Innovation

What is Game Changer Week?

The conference – Sept. 13-15 in Roanoke and Blacksburg – is a celebration of our innovative ecosystem and is designed as a place where big ideas and technology can collide.

Game Changer Week will include everything from panel discussions specific technologies to workshops for college students to happy hours to engaging talks.

Highlights include:

• Biotechnology deep dive with sessions on the fastgrowing life sciences sector and it’s future in this region

• Talk with Jason Feifer, editor of Entrepreneur Magazine, and author of “Build for Tomorrow” and host of a podcast of the same name

• Interactive discussion with Melissa Doman about mental health in the workplace

• Entrepreneurial sessions to help you grow your business with case studies from founders and companies that have already done it

• Talk about inclusive economic growth with NASA and entrepreneurs that are collaborating to commercialize ideas and innovation

• Block party with live music, food, and games at the

Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center

Game Changer Week is a collaborative effort that’s helping propel this region forward. The event is being organized by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council and Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center and includes collaboration and events that are connected to companies and movers and shakers across the region.

This year the event is in multiple locations throughout the region. We encourage you to register, download the app, and plan to move back and forth between Roanoke and Blacksburg for different experiences. Even better, share the event with your team, and encourage their participation as well.

Game Changer Week is free to attend and open to professionals at any level and students. Join us for networking events, engage with thought leaders in action, and leave with real-world connections and new knowledge to be inspired.

Learn more and register today: www.vtcrc.com/about/ marketing/gamechanger

INNOVATION

By Erin Burcham

Executive Summary:

The greatest minds, innovations, and thought leaders in the regional technology ecosystem are coming together in mid-September for Game Changer Week.

Erin Burcham is Executive Director for the Roanoke – Blacksburg Technology Council erin.burcham@rbtc.tech