INNOVATION QUESTS
Innovation Quests are curated to allow attendees to connect with thought-leaders in the Upper Peninsula and beyond. Attendees will embark on guided quests ranging from outdoor innovation and creative technology to artificial intelligence and sustainability.
In this "choose your own adventure" experience, attendees will select an innovation quest from four options:
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Outdoor Innovation
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Creative Technology
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Sustainability
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Artificial Intelligence
HOW IT WILL WORK:
Conference attendees will embark on one of the four guided quests​. While each quest will feature a different topic or theme, the overall format of each quest remains the same.
Each quest will include two to three stops:
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Different locations
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Different industry leaders/organizations
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Participants will be transported to different locations around campus and/or Marquette.
INNOVATION QUEST LOCATIONS:
OUTDOOR INNOVATION:
Crown FireTentTM
Earl Senchuk, Founder
Presentation and demonstration of the Crown FireTent by local entrepreneur, Earl Senchek.
SwimSmart Technology LLC
Jacob Soter, Founder
Learn about how SwimSmart is joining beach managing authorities around the country by leveraging innovative technology to help curb drownings in our communities.
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Great Lakes Boat Building School
Nikki Storey, President
The Great Lakes Boat Building School is a premier institution dedicated to training individuals in the art and craftsmanship of boat building. Nikki Story outlines how the school offers hands-on programs, providing students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the marine industry.
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CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY:
Shiras Planetarium
Becky LaBrecque, Director
Visit the only fully operational planetarium within a two hundred mile radius of Marquette, serving a large region of the Upper Great Lakes.
City of MQT Arts and Culture
Tiina Morin, Arts & Culture Manager
Walk through and explore the recently unveiled location of the MQT Arts and Culture office, while also getting a preview of upcoming public art installations. Get a firsthand glimpse into the developments within our vibrant arts community and allow yourself to be part of the conversation!
Opti Games
Chandler Thomlison, Co-Founder and CEO
Learn about the video game studio specializing in multiplayer Unreal Engine development.
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:
AI Workgroup, Center for Teaching and Learning
Scott Smith, Co-Chair
Join as we unravel the magic behind tech-infused teaching at NMU. Discover how we blend instructional design, online teaching, and cutting-edge AI in a dynamic talk about shaping the future of education.
Syncurrent Inc.
Dhruv C. Patel, Co-Founder & CEO and Matthew Jaquez, Co-Founder & COO
See how Syncurrent withs underserved communities to turn entrepreneurship into an economic engine. Their specialty is working hand in hand with communities to unlock potential while providing all the digital infrastructure required.
Creative Mines
Jake Northey, Chief Product Engineer and Software Project Leader
Learn about a software development agency based in Michigan. Their team delivers full products and augments existing staff to accelerate project delivery.
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SUSTAINABILITY:
TriMedia Environmental & Engineering
Bob Lehto, President
Discover TriMedia's journey since 1995, committed to creating safe work environments. Explore our services and how we foster sustainability, unlocking community potential through partnerships and essential digital infrastructure for success
Partridge Creek Farm
May Tsupros, Executive Director
Get introduced to Partridge Creek Farm's community-driven journey, fostering sustainability and resilience through hands-on partnerships and essential agricultural practices.
Marquette County Solid Waste (Recycle 906)
Josh Wales,Materials Management Supervisor
Committed to sustainable waste management in Marquette County, their goal is longevity through a balanced approach. Join us for a facility tour to witness the dedication to environmental protection and community health and safety.