Global Summit XVI sponsorship
Support the JES's mission of fostering dialogue for the Erie region on a global level.
We are pleased to present to you the speaker lineup for the Jefferson Educational Society’s 16th Annual Global Summit. Our goal is to ensure that each year the Summit builds on past Global Summits' success. This is especially the case as we host this year’s Global Summit. Last year we hit record numbers; not only was it our largest summit, but we also made a record number of registrations!
This year we will learn about a variety of topics ranging from politics, sports, history, technology, and social issues. For example, we will hear from former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, historian Heather Cox Richardson, public intellectual Eddie Glaude Jr., and Lincoln historian, Harold Holzer. They are just some of those who will be in Erie from October 17 through November 15 as part of our 16th Annual Global Summit.
It is because of the generous support of civic-minded citizens like you that we can continue our mission of fostering dialogue for the Erie region on a global level. We hope that you will help us celebrate our 16th year and the ambitious growth of the Global Summit to a truly regional affair as we extend our outreach to the surrounding regions of Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh by showing your support this year.
THIS JUST IN: LATEST DISCOVERIES IN THE UNIVERSE
Location: Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 7:00-8:30PM
Admission:
- General Admission (Early Bird Pricing) $25.00
- Preferred Seating (Early Bird Pricing) $75.00 (Closest Section Near the Stage)
- Platinum Seating $250.00 (First Few Rows of Closest Section Near the Stage and Signed Book)
Parking: FREE parking is available in the Bayfront Convention Center lot, Courtyard Marriot garage, and the Sheraton garage.
NEED TO KNOW INFO:
- Arrive early: Doors open at 5:00pm, please be patient with our volunteers and staff as we all make sure the event is enjoyed by all.
- Seating: Seating is first come first served per each designated section. There are seats for everyone.
- Photo ID: You must present your photo ID at the door to enter the event.
- Wristbands: You will be given a wristband to wear based on whether you purchased Preferred Seating or General Admission. You must wear this wristband for the duration of the event.
- 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.
- Late Arrivals and Re-Entry: The doors will lock at 6:50pm and NO admittance will be allowed after the doors close. This includes if you were already in the event and stepped outside. No one will be admitted into the building for any reason after 6:50pm.
- Ticket holders: NO ONE who is not registered BY NAME will be admitted. If you purchased tickets for someone who is no longer able to attend, you must call to update us with the name of the person coming in their place. Tickets cannot be transferred to anyone while checking into the event. Please call us to update any ticket holder information 48 hours before the event- 814.459.8000.
Neil deGrasse Tyson leads the world-renowned Hayden Planetarium of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City where he is the first occupant of its Frederick P. Rose Directorship. He is also a research associate of the Museum’s Department of Astrophysics.
Tyson’s latest books are Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization containing his life’s wisdom on the intersection of science literacy and culture and To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery, coauthored with Lindsey Nyx Walker, both New York Times bestsellers.
In 2024, Tyson published Merlin’s Tour of the Universe, a 21st century update of his very first book, a playful Q&A on the universe conducted by Merlin, a visitor from Andromeda whose task is to help Earthlings understand how the universe works. The book is illustrated by his artist brother, Stephen J. Tyson.
