It seems like 2024 whizzed by. From TechNite to Disrupt Up to seeing people at WoTech and cybersecurity events the past year was packed with so many tech things to do.

But just wait … 2025 is going to be even better!

The fun kicks off in early January with new and returning programming designed to help member companies better connect with current and future employees, runs into the 25th TechNite, and we’re bringing back Disrupt Up for a second year.

Here’s everything to look forward to from RBTC in 2025:

1. A new talent webinar series starts Jan. 7 and you are invited. Taylor Spellman and Stuart Mease will show you trends in tech employment and help you understand the data driving new hires, local technology jobs, and what employees want from you.
2. This year marks the 25th anniversary of TechNite! Can you believe we’ve been celebrating the regional innovation ecosystem for this long? Stay tuned for details on the spring even in the New River Valley. 
3. Speaking of TechNite, awards nominations allow you to nominate your peers who are doing amazing things. Start nominating your company, your team or clients today.
4. Thanks to you, the first Disrupt Up emerging technology conference was a huge success … and we’re doing it again this fall. 
5. Jobs.rbtc.tech just relaunched with more features for employers – you can post jobs plus connect with engaged job seekers. 
6. The job board has great tools for job seekers too, including a resume upload and customized job match alerts.
7. RBTC and RAMP will come together for more joint programing that will help tech startups and small businesses thrive. 
8. ChangeMakerZ will launch a second cohort this spring with programing to help young professionals in tech fields build their networks, get the skills to make a greater impact at work, and create roots in the community.
9. RBTC has even more opportunities for your company to partner on events, curate conference experiences, and recruit key influencers to speak here. 
10. We’ll award the third Hart of the Entrepreneur Impact Award, which provides $10,000 to a high impact startup.
11. WoTech’s Summer Camp is a fan favorite and coming back this year. 
12. Signature WoTech events such as Power Hour, Lunch and Learn and the monthly Morning Jolt are on the schedule as well.
13. Supporting remote workers in the region is a key focus area this year. Individual memberships include discounted access to RBTC events to help you boost your local connections even if your company isn’t here. 
14. The Cyber Security program series is getting a little bit of a facelift and will be called the IT Security Forum with two primary annual events – Capture the Flag and Defense Against the Dark Arts. The IT Security Forum will also partner with other groups to support open-source programming. 
15. Members will have more access to members-only events and programming. 
16. RBTC is helping you recruit the best technology talent by using some of its marketing resources to drive quality candidates to the region.
17. Beer & Biotech kicks off in January with a look at what’s coming up for the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and Health Sciences at Virginia Tech. The series continues monthly at Big Lick Brewing Company.
18. A new regional leader who’s made a lasting impact on the regional innovation ecosystem will be recognized in the RBTC Hall of Fame this spring. (Find out who at TechNite.)
19. Early riser? Breakfast meeting Tech and Toast is back this year. We can wait to see you for early morning networking with a featured speaker. 
20. Blacks in Technology SWVA, a program of RBTC, continues to gain momentum with events to network, collaborate, and connect with BITs around the country.
21. RBTC is advocating for you and your businesses at the local, regional, and state levels. From working with the General Assembly in Richmond to partnering with the Roanoke Regional Chamber for events such as the Capital Reception, we are working to make sure the Roanoke-Blacksburg tech community is well-known.
22. Many of you are already members of the RBTC group on LinkedIn, and we’re planning to add more content and resources there in “real-time.” Join us!
23. With a growing membership, your opportunities to meet someone new and network just keep growing. Plus, the Member Directory page provides a pretty cool reference for all the different types of working happening in this region with a diverse range of companies.
24. If you met Program Coordinator Alla Daniel in the latter half of 2024, then you already know the smile. She’s here to help you with event information and making everything run seamlessly. Contact her if you want to help curate and host an RBTC function. 
25. The regional ecosystem is unveiling a new overarching brand, Roanoke Blacksburg Innovation Alliance. RBIA (formerly Verge) is one more arm of the tech community with RBTC and RAMP. The mission of RBIA is to expand the local tech economy, RAMP is focused on growing tech startups, and RBTC will continue to connect regional collaborators.