WIT Conference - Colorado Technology Association

Colorado’s tech community has been shaped by leaders who are deeply committed to uplifting teams, organizations, and the broader community. The WIT Conference was created to support and celebrate this powerful force in tech — and it continues to grow as a space for connection, inspiration, and progress.

Now in its 16th year, the WIT Conference is a retreat-style gathering that honors trailblazers across the technology landscape. Each year, more than 800 professionals come together to explore leadership, emerging tech trends, and the real-world challenges and opportunities that arise while building impactful careers in the industry.

Event Highlights:

Keynote Speakers: Be inspired by leaders who are pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in tech and leadership.

Panel Discussions: Gain insights from experts and changemakers tackling today’s most relevant topics in technology and culture.

Interactive Workshop: Join a hands-on lunch session designed to equip you with practical tools to lead, grow, and thrive.

Luminaries: Connect with executive-level leaders and community influencers in small-group conversations focused on real stories and shared experiences.

Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections in a dynamic, welcoming environment.

Questions? Contact eventsmgr@coloradotechnology.org or visit our FAQ section below

Registration will Open July 9th!

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026

8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Location: Seawell Ballroom at the DCPA in Denver

CTA events are designed to be accessible and welcoming to all participants. If you need accommodations, please contact us at accessibility@coloradotechnology.org or 303-592-4070 at least 7 days in advance.

TICKETS GO ON SALE THURSDAY, JULY 9 AT 9AM

TICKET PRICES + IMPORTANT DATES

What You Get When You Register for the 2021 Women in Tech (WIT) Conference

CTA MEMBERS-ONLY ACCESS

World-Class Keynotes

Exclusive Content & Community-Led Sessions

Professional Development Workshops

Luminary Mentor Hours

Rejuvenation Programming

Virtual and In-person* Community Networking

On-Demand and Archived Content

Digital Journal

Digital Photo Booth

The first 500 people signed up to attend WIT will receive a digital copy of Marissa King’s recent book, “Social Chemistry: Decoding the Patterns of Human Connection.”

Companies who purchase a group of tickets for their attendees will receive hard copies of Dorie Clark’s new book, “The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World” to be released on September 21!

(*in-person events will be located in Denver and are subject to COVID-19 safety protocols)

Credit Card Payment Only
Tickets must be purchased with a credit card at the time of registration.

2025 WIT Keynote Speakers

2026 speakers to be announced soon!

Keynote:

Rob Cohen

Chairman & CEO, IMA Financial Group & Controlling Owner & Governor, Denver’s NWSL Franchise

Keynote:

Cathy Hackl

Tech & Gaming Executive, CEO, Future Dynamics, Author, Keynote Speaker, Futurist, and Podcast Host

Keynote:

Melissa Akie Wiley

Deputy Town Manager, Erie, Colorado & Owner, Forget the Fairytale LLC

Keynote:

Amy Parsons

President, Colorado State University

Keynote:

Bijal Shah

CEO, Guild

Moderator:

Kyle Dyer

Executive Producer & PBS12 Host, Video Storyteller, Documentary Director, Writer

Moderator:

Suma Nallapati

CIO| CDO| Public, Private and Healthcare CxO

Moderator:

Simone D. Ross

CEO, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce

Special Guest Speaker:

Eve Lieberman

Executive Director, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

2025 Luminaries

WIT Luminaries are female tech executives and community leaders who join the event to share their leadership journey and lead our table discussions.

