS TV2, specializing in broadband, digital strategy, and network innovation.
Michael D. Soileau
Director of LUS Fiber

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