APEX Awards - Colorado Technology Association

2022 Colorado Tech Summit + Apex Awards

In February 2022 we brought the community two great events wrapped up in one epic conference to shine a spotlight on Colorado tech!

The Colorado Tech Summit is the place to connect with one another, exchange ideas, and grow. This year’s theme Tech For Good highlighted the power of technology in removing friction, accelerating change, and improving well-being.

Leaders from all across Colorado tech and beyond spoke to the emerging trends that shaped our industry and affected our Colorado tech community. This event included powerful keynotes, dynamic panels, and interactive company technology and showcases.

The APEX Awards brought together the community and celebrated the exceptional people, companies and accomplishments of 2021. In the tradition of years past, we recognized award winners who lead the way for Colorado tech.

Click HERE to see photos from the event!

REGISTRATION CLOSED

2022 Colorado Tech Summit + APEX Awards

February 24, 2022

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

2022 PROGRAM

8:00 AM // Registration Opens // Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast and networking with fellow attendees
9:00 AM // Welcome Remarks
9:15 AM // Keynote Presentation // Tech for Good

The Business Case for Tech for Good:
A Conversation with Ryan Frazier, Business Analyst for 9News

Kick off the day with a conversation between Frannie Matthews, CTA’s President and CEO, and Ryan Frazier, Business Analyst for 9News and CEO/Managing Principal for Frazier Global, a management consulting and ESG advisory firm. They will discuss the role that tech plays in shaping our communities and growing our economy, as well as the key ways that businesses can be successful in today’s market.

SPEAKER:
Ryan Frazier, Business Analyst for 9News & CEO/Managing Principal for Frazier Global
9:45 AM // Panel Discussion // Emerging Technologies for Good
Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality – as innovations abound and these technologies become more accessible than ever, their capabilities are being adapted for greater purposes. Join us to hear from the people leading the “Tech for Good” charge in the emerging tech landscape. We’ll explore how these technologies are being utilized to support adult literacy, the aging population, mental health and more.

MODERATED BY: Frannie Matthews, President and CEO for Colorado Technology Association

SPEAKERS:
- Sarah Hill, CEO & Chief Storyteller, Healium
- Shelley Peterson, Associate Fellow, Augmented & Mixed Reality at Lockheed Martin
- Carrie Shaw, CEO & Founder, Embodied Labs
10:25 AM // Panel Discussion // Leading Tech in Colorado
Technology has the power to remove friction, accelerate change, and improve well-being. This panel discussion will feature leaders in the Colorado tech industry who will share their thoughts on how technology has made an impact on our communities, the role of technology in effecting positive change and the responsibility the industry has to Colorado. We’ll also hear their predictions for where the industry is going and how the Colorado tech ecosystem may advance in years to come.

MODERATED BY: Monica Coughlin, COO for Colorado Technology Association

SPEAKERS:
- Veena Dandapani, SVP, Global Head Production Strategy & Management, Western Union
- David Edinger, Chief Information Officer, City and County of Denver
- Suma Nallapati, SVP of Operations and Chief Digital Officer, Everbridge
- Mark Schwartz, Chief Digital Officer, Trimble
11:00 AM // Break // Expo Hall // Pitch Room

Explore our expo hall to l meet Colorado companies engaged in tech for good. Participate in our expo booth passport challenge (visit every booth!) and be entered to win a prize.

You can also visit our Expo Pitch Room to hear five minute pitches about innovations, products and people that are driving “Tech for Good” in Colorado. These fast-paced presentations are sure to inspire you prior to the APEX Awards luncheon.
12:00 PM // APEX Awards Luncheon

Join us for lunch and be the first to find out who our 2022 APEX Award recipients are! Our APEX Awards celebrate the best and the brightest in tech – we’ll honor all of our finalists and celebrate this year’s winners through a dynamic presentation. Cheer on your peers and toast to the Colorado tech community with us!
2:00 PM // Dessert Reception

Congratulate our 2022 APEX Award finalists and award winners while enjoying dessert and an espresso bar.

