The 4th annual ATC Tech Summit delivered on its promise to be the most engaging and forward-thinking yet. Held in late February at the Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati, this event gathered industry leaders, IT professionals and technology innovators to discuss the biggest trends shaping the future: AI, cybersecurity and customer experience (CX).
This year’s record turnout underscored the evolving role of AI and the urgent need to adopt a cyber resilience strategy. Across keynote sessions, expert panels and hands-on breakout sessions, the need for businesses to balance technological advancements with security and strategy was clear.
Keynote Highlights: Cyber Resilience and AI’s Impact on CX
The morning keynote speaker, Tia Hopkins, chief cyber resilience officer at eSentire, delivered a compelling keynote on cybersecurity. She highlighted the need to shift from traditional risk management to cyber resilience, emphasizing the need to anticipate, withstand and recover from cyber threats. There’s no doubt that AI-powered attacks are on the rise in the form of deepfakes, AI-generated phishing and data poisoning. Hopkins stressed that businesses must focus on keeping data clean and building a proactive security framework.
In the afternoon, Amir Hameed, SVP at RingCentral, took to the stage to discuss how AI is transforming the customer experience. His keynote, “The Power of Voice in the Age of AI & CX,” explored how AI-driven insights can streamline workflows, enhance customer interactions and improve employee satisfaction. Hameed reinforced that human connection remains critical in business communication, even as AI continues to evolve and gain popularity.
Expert Panels and Breakout Sessions: AI and Cybersecurity in Action
Several panels and breakout sessions provided attendees with real-world strategies for adopting AI, optimizing business technology and enhancing security.
The Cyber Showdown Panel expanded on Tia Hopkin’s insights, focusing on managed detection and response (MDR) and proactive cybersecurity strategies. Panelists included experts from 360 SOC, Open Systems and eSentire, along with end-user James Payne, CTO with Roto-Rooter. All shared their advice and first-hand experiences navigating evolving cyber threats.
AI was at the forefront of many discussions, with the AI and CX panel highlighting how businesses are using AI to reshape customer engagement. Experts from RingCentral, Observe AI and IntelePeer shared case studies on integrating AI into customer service for even more personalization and efficiency. Home City Ice’s CIO, Chris Hickok, added an end-user’s perspective with some rich insight on the realities of organizational adoption.
Meanwhile, the AI Showcase and other breakout sessions provided hands-on exposure to cutting-edge AI applications, secure cloud solutions and next-generation communication platforms.
Final Takeaways: Balancing Innovation With Security
The ATC Tech Summit 2025 reinforced that AI and cybersecurity are no longer separate conversations; instead, they are deeply intertwined. As businesses integrate AI-driven efficiencies, cyber resilience must become a top priority.
With technology leaders, IT professionals and solution providers coming together, the summit served as a platform for collaboration and innovation. One thing is certain: the future of tech belongs to those who can innovate securely. To get the most out of your technology, book a call with ATC.
