Alumni in Action

Photo Gallery: Talking Tech in Chicago

By Alumni Relations | Photography by Paul L. Newby II

April 5, 2024

Alumni, students, and technology experts gathered at the Microsoft Technology Center in Chicago for a recent event: Talking Tech in Chicago. Hosted on March 21 by the Wisconsin School of Business (WSB) and the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences at UW–Madison, the tech-focused networking event welcomed over 100 Badgers, including students in WSB’s Master of Science-Business: Analytics program. In addition to one-on-one networking opportunities, guests participated in a brief panel discussion and Q&A session with tech experts from Spaulding Ridge, Microsoft, and UW–Madison. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to network with local Badgers, meet industry leaders, and of course, talk about tech. 

Margaret Karlen (BA ’03) and Emil Ray Sanchez (BBA ’88), chief executive officer of Phoenix International Freight Services, Inc., strike up an engaging conversation at the start of the event.
The networking begins! Margaret Karlen (BA ’03) and Emil Ray Sanchez (BBA ’88), chief executive officer of Phoenix International Freight Services, Inc., strike up an engaging conversation at the start of the event.
Cody Baldwin, director of the Master’s in Business Analytics program at WSB, keeps the pace flowing as panel moderator for the event.
Cody Baldwin, director of the Master’s in Business Analytics program at WSB, keeps the pace flowing as panel moderator for the event.
Participants listen intently as the panelists share their tech knowledge and insights.
Participants listen intently as the panelists share their tech knowledge and insights.
Ross Freedman (BBA ’97), co-founder of Origin, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with panelist and UW–Madison computer science student Blaine Hoak (PhD ’25), as well as Kelley Burke, Azure technical sales director for Microsoft’s West and Midwest regions.
Ross Freedman (BBA ’97), co-founder of Origin, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with panelist and UW–Madison computer science student Blaine Hoak (PhD ’25), as well as Kelley Burke, Azure technical sales director for Microsoft’s West and Midwest regions.
Panelist Kelley Burke connects with a UW–Madison student during the event.
Panelist Kelley Burke connects with a UW–Madison student during the event.
The in-demand event drew in over 100 alumni, students, and tech professionals.
The in-demand event drew in over 100 alumni, students, and tech professionals.
Blaine Hoak (PhD ’25) addresses the audience during the event’s panel discussion.
Blaine Hoak (PhD ’25) addresses the audience during the event’s panel discussion.
Panelist Jay Laabs (BBA ’98), founder and chief executive officer of Spaulding Ridge, chats with UW–Madison students.
Panelist Jay Laabs (BBA ’98), founder and chief executive officer of Spaulding Ridge, chats with UW–Madison students about the tech industry.

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