JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17th, 2026

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Wednesday, June 17th

8:30am-12:30pm

USQ @ 10 Prospect Street Somerville, MA

AGENDA

8:30am: Networking Breakfast by Basil Tree Catering

9:00am: Welcome and Opening Remarks with Host Daniel Berger-Jones

9:15am: AI on Main Street

Artificial intelligence is no longer just for big corporations with deep pockets — it's here, it's accessible, and it's already changing the way small businesses operate. This panel cuts through the hype to offer practical, real-world guidance on how local business owners can use AI tools to save time, reduce costs, and compete more effectively. 

Stephanie Woerner, Director, MIT Center for Information Systems Research

Tim Valicenti, MIT Faculty: Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Optimization

Conor Henrie, Director of Product, Toast

Moderated by Cambridge Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem

10:00am:  The Power of Local Media

In an era of algorithm-driven content and national media consolidation, local journalism and community-focused media remain among the most powerful tools for small businesses to reach their neighbors. This panel brings together local journalists and media makers to explore how independent businesses can build authentic relationships with the outlets that cover their community.

Michael Fitzgerald, Editor-in-Chief, Cambridge Day

Michael Gutierrez, Arts Editor, Cambridge Somerville Independent

Matt Landry, Media Arts manager, CPS, Director, CEATV, Board President, CCTV

Moderated by Daniel Berger-Jones, Cambridge Historical Tours

10:45am: Coffee Break

11:00am: Cambridge City Councilor Denise Simmons: The Cambridge Museum of History & Culture

The museum's mission is to share Cambridge’s storied past in an accessible way with residents and visitors alike: To encourage community engagement with local history and share the stories of who we were, who we are, and who we want to be. Learn how you can support the mission and how small business owners can not only benefit from, but also contribute to the future of the museum.

11:30am:  The Amazon Alternative

Consumers are looking for ways to shop local — and it's up to us to give them one. This panel tackles one of the most pressing challenges facing independent retailers and conscientious customers: How to find useful alternatives to e-commerce giants and build a loyal community that no algorithm can replicate.

Bill Calfee, Founder, Myti.com

Barbara Thomas, Owner, Artifact Soapworks

Moderated by Theodora Skeadas

12:15pm:  Closing Remarks and Small Business Bootcamp Honors

Join us in honoring the leaders and participants of Cambridge Local First's inaugural Small Business Bootcamp held over 10 weeks in March & April. Get first-hand insight into the valuable lessons learned and find out how you can be a part of future bootcamps - always available free of charge to CLF members.

Featured Speaker: Andrea Taylor Dunkley of ATD Advisory