Gateway to Innovation Conference returns to region on April 30

 

The Gateway to Innovation (G2I) conference, the region’s largest single-day event for IT professionals, returns to America’s Center in St. Louis on April 30, 2025.

The annual conference brings together nearly 1,500 technology leaders, experts, and innovators for a full day of keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities while supporting technology needs in the local community through a unique giveback program. G2I net proceeds are donated to support a wide variety of technology and education needs in the greater St. Louis area.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.g2iconference.com.

This year’s lineup features three dynamic keynote speakers who will challenge, inspire, and equip attendees with strategies for success in an era of rapid technological change:

• Opening Keynote: Sam Rad – A futurist, anthropologist, entrepreneur, and author, Sam Rad (Samantha Radocchia) explores the societal impact of exponential technologies. In her keynote, Radical Next: The Operating System for the Future, she will guide attendees through the radical changes reshaping industries and offer insights on how to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
• Lunch Keynote: Jim Knight – A renowned keynote speaker and author, Jim Knight is an expert in organizational culture and leadership. Known for his high-energy presentations, he will share insights on building a dynamic and engaging workplace culture, drawing from his experience leading Global Training for Hard Rock International.
• Closing Keynote: Sean Swarner – A world record-holding adventurer and two-time cancer survivor, Sean Swarner has conquered some of the world’s toughest challenges, including summiting Mount Everest with one lung. In his keynote, Defying the Odds: Lessons in Resilience and Purpose, he will share his extraordinary journey and strategies for overcoming obstacles.

“Gateway to Innovation is more than just a conference—it’s an opportunity for IT professionals to learn from world-class speakers, engage with peers, and contribute to the greater good in our community,” said David Berndt, G2I Conference co-chair and senior partner at Experience On Demand. “This year’s event will continue our tradition of inspiring innovation and supporting technology education.”

In addition to these powerful keynotes, attendees will gain access to breakout sessions covering the latest trends and challenges in IT, leadership, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. The event provides unmatched networking opportunities, connecting IT professionals across various industries.

“We are thrilled to bring together top technology leaders and innovators for a day of learning and networking,” said Trisha Crump, G2I Conference co-chair and senior product manager – Technical at Mastercard. “With an outstanding lineup of speakers and engaging breakout sessions, this year’s event is set to be one of our best yet.”

Beyond professional development, G2I has a strong philanthropic mission. Since its inception, the conference has contributed more than $3.3 million to support technology needs in local nonprofits, start-ups, scholarships, educational programs, and STEM initiatives.