2022 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ryan Frazier

CEO and Managing Principal, Frazier Global // Host – NBC 9News Business Brief

BIO

2022 SPEAKERS

Carrie Shaw, MS

Medical illustrator, Public health educator // CEO & Founder of Embodied Labs

David Edinger

CIO, City and County of Denver

Mark Schwartz

Chief Digital Officer, Trimble

Sarah Hill

CEO & Chief Storyteller, Healium

Shelley Petersen

Associate Fellow, Augmented & Mixed Reality, Lockheed Martin

Veena Dandapani

Global Head Product Strategy & Management, Western Union

Suma Nallapati

SVP of Operations and Chief Digital Officer, Everbridge

FAQ

CTA’s Tech Summit + APEX Awards

This year we’re bringing you two great events wrapped up in one epic conference shining a spotlight on Colorado tech! Join us for this year’s Colorado Tech Summit, and you’ll also get to cheer on this year’s APEX Award winners at our Awards Luncheon as part of the event!
What is CTA’s Tech Summit?

The Colorado Tech Summit is the place to connect with one another, exchange ideas, and grow. This year’s theme Tech For Good highlights the power of technology in removing friction, accelerating change, and improving well-being.

Leaders from all across Colorado tech and beyond will speak to the emerging trends that are shaping our industry and affecting our Colorado tech community. This event includes powerful keynotes, dynamic panels, and networking.

The Tech Summit will be the first part of the event on Thursday, Feb. 24.
What are CTA’s APEX Awards?

CTA has hosted the APEX Awards since 2001 as a way to bring together the community and celebrate the exceptional people, companies and accomplishments of the year. In the tradition of years past, we’ll be recognizing award winners who are leading the way for Colorado tech. Winners are selected by a panel of community judges.

The awards will be announced during a celebratory luncheon at the event.
What can I expect at the 2022 Tech Summit + APEX Awards?
At the 2022 Tech Summit + APEX Awards we’ll elevate the power of tech for good through panel discussions, keynote presentations and conversations with the people making an impact through tech in our communities.

Then, we’ll celebrate those that are leading the impact in Colorado Tech through our APEX Awards.

All in all, you can expect to enjoy:
- Engaging content
- Networking with your peers
- And a celebration of the Colorado tech community!
When is the 2022 Tech Summit + APEX Awards

Thursday, February 24th from 8:30am – 3:30pm
Where will the 2022 Tech Summit + APEX Awards take place?

Great news! This year’s event will be hosted in person! The event will be hosted at the Grand Hyatt Denver – 1750 Welton St, Denver, CO 80202.

*The safety of our community is our top priority. This in-person activity will be subject to COVID-19 safety protocols. See below for details on our COVID-19 precautions.
What is the agenda?

See below a tentative program agenda!
Are the 2022 Tech Summit + APEX Awards virtual?

No. The Tech Summit + APEX Awards will be an in-person event this year. The safety of our community is our top priority. We are monitoring the protocols and safety precautions around COVID-19 closely. This in-person activity will be subject to COVID-19 safety protocols – see below for additional details.
What COVID-19 protocols will be in place for the in-person event?

Colorado Technology Association is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for our event attendees. As such, we will require proof of vaccination in order to attend the Colorado Tech Summit + APEX Awards.* All attendees will be asked to wear face masks at the event.

*A person is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the second dose of a two-dose series, or two weeks after a single dose of a one-dose vaccine.
What are the ticket benefits?

Each ticket to the 2022 Tech Summit + APEX Awards provides access to world-renowned speakers, cutting edge technology-focused content, and meaningful networking opportunities. In addition, you’ll be the first to find out who the 2022 APEX Award winners are and get to celebrate with them in person at the event.

Breakfast, lunch and a dessert reception will also be included in every ticket.
I’m interested in sponsorship.

When you become a Tech Summit + APEX Awards sponsor, your organization unlocks the opportunity to elevate your brand in front of tech professionals from all across Colorado’s tech community. Each sponsorship also comes with event tickets. Contact Jason Delp at jason@coloradotechnology.org for additional information.
I have additional questions.

If you have further questions about the event or anything CTA-related, please reach out to eventsmgr@coloradotechnology.org.

