On July 26 – 27, 2023, Upstate Capital’s Board of Directors, annual sponsors, and special guests met in Saratoga Springs for the annual Saratoga Forum. The two-day event included curated conversations on artificial intelligence and its impact on the investment community and the future of the US banking industry.
Day One began with an exclusive, venture capital lunch. Then, the Upstate Capital Board of Directors met to discuss new programs and events the organization is planning for the rest of the year. Next, attendees went on a walking tour and learned about the history of Saratoga Springs through its architecture.
The first panel discussion was about artificial intelligence and how practical applications and initiatives could impact the innovation and investment community in Upstate New York. The panelists participating in the discussion were: Anne McEntee, CEO at ACSC Advising, Sean Austin, CEO at Helios, Heidi Knoblauch, Interim Executive Director at Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation; and Anthony DeBonis, President of Troy Web Consulting, served as the moderator.
Listen to the session:
Day Two began with breakfast followed by a panel discussion on the future of the US banking industry. Topics of discussion included the impact of declining numbers of banks, massive consolidation, and how the recent bank failures in the tech banking sector are affecting access to capital. Joe Sutaris, Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer, Community Bank, Peter Cosgrove, Executive VP and Chief Credit Officer, Chemung Canal Trust Company; and moderator Michael Lasch, Managing Director at Pine Street Capital Partners participated in this session.
Tune in to the conversation:
Hugh Johnson, Chairman of Hugh Johnson Advisors, closed out the Saratoga Forum with his annual economic outlook.
Hear the economic outlook:
