Hawaii Tech Week - Executive Forum & Reception

The Hawaii Tech Week - Executive Forum & Reception is a curated event of speakers and ~100 leaders at the cutting edge of tech and it's role in driving forward industry, investing, and Hawaii. Held at the world-renowned Halekulani Hotel at the edge of Waikiki, this is a flagship event of Hawaii Tech Week. The Forum is a high-energy and fast-paced event focused on leveling up, building relationships, and creating new opportunities. Speakers are a mix of both local and global leaders in specific areas relating to tech, industry, investment, and policy. (agenda below) This is a cross industry event; attendees include founders, CEOs, executives, investors, and policymakers. Tickets include the talks & sessions, a reception with pupus and drink, videography and talk transcripts (for on-record talks), and links to additional reading and context material. Taxes are included in the ticket price. We look forward to seeing you there! Given extremely limited space, registration is paid and invite-or-approval only based on the registrant's professional experience. If you have any questions or inquiries about if the event is a good fit for you or your interests please drop me a message at the email below. Any registrations not accepted are not charged, and we'll look to increase capacity in coming years. - Michael, Founder @ HTW Forum Agenda 12:30-13:00 Arrival & Networking (see Arrival Section below) 13:00 Welcome to the Hawaii Tech Week Executive Forum The State of AI: U.S.-China and the Future of Models feat. Aqib Zakaria, AI and Semiconductor Policy Analyst, ChinaTalk Beyond the Brain Drain: Rethinking Talent for an AI-Shaped Future feat. Joey Aquino, Venture Partner at Builders VC and Blesson Abraham, CEO & Founder of AviaryAI Invention Under Uncertainty feat. David Hijirida, EIR @ University of Hawaii, ex-Amazon The Last Scarcity: Human Connection in the Age of AI feat. Jake Kozloski, Founder & CEO of Keeper Honolulu’s Present & Future: Fireside Chat feat. Rick Blangiardi, Mayor of Honolulu 1:1 Fireside Chat feat. Trung Lam, CEO & Executive Director, Hawaii Technology Development Corp Code, Content, Capital: Hawaii’s Tech Movement and HTW Futures feat. Michael Bennett, Founder of Hawaii Tech Week 17:30 Evening Networking Reception Pupus and Networking Reception with fellow attendees and speakers. Pupus will include Suckling Pig, Cedar Salmon, Prime Rib, various Hors D'ouveres including fruit, veggies, seafood, and a Premium bar with non-alcoholic options. 19:00 Event Ends Following the Forum, we invite you to join us at the Kickoff Party for Hawaii Tech Week at The Ambassador Hotel which is a 10-minute walk or 5-minute drive. Arrival & Parking Please plan to arrive at the Halekulani Hotel at 12:45 latest so we can begin promptly at 13:00. Parking and arrival options are the responsibility of attendees. Options include Uber / rideshare, valet parking ($50), or paid parking at one of the nearby parking lots or garages. Mahalo To Our 2026 Sponsors Who Make HTW and This Event Possible Presenting: Aloha Equity, Hawaii Technology Development Corporation Gold Sponsors: Privateer Silver Sponsors: AEP Hawaii, Builders VC, OM Venture Capital, Hub Coworking Hawaii, Goodsill, EO Solutions, Elemental Impact, Blue Startups, Hawaii Pacific University Questions and Opportunities If you have any questions about the forum, or are interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities of the HTW Executive Forum or Hawaii Tech Week, please reach out to us at [email protected].