YP Maui Tech Panel & Mixer

Join us for our inaugural YP Maui event, where innovation meets community!

More than a panel discussion, this experience connects you to an expanding network of professionals shaping the future of business and technology in Hawaii.

Moderated by Naomi Cooper, this conversation features leaders and innovators in the tech space sharing real-world insights, career journeys, and what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-moving digital landscape. Whether you're tech-curious or already in the industry, you'll leave inspired and informed.

Then, keep the momentum going by connecting with fellow young professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Build relationships that go beyond business cards - this is where future collaborators, mentors, and friends meet. 

Come ready to learn, connect, and be part of the start of something exciting on Maui!

Registration includes pupus. A cash bar will be available for purchasing drinks.

Must be 21 and over to attend.
 

Neighbor Island Attendees: For those traveling to Maui to attend, we have a special hotel room rate at the Maui Beach Hotel available for you! 

Stay Dates: March 30 - April 2, 2026

What's Included:

• Special rate of $209 per night plus tax (lower than standard Kamaaina rates)
• Waived daily amenity fee ($20 value)
• Discounted parking at just $25 plus tax per vehicle per night

How to Book: Register for the event and you'll receive a promo code and booking link via email. Book early to secure your room at this exclusive rate!

Featured Speakers:


Matt Lugo
Aerospace Engineer
​Privateer Space

Matthew Lugo was born in California and moved to Wailuku, Maui before the age of 3. As Seabury Hall graduate, he developed a passion for science and technology and he earned a Bachelor Of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Here, he learned skills such as working with interdisciplinary teams and how to help lead design; his capstone project was designing and building a novel modular prosthetic arm.

Matthew's love for engineering grew, and took him to Purdue University, where he earned a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on propulsion systems and astrodynamics. There, he had the opportunity to help design a test for NASA's new green propellant.

For the past two years, Matthew has been employed as an aerospace engineer at Privateer Space, a tech startup in Kihei co-founded by Steve Wozniak. He led the thermal design and orbital analysis of their first space payload, named Pono, and assisted in its mechanical design, assembly, and testing. Additionally, he serves as a local liaison for the company, which wants to ensure respect, care, and love of our home of Maui.

Matthew is passionate about pushing forward the tech industry of Maui and helping ensure some of Hawaii's brightest minds have employment opportunities to return home to. In his free time, he likes to paddle outrigger, hike, volunteer, and play games with friends and family.
 

Daron Nishimoto
Chief Growth Officer
EO Solutions 

Daron Nishimoto, Owner and Chief Growth Officer of EO Solutions, brings over three decades of expertise in space systems engineering, program management, and business development. With a strong background in physics, Daron excels in designing and integrating advanced space systems, managing multimillion-dollar programs, and fostering strategic partnerships.

Before his current role, he served as Sector Director at KBR, IAI, PDS, where he led technical management and systems engineering efforts for complex ground-based imaging sensor systems and transitioned R&D sensor systems into operational assets for organizations like the Air Force Space Command and STRATCOM. He also founded Pacific Defense Solutions, LLC, managed contracts supporting the Air Force and Space Force, and developed the $35M Multi-mission Deployable Optical System (MDOS) Program at Trex Enterprises. At Boeing, he led R&D technical staff and contributed significantly to space control, missile, and directed energy programs.

Daron holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, has authored over 25 publications, and is known for his ability to lead complex programs, foster strategic partnerships, and drive innovation in the space sector.
 

Naomi Cooper
Deputy Director
Maui Hotel and Lodging Association

Naomi Cooper is the Deputy Director, previously the Communications Director. She holds a BSBA from Hawaii Pacific University in corporate communications, a minor in theatre and a minor in writing. She fell into commercial talent and acting while in her teens that led to a career in marketing and business communications. She has professional experience in the industries of publishing, tourism, building development, wholesale and retail, sporting, wellness, events, advertising and public relations, film and commercial production. Naomi was raised in Haiku, Maui, spent many years in Oahu and returned to Maui during the pandemic.

Cooper was first introduced to MHLA on contract for the Faces of Aloha Campaign, social media and public relations before joining MHLA in 2023 as their first Communications Director. Later that year, Cooper stood up crises communications during the wildfires and with the team of visitor industry leaders, helped to evacuate 12,000 tourists from the island. Cooper currently serves on the board of Women in Lodging, the Maui County Visitor Industry Coalition, is the Neighbor-Island Chair of the Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Program, is a mentor for Maui High School, as well as a 2025 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellow. In her free time, she enjoys time with her children, hiking and nature, barre, musicals, travel, food, wine and art.