Sip & Sync: Plover
July 23rd, 2026
9:00 -10:30 AM
Colorful Plate Cafe 3400 Innovation Drive, Plover, WI 54467
☕ Event Overview
Join us for the very first Sip ’N Sync in the Plover area, a new gathering designed to bring together technology and tech-adjacent professionals for meaningful connection, conversation, and community building.
We're excited to welcome
Michaela Boelter of Nortera Foods and
Heidi Slinkman of Gaynor Cranberry Company for a special conversation on how technology is transforming Wisconsin agriculture. In recognition of the
International Year of the Woman Farmer, our featured speakers will share how innovation, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, data, and workforce development are shaping the future of farming while preserving the strong traditions that have sustained agriculture for generations.
After the presentation, stay for relaxed networking, meaningful conversations, and an opportunity to help shape the future of the local tech community.
This is a welcoming event for all people men and women alike, where your voice matters and your ideas can directly influence what comes next.
Who Should Attend
We welcome professionals from across Central and Northwest Wisconsin, including:
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Marshfield
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Stevens Point
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Plover
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Wisconsin Rapids
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Rhinelander
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Eau Claire
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Surrounding communities
Whether you're an established leader, an emerging professional, work in technology, support technology, or are simply curious about the local innovation community, you'll feel right at home.
What to Expect
- Featured presentations from Michaela Boelter, Nortera Foods and Heidi Slinkman, Gaynor Cranberry Company
- Insights into precision agriculture, drone technology, AI, agribusiness, and agricultural innovation
- Lightly facilitated networking and conversation
- An introduction to WIT Wisconsin's mission and opportunities
- Open discussion to gather ideas for future events and programming
- Coffee, conversation, and new connections ☕
Why Attend
This kickoff event is about more than networking, it’s about building a sustainable, supportive tech community in the region.
Your participation helps:
- Shape future local events and programming
- Strengthen connections across industries and organizations
- Expand opportunities for women and allies in technology
- Build lasting relationships within the regional innovation ecosystem
️ Registration
Space is limited. Reserve your seat today and help launch a new technology community in the Plover and Stevens Point area.
Featured Speaker: Michaela Boelter
Michaela Boelter is the Agriculture Manager for Nortera Foods in Fairwater, Wisconsin, where she leads grower relations, crop production, harvest logistics, and continuous improvement initiatives for vegetable processing crops. She is passionate about combining practical agricultural experience with innovative technology to improve efficiency, strengthen grower partnerships, and build high-performing teams.
A fourth-generation member of Fox Farms, Michaela grew up with a deep appreciation for agriculture and remains committed to the values of stewardship, integrity, and community that farming represents. She believes the future of agriculture lies in embracing innovation while never losing sight of the people and relationships that make the industry successful.
As an advocate for technology in agriculture, Michaela has championed the use of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and data-driven decision-making to streamline operations, reduce administrative workload, and create more time for meaningful work in the field. Her leadership philosophy centers on servant leadership, continuous learning, and developing people through clear expectations, trust, and accountability.
Outside of work, Michaela enjoys spending time with her husband, Luke, and their daughter, Wyla, raising animals, and helping create memorable agricultural experiences for the next generation. She is passionate about encouraging women in agriculture to lead with confidence, embrace innovation, and remain authentic to their values while shaping the future of the industry.
Featured Speaker: Heidi Slinkman
Heidi Slinkman is a generational cranberry grower and Business Manager for Gaynor Cranberry Company, her family's historic Wisconsin farm established in 1876 and celebrating 150 years of cranberry cultivation this year.
As a grower-owner with the Ocean Spray Cranberries Cooperative, Heidi has represented Wisconsin cranberry culture at national and international events while serving as a passionate advocate for agricultural leadership and education. She co-founded the nonprofit Cranberry Learning, Inc. to expand access to cranberry education and career-connected learning, helping connect future generations to careers in agriculture.
With expertise spanning agribusiness, workforce development, human resources, and agricultural communications, Heidi is an engaging speaker who connects the public with the people, technology, and innovation behind modern food production. She is committed to strengthening communities, cultivating meaningful relationships, and ensuring the cranberry industry continues to thrive through education, leadership, and innovation.
Heidi lives in Central Wisconsin with her husband, Brian, their children, Luke and Victoria, and their springer spaniel, Scottie.
