Jesse Cole, Creator of the Savannah Bananas, to Keynote Qlik Connect 2026

The “Fans First” entrepreneur shares how rule-breaking simplicity and customer obsession translate to measurable business results.

KISSIMMEE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Qlik^®, a global leader in data integration, data quality, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI), is thrilled to announce that Jesse Cole will deliver the keynote address at Qlik Connect^® 2026. The premier global customer and partner event will take place April 13–15, 2026 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

Known for transforming baseball through Banana Ball and a fan-first approach, Cole will explore how simple rules, tight feedback loops, and constant engagement can unlock outsized results. His story connects directly to how organizations are simplifying how people interact with business data, moving from passive dashboards to conversations that drive action.

“I believe the key to lasting impact, no matter the industry, is thinking differently to create ‘you wouldn’t believe’ moments,” said Jesse Cole, Founder of Fans First Entertainment and Owner of the Savannah Bananas. “At Qlik Connect, I will share how curiosity, experimentation, and a fans-first mindset can inspire teams to lead with passion and deliver extraordinary results.”

Cole founded the Savannah Bananas in 2016 with a mission to make baseball fun again. Through bold experiments such as two-hour time limits, choreographed plays, and a “Fans First” philosophy, he turned a small collegiate team into a global entertainment brand with millions of followers and sell-out crowds. His story is now a business case in customer obsession, proving that purpose, creativity, and relentless focus on the audience can transform any industry.

“Jesse rewrote the rules of baseball to remove drag and amplify joy. That mindset resonates with our customers,” said Mike Capone, Chief Executive Officer, Qlik. “Eliminate friction, keep people engaged, and turn moments into measurable wins. At Qlik Connect, we will show how teams can engage their business data just as naturally, through agentic conversations that lead to action, with governance and efficiency built in. We are excited to have Jesse set the tone for a week focused on outcomes.”

Qlik Connect 2026 will bring together thousands of customers, partners, and industry leaders for inspiring keynotes, hands-on training, customer spotlights, and previews of Qlik innovations. Attendees can expect advancements in agentic AI experiences, real-time data integration, and AI-assisted engineering that help teams move from answers to action.

Registration for Qlik Connect 2026 is now open. The event takes place April 13–15, 2026 in Kissimmee, Florida. Early-bird pricing is available now through February 20, 2026 with additional savings for earlier windows. Learn more and register at QlikConnect.com.

About Qlik

Qlik converts complex data landscapes into actionable insights, driving strategic business outcomes. Serving over 40,000 global customers, our portfolio provides advanced, enterprise-grade AI/ML, data integration, and analytics. Our AI/ML tools, both practical and scalable, lead to better decisions, faster. We excel in data integration and governance, offering comprehensive solutions that work with diverse data sources. Intuitive analytics from Qlik uncover hidden patterns, empowering teams to address complex challenges and seize new opportunities. As strategic partners, our platform-agnostic technology and expertise make our customers more competitive.

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