APEX AWARDS FINALISTS

Advocate of the Year

This individual is 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.
Past Recipients

2020 – Anthony Neal-Graves, CIO & ED, Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology
2019 – Mayor Michael B. Hancock, City & County of Denver
2018 – State Senator Jack Tate
2017 – State Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp
2016 – Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers
2015 – State Sen. Rollie Heath and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet
2014 – Representative Dan Pabon and Paul Washington, Denver OED
2013 – Rep. Angela Williams and Sen. Mark Scheffel
2011 – Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, Representative Carole Murray, Senator Cheri Jahn and Senator Linda Newell
2010 – Representative Mike May, Senator Josh Penry and the Republican Caucus
2005 – Brian Vogt, OEDIT

Nominate for Advocate of the Year

Bob Newman Lifetime Achievement

This individual has made outstanding achievements and commitments to furthering innovative technology in our community and the state and has contributed to the initiatives of Colorado Technology Association.
Past Recipients

2020 – Barbara Mowry
2019 – Rich Liner, KidsTek
2018 – Kristin Russell, Arrow Electronics
2017 – Andre Durand, Ping Identity
2016 – Lucy Sanders, NCWIT
2015 – Steve Halstedt
2014 – J.B. Holston, Sitrion
2013 – Dan Caruso, Zayo Group
2012 – Nancy Sauer
2011 – John Oechsle, DigitalGlobe
2010 – Nancy Phillips, ViaWest
2009 – Jon Nordmark, eBags and Wambo
2008 – Brad Feld, Foundry Group
2007 – Barbara Bauer, GlobalSight Partners
2006 – Scott Burt, Integro
2005 – Bob Ogdon, Swiftpage
2004 – Donna Auguste, Leave A Little Room Foundation
2003 – Wayne Berger, Solano Foundation
2002 – Donald J. McCubbery, University of Denver
2001 – Bob Newman, JD Edwards

Nominate for Bob Newman Lifetime Achievment

CEO of the Year

These creative, innovative and determined founder or CEO’s lead a Colorado-based tech company. In addition to the daily role of leading their company, they work to drive the vibrancy of the tech economy beyond their business.
- Phil McKinney, CableLabs
- Amanda Moriuchi, AppIt Ventures
Past Recipients

2020 – Dan Mackin, Rule4
2019 – Brandon Ridenour, ANGI Homeservices
2018 – Brock Berry, AdCellerant
2017 – Shawn Mills, Green House Data
2016 – Annette Quintana, Istonish
2015 – Dave Wright, SolidFire

Nominate for CEO of the Year

CIO of the Year

This outstanding Chief Information Officer has demonstrated considerable ingenuity in leading an IT team and implementing technology projects that demonstrably improve the effectiveness of their organization.
- Michelle Bourgeois, St. Vrain Valley Schools
- Rob Reynolds, Congruex
- Greg Sparks, SomaLogic
Past Recipients

2020 – Atilla Tinic, DISH Network
2019 – Sandi Mays, Zayo
2018 – Suma Nallapati, Governor’s Office of Information Technology
2017 – Jeff Robertson, DigitalGlobe
2016 – Vin Melvin, Arrow Electronics
2015 – John Swieringa, CIO of the Year
2014 – Dave Anderson, CH2M Hill

Nominate for CIO of the Year

CISO of the Year

This innovative Chief Information Security Officer has implemented a security program that accelerated the success of her/his Colorado-based business. Utilizing people, processes and technologies, this security leader has positioned the security program to deliver on the core mission of the organization.
- Julie Chickillo, Guild Education
- Sue Lapierre, Prologis
- Artie Wilkowsky, DISH
Past Recipients

2020 – Brennan Baybeck, Oracle
2019 – James Carder, LogRhythm
2018 – Robb Reck, Ping Identity
2017 – Matt Shufeldt, Cognizant

Nominate for CISO of the Year

Colorado Entrepreneur Excellence

This entrepreneurial leader has contributed to multiple businesses, with at least one as a tech company started, grown and operated in Colorado. They have a true passion to seek out problems to solve, and they organize, manage and assume the risk of a business or enterprise.
- Matt Frary, Managed Chaos Holdings
- Danaya Wilson, CHC Training
Past Recipients

