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.
Popularizing astrophysics through his writing, TV appearances, and lectures, Neil deGrasse Tyson is known for his out-of-this-world ideas. 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.
He is known for making complex scientific discoveries easy to learn, writing about it in regular columns, narrating TV programs, and now using his podcast, StarTalk, to speak with other experts and share the knowledge with listeners. Growing up in New York City, Tyson then studied at Harvard University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University. From 1991 to 1994, he was a research associate at Princeton University. He joined the Hayden Planetarium in 1994 as a staff scientist before becoming director in 1996 and oversaw a $210 million reconstruction project. His focus is mainly on cosmology, stellar evolution, galactic astronomy, dwarf galaxies, and stellar formation. He is considered one of the most respected scientists of the early 21st century.
Tyson's latest books include "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 are 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.
Location: Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 7:00-8:30PM
Admission:
Parking: FREE parking is available in the Bayfront Convention Center lot, Courtyard Marriot garage, and the Sheraton garage.
NEED TO KNOW INFO:
IMPORTANT REMINDER: www.jeserie.org is the ONLY authorized website for tickets for Global Summit Events. StubHub, Vivid Seats, eBay, Craig's List, secondary ticket agencies or "ticket brokers" are not a recognized ticketing agent. Tickets purchased from unauthorized agents can be counterfeit, stolen, or otherwise void and may not be valid for admission to the event. Websites other than www.jeserie.org are not affiliated with the Global Summit.
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.