There’s an electric energy surrounding technology and innovation in our region because the work in this sector is putting Virginia’s Region 2 on the global map. TechNite 2022 will be a night to remember as we recognize the region’s best companies, innovators, and projects. Join us in toasting to an exciting future for our region at the beautiful Taubman Museum of Art on May 19. 

The Event

Plan to enjoy a social, cocktail celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. inside downtown Roanoke’s iconic museum. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and libations will fill you up while you connect with some of the most creative innovators and technology leaders in the region. Tables are available for purchase (get yours before they sell out!) or mingle if you prefer. Entertainment and brief programming will kick off the evening followed by an inspiring awards ceremony honoring the entrepreneurs, founders, and companies fueling the region’s thriving ecosystem. Attendees can explore the Taubman galleries while RBTC transforms the atrium into an after-party beneath the neon light of the Roanoke Star. 

The Speakers

Keynote speakers John Newby and Conaway Haskins will discuss the successful regional and statewide collaboration to support tech and biotech growth.

“We could not be more thrilled to host our statewide partners, Conaway Haskins, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and John Newby, Virginia Bio as we celebrate the growth of technology and biotechnology in our region,” said RBTC Executive Director Erin Burcham.

Newby is CEO of Virginia Bio. Newby has been in his role at Virginia Bio since 2019 and is tasked with fostering partnerships with and between the Commonwealth’s greater biotechnology and healthcare industries to find innovative solutions to improve lives. He helps the association’s 270+ members by facilitating access to capital, connecting industry to academia, and providing educational and professional development event programming and collaborates with federal, state and local partners to grow Virginia’s $8 billion life science industry.

Haskins is Vice President for Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC). In this role, he provides strategic vision and generates operational results for the Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Division that was launched in July 2020. As VP, he advises, funds, promotes, and supports technology-focused entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovation-led economic development throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.