Events
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Upcoming Event
Future of Biotech in the Big Sky, Dec. 12, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m., Kalispell
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Photos
See albums of our past receptions, CEO roundtables, and presentations.
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Videos
See video recordings of webinars, trainings, and panel discussions.
Upcoming Events
University of Montana Cyber Clinic - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 4th, Helena College Donaldson Campus, Room 207, 1115 North Roberts St., Helena
C2M Beta 2024 Fall Showcase - 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 12th, Stockman Bank (6th floor), 321 W Broadway St., Missoula
Future of Biotech in the Big Sky - 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Thursday, December 12th, Flathead Valley Community College - Arts & Technology Building, 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell
Hellgate Venture Network Holiday Party - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 12th, Parsons Behle & Latimer, 127 E. Main St. #301, Missoula
2025 Business Days at the Capitol - Wednesday, January 8th - Thursday, January 9th, Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial, 2301 Colonial Drive, Helena
2025 BBER Economic Outlook Seminar - Tuesday, January 28th - Tuesday, February 11th, Seven Montana Cities
LMG Security: Penetration Testing for IT Pros 1-Day Class - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Thursday, February 27th, Virtual
2025 SXSW Pitch Competition - Saturday, March 8th - Sunday, March 9th, Austin, Texas
2025 BBER Economic Outlook Seminar - Tuesday, March 11th - Wednesday March 12th, Sidney & Miles City
All Events
Webinar: Uncovering Hidden Risks - How Vendors Create Supply Chain Security Risks for Your Organization
What: Free webinar teaching how to safeguard your organization from vendor-related risks, hosted by LMG Security
When: 12:00 -1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14th
Where: Virtual (event details will be sent to registered guests)
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE EVENT:
Join LMG Security for a quick, insightful session on safeguarding your organization from vendor-related risks. From Rackspace to Okta to MSP hacks and more, discover how technology vendors, software providers, and other suppliers can leave you vulnerable to cyberattacks.
The webinar will cover:
How to prioritize and minimize supplier cybersecurity risks
Methods for managing risk from interconnected services: including cloud vendors, software developers, hosting providers and more.
Four- and fifth-party supplier cybersecurity threats -- and beyond
Actionable steps to reduce risk and protect your digital assets
Ransomware Response 1-Day Virtual Class
What: Online class covering how organizations can respond to ransomware effectively and efficiently, hosted by LMG Security
When: 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 9th
Where: Virtual (event details will be sent to registered guests)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
This 1-day ransomware boot camp will ramp up IT staff to effectively prevent ransomware and respond quickly to reduce the cost if it does take hold. The virtual class includes hands-on labs, 90-day access to the virtual lab environment, and a one-on-one instructor Q&A session.
Additional topics covered in this session include:
Identifying early indicators of compromise for ransomware cases
Stopping ransomware before it takes over your network
Effectively containing ransomware
Understanding how and why to preserve evidence in ransomware cases
Describing an effective ransom negotiation strategy
Decrypting data safely and efficiently
Supporting ongoing legal, public relations, and other business activities related to the ransomware recovery
Cost: $895 regular price if registered by February 28th; $995 late registration
Instructor Bios:
Sherri Davidoff is the CEO of LMG Security and the author of three books, including “Ransomware and Cyber Extortion” and “Data Breaches: Crisis and Opportunity.” As a recognized expert in cybersecurity, she has been called a “security badass” by the New York Times. Sherri is a regular instructor at the renowned Black Hat trainings and a faculty member at the Pacific Coast Banking School. She is also the co-author of Network Forensics: Tracking Hackers Through Cyberspace (Prentice Hall, 2012), and has been featured as the protagonist in the book, Breaking and Entering: The Extraordinary Story of a Hacker Called “Alien.” Sherri is a GIAC-certified forensic examiner (GCFA) and penetration tester (GPEN) and received her degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from MIT.
