DCSD Legacy Campus
Tech It Out 2026
Revolutionize: Level Up. Stand Out.
Join us on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and stay for a happy hour to follow from 4:00 – 6:30 PM MT at the DCSD Legacy Campus in Parker, Colorado, for WICT Rocky Mountain’s signature technology event. Tech It Out 2026 brings together innovators, leaders and rising talent for a full day of learning, connection and inspiration designed to help attendees grow their impact, expand their perspective and shape what’s next.
Description
This year’s theme, Revolutionize: Level Up. Stand Out., reflects the bold spirit of transformation happening across our industry and in our careers. Tech It Out 2026 will spotlight how technology, leadership and continuous learning come together to create new opportunities for individuals, teams and organizations.
In alignment with the WICT Touchstones, this year’s event is designed to foster connection, courage, curiosity and growth. Attendees will experience meaningful conversations, actionable insights and fresh perspectives that empower them to lead with confidence, support one another and navigate change with purpose.
We are excited to introduce an updated event format featuring two keynote speakers and curated learning pathways that allow attendees to tailor their experience based on their interests, goals and stage of career. Whether participants are looking to deepen technical expertise, build future-ready skills or explore career development and transition, Tech It Out 2026 will offer content that informs, energizes and elevates.
Learning Pathways
Pathways for Learning
Tech It Out 2026 will feature breakout sessions organized into three focused learning pathways:
• Cable / Network / Hardware Technology
Explore the technologies, infrastructure and operational advancements driving connectivity and innovation across our industry.
• AI Skills for the Future
Discover practical applications of artificial intelligence, emerging trends and the capabilities professionals need to thrive in a rapidly evolving workplace.
• Career Development and Transition
Gain insights, strategies and inspiration for professional growth, career pivots, leadership development and navigating what’s next.
Event Details
Main Event
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM MT – Breakfast and Lunch included
Happy Hour to follow at 4:00 – 6:30 PM MT
Location: DCSD Legacy Campus, Parker, Colorado
Theme: Revolutionize: Level Up. Stand Out.
Call for Speakers Now Open
WICT Rocky Mountain is now accepting speaker requests for Tech It Out 2026. We welcome submissions for both keynote speakers and breakout pathway facilitators.
If you have a compelling story, practical expertise, innovative ideas or a dynamic session concept that aligns with this year’s theme and learning pathways, we invite you to share your interest. We are seeking speakers who can inspire, educate and create an engaging experience for our audience while reflecting the WICT Touchstones through thought leadership, authenticity and impact.
Interested in Speaking at 2026 Tech It Out?
It’s time to find our amazing and inspiring speakers for The WICT Network: Rocky Mountain 2026 Tech It Out.
The WICT Network: Rocky Mountain is now accepting speaker requests for Tech It Out 2026. We welcome submissions for both keynote speakers and breakout pathway facilitators.
If you have a compelling story, practical expertise, innovative ideas, or a dynamic session concept that aligns with this year’s theme and learning pathways, we invite you to share your interest. We are seeking speakers who can inspire, educate, and create an engaging experience for our audience while reflecting the WICT Touchstones through thought leadership, authenticity, and impact.
NOMINATE SOMEONE OR APPLY TO BECOME A SPEAKER AT 2026 TECH IT OUT NOW!
Tech It Out Archives
2025’s Morning Keynote Speaker: Gerard Kunkel
Topic: Media at the Speed of Choice. The history, present, and future of media consumption 1950’s to 2050’s.
Gerard Kunkel is a growth‐oriented product and technology executive with 25+ years of leadership across TV, digital media, entertainment and advertising. He has scaled multibillion-dollar product portfolios for leading media and technology enterprises, repeatedly delivering double-digit revenue gains, market leadership and breakthrough innovations. As a trusted executive and board advisor, Gerard brings deep expertise in corporate governance, risk oversight, product and technology due diligence and digital transformation – helping C-suite and management teams unlock new profit pools and accelerate value creation.
As Founder & Managing Partner of Next Media Partners, LLC, Gerard leads a strategic advisory practice serving Fortune 50 media and technology companies as well as high-growth startups. He specializes in go-to-market strategy, strategic partnerships, B2B marketing, UX-driven innovation and AI through XR-enabled solutions. His past executive roles include Executive Advisor to the President and CVPs of Microsoft’s $6 billion Interactive Entertainment Business – where he shaped Xbox and TV service product strategies – and Senior Vice President of UX & Product Design at Comcast, where he pioneered Comcast’s unified design organization and roadmap for its $34 billion cable business.
