Smart Tech
Women in Ag Tech Event Returns to Tech Hub LIVE, Spotlighting Leadership in Agricultural Innovation
July 13, 2026 
Women in Ag Tech (WiAT), a one-day event empowering women in agricultural technology, will return as part of Tech Hub LIVE 2026, set for July 20 to 22 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
The event brings together professionals from across the ag tech ecosystem for a day of keynote presentations, panel discussions and small-group breakout sessions focused on leadership, innovation and career advancement for women in agriculture and technology.
Karen Hildebrand, Ph.D., Global Head of Industry and Partner Solutions at Amazon Web Services, will deliver the keynote presentation, “Cultivating Change: Leading with Authenticity and Innovation in Ag Tech.” Hildebrand will discuss her path from family farm fields to global ag tech leadership, along with the role of interoperability and AI in transforming agricultural decision-making.
A panel of marketing leaders, Brooke Brown of Agtonomy, Jennifer Goldston of AgTech PR, Natalie Martinkus of Eco-Analytics, and Arha Padman of Niqo Robotics, will explore how marketing strategy bridges emerging technology with the farmers and growers who rely on it.
Sarah Medrano, Vice President of Product Management at Agri-Access, will moderate a conversation with Tami Craig Schilling, Founder DeepRoot Strategies, LLC on managing innovation across organizational levels. Drawing on her experience co-leading development of Bayer’s GenAI tool E.L.Y., Schilling will discuss lessons learned in advancing AI initiatives, building cross-functional support, and translating innovation into business impact.
The afternoon includes Impact Huddles, small-group breakout sessions led by industry leaders. Sarah Medrano, Vice President of Product Management at Agri-Access, Connie Bowen, General Partner at Farmhand Ventures, and Natalie Martinkus, Founder of Eco-Analytics will lead huddle groups, with topics spanning vision development, mentorship and investment, and relationship building in ag tech.
“Women in Ag Tech was created to bring together the innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers shaping the future of agriculture,” said Lauren Milligan, Content Specialist, AgriBusiness Group, Meister Media Worldwide. “We are excited to have created a space at Tech Hub LIVE where women from across the ag tech ecosystem can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. This event is about more than technology. It’s about building relationships, fostering leadership, and empowering people driving innovation across agriculture. We’re looking forward to welcoming attendees for an afternoon of meaningful conversations, professional development, and community building.”
Women in Ag Tech is open to all industry professionals seeking to connect with peers, explore emerging trends and help shape the future of women in agriculture and technology.
- View the full WiAT agenda.
- Register for Tech Hub LIVE and Women in Ag Tech.
- Register for Women in Ag Tech only.
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