Matt Durrin is the Director of Training and Research at LMG Security and a Senior Consultant with the organization. He is an instructor at the international Black Hat USA conference, where he has taught classes on ransomware and data breaches. Matt has conducted cybersecurity seminars, tabletop exercises and classes for thousands of attendees in all sectors, including banking, retail, healthcare, government, and more. He is also the co-author of a new book, Ransomware and Cyber Extortion: Response and Prevention. A seasoned cybersecurity and IT professional, Matt specializes in ransomware response and research, as well as deployment of proactive cybersecurity solutions. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Montana, and his malware research has been featured on NBC Nightly News.
Innovating in Uncertain Times: How to Launch New Products Faster — and More Profitably
What: Webinar highlighting best practices for improving R&D strategy featuring TechLink Associate Director Austin Leach and MPI CEO John R. Brandt, hosted by TechLink
When: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8th
Where: Virtual (event details will be sent to registered guests)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Join TechLink for a free webinar exploring findings from the just-released TechLink R&D Innovation Performance Study, including:
Creating Your Innovation Scope — How to structure your R&D functions and initiatives for success
Planning Your Innovation Lifecycle — How to map your innovation future by types of developments and the technologies incorporated within them
Managing Your Innovation Process — How to implement best practices and performances for profitably moving products and services from ideation to development to market.
Attendees will learn how R&D leaders outperform their competition and gain insights into how companies can capture market advantages by partnering with U.S. Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs government laboratories on research and development.
Ransomware Tactics and Trends Webinar
What: Webinar that will demonstrate the latest techniques and provide critical guidance for protecting your organization from ransomware tactics, hosted by LMG Security
When: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22nd
Where: Virtual (event details will be sent to registered guests)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Ransomware has gotten sneakier and criminals have developed novel tactics to speed destruction and evade detection. In this webinar, the authors of the new book, “Ransomware and Cyber Extortion,” will demonstrate the latest techniques and provide critical guidance for protecting your organization.
The webinar will showcase:
An actual ransomware infection in the lab, with screenshots and videos
New attacker tactics used to spread more quickly and maximize impact
Current evasion trends, such as living off the land, partial encryption, and more
How hackers steal your data silently, including the latest clandestine exfiltration techniques
Export 101 Webinar
What: Free webinar hosted by ExportMontana covering the basics of international sales and programs to help you get started on your exporting journey
When: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 16th
Where: Online (event details will be sent to registered guests)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
In 2022, Montana businesses exported more than $1.7 billion to 127 foreign markets. If you would like to be one of these exporting firms, ExportMontana invites you its Export 101 webinar to learn more. This free webinar will cover the basics of international sales including marketing research, sales strategies, legal issues, shipping, payments, cultural differences, and programs that can help you get started, including grants and technical assistance.
Please register by Thursday, February 9th. Even if you can't attend the live webinar, ExportMontana encourages you to register and will send a recording for you to watch at your convenience.
The Montana HR Hour: Webinar
What: Informational webinar covering Montana HR law and best practices, hosted by Associated Employers
When: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15th
Where: Online
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
-Learn more about the Montana Human Rights, Maternity Leave, and the Montana Wrongful Discharge from Employment Acts.
- Understand how to establish good cause as an employer and the importance of due process.
Cost per webinar:
AE Member Companies - $90
Non-member Companies - $125
Price is for one (1) login. Additional logins are available for $5 each.
Associated Employers is a not-for-profit voluntary membership association committed to the success of employers, their employees and their businesses. Founded in 1916, AE serves over 1,000 businesses and organizations throughout the region as the premier Human Resource outsourcing specialist.
To learn more and register, please contact reg[at]aehr.org.
Going Global - Focus on Oman & the Gulf Cooperation Council
What: Webinar hosted by World Trade Center Montana, featuring guest speaker Zubeida Alawi, discussing existing and future market opportunities in Gulf Cooperation Council nations with a case study focus on Oman
When: 12:00 - 12:55 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7th
Where: Online (event details will be sent to registered guests)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Zubeida Alawi, founder and director of Alawi Global, will share her unique perspective on cultural, political, and governmental considerations doing business in the region and how her team has deployed design thinking strategies to maximize success in these markets.