A recognized thought leader, Gerard holds 13 patents in interactive media and advertising technology, is the author of two technology books, and has spoken on the future of media, technology and product design at NAB, CES, CTAM, TVoT, ARF, AdWeek, Digital Hollywood, WICT, SCTE, and other leading industry conferences – and corporate events. He has served on governance and advisory boards – including the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Emerging Media Peer Group, and the Science and Technology Peer Group, the Walnut Street Theatre and the former Board Chair of BeachGlow: Concerts for Charity – bringing a blend of strategic vision and operational insight to every engagement.
2025’s Afternoon Keynote Speaker: Morag Barrett
Topic: Fine is a Four Letter Word: Taking care of yourself while meeting your business expectations.
Morag Barrett is a workplace relationship expert, keynote speaker and bestselling author of Cultivate and You, Me, We. As founder of SkyeTeam and proud partner of The WICT Network: Rocky Mountain, (she facilitated the our Mentoring Program for more than a decade), helping leaders build the relationships that drive results. Her research-backed frameworks have transformed workplace cultures for Fortune 500 companies and emerging organizations alike.
Fine is a Four-Letter Word. “I’m fine.” We’ve all said it, but in today’s workplaces, fine is code for overwhelmed, disconnected and quietly checking out, exactly what your best people tell you right before they update their LinkedIn profiles. In this keynote you’ll discover how to break the disconnection spiral and fuel genuine engagement.
Sally Huriaux
Vice President, Engineering Operations Headend, SIT, and CI, Comcast
Fireside Chat Panel Member, Topic: Career Conversation with The WICT Network: Rocky Mountain Walk of Fame Honorees
Tiffany K. Payne
Division Vice President, External Affairs, Comcast
Topic: The Tech Tapestry of Corporate Social Responsibility: Weaving Purpose into Innovation
Stephanie Sapp Rideau
Division Vice President, Operations, Comcast Business
Fireside Chat Panel Member, Topic: Career Conversation with The WICT Network: Rocky Mountain Walk of Fame Honorees
Julie Davis
Vice President, Energy Sales, ATX Networks
Topic: Threads of Tomorrow: Weaving Energy into the Network of the Future
Tiffany DeBolt
Vice President, Sand Cherry Associates
Fireside Chat Panel Member, Topic: Career Conversation with The WICT Network: Rocky Mountain Walk of Fame Honorees
Shelly A. Humphreys
Global Transformation Executive, former Vice President, Network Operations, Charter Communications
Topic: Tech Talk: Weaving the Invisible Threads of the Tech Tapestry
Jamie Timm
SVP, Global Delivery & Operations, Telus Digital
Topic: Demystifying AI: The Present and Future of AI in Customer Experience
Nicole Yue
AI Transformation Strategist, People + Process + AI
Topic: The Human Thread: Scaling AI Adoption and Unlocking 10x Transformation
2024’s Keynote Speaker: Tricia Broderick
Topic: Lead Without Blame
Tricia Broderick, co-author of Lead without Blame: Building Resilient Learning Teams, is a recognized seasoned leadership advisor with over twenty-five years of experience in the software development industry. As a former executive, she specializes in igniting growth for leaders and teams to achieve quality outcomes through authentic, inclusive, and engaging collaboration. Known for a people-first approach, Tricia is a sought-after expert and motivational keynote speaker. In 2020, she founded Ignite Insight + Innovation.
2024’s Keynote Speaker: Dale Wilsher
Topic: Your Authenticity is a Game Changer
Dale Wilsher is an executive leadership coach and personal development expert, known for her deep understanding of personality dynamics, authenticity, and mental resilience. As a certified DISC trainer and the author of an acclaimed book on personality, Dale’s expertise empowers individuals and organizations to use their purpose to reach their full potential.
She has a robust background in sales and science, holds accreditations by the International Coach Federation and National Career Development Association. She is a member of both the National Speakers Association and the Forbes Coaches Council from her hometown of Boulder, Colorado, where she is committed to helping others make the most of their time and talent.
