APEX Awards - Colorado Technology Association

2025 Colorado Tech Summit + APEX Awards

Colorado Technology Association’s Colorado Tech Summit + APEX Awards is part technology conference, part celebration of the best in Colorado tech. The event features powerful keynotes, dynamic panels, and interactive company showcases, followed by a celebration of the people and companies driving the Colorado tech industry forward with the announcement of this year’s APEX Award winners.

2025 Event Highlights:

Keynote Speakers: Heard from influential leaders shaping the future of technology.
2024 Colorado Tech Industry Report: Were the first to explore insights from this vital report, highlighting the economic and workforce impact of Colorado’s tech sector.
Innovation Hall: Experienced cutting-edge technologies and met the leading companies in innovation in Colorado.
Book Signing: Got a signed copy of Dan Caruso’s new book, Bandwidth, CTA gave away 100 free copies!
APEX Awards: Celebrated the people and companies setting the standard for excellence in Colorado tech as we revealed the 2025 award winners.

Questions? Email eventsmgr@coloradotechnology.org.

Explore the Impact of Colorado’s Thriving Tech Industry

At this year’s event we released our 2024 Colorado Tech Industry Report – this report explores the Colorado tech industry’s economic and workforce impact, as well as that of the state’s innovation infrastructure. The report, a follow up to our 2022 Colorado Tech Industry Report, is an important tool highlighting the impact that the tech industry has on Colorado’s economy and the ways we can continue to support its growth in our state.

Why this report matters:

Economic Impact: Gain insights into how Colorado’s tech sector drives the economy and shapes workforce trends.
Strategic Opportunities: Understand Colorado’s position compared to other states and where we can focus to maintain a competitive edge.
Planning for the Future: Learn how we can continue to support and expand Colorado’s innovation ecosystem.

Curious to see how it all began? Explore the 2022 Report for an in-depth look at how Colorado’s tech industry has evolved.

2025 Colorado Tech Summit + APEX Awards

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Grand Hyatt Denver
1750 Welton St, Denver, CO 80202

Presented by

2025 PROGRAM

8:00 AM // Registration // Breakfast + Networking

Enjoy breakfast and visit with the companies featured in our Innovation Hall before the program begins!
8:30 AM // Welcome/ Opening Remarks

Let the fun begin! Our CEO will kick off the 2025 program with a few words and notes on the future of Colorado Technology Association!
9:00 AM // Fireside Chat: Rachel Romer, Co-Founder & Executive Board Chair, Guild, moderated by Eve Lieberman, Executive Director, OEDIT

Rachel built Guild into a $4.4 billion education unicorn by the age of 34, redefining career mobility for millions of employees. After experiencing a stroke in August 2023, Rachel’s incredible resilience and leadership continue to inspire Guild’s next chapter of growth and impact.

In this fireside chat, Rachel will be paired with Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, to discuss her journey—including overcoming challenges, insights on Colorado’s tech landscape, and opportunities for growth and innovation.
9:25 AM // Presentation of the 2024 Tech Industry Report

The Colorado Tech Industry Report is a repository of facts, statistics, trends, and insights into the Colorado tech ecosystem. This important tool compares the performance of our tech industry against other top metros in the country and highlights our unique assets, as well as emerging challenges facing our community.

View the presentation of the 2024 Tech Industry Report findings here.
10:00AM // Fireside Chat: Bryan Leach, Founder & CEO, Ibotta, moderated by, Mayor Mike Johnston

Under Bryan’s leadership, Ibotta launched the largest tech IPO in Colorado history in 2024, solidifying its role as an innovation powerhouse. In this conversation, moderated by Mayor Johnston, Bryan will share his perspective on the Colorado’s tech industry and share his vision for the future of the industry.
10:20AM // Fireside Chat: Amy Zupon, CEO, Vertafore, Moderated by Suma Nallapati CIO, City and County of Denver

Amy has revolutionized the insurance technology space, driving innovation and transformation at Vertafore. In this conversation, moderated by Suma Nallapati, CIO, City and County of Denver, Amy will discuss the importance of innovation and what’s next for the state’s tech industry.
10:45AM // Panel Discussion - AI & the Future: The Impact of Emerging Technologies in Colorado

Colorado is rapidly becoming a hub for artificial intelligence innovation, with AI-driven companies shaping industries from healthcare to aerospace. This panel brings together top AI leaders and CEOs from Colorado’s thriving tech ecosystem to explore the transformative power of AI and emerging technologies. Join us as we discuss how AI is driving economic growth, revolutionizing industries, and positioning Colorado as a leader in the next wave of technological advancement.

Curious what’s next for the future of AI in Colorado? This conversation is for you.
11:20AM // Advocate of the Year Award Annoucement

We’ll celebrate our 2025 Advocate of the Year Award Winner, Elevate Quantum, for their work advancing the technology industry in Colorado through their leadership in moving forward policies and ideas that ensure our state’s status as a prominent tech hub.
11:30AM // Break/ Innovation Hall

Take a break and enjoy time to network while you explore the booths in our Innovation Hall!

Don’t miss it– We will be giving away 100 copies of Dan Caruso’s new book, Bandwith! Be sure to swing by to meet Dan and get your copy signed during the break.
12:15 PM // APEX Awards Luncheon + Fireside Chat with Dan Caruso, Managing Director, Caruso Ventures

Our APEX Awards luncheon will kick off with a fireside chat with Dan Caruso, Managing Director, Caruso Ventures, moderated by Stephanie Copeland, Managing Partner, Four Points Funding.

Followed by the announcement of this year’s –

DEI Talent Champion of the Year

Entrepreneur Excellence Award Winner

Emerging Tech Leader of the Year

Project of the Year

CISO of the Year

CEO of the Year

Company of the Year

CIO of the Year

Bob Newman Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
1:30 PM // Dessert Reception

Celebrate our 2025 APEX Award winners over dessert in our Innovation Hall!
2:30 PM // Event End