This training is offered free to Montana World Trade Center members and for just $25 to non-members. For Montana World Trade Center Members, click on the MWTC ticket type and enter promo code "MWTC" for your complimentary registration.
Speaker Information:
Zubeida Alawi is an Omani American graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with a master's degree in Business Design Management and a bachelor's degree in Advertisement - Strategic Communication and holds an Associate Degree from NVCC in International Studies – Arabic language. She has been a startup mentor and design thinking facilitator since 2018.
In 2020, she was an MIT Solve mentor for an EdTech project and was a speaker and panelist at the Geneva Peace Week Women program. She is also a co-founder of Loma, a Montana-based health technologies SaaS platform, and holds a patent for a real-time safety reporting and analytics protocol.
Making the Most of Meetings: Webinar
What: Informational webinar discussing how to drive team performance and create successful team meetings, hosted by Associated Employers
When: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1st
Where: Online
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
-Learn models for superior facilitation that leads to successful meetings.
-Discover how to drive the team to perform and create continuous improvement.
-Understand how to manage team potential ahead of time.
Cost per webinar:
AE Member Companies - $90
Non-member Companies - $125
Price is for one (1) login. Additional logins are available for $5 each.
Associated Employers is a not-for-profit voluntary membership association committed to the success of employers, their employees and their businesses. Founded in 1916, AE serves over 1,000 businesses and organizations throughout the region as the premier Human Resource outsourcing specialist.
To learn more and register, please contact reg[at]aehr.org.
Webinar: Top Threats of 2023
What: Free webinar covering how to protect your organization from cybersecurity threats and criminal tactics in 2023, hosted by LMG Security
When: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24th
Where: Online
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Cybercriminals are taking hacking to the next level by leveraging sophisticated tool sets and rapidly evolving techniques. Learn from cybersecurity experts Sherri Davidoff and Matt Durrin as they share the biggest cybersecurity threats of 2023 and how you can protect your organization in this free webinar.
MTIP Online Workshop: Department of Defense SBIR/STTR Programs with Christie Bell, CLP
What: Proposal workshop discussing the 2023 Department of Defense SBIR and STTR programs hosted by the Montana Innovation Partnership (MTIP), powered by MSU Tech Link
When: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18th
Where: Online via Zoom (event details will be sent to registered guests)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
If you have an innovative early-stage technology that may help provide strategic advantage to our armed services, you should consider small business seed funding available through the many components of the DoD. In this workshop, the Montana Innovation Partnership (MTIP) will look at specific examples and highlight effective strategies for preparing competitive DoD SBIR/STTR proposals.
MTIP Program Director, Ann Peterson, will be joined by MTIP SBIR Advisor and TechLink technology manager, Christie Bell, CLP, to share key changes and new proposal requirements for the 2023 DoD BAAs and discuss strategies you can take now to make sure you prepare a competitive proposal.
Scaling Biotech Companies in Montana Webinar
What: A webinar in partnership with the Montana Bioscience Cluster Initiative on scaling Biotech companies in Montana.
When: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12th
Where: Online via Zoom (Link to participate and a recording will be emailed to all registered event attendees.)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Studies show Montana’s bioscience industry is a rapidly growing and high-paying segment of the economy. This virtual panel will offer insights from diverse professionals into how individual companies can effectively plan for growth, and how we can scale Montana’s biotech ecosystem.
Guest Speakers:
Liz Marchi (moderator), Head of Community Engagement, Two Bear Capital, Whitefish and Founder, Frontier Angel Fund
Choyce LaRue, Financial and Leasing Expert, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Matt Mellott, Commercial Real Estate Advisor with a background in lab space and R&D development, SterlingCRE, Missoula
Cynthia Ekberg Tsai, CEO, Healthquest, advisor for business development in biotechnology and medical technologies, Wolf Creek
Feel free to forward this invitation to others who would benefit.
Burnout - It’s Real and You Can Help: Webinar
What: Webinar covering how to help your employees avoid burnout and stress in the workplace, hosted by Associated Employers
When: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21st
Where: Online
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
This informative webinar will help you determine what burnout can mean for different people, recognize what may be burnout, understand how work and burnout collide, learn about how to create mental health awareness in the workplace, and discover how to help your employees feel less stressed at work.
Cost per webinar:
AE Member Companies - $90
Non-member Companies - $125
Price is for one (1) login. Additional logins are available for $5 each.
Associated Employers is a not-for-profit voluntary membership association committed to the success of employers, their employees and their businesses. Founded in 1916, AE serves over 1,000 businesses and organizations throughout the region as the premier Human Resource outsourcing specialist.
To learn more and register, please contact reg[at]aehr.org.
Webinar: Montana Opportunities in Film
What: Free webinar hosted by the Montana High Tech Business Alliance in partnership with the Media Training Center
When: 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, December 8th
Where: Virtual via Zoom (Link to participate and a recording will be emailed to all registered event attendees.)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Montana’s film and media industry is booming, creating jobs and business opportunities for Montanans working on popular TV shows like Yellowstone or movies with famous actors like Academy Award-winner J.K. Simmons.
Register now if you would like to learn:
How to work in Montana’s film industry, and what you should know before walking on a set
How Montana businesses can capitalize on local productions, providing services from security to catering and real estate
How Montana communities can benefit from the economic investment and visibility media productions provide
This virtual panel will introduce you to diverse Montanans who have built successful careers and businesses working in media and film.
Guest Speakers:
Joseph Grady, moderator, is an educator who uses theater, art, writing and music to share the culture and lifeways of Indigenous communities with the larger world and promote positive change for BIPOC people.
Amanda Bearmedicine is a trainee graduate of the Media Training Center. She has worked in various roles, including as a production assistant, 1st and 2nd assistant director, and actor on productions including The Woods, Yellowstone, Checkmate, and The Wild Frontier Season 2. Amanda is also an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe.
Lynn-Wood Fields is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and educator who created a new Production Assistant Rapid Training Course with support from Accelerate Montana.
Tyler Grutsch is an award-winning television director\producer and entrepreneur with Montana Video Production Rentals whose credits include Yellowstone, Maid, and commercials for Nike, Viacom CBS, Dunkin Donuts, and Frito Lay/Cheetos.
Jeri Rafter is a freelance filmmaker whose credits include films like Winter in the Blood and Mickey and the Bear as well as shoots for brands like Ford, GEICO, Google, and Subaru.
Katie Ward is a commercial real estate broker with PureWest Christie's International Real Estate who leverages decades of local experience to support film projects in Montana.
Feel free to forward this invitation to others who would benefit.
Webinar: Montana Careers in Biotech
What: Free webinar hosted by the Montana High Tech Business Alliance and the Montana Bioscience Cluster Initiative
When: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 10th
Where: Online via Zoom (Link to participate and a recording will be emailed to all registered event attendees.)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
Montana is a great place to launch a world-class career in biotech. From supporting clinical research to improve healthcare for underserved populations, to building software to diagnose diseases through gene sequencing, this free webinar will tell the inspiring stories of diverse Montana innovators and entrepreneurs. Get inspired to build your own career at the intersection of the biosciences and technology.
Guest Speakers:
Karen Brown, PharmD, Founder and CEO of KLEO Research in Missoula - supporting clinical research to improve healthcare for underserved populations
Moses Leavens, PhD, Protein Biochemist at McLaughlin Research Institute in Great Falls - developing biomarkers to diagnose and treat dementia
Andreas Scherer, PhD, President and CEO of Golden Helix in Bozeman - building software to diagnose diseases through gene sequencing
Feel free to forward this invitation to others who would benefit.
