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.
THIS JUST IN: LATEST DISCOVERIES IN THE UNIVERSE
A renowned astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson leads the Hayden Planetarium of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He has authored several books about the innerworkings of the universe as well as life's wisdom and the intersection of science literacy and culture.
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
- Preferred Seating (Early Bird Pricing) $75 (Closest Section Near the Stage)
- Platinum Seating $250.00 (First Few Rows of Closest Section Near the Stage and Signed Book)
- Additional Fees: Amusement Tax, Processing Fee
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.
