Each year, Gateway to Innovation draws the region’s brightest technologists, business leaders, and change-makers to downtown St. Louis.
As a Diamond Sponsor of this year’s conference, Technology Partners was proud to be part of the momentum. Our team showed up not only to present and connect but to listen, learn, and contribute to the conversations shaping the future of our industry.
Breaking Down Copilot — With a Full House
One of the most well-attended sessions of the day was led by Melissa Ingle, Chief Data Scientist, and Will Farrell, Principal Data Engineer at Technology Partners. Their breakout session, Deconstructing Copilot: A Practical Guide to Microsoft’s AI Assistants, drew a standing-room-only crowd eager to cut through the noise and get real about what AI can (and can’t) do inside modern organizations.
Their session focused on Microsoft Copilot, specifically, how to integrate it into real workflows across Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Azure. Attendees gained clarity around where to begin, how to configure Copilot for internal datasets, and how to deliver quick wins that build trust across the business.
As Melissa shared during the talk:
“AI success doesn’t start with a tool — it starts with your data. The more aligned your systems are, the more valuable Copilot becomes.”
From automating repetitive tasks to surfacing insights from complex datasets, the promise of Copilot is real. But the key is aligning that promise with your team’s actual workflows, goals, and day-to-day pressures.
Community, Culture, and a Call to Lead
Our team’s contribution didn’t stop at the breakout rooms. Lisa Nichols, our CEO, delivered an inspiring message following lunch — one that emphasized not just technology, but connection.
Lisa reminded us all that while we gather at conferences to talk about innovation, none of it matters without strong relationships, inclusive teams, and a purpose-driven approach.
We also drew inspiration from afternoon keynote Jim Knight, whose background with Hard Rock International brought a unique edge to discussions on leadership and culture. His message echoed our own belief: Sustainable success starts from the inside out.
Innovation is a Mindset
The real theme of the day?
Innovation is no longer a function — it’s a mindset. And at Technology Partners, we bring that mindset into everything we do.
Whether it’s helping clients modernize their cloud infrastructure, build smarter data platforms, embrace AI and automation, or invest in leadership development and technical talent — we’re here to guide, support, and accelerate the journey.
We understand that no two organizations are the same. That’s why our approach is consultative, not prescriptive. We meet you where you are and help you go further across strategy, technology, and workforce development.
As we look ahead to what’s next in AI, digital transformation, and talent evolution, we remain committed to what’s always set us apart: People-first service, partnership you can trust, and the belief that technology, when used with purpose, can change everything.
Want to explore how we can support your next big move? Contact us today — we’d love to start the conversation.