2024 Tech It Out Speakers
Casey Bleeker
CEO & Co-Founder, SurePath AI
Topic: GenAI Risks (Real & Imagined) and Strategies to Address Them
Debbie Fitzgerald
Distinguished Technologist and Director, CableLabs
Topic: Empowering Energy Efficiency and Innovation in the Cable Network
Camilla Formica
Chief Program Officer, Syndeo Institute at the Cable Center and The WICT Network: Rocky Mountain President
Fireside Chat
Rocki Garcia
Senior Director Data Insights Video Software, Charter Communications
Topic: Wrestling in Tech: Career Paths in Product & Engineering
Carynes Gitler
Vice President Centralized Operations Services, Cardinal Group Companies
Topic: Don’t Let Your Career Happen Without You
Meg Hall
Senior Vice President Corporate Software, Charter Communications
Topic: Trends Change, but Tech Basics Stay the Same
Shrilata Kallurkar Venkatesh
Senior Director Video Products, Charter Communications
Panel Member, Topic: Xumo Xenas
Jake Perlman
Executive Vice President, Software Development & IT, Charter Communications
Topic: Trends Change, but Tech Basics Stay the Same
Elena Ritchie
Group Vice President Video Experience, Charter Communications
Topic: Wrestling in Tech: Career Paths in Product & Engineering
Leanne Scott
Senior Director Program Management, Comcast
Panel Member, Topic: Xumo Xenas
Danielle Senour
Technology Consultant, EY
Topic: The Future of Product and Customer Experience in a World of Evolving Technological Advancement
Janice Silver
Vice President Intrapreneurship Academy, Syndeo Institute at the Cable Center
Topic: Don’t Let your Career Happen Without You
Susie Tomenchok
Expert negotiator, Career coach, Author, and Speaker
Topic: Don’t Let your Career Happen Without You
Matt Wagner
Senior Director Video Content, Charter Communications
Panel Moderator, Topic: Xumo Xenas
Jeanie York
Chief Technology Officer, Virgin Media O2
Topic: Mobile Wireless Buildout
2023’s Keynote Speaker: Shane Portfolio
Keynote Topic & description: Cultural Transformation
Shane Portfolio joined Charter in 2022 as Senior Vice President, Network Engineering & Technology. He and his team are responsible for creating and implementing the company’s future network and engineering infrastructure with a focus on DOCSIS/PON access technologies, optical, core routing, data center/cloud and security. Shane also led the technical deployment of two company initiatives: high split and network convergence.
Prior to Charter, Shane rose through the ranks during a 26-year tenure at Comcast. He began as a customer representative and later served as Senior Vice President, Network Services, where he oversaw the health and reliability of Comcast’s network, as well as change management, deployment and capacity planning.
Shane is a doctoral candidate in organizational leadership with North Central University, and holds master’s degrees in telecommunications from the University of Denver and organizational leadership from Regis University. He also received a bachelor’s in computer information systems and management from Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Shane served in the United States Army for nearly 15 years, first as a platoon sergeant and then as a leadership instructor at the Officer Candidate School, where he trained officers to prepare for leading soldiers into combat.
2023’s Morning Keynote Speaker: Courtney Walsh
Keynote Topic & description: How Drones are Transforming the Night Sky into a Storytelling Canvas
Courtney Walsh is the Communications Director at Nova Sky Stories, a drone technology company that aims to bring awe to live audiences around the world with visual art experiences that are created to move the soul. In addition to this role, Ms. Walsh is an Advisor to Kimbal Musk, owner and CEO of Nova Sky Stories, The Kitchen restaurants, and Big Green non-profit. She is the new Lead Organizer of TEDxBoulder, a yogi, skier, and storyteller raising two children in Boulder, Colorado.
2023’s Mid-morning Keynote Speaker: Sandy Howe
Keynote Topic & description: From Insight to Action: Aligning Trends, Investments, and Technologies to Drive Real Transformational Change in Organizations
Sandy Howe is a seasoned operating executive known for her leadership and proven results. Having led global B-to-B and B-to-C businesses, she has established herself as a trusted leader. Sandy currently serves on the NCTA – The Internet and Television Association Board and Past Chair of The WICT Network Global Board.
Sandy is a technology leader with over 25 years of experience in the global telecommunications, consumer and media industries and has proven experience in business development and operations and leading marketing, sales and business unit teams to exceed company sales and profitability targets.
2023’s Tech It Out Speakers:
Nameet Dutia
Senior Solutions Architect
Amazon Web Services
Topic: Building Secure In-context Q&A applications with Generative AI on Amazon Web Services
Niamani Knight
Founder, S.T.R.E.A.M. Kids Expo™
Co-Founder, S.T.R.E.A.M.
Topic: EdYOUcation’s Role in Next-Gen Transformation
Barbara Nelms
Director, Digital Strategy & Operations
Charter Communications
Topic: Artificial Intelligence Panel Moderator
Jan Neumann
Vice President
Machine Learning, Comcast
Topic: Artificial Intelligence Panelist
MacKenzie Roebuck-Walsh
Principal Sales Executive
IntentHQ & AI Martech & Adtech
Topic: Artificial Intelligence Panelist
Kat Saks
Senior Principal, Global Digital Strategy
Slalom
Topic: Artificial Intelligence Panelist
Deirdre Toner
Managing Director
AWS, Go To Market
Topic: People, Process, and Technology in data transformation
Wendy Turner-Williams
Founder & CEO
TheAssociation.ai & Culstrata-ai
Topic: TheAssociation – The Practitioner led charge to ethical, quality AI and data!