Webinar: Cybercrime and Cybersecurity
What: Free online webinar led by Josh Botz, information security officer of Morrison-Maierle Systems, on how to protect your business from cybercrimes and liability for damages caused by cyberattacks
When: 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9th
Where: Online
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT
Nearly half of all cyber-attacks target small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) and the average cost of a breach exceeds $25,000. Only 40% of small businesses recover after a successful attack – the remainder are forced to close their doors as a result of financial impact, data loss, and damaged reputation. Be prepared by learning how you can better protect your company from cybercrime through this free informative webinar.
-Learn fast facts and terminology for cyber liability insurance (CLI).
-Discover how to choose a CLI provider and the best security practices.
-The webinar will also cover crucial underwriting process preparations and how to negotiate a better deal with a CLI provider.
Webinar: Email Hacking & Financial Fraud
What: Free online webinar covering how to reduce your risk of email hacking and financial fraud, hosted by LMG Security
When: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m on Wednesday, November 9th
Where: Online
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT
-Counteract cybercriminals wanting to break into your email to steal sensitive data, conduct fraud, or reset passwords for your other accounts by learning the top ways to protect your email account and reduce your risk of fraud.
-Discover how hackers break into your email, including a “sting” operation where we catch a real hacker in the act!
-Learn how to recognize spoofed emails, fake invoices, and wire fraud with examples.
Online Workshop: Making Sense of SBIR/STTR Cost Proposals with the Montana Innovation Partnership (MTIP)
What: Online workshop taught by Jim Greenwood to help participants make sense of SBIR/STTR cost proposals, sponsored by the Montana Innovation Partnership (MTIP) powered by MSU TechLink
When: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 7th
Where: Online via Zoom
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT
-In this course the Montana Innovation Partnership will help you make sense of the world of the SBIR/STTR cost proposal and how to keep records to the government's satisfaction when you win an SBIR award.
-Learn how to develop an indirect rate, what to expect from government audits, and master government accounting terminology.
-While aimed at SBIR/STTR competitors, this is a one-of-a-kind workshop that has proven valuable for any applicant for or recipient of government contracts and grants.
-This event is free and open to attendees across the nation.
Know Your Neighbors: Understanding Montana’s Indigenous People
More than 8 percent of Montanans are Native – the 5th highest ratio in the U.S. And Indigenous young people are a cornerstone of our future workforce. About 14 percent of Montana’s school-age population is Native American compared to about 1 percent nationally.
Montana’s diverse tribal communities play a vital role in Montana’s history, culture, and economy. And yet, many non-native tech leaders know little about their Indigenous neighbors.
Misty Kuhl, Aaniiih Member of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, will address common areas of confusion like:
Distinguishing between a tribe and a reservation
How tribal membership is determined and how Native people prefer to be addressed
How tribal communities are funded and managed
Legal and policy issues impacting Indian country
Specific ways anti-racism, equity and inclusion apply to Indigenous people
Speaker Bio:
Misty Kuhl was born in Havre and is a member of the Fort Belknap Indian Community. As a first-generation college graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services (Cum Laude) from Montana State University-Billings.
Misty spent several years working with tribal communities in New Mexico as a probation officer, and then nationally as a Director with the Native American Alliance Foundation. Following her work with NAAF, she lived out her love for the outdoors and was an outdoor guide for several years, eventually taking over Outdoor Programs for Kirtland Air Force Base. She especially loves paddling whitewater and trail running. Misty is a champion for diversity in outdoor recreation and loves helping people get outside. Entrepreneurship opportunities in outdoor technology brought her “home” to Montana.
Being back in Montana ignited a renewed passion for serving Indian Country. Currently Misty is the Coordinator for Native American Programming and Outreach at Rocky Mountain College, and before that she served as Tribal Liaison and Field Representative for Montana’s At-Large Congressman, Greg Gianforte.