2020 – Shawn Mills, Lunavi
2019 – Trent R. Hein, Rule4
2018 – Sudha Chandrasekharan, Learn-Skillz
2017 – Elia Wallen, Traveler’s Haven & Hotel Engine
2016 – Page Tucker, ProStar Geocorp
2014 – Jeremy Ostermiller, Altitutde Digital
2013 – Peter Hudson, iTriage LLC
2012 – Bart Lorang, FullContact
2011 – Bob Ogdon, Swiftpage
2010 – Roy Dimoff, ViaWest
2009 – John Tredennick, Catalyst Repository Systems

Nominate for Colorado Entrepreneur Excellence

Company of the Year

This Colorado-based company’s overall performance sets it apart as a leader through technical innovation and concrete examples of how it is meeting a need in the marketplace. This company also is a strong leader in the community and shows corporate responsibility.
- AMP Robotics
- Backbone PLM
- Swisslog Healthcare
Past Recipients

2020 – Convercent
2019 – CableLabs
2018 – HomeAdvisor
2017 – SendGrid
2016 – ViaWest
2015 – SpotX
2014 – LogRhythm
2013 – Ping Identity
2012 – Mercury
2011 – Rivet Software
2010 – ServiceMagic
2009 – GTRI
2007 – Webroot
2006 – Webroot
2005 – Webroot
2004 – eCollege
2003 – FRxSoftware
2002 – DataTrend Information Systems

Nominate for Company of the Year

Emerging Leader of the Year

This Emerging Leader has demonstrated a commitment to the Colorado tech industry by showing passion for technology and making significant contributions to their organization or the industry overall. They excel at their role and actively seek opportunities to grow professionally and personally. This individual shows great potential to grow in their area of expertise and as a leader in the tech community.
- Crystal Allen, CSG
- Sarah Smith, Governor’s Office of IT
- Nina Vendhan, Studio Management
Past Recipients

2020 – Leidy Pérez, Zayo Group
2019 – Jamie Cohen, ANGI Homeservices
2018 – Samuel Thomas Elliot, Amnet

Nominate for Emerging Leader of the Year

Emerging Tech Company of the Year

This is Colorado’s most promising emerging company in operation for five years or less. They are innovative and identified a need in the marketplace for the product or service.
- Digible
- Rule4
- Tilt
Past Recipients

2020 – Crusoe Energy Systems, Inc
2019 – Bluestaq
2018 – Pax8
2017 – PAIRIN
2016 – Couragion
2015 – BluFlux
2014 – GeoPoll
2013 – Cloud Elements

Nominate for Emerging Tech Company of the Year

Project of the Year

This project, implemented by an innovative IT department, solved a business problem with strategic objectives and innovation and overcame obstacles, met goals and demonstrated team collaboration.
- Congruex
- CoorsTek, Inc.
- Governor’s Office of IT
Past Recipients

2020 – Colorado Department of Revenue
2019 – St. Vrain Valley Schools
2018 – Levels Beyond
2017 – Braxton Technologies
2016 – Arrow Electronics & Indiegogo Certification Program
2015 – DigitalGlobe
2014 – GoCode Colorado, Colorado Secretary of State’s Office
2013 – Governor’s Office of Information Technology
2012 – Pixorial
2011 – PEI
2010 – Lincoln Trust Company

Nominate for Project of the Year

Talent Champion of the Year

This individual builds and strengthens the technology talent pipeline by leading and supporting initiatives to construct and ensure a strong, diverse local pipeline of tech workers in the state.
- Alejandro Dopico, PC’s For People – Denver
- Susan Mitnick, Pax8
- Melissa Uribes, Trimble
Past Recipients

2020 – Helen Young Hayes, Activate Workforce Solutions
2019 – Alan Buller, FEDC TechSTART
2018 – Heather Terenzio, Techtonic Group
2017 – Global MindED
2016 – CareerWise Colorado
2015 – Blind Institute of Technology

Nominate for Talent Champion of the Year

NOMINATE HERE

DBJ: Colorado Entrepreneur Excellence

DBJ: Advocate of the Year

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Interested in 2022 sponsorship opportunities? Contact Jason Delp at 303-592-4070 or jason@coloradotechnology.org.