Schedule
Plan our your day at the VermontBiz2Biz EXPO! Get ready to immerse yourself in a day filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate the vibrant business community of Vermont. Explore our diverse lineup of events, including engaging BIZ sessions, prestigious awards ceremonies, and invaluable networking sessions. Discover how you can be a part of this dynamic event that reimagines the power of business in Vermont.
| 7:30 am — 9 am | Senator Peter Welch Breakfast |
| 8:30 am | Exhibition Hall opens to the public |
| 9:30 am – 10:30 am | Biz Session #1 – AI in Practice: Scaling Vermont Business |
| 11 am – 12 pm | Biz Session # 2 – People First: Building Vermont’s Resilient Workforce |
| 12pm – 1:30pm | TD Bank Vermont Business Growth Awards Luncheon Presented by VermontBiz and TD Bank |
| 3:00 pm | Exhibition Hall closes |
Senator Peter Welch Breakfast
Time: 7:30am – 9:00am
Speakers: TBD
This breakfast session includes admission to the Exhibit Hall and Senator Peter Welch Business Breakfast.
Biz Session #1 – AI in Practice: Scaling Vermont Business
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Overview: This interactive roundtable moves beyond theory, focusing on practical, low-barrier AI tools that can solve immediate operational challenges for Vermont businesses.
This ticket includes admission to the Exhibit Hall and Biz Session # 1.
Biz Session # 2 – People First: Building Vermont’s Resilient Workforce
Time: 11:00am – 12pm
Overview: This session focuses on foundational infrastructure, specifically housing and childcare, positioning these as critical recruitment tools. Attendees will examine the nexus between economic needs and the workforce, participate in a benefit audit activity, and engage in a Q&A regarding public-private implementation strategies.
Includes admission to the Exhibit Hall and Biz Session # 2.
Session 1: Get This! Lessons (and Hope) from the Cyber Trenches
Time: 10am – 10:45am
Speaker: Phil Susmann, President, NUARI
Cybersecurity does not have to be scary or expensive. In this session, a NUARI expert breaks things down in plain, honest language. You do not need to be technical to walk away with something useful. You will hear real stories that might make you laugh, cringe, or maybe even stop hoping the old register is ‘too outdated to hack.’ The session highlights common mistakes, close calls, and the simple changes that make a big difference. Whether you are running a business with five employees or five hundred, you will leave with at least one practical thing you can put into action right away. No fear tactics. No jargon. Just straightforward advice and a few lessons that were definitely learned the hard way.
About NUARI
Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) is a Northfield, Vermont–based non-profit research and development organization advancing cybersecurity and resilience for government, industry, and communities nationwide. Founded in 2002 and a proud partner of Norwich University, NUARI combines academic insight, national security expertise, and practical application to help organizations safeguard critical infrastructure, protect sensitive data, and meet evolving compliance demands. Through deployable solutions, training, and collaborative partnerships, NUARI strengthens both organizational readiness and community resilience. As part of Vermont’s innovation ecosystem, NUARI connects national expertise with local impact, offering companies across the region a trusted partner in navigating the digital age with confidence.
Session 2: Q&A — Utilizing AI In Business: Strategies and Practices for Business Resilience
Time: 11:00am – 11:45am
Moderator: Crystal L’Hôte, Chair and Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Saint Michael’s College
Panelists:
Mike Lannen, Founder of Eternity
Miles Latham, Director of Artificial Intelligence of State of Vermont
Get real advice from some of Vermont’s top AI experts! Come prepared with questions and receive practical insights into developing an AI strategy for business resilience. Hear from AI professionals across industries on how to best navigate the increasingly unpredictable landscape as we will delve into how AI technologies can be strategically implemented to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, while maintaining operational efficiency. This session is designed for business professionals interested in leveraging AI to build more robust and resilient organizations.
TD Bank Vermont Business Growth Awards Luncheon
Time: 12pm – 1:30pm
Overview: Presented at the VermontBiz2Biz expo. This a recognition and celebration of those companies whose annual revenues reveal that they are the fastest growing companies in Vermont over the last five years. The concept brings VermontBiz’s Top 100+ issue to life. Our goal is to provide a forum for smaller businesses throughout the state to learn from these top 25 company’s experiences.
Includes admission to the Exhibit Hall and Vermont Business Growth Awards Luncheon,
Presented by TD Bank & VermontBiz.
Coffee Break: Vermont Saves
Time: 2:50 – 3:05pm
Speaker: Michael Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer
Join Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak to learn about the Vermont Saves program, the Treasurer’s state-facilitated retirement program launching later this year. Vermont Saves offers a retirement savings plan for Vermonters without access to employer-sponsored plans. The program makes saving for retirement simple and automatic, with no cost to employers or taxpayers. Treasurer Pieciak will explain how Vermont Saves will improve the financial security of Vermonters by automatically enrolling eligible workers in Roth IRA accounts with payroll deduction contributions. Employees can set their own contribution rate, or use the program default, and can opt out of the program if they choose. Don’t miss this session to understand how Vermont Saves can help secure a stable retirement for Vermont’s workforce.
Exhibiton Hall closes
Time: 3pm
The day will come to an end providing exhibitors and attendees a time to celebrate their business successes.