Jessica Anson – FirstBank
Betty Arkell – Buchalter
Kate Barton – Downtown Denver Partnership
Amy Bhikha – State of Colorado
Michelle Bourgeois – St. Vrain Valley Schools
Barbara Brooks – SecondActWomen
Debbie Brown – Colorado Business Roundtable
Emily Cellar – iFIT
Carrie Damon – Envision Healthcare
Sue Diltz – Arrow Electronics, Inc.
FloraJane DiRienzo – Biennial of the Americas
Yvette Florez – City of Lakewood
Lori Frasier – Brightpath Workforce Strategies
Esther Friend – Udemy
Kassendra Galindo – Faegre
Chandy Ghosh – Sinch Emergency Services
Paige Goss – Point Solutions Security
Jennifer Harding – Placed, LLC
Kathryn Harris – ActivateWork
Lauren Hearn – Bank of America
Sarah Herzog – Ardent Mills
Tammie Hilend – Pivot Positive
Megan Hodgins – Placed, LLC
Sevrin Huff – Echostar
Jill Ibeck – Jeffco Public Schools
Kelly Isaac – Curie-s, LLC
Marina Johnson – MOST Programming
Erika Jones – LIFT, empowered by Women in Security
Gauri Kapur – Hitachi Vantara
Zaneta Kelsey – Point Solutions Security
Gaelle Koanda – Bae Space and Mission Systems
Lauren LaFortuna – Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Cenee’ LaTulippe – 5280 PMO Services
Carey Leigh Crews – Boston Consulting Group
Eve Lieberman – OEDIT
Gala Lyne – Rimini Street
Tory Madden – Prologis
Frannie Matthews – PBS12
Lisa Martin – 8×8
Adele McCarthy-Beauvais – Zayo
Libby McIlhany – Pax8
Jenna McMullin – Lockheed Martin Space
Eryn Mercer-Niehues – St. Vrain Valley School District
Sumana Nallapati – City & County of Denver, Technology Services
Lynette Nunez – Comcast
Elizabeth Peetz – Comcast
Kate Polesovsky – Tyler Technologies
Annette Quintana – Istonish, Inc.
Kavita Rao – CoBank
Molly Rauzi – APCO Worldwide
Brandy Reitter – Colorado Broadband Office, Governor’s Office of Information Technology
Sara Roberts – Blend
Kara Shuler – Slalom
Lisa Smith – EPAM
Monica Stitt – Elevations Credit Union
Yiping Sun – Plante Moran
Theresa Szczurek, Ph.D. – Technology and Management Solutions
Lena Taylor – Crocs, Inc.
Deborah Tighe – Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Melissa Uribes – Trimble
Brandi Vandegriff – Ajax Analytics, Inc.
Karen Worstell – W Risk Group LLC

FAQ

When is the 2026 WIT Conference?

The 2026 WIT Conference will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Where is the WIT Conference held?

This year’s event will be held at the Seawell Ballroom at the DCPA in Denver.
What is the schedule?

Tentative Schedule:8:00am – Registration / Breakfast & Networking
9:00am – Program Start – Opening Keynote
9:55am – Mindful Moment
10:05am – Morning Panel Discussion
10:50am – Break
11:20am – Midday Keynote
11:45am – Workshop
12:15pm – Lunch + Luminary Discussions
1:20pm – Break
2:00pm – Mindful Moment
2:10pm – Afternoon Panel Discussion
2:45pm – Closing Keynote
3:15pm – Afternoon Reception
4:30pm – Event End
Who should attend the WIT Conference?

The WIT Conference is open to all CTA members! Anyone interested in innovative speakers, dynamic conversations, and networking with leaders from across Colorado tech should join us. This is a sell-out event so don’t wait to purchase your ticket or table!

Not a member but would like more information on how to join? Please email Sean Horan, our Membership Sales Manager.
Is the WIT Conference only for women?

No! This event is open to all members of CTA. Not a member but would like more information on how to join? Please reach out to Sean Horan, our Membership Sales Manager.
Can I purchase a table?

Yes! Tables will be available for purchase beginning on July 9th.
When will tickets go on sale?

Registration will open on Thursday, July 9th.

Tickets go fast! Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out. Interested in purchasing more than one table to the event? Contact Peter Schwartz to learn more about sponsorship.
Is the WIT Conference open to people outside of the state?

Yes! As long as your organization is a CTA member you are eligible to purchase a ticket.
What are the ticket benefits?

Each ticket to the WIT Conference provides access to world-renowned keynote speakers, cutting-edge technology-focused content, professional and personal development workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities. At the event, you’ll be able to connect with other attendees, including our Speakers and Luminaries*. Each ticket also includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and a happy hour.

*Luminaries are community leaders who join the event to meet our attendees and share their stories through a guided small group discussion.
I'm interested in sponsorship. . .

When you become a WIT Conference 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 conference tickets. Contact Peter Schwartz for additional information.
I'm interested in volunteering. . .

We could not put on these programs without our amazing volunteers! Please reach out to Michelle Shrader for more information on volunteering for this year’s event.
I'm interested in speaking. . .

Thank you for your interest in sharing your expertise and passion with us. This year’s event program planning is well underway, and speaking slots are limited. If you are interested in speaking at a future CTA event please send a short bio and summary of your speaking topic to Megan Sparks at megan_c@coloradotechnology.org. Note, due to the high volume of requests to speak, each individual email may not be responded to. Please be assured that we’ve received your information and will reach out to you if there is a great fit.
What is a Luminary?

Luminaries are technology executives and community leaders who join the event to meet our attendees and share their stories through a guided small group discussion.
I have additional questions. . .

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

Interested in sponsoring WIT in 2026? Contact Peter Schwartz at 303-592-4070 or peter@coloradotechnology.org.