Global Summit XVII sponsorship
Support the JES's mission of fostering dialogue for the Erie region on a global level.
Our audiences continue to show up to explore critical topics—from politics and global affairs to cutting-edge science, technology, sports, and more. And thanks to our sponsors, we’ve kept ticket prices unchanged since day one, ensuring that access to these powerful learning experiences remains open to all.
Last year, the 2024 Global Summit featured bold conversations on politics, sports, history, artificial intelligence, and social issues. It culminated in a landmark event: former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney in conversation with Erie’s own Sr. Joan Chittister—the largest event in JES history and the largest educational event ever held at the Bayfront Convention Center.
This year, we look forward to kicking off this year’s Global Summit with President Barack Obama. We will also host and welcome renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and community leader Jim Kelly, Vice President Mike Pence, and acclaimed historian Lindsay Chervinsky, plus many additional distinguished speakers who will engage and inspire audiences of all ages.
Whether you’ve sponsored the Global Summit before, supported other JES initiatives, or are considering a sponsorship for the first time, thank you for helping our community grow and thrive. Your support makes it possible for us to offer inclusive, high-quality programming that fosters civic engagement and civil dialogue—providing residents across Erie County with access to the ideas, conversations, and learning opportunities that matter most, especially in times when thoughtful public discourse is so urgently necessary.
If your organization is interested in becoming a Global Summit XVII sponsor, please contact Christine Gerlock by phone at 814-459-8000 or by email at gerlock@jeserie.org.
All Too Clear – Exploring Invasive Species Beneath the Surface of the Great Lakes
"All Too Clear" uses cutting-edge underwater drones to explore how quadrillions of tiny invasive quagga mussels are re-engineering the ecosystem of the Great Lakes at a scale not seen since the glaciers. Part scientific exploration, part natural history adventure, the film shines a spotlight on freshwater wildlife and environments like never before.
Join award-winning filmmakers, Fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and the co-founders of Inspired Planet Productions, Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick, for a documentary-screening and panel discussion.
Date/Time: Friday, November 7, 2025 7:00-8:30PM
Location: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Admission:
- General Admission (Early Bird Pricing) $25
- Preferred Seating (Early Bird Pricing) $50 (Closest Section Near the Stage)
- Additional Fees: Amusement Tax, Processing Fee
Parking: TBD
Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick are award-winning filmmakers, Fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and the co-founders of Inspired Planet Productions. This husband-and-wife team have produced more than 40 hours of nationally broadcast documentary content, spotlighting North America's natural wonders and cultural heritage. In their latest project, the hit documentary series All Too Clear—a 2025 Canadian Screen Awards nominee—Drebert and Melnick turned their cameras underwater, using cutting-edge remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to capture never-before-seen footage of life beneath the Great Lakes. Their groundbreaking work has led to the discovery of an historic shipwreck, captured extraordinary wildlife behaviors, and contributed directly to our scientific understanding of freshwater ecosystems. Their footage is being used in active research and has led to peer-reviewed publications on Great Lakes fish. They invite you to join them on their journey to reveal the hidden beauty and urgent stories of the freshwater ecosystems we all depend on—but rarely see.
