Technology First, the Dayton-founded technology association, is widening its reach across Ohio by renaming its sold-out Dayton AI Day as the Ohio AI Conference on Aug. 25, 2027, while continuing a full slate of member programming such as the Taste of IT conference on Nov. 18.
Technology First peer groups
Technology First has built a community since 1997 where technology leaders trade practical, experience-based answers. The organization counts more than 1,800 individual members and over 170 member companies, and it organizes eight peer groups that meet regularly on topics including AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, infrastructure and workforce development.
Executive director Melissa Cutcher described the association’s premise succinctly: “Chances are, someone else has been there, done that and learned a lesson they’re willing to share,” Cutcher said. Membership is open to both organizations and individuals, and the group frames its work around three pillars: connect, strengthen and champion Ohio’s technology community.
Cutcher emphasized the value of trust within peer groups. “When people feel safe being candid, the conversations become much more valuable,” Cutcher said. The groups are confidential and keep sales conversations out of the room so members can speak openly; solution providers participate as part of the conversation rather than as sales agents.
Seth Marsh, president of The McCracken Group and Technology First’s Champion Partner, described his firm’s commitment in relational terms. He said the company is now “viewed as part of the solution,” he said, rather than a sales agent pushing something. “Tech First is putting its members first, rather than its own gain,” Marsh said. “We are in this for the long haul with Tech First.”
Board mix and statewide growth
The organization’s board combines chief information officers, solution providers and representatives from universities — a mix Cutcher called one of Technology First’s greatest strengths. “Technology doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It touches employers, solution providers, educators, the workforce and the broader community,” she said.
Lisa Heckler, senior vice president of cybersecurity, privacy and technology services and chief information security officer at CareSource, cited that broad focus when explaining why she joined the board. “I joined the Technology First Board because I believe strong technology communities create stronger businesses, stronger talent pipelines, and ultimately a stronger Ohio economy,” Heckler said. She added that while many organizations provide networking or educational content, “Technology First combines those things with something much more valuable: a trusted community built on relationships.”
Dayton AI Day sold out this year; the event will become the Ohio AI Conference on Aug. 25, 2027. Cutcher read the sellout as evidence that demand for practical AI guidance remains strong and has shifted toward questions of where AI makes sense, how to implement it responsibly and how to prepare organizations and workforces for next steps. “The biggest change is the reach,” Cutcher said, noting the Dayton foundation remains while the audience widens across the state.
Technology First also hosts signature conferences, professional development workshops, networking and community events, workforce and career-focused programming and year-round industry education, and it partners with businesses, educators and community organizations across Ohio.
For those new to the organization, Cutcher’s advice is simple: show up and introduce yourself at a conference, peer group or smaller event. “Technology may be what connects us,” Cutcher said, “but the value has always been the people.” Marsh recommended that companies seeking genuine engagement meet with Technology First: “But if you want to be part of a solution, to offer true engagement and support, then by all means please meet with Tech First,” Marsh said.
Registration, membership and additional information are available at technologyfirst.org.
