DFW Growth Summit 2025

About the Summit

The DFW Growth Summit is a premier event designed to explore growth and innovation across Dallas-Fort Worth, the 4th-largest metroplex in the country.

This full-day summit will take place at Toyota North America’s headquarters in Plano, TX and brings together top business professionals, thought leaders, and innovators from across the
region for an engaging and impactful experience.

The 2025 Growth Summit will feature multiple panel discussions led by industry experts and will explore key technologies driving Digital Transformation. These include machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, big data, CRMs, martech, and fintech solutions. Attendees will also have the chance to connect with peers during dedicated networking sessions, designed to foster new business relationships and partnerships that leverage these cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead in an evolving marketplace.

2025 Summit Insights Hub

Why Attend the Summit?

Insights You Can Trust

Over a dozen business leaders from top firms in DFW will take the stage and share their insights and experiences providing you with real-world solutions.

Validate Your Strategies

Take the chance to hear and learn from your peers who are executing transformation in their business and how it stacks up to yours.

Strengthen Your Network

Join a large and diverse group of business leaders at a conference that prioritizes meaningful interactions and powerful connections.

“True meeting of the minds filled with great energy, engagement, and strong thought leadership.” – Damian Davis, Founder & CEO Davis Insurance Services

The Summit offers exclusive access to a VIP reception, where high-profile guests and speakers can engage in deeper discussions and explore collaboration opportunities.

2025 Summit Highlight Reel

Summit Agenda

  • 9am-9:45am – Check-In/Doors Open/Networking
  • 9:45am-9:55am – Opening Remarks/Keynote
    James Sackey and Jason Ballard
  • 10-10:45am Improving Operational Excellence – AI Applications to Build Sustainable Business
    Brennan McKinlay (moderator), Stefan Boehmer, Dan Sinawat, Cory Thigpen
  • 10:45-11:15am Networking Break
  • 11:15-12pm Future of Customer Relationships in a Data Driven World
    Ron Bruno (moderator), Ivonne Kinser, James Sackey, Krish Dhokia, Ivan Yong
  • 12-12:30pm Lunch/Networking Break
  • 12:30-1:15pm The Future of AI – A Look at Policy and Business in DFW
    James Sackey (moderator), Josh Davis, Senator Tan Parker, Steven Kinard, David Evans
  • 1:15-1:45pm Networking Break
  • 1:45-2:30pm The Rise of Blockchain and Fintech in DFW
    James Sackey (moderator), Eric Rice and Brandon Nguyen
  • 1:45-2:30pm Preparing Your Operation for Successful Digital Transformation (break out session)
    Brennan McKinlay
  • 2:30-3pm Networking Break
  • 3-3:45pm Storytelling with Big Data
    Holly Burrow, Deep Sogani, and Carey Chou
  • 3:45pm to 5pm Closing/Networking

Panel Previews

The Future of Blockchain and Fintech: Brandon Nguyen

Driving Innovation in AI with Steve Kinard Jr.

Pinnacle Sponsors

Media Sponsor

Speakers

Josh Davis
Chief Cybersecurity Officer
Toyota North America

Dan Sinawat
Founder AI Connex and CEO of VC Arena

Brennan McKinlay
Managing Partner
KSG Partners Ltd.

Stefan Boehmer
EVP, CFO & Board Mbr.
Koerber Supply Chain

Steve Kinard
President
AI Innovation Association

Krish Dhokia
CMO
Kind Lending

Eric Rice
President
SOVRN Capital

Carey Chou
VP Data AI Business Solutions
H-E-B

Cory Thigpen
Principal Engagement Manager
AWS

David Evans
Managing Partner
Sentiero Ventures

Ivonne Kinser
Founder & CEO
Vantage Creative Group

Jason Ballard
VP Supply Chain Management
Toyota North America

Tan Parker
Texas State Senator
SD 12

James Sackey
President
JSM

Ron Bruno
Founder & CEO
BB+T Consulting

Ivan Yong
GM Digital Customer Experiences
Toyota North America

Holly Burrow
Founder & CEO
eqALL Business Solutions

Brandon Nguyen
Early-Stage Investor
Plug and Play Tech Center

Deep Sogani
Chief of Enterprise Data
Personify Health

Summit Details

Date: Saturday February 22nd, 2025
Time: 9am-5pm
Venue: Toyota Motor North America, 6565 Headquarters Dr, Plano, TX 75024

Explore More from the Growth Summit

You can explore interviews and articles on digital transformation below. Check back occasionally as this section will be updated leading up to the event date.

Exclusive Interviews

Find all interviews here.

Building Relationships in a Data-Driven World: Insights from Ron Bruno

Summit panel leader Ron Bruno shares his expertise on building genuine customer relationships in a world increasingly driven by algorithms and automation.

Storytelling with Big Data: Insights from Holly Burrow

Holly will be speaking on the panel “Storytelling with Big Data,” sharing her expertise in creating impactful narratives that connect with audiences emotionally and strategically.

Future of Business at the DFW Growth Summit: Insights on AI and Operational Efficiency

Stefan shares powerful insights on AI’s role in operational efficiency, debunking myths about AI replacing jobs, and how businesses can balance automation with the human touch.

Discover the Future of Operations: Digital Transformation Insights

In this exclusive preview, Brennan shares real-world applications of AI, the future of sustainable operations, and why human expertise is irreplaceable in decision-making.

Growth Summit Insights

Digital Transformation Articles

For inquiries, contact
James Sackey
james@jamessackey.marketing

Marketing Packages

Bronze – for smaller firms to leverage content

Silver – leverage strategic relationships

Gold – full marketing suite for established firms

M&A Origination

Nonprofit Content Package

Resources

Business Marketing Challenges

Thought-Leadership Content

Strategic Collaboration Tactics

Nonprofit Marketing

Collaboration Best Practices

Video Library

JSM Events

DFW Growth Summit

Dallas Business Symposium

Insights

M&A 2025 Outlook Report

Dealmaker’s Series

Summit Insights

Guides + Books