Emerging Technology Conference

November 19–20, 2026 | Roanoke, VA | Hotel Roanoke

ETC 2026 is the Roanoke-Blacksburg region’s premier stage for the work happening at the growing edge of technology and life sciences. Each November, RBTC convenes the founders, researchers, investors and leaders shaping what comes next across AI, healthcare innovation, advanced manufacturing, energy, ag, infrastructure and venture.

Come find the people, ideas and solutions that move your work forward.

Early Bird Pricing Members $200 • Non-members $275 Regular rates: $275 members · $325 non-members Early Bird ends Oct 1

RBTC members receive discounted conference registration.
Get your member discount code →

500+

Innovators, founders and technology leaders

attended ETC in 2025

250+

Companies and organizations

represented across the region

1 in 4

Executives, founders and decision-makers

among ETC attendees

50%

Startup organizations

with the full innovation ecosystem represented

40% enterprise and large institutions

10% mid-market organizations

Keynote

Ken Gall

Serial MedTech Entrepreneur, Duke Professor & Pioneer in 3D-Printed Biomaterials

View Speaker Bio →

Keynote

Nigel Thurlow

Former Toyota Chief of Agile, CEO of The Flow Consortium & Co-Creator of The Flow System

View Speaker Bio →

Featured Speaker

Nicole Hall

Higher Ed Strategist, UVA Senior AVP & National Voice on College Recruiting

View Speaker Bio →

Featured Speaker

Gary Mays

Federal Health Operations Expert, Axle COO & Steward of a $1.7B FDA Center

View Speaker Bio →

Featured Speaker

Mark Otter

Community Design & Digital Credentials Expert, Founder & Managing Partner of Community Works Collective

View Speaker Bio →

Conference Tracks

Explore the Conversations Shaping Tomorrow

These six tracks anchor the ETC 2026 agenda with technologies, industries, and ideas driving what’s next across our region. Explore where you’ll find real conversations for your work.

AI & Data Systems

Artificial intelligence, analytics, autonomy, data infrastructure, and applied digital systems.

Industry 4.0 (AM2)

Additive manufacturing, advanced materials, automation, robotics, smart factories, and industrial transformation.

Health & Bio Innovation

Biotechnology, medtech, healthcare systems, diagnostics, and life sciences innovation.

Energy, Agriculture & Infrastructure

Energy systems, utilities, agtech, logistics, climate resilience, and infrastructure modernization.

Venture & Ecosystem

Entrepreneurship, venture capital, commercialization, policy, economic development, and innovation ecosystems.

Career & Education Pathways

Explore the skills, leadership, workforce strategies, and career development shaping the future of technology and innovation.

Registration

Join Us at ETC 2026

Reserve your place at Roanoke Blacksburg’s premier gathering for emerging technology and life sciences. Choose the registration option that works for you.

Best Value

RBTC Member

$ 275

Member registration

Standard conference registration: $275

Members must request their unique member code and enter it at checkout to receive discounted pricing.

GET MEMBER CODE → REGISTER AS A MEMBER →

General Admission

Non-Member

$ 325

General registration

Standard conference registration: $325

Applicable rates are confirmed during registration checkout.

Attendees gathering at the Emerging Technology Conference

Two days of ideas, connections, and conversations shaping what comes next.

Venue

The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center

110 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24016

A Tudor-style hotel built in 1882 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hotel Roanoke sits in the heart of downtown Roanoke with 63,000 square feet of conference space, steps from the Taubman Museum of Art.

Book Your Room →

We recommend Hotel Roanoke for attendees traveling in from outside the region. Book here to access the discounted ETC room rate.

Getting Here

By Air

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is just 5 miles from the hotel, roughly a 10-minute drive. Find flights and car rentals →

By Car

From I-81, take exit 143 to I-581 South, then exit 5. Follow signs to Hotel Roanoke’s main entrance on Shenandoah Avenue.

Parking

Self-parking and valet are available on-site.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

ETC is made possible by organizations that see value in bringing this community together. We’re grateful to the partners helping make the 2026 conference possible.

Presenting Partner