SCWorks New Tech July 1, 2026

Jun 10

For the last New Tech before the summer break, we return to River Row with a slew of great companies and a new program format. We talked and surveyed many of those who attended the June New Tech. And we heard you. Reduce the admission price: DONE. You loved the River Row venue - a combination of outside and inside activities. And the proximity to the San Lorenzo River! And you have asked for more time to network. The July program will be as follows:

6:00 pm: food, beverage, and networking
6:30 pm: Welcome, Sponsor appreciation, Program explanation, and Announcements
6:45 pm: Round 1 with 2 presenting companies in each of the 3 sections
7:00 pm: Round 2 - audience rotates to a new section to learn from presenters
7:15 pm: Round 3 - audience again rotates to a new section.
7:30pm: RAFFLE! 25 people will receive a FREE signed-copy of the best-selling book on marketing strategy: Keeping People Interested. You must be present to win. More food, beverage, and networking; tours of the River Row apartments and Sky Deck
8:00 pm: summer break begins!

Presenting companies

Jonathan Lo / Keeping People Interested: The Only KPI That Really Matters:In this talk, author Jonathan will share the core idea behind his best-selling book on marketing strategy, Keeping People Interested, which is that empathy is the secret ingredient to sustainable growth. He will walk through a practical framework for getting and keeping people's attention, grounded in understanding what your customers actually care about. Along the way, he will explain how marketing is not optional but critical to a company's success, because if no one knows you exist, they can't buy from you. Attendees will leave with a clear, practical approach to building attention that earns loyalty and turns customers into advocates through marketing so good that people thank you for it.
Logan Mermin / Western Flyer: Logan will transport you aboard the restored Western Flyer, where Steinbeck and Ricketts' legendary voyage sails again—this time as a floating classroom. Discover how literary nostalgia becomes a living platform for ocean science, research, and curiosity.
Niek Hasselaar / Microsoft: Everyone's talking about AI — but the real challenge isn't the technology, it's getting people to actually use it. In this short talk, Niek Hasselaar will share practical lessons on what drives AI adoption inside a large organization: where it sticks, where it stalls, and the small habits that turn AI solutions into real, day-to-day productivity. Expect a few honest takeaways you can apply the moment you get back to your desk.
Pianpian Xu Guthrie / Amotions AI: Every sales call is full of signals — most of them missed. Pianpian Xu Guthrie, founder and CEO of Amotions AI, is building a real-time AI coach that joins live calls, reads customer emotions, and whispers in-the-moment suggestions to help salespeople connect, ask sharper questions, and close with empathy. A former product leader at GoDaddy and Ticketmaster with degrees from Yale and HKUST, she'll share what it takes to put emotional intelligence into software — and why live coaching beats post-call analysis every time.
Rachit Verma / SmartBrowse: Born at CruzHacks, SmartBrowse is an AI shopping agent that does the tab-hoarding, Reddit-spelunking, price-checking grind for you — then shows its work in a transparent dashboard.

As stated, we reduced the price of admission - our gift to you as you jump into summer. Food and beverage is included with admission. FREE parking in the underground garage (entrance is 444 Front Street).

Thank you to our sponsors:

David Lyng Real Estate is a locally rooted Monterey Bay brokerage helping buyers and sellers navigate homes, vacation properties, land, and commercial real estate across the region.

Cabrillo College is a cornerstone of local education, empowering students through accessible academic programs, career pathways, and community-centered learning.

Wynn Capital Management is an independent Santa Cruz fiduciary advisor offering customized investment management and comprehensive financial planning for individuals and families.

Digital NEST helps underserved youth build successful futures through technology training, mentorship, career support, and access to a powerful professional network.

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