The Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC) continues their annual conference to share global knowledge and resources with the ecosystem surrounding emerging technologies. The second annual Emerging Technology Conference happens October 30-31 at Hotel Roanoke.

This year, RBTC is focused on bringing the world to Roanoke through their impressive lineup of star speakers. The nationally recognized thought leaders bring a wealth of experience and insight from a diverse array of industries. Conference goers have the opportunity to hear:

• Unique perspectives on the application of emerging technology.
• New opportunities and challenges that can accompany new tech implementation.
• Early forecasting on emerging trends that put them ahead of the curve.

The keynotes are just the beginning of two full days of panels, fireside chats, breakout sessions, and networking all guided by specialized tracks. You also won’t want to miss our TED-Talks-inspired hallway stage, idea and innovation lab, talent lounge, and immersive alley.

RBTC Emerging Tech Conference Keynote Speakers

The speakers this year are high-level leaders at globally recognized companies. They’re set to deliver riveting talks on the issues and opportunities surrounding emerging technology—including AI.

Chris Heivly, Co-Founder at MapQuest

Chris Heivly is a serial entrepreneur known as “The Startup Whisperer,” for his ability to turn startups into multimillion-dollar companies. For over 30 years, he’s work with some of the world’s leading brands including MapQuest, Rand McNally and Accenture.

Currently, Chris currently serves as one of two managing directors of The Startup Factory, the largest seed investment firm in the Southeast. In addition to his work with startups, Chris is a blogger, bestselling author, and public speaker specializing in startups, corporate innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystem development.

Stefani Quarles, Customer Success Leader at Microsoft

Stefani Quarles is a 26-year corporate trailblazer, weaving innovation into business mastery across sectors from high-tech to non-profit. She has spent her career fearlessly fostering diversity and inclusion in roles such as the Chair for Black @ Microsoft, Great Lakes and founder of the People Project Corporation– a community-based, digitally-sound nonprofit organization.

A champion of AI, Stefani helps entrepreneurs and changemakers leverage AI to drive impact. Her work has provided mentorship, tools, and connections to help underrepresented communities scale their solutions.

For her work in this space, Stefani was honored as part of the #empowHER50 campaign that celebrated women leaders at Microsoft, past and present, who have been instrumental in democratizing access to technology, opportunity, and growth. 

Patrick Thean, Co-Founder at Rhythm Systems

Patrick is an award-winning entrepreneur, USA Today bestselling author, and world-renowned strategy execution expert. He is the mastermind behind the Think Plan Do® process, a CEO coach, a serial entrepreneur, and the co-founder and CEO of Rhythm Systems®.

As a bestselling author on both USA Today and the Wall Street Journal’s bestselling books list, Patrick dedicates his time to helping CEOs succeed and achieve their dreams. He speaks and writes on topics such as leadership, strategic planning, and team accountability, in addition to coaching CEOs and their executive teams.

Ben Kellie, Co-Founder & CEO at Applied Atomics | Former Engineer at SpaceX

Ben Kellie is an Alaskan entrepreneur, mechanical engineer, and writer whose career spans the frontiers of space, energy, and the Arctic. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Applied Atomics, which builds large co-located fission power to unlock advanced industry.

Ben began his career at SpaceX and founded The Launch Company, an aerospace engineering company that delivered standardized hardware and autonomous launch systems for rocket companies. He helps aspiring entrepreneurs begin their journey through the Upstart Alpha accelerator at the University of Alaska.

Nathan Kupperman, Executive VP & CAO at Children’s National Hospital

Dr. Kuppermann, MD, MPH, is a pediatric emergency medicine physician, clinical epidemiologist and leader in emergency medical services for children. He currently serves as executive vice president, chief academic officer of Children’s National Hospital and director of the Children’s National Research Institute. He also serves as chair of the Department of Pediatrics and associate dean of Pediatric Academic Affairs at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences where he holds the Fight for Children Professorship in the Department of Pediatrics. A prolific writer, Dr. Kupperman has more than 325 peer-reviewed publications in esteemed journals including the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, BMJ and The Lancet.

Dr. Michael Friedlander, VP for Health Sciences & Technology at Virginia Tech

Michael Friedlander is a neuroscientist, educator, and innovation ecosystem leader. He currently serves as vice president for health sciences and technology at Virginia Tech and the senior dean for research at the VTC School of Medicine. He is professor of biological sciences of the Virginia Tech College of Science, and of psychiatry and behavioral medicine of the VTC School of Medicine, and is an an affiliated faculty member of the Virginia Tech–Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences.

In addition, he serves as the founding executive director of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) where he built the program to over $240 million in extramural funding with more than 40 research teams and over 500 staff and students.

Lynda Foster, Founder at Cortex Leadership Consulting

Lynda Foster is the founder of Cortex Leadership Consulting a company that partners with leaders and their teams to solve their toughest people problems. Lynda works with CEOs that are scaling their organizations and need reliable, contemporary, predictive people analytics to power their growth and value.

Lynda was named a Business Icon by Valley Business Front Magazine and is a regular contributor for Forbes. She is also the author of several books including Time Mastery:  7 Simple Steps to More Effective Outcomes available on Amazon and Audible, 4 Keys to More Effective Leadership.

Details for RBTC Emerging Tech Conference

• Date: October 30-31, 2025
• Location: Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
• Tickets: Member and Non-member Rates Available
• Registration: Online via RBTC website

The Hotel Roanoke will offer exclusive rates to attendees of the Emerging Tech Conference. These rooms are in limited supply and will be provided first-come, first-serve. The RBTC event rate will be available until October 17, 2025.

Register for RBTC’s Emerging Technology Conference

These speakers and their deep insights into the world of emerging technology are not to be missed. Join the Roanoke-Blacksburg region’s boldest gathering of tech and life science innovators for future-focused ideas, real-world AI applications, and boundary-pushing conversations. Get your tickets today.