2022’s Keynote Speaker: Christopher Lafayette
Christopher Lafayette is an emergent technologist, humanitarian, architect, speaker, and virtual worlds explorer. He is bringing thousands of communities and millions of people into the metaverse, humanely. He works for a more equitable culture of technology as a thought leader and advocate for greater inclusion and cross-cultural community building. He is the founder of GatherVerse and The Black Technology Mentorship Program. An expert on the metaverse, medtech, ai, education, Web3, and applied sciences, he has served with and advised companies, organizations, and universities around the world.
Jennifer Andreoli-Fang
Senior Manager
Service Provider Cloud Architecture – AWS
Tracy Baumgartner
Vice President
Business Process Effectiveness- Environment, Comcast
Jenna Ficula
Engineer
Slalom Element Lab212
Sheri Byrne Haber
Senior Staff Architect
Accesibility, VMare
Petr Kucheryavyy
Senior Accessibility Manager
Charter Communications
Amber Longtin
Student of Industrial/Organization Psychology
Bruno Sarda
Partner/Principal
Climate Change and Sustainability Services, EY
Evan Shapiro
Lead
ESHAP
Kat Stracquatanio
Senior Director
UX Engineering and Design Systems, Comcast
Carmela Stuart
Director
Future Infrastructure / CableLabs
Susie Tomenchok
Executive Coach
John Tomik
Managing Director
Slalom Strategy / Slalom Element
Rob Wilmoth
Senior Principal Architect
Red Hat
Sofia Rossato
SVP of Strategic Partnerships
TeamSupport
BJ Daisey
Vice President, Emerging Experiences
Comcast Product Experience
2020 Tech It Out Speakers & Topics
- Rich DiGeronimo – Chief Product and Technology Officer, Charter Communications, & Cynthia Carpenter – VP/Human Resources and Employee Experience, Charter Communications
- In Conversation: Cynthia Carpenter and Rich DiGeronimo: Charter execs Cynthia Carpenter and Rich DiGeronimo discuss what it took to survive and thrive during the extraordinary events of 2020 – including what positive developments arose from the worldwide shelter-at-home transition, and what innovations are helping to shape Charter for the future.
- Jan Hofmeyr – Executive Vice President and Chief Network Officer, Comcast Cable & Leslie Ellis, Technology Writer
- In Conversation: Leslie Ellis and Jan Hofmeyr: Comcast EVP and Chief Network Officer Jan Hofmeyr joins technology writer Leslie Ellis in a candid conversation about the year so far, innovations prompted by the pandemic, relevant new technologies, and what’s coming next.
- Dana Filip-Crandall – Senior Vice President, Customer Experience and Call Center Operations, Comcast West Division & WICT Rocky Mountain’s 2020 Woman of the Year
- Current Events at the Intersection of Customer Care & 2020: Dana Filip-Crandall speaks about what it’s like when you need to very quickly pivot thousands of care employees into home-based workflows. Also: How consumer behaviors and demands are changing, coincident with the freakish events of 2020 – and what’s working to adapt along with them.
- Jana Henthorn – President and CEO, The Cable Center, & Janice Silver, Vice President, Programs and Marketing, The Cable Center
- MythBusters: Innovation Edition: Are entrepreneurs responsible for the majority of groundbreaking innovations? Are most innovations the result of that “light-bulb” moment? Are innovators born or made? Join us as the Cable Center duo, Jana Henthorn and Janice Silver, examine 6 common innovation beliefs, a la MythBusters style, to determine if they’re fact or fiction, and how intrapreneurship can be your key to success.
- Rama Sreenivasan – Cofounder & CEO – Blitzz Inc.
- TECH TALK: Part customer care evangelist, part scientist, part Zen master, Rama exudes a passion for service that is powerful and infectious. Hear how his company, Blitzz, is helping industries to adapt to mid- and post-pandemic customer realities using Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality.
- Teresa Elder – Chief Executive Officer and Director, WideOpenWest, Inc., & Camilla Formica, Chief Revenue Officer of NCTI
- In Conversation: Camilla Formica and Teresa Elder: Camilla Formica interviews Teresa Elder about her journey (so far!) as a female leader, pro tips for overcoming obstacles, and what it means to lead an organization heart-first – with compassion and kindness.
- Joe Hunt – GVP, Software Development and Architecture, Charter Communications
- TECH TALK: As a film enthusiast with a proclivity for “future-facