Jefferson Educational Society

10/15/2026

One of our favorite behind the scenes to the big screens moments of our Global Summit event on Monday was the ‘Welcome to Erie’ video with our youth.🥰

Our continuously growing partnership with Erie's Public Schools, paired with the talents of Ground 0 Visuals brought this vision to life in the best possible way.

We were so impressed with the selected students from across Erie School District and Ash really made each of them shine on screen. Grateful for this teamwork and being able to give our students this larger than life opportunity.

To watch the video, check out our YouTube channel: youtu.be/zo0eYnr4Iqc?feature=shared

10/14/2026

This time, we got the date right!

No extra day this time around. Early Bird pricing for our November Global Summit events ends TOMORROW, October 15 at 9 a.m.

If you’ve been waiting to register, now is the time to take advantage of Early Bird pricing and join us as the Global Summit continues its in-person series of 19 events featuring more than 25 speakers.

Early Bird pricing ends TOMORROW at 9 a.m. Purchase your tickets before the clock runs out.

We marked the calendar. We sent the reminder. Now, all that’s left is for you to join us! jeserie.org/global-summit-XVIII

10/13/2026

A whole VIBE with this crew.🎤🎷

We’ve been hearing it from the moment they stepped on stage, “the live band was awesome!”

Having Lifethrumusic open up our show last night set the tone for a great night ahead. Thank you all for sharing your many talents, time, and infectious energy with us!

10/13/2026

I got to see Michelle Obama!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I couldn’t believe the line to get in! 😂 It wrapped around the entire arena! Longer than the one at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican!!! And sitting in the fifth row was incredible!!! ❤️ What an inspiring woman! What a role model!!

“When they go low, we go high!” 🙌

Michelle Obama Obama Foundation Elaine Welteroth Jefferson Educational Society

10/12/2026

🌟KNOW BEFORE YOU GO🌟

We are so excited for TONIGHT's Global Summit event with former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Please be aware that 8,000+ other people will be heading to the Erie Insurance Arena along with you this evening (Monday, October 12) for this incredible experience! Please be patient with each other and all our volunteers and staff who are working hard to make this event happen and the process in as smooth as possible.

Here are some helpful things to note:

ARRIVE EARLY & PACK LIGHT
🚌Shuttles: Please be aware, two shuttles will be available for this event, as some areas of the Bayfront are under construction. Available shuttles are at the Thomas C. Hoffman Bayfront Hub (12th & Lincoln Streets, Erie, PA 16501) and the Liberty Bayfront Park & Ride (North, W 7th St, Erie, PA 16507) both shuttles are accessible and will run in a continuous loop from 4PM - 10PM.
🅿Parking: There are several nearby parking garages and street parking spots available near the Arena. All parking is on a first-come, first-served basis.
⌚Arrive early: Doors open at 5PM and the show will begin promptly at 6PM.
👮Security: You must go through a security check to enter this event. Pack only what you need to enter.
🎒Bag Policy: We are following the latest Erie Events Bag Policy, and it will be strictly enforced. Please visit the Erie Events website for complete details of all Prohibited Items. (erieevents.com/plan-your-visit/security-bag-policy)
🚪Re-Entry: There will be absolutely be NO re-entry for this event. Once you have stepped outside the building, you will not be allowed back in.
❌ Smoking: The arena is a non smoking facility. No smoking, no vapes, no lighters.

Please be aware that our staff, Erie Events staff, and our volunteers are working diligently to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all who are attending and we may be unable to answer your call or email on the day of the event.

We are GREATLY looking forward to sharing in this incredible experience with you tonight. See you all soon!

10/09/2026

How did a movement built on limited government and personal freedom arrive at today's embrace of expansive executive power?

In the latest installment of his series on the evolution of conservatism, JES Scholar-in-Residence Andrew Roth traces that unlikely journey from Newt Gingrich's declaration that politics is "war by other means," through the neoconservative high-water mark of the Bush years, to the Koch-funded Tea Party insurgency and the America First nationalism of Trump's first term. He arrives at Trump Era II and Project 2025, where he says the New Right's "unified theory of executive power" aims to control not just the federal government, but society itself.

Read the piece in entirety: jespublications.substack.com/p/how-we-got-to-now-evolution-of-conservatism

10/09/2026

✨BIG NEWS! ✨

We’re thrilled to announce that Elaine Welteroth, award-winning journalist, New York Times bestselling author, TV host, founder of birthFUND, will moderate our highly anticipated Global Summit conversation with Michelle Obama.

A former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, Welteroth made history as one of the youngest editors-in-chief in Condé Nast history. She is also the bestselling author of “More Than Enough” and has built a career around thoughtful, engaging conversations about culture, leadership, identity, and creating change.

Now, she’s bringing that perspective to Erie for what promises to be an extraordinary conversation with former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Two influential voices. One stage. One unforgettable evening.

🎟️ Tickets are going fast! Secure your seats today before this event sells out.
erieevents.com/events/detail/jes-global-summit-a-moderated-conversation-with-michelle-obama

10/07/2026

"You can't expect the industry to regulate itself."

That was "Godfather of AI" Geoffrey Hinton's message Monday night at the Global Summit, in an evening that covered a lot of ground. Hinton warned that AI has advanced faster than he expected, compared the moment to the nuclear arms race between the U.S. and Soviet Union, criticized the U.S. Secretary of Education by name, and left the crowd with one piece of advice ahead of the midterms: vote.

Read the recap for the full breakdown: jespublications.substack.com/p/on-teaching-machines-to-care-hinton

10/07/2026

At the JES, we often talk about how we would not be able to accomplish what we do without the many people who believe in our mission, and find ways to support it.

Our friends at Logistics Plus Inc., and the leadership of Jim Berlin, are great examples of that!

Read Jim's latest post about how we all worked together for Monday's Global Summit event featuring 'The Godfather of AI' to be a success. Was a nice surprise read for us and shows the power of community partnerships.💙

Erie keeps reminding me that you don’t have to be a big city to bring world-class people, ideas, and organizations to your community.

10/07/2026

The calendar is marked...and this time, we mean it!

Last month, our timing mistake gave you one more day to save on September and October Global Summit events. We promised we wouldn’t make that mistake twice!

Now, the next Early Bird pricing deadline is almost here.

This is your opportunity to register at the Early Bird rate for our November Global Summit XVIII events and join us as the Global Summit continues its in-person series of 19 events featuring more than 25 speakers.

Early Bird pricing for our November events ends October 15 at 9 a.m.

So, consider this your friendly reminder to register before the deadline. We marked our calendar. Now it’s your turn. jeserie.org/global-summit-XVIII