Lena DeLaet is spearheading the continued development of Summerfest Tech, which launched in 2018 to convene business leaders and innovators and highlight Wisconsin as a tech hub.
“Lena is a tireless advocate for growing Milwaukee and tech, working to elevate Milwaukee’s tech scene. She is ‘all hands on deck,’ from sponsorships to programming and hospitality,” said Kevin Canady, vice president of sales and business development at Milwaukee World Festival, the operator of Summerfest and Summerfest Tech.
In 2023, Summerfest Tech, which is free and accessible virtually, had a 50% increase in attendance over 2022, with attendees from 31 states and 16 countries.
Under DeLaet’s leadership, Summerfest Tech sponsorships have grown 438%, registration by 1,367%, and attendees by 2,007%. Plus, dozens of startups have benefited from the event’s annual pitch competition, collectively receiving more than $200,000 of funding for their businesses, according to Canady.
DeLaet also led Summerfest Tech initiatives at SXSW in Austin, Texas, the NFL Draft in Detroit and the NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis.