PV Summit Breakout Sessions
Breakout Sessions (included in ticket purchase)
Crypto 101 For Businesses
Cybersecurity On a Small Business Budget
Leveraging ChatGTP For Your Business
Watch For More Breakout Sessions Details Coming Soon!
Crypto 101 For Businesses
Whether you’re crypto-curious or completely new to the concept, this session is designed to demystify digital currencies and help you understand their real-world potential for business. We’ll break down the basics—what cryptocurrency is, how blockchain works, and why these technologies are gaining traction across industries. No jargon, no hype—just clear, practical explanations you can actually use.
You’ll learn how businesses are leveraging crypto for faster payments, new customer markets, and enhanced security, as well as what risks and regulations you need to be aware of before diving in. Through relatable examples and Q&A opportunities, you’ll leave with a solid grasp of the fundamentals and a clearer vision of how crypto might fit into your business strategy.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is cryptocurrency something my business should explore?” this session will give you the knowledge to make an informed decision—whether that means taking your first step into the world of crypto or confidently deciding it’s not the right move for you… yet.
Presenter: Joe Bergquist
Dr. Joseph Bergquist has been in commercial banking for 25 years. He began his career working for Commerce Bank (currently TD Bank). He currently serves as Vice President, Commercial Lender at Harleysville Bank in Montgomery County, PA. In 2023, Joseph launched a podcast called The Banker Next Door to be educational, advocate for community banks, and bring awareness to regulation impacting the banking industry.
During his career, Joseph has worked for financial institutions of various sizes from a De Novo start up bank, to a regional bank, one of the big four banks, and a community bank. He has a wide range of experience in commercial banking that includes credit analysis, sales, marketing, product development, portfolio management, balance sheet management, project management, risk analysis, strategic planning, digital transformation, BPM, business intelligence, and loan automation. Joseph has been a lender for over 18 years and has experience with various products including CRE, C&I, and SBA. He has dealt in the areas of small business, asset-based, and middle market lending. Over the years, he has also severed on various banking association, chamber of commerce, and nonprofit boards.
In 2001, Joseph received his undergraduate degree in Finance from St. Joseph’s University. In 2014, he graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. After graduating, he was invited back as a faculty member and for the last 11 years he has served as a capstone advisor and facilitator. In 2015, he received his MBA with a concentration in Business Process Management from Widener University. In 2022, he earned a Doctorate of Business Administration (D.B.A.), graduating Sigma Beta Delta from Wilmington University.
Cybersecurity On A Small Business Budget
Cyberattacks aren’t just a big-business problem—small businesses are prime targets too. But protecting your company doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account. In this session, you’ll learn practical, affordable ways to safeguard your data, your customers, and your reputation from cyber threats.
We’ll cover the most common risks small businesses face, from phishing scams to ransomware, and walk through simple steps you can take right now to strengthen your defenses—many of them free or low-cost. You’ll also learn how to create a basic cybersecurity plan, train your team to spot red flags, and choose cost-effective tools that offer big protection.
By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear, actionable roadmap to protect your business without overspending, so you can focus on growth with confidence—knowing you’ve got security covered.
Presenter: Dan Hickman
Dan Hickman is the owner/president of Practical Tech Consulting and has over 15 years of experience leading IT operations, cybersecurity, and business technology integration. He is an active member of public-private partnerships such as InfraGard and engaged in security communities including SANS. Throughout his career, he has trained hundreds of individuals on practical cybersecurity and hygiene. He has also guided small and mid-sized business leaders through cyber incidents, helping them recover quickly and build stronger defenses. His work focuses on making enterprise-level security approachable, effective, and sustainable for organizations of all sizes. He is passionate about empowering others with the knowledge and confidence to protect their organizations in today’s digital landscape.
Leveraging ChatGPT For Your Business
Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech giants anymore—tools like ChatGPT are now accessible, affordable, and powerful enough to help small businesses save time, improve customer service, and boost productivity. In this session, we’ll break down exactly what ChatGPT is, how it works, and the many ways it can be integrated into your day-to-day operations.
From drafting marketing content and answering customer inquiries to generating new ideas and streamlining internal tasks, you’ll see real-world examples of how small businesses are using AI to work smarter, not harder. We’ll also discuss best practices for getting the most out of ChatGPT, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring your AI use aligns with your brand voice and values.
Whether you’re completely new to AI or already experimenting with it, this session will give you the tools, tips, and inspiration you need to turn ChatGPT into a valuable business partner—helping you work faster, stay competitive, and focus more on what you do best.
Presenter: Marc Umstead
Marc Umstead is the President and Founder of Plus 1 Technology a Philadelphia area based technology firm. He had been in the industry since the early 2000s and has gone through multiple technology cycles from Windows XP, cloud computing, cyber security, and now AI. He has a strong background in not just technology but business workflow and business process. His company Plus 1 Technology has been featured by Channel Futures as one of the top 500 technology firms in the country. He has been quoted and featured in many print and web based media across the country. He has worked with small businesses for 17 years and understands challenges in the industry and how technology plays a key role in advancing these firms forward.
