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 seminars, 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 – 9:00 am | Breakfast and the 2025 Vermont Business Growth Awards Presented by VermontBiz & TD Bank Sponsored by Gallagher, Flynn & Co, and Twincraft Skincare |
| 9:00 am | Exhibition Hall opens to the public |
| 10 – 10:45 am | Session 1: Get This! Lessons (and Hope) from the Cyber Trenches |
| 11:00 – 11:45 am | Session 2: Q&A — Utilizing AI In Business: Strategies and Practices for Business Resilience |
| 12 – 1:30pm | Senator Peter Welch Luncheon: Fireside Chat |
| 3pm | Exhibition Hall closes |
Breakfast & Vermont Business Growth Awards
Presented by VermontBiz & TD Bank
Time: 7:30am – 9:00am
Speakers: TBD
This breakfast session will include networking plus VermontBiz and TD Bank will present the 2025 Vermont Business Growth Awards.
The Vermont Business Growth Awards celebrate the achievements of the top businesses throughout Vermont, in various categories, over the last 5 years based on growth.
TD Bank Breakfast keynote speaker: Banking & Tariffs
Time: 8:15 – 9:00am
Speaker: Thomas Feltmate, Director & Senior Economist with TD Bank Group
An Economic Outlook with a focus on the evolving tariff landscape and what it means for the broader economy, labor markets, inflation, financial conditions, and future Fed policy.
PLUS Entertainment By Award-Winning Magician Giancarlo Bernini
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 You will hear real stories that might make you laugh, cringe, or maybe even stop hoping the old register is ‘too outdated to hack.’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: 11:15am – 12pm
Moderator: Crystal L’Hôte, Chair and Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Saint Michael’s College
Panelists:
Heather Daniels, Founder, AdaZai Consulting
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.
Senator Peter Welch Luncheon: Fireside Chat
Time: 12pm – 1:30pm
Moderator: Senator Rocket, Artist, Entrepreneur, Eat Vermont
Panelists:
Mikaela Lefrak, Host and Senior Producer, ’Vermont Edition,’ Vermont Public
Meg Little Reilly, Managing Director, Center for Community News
Paula Routly, Co-founder, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Seven Days
Michael Wood-Lewis, Co-founder and CEO, Front Porch Forum
This luncheon is presented by Senator Peter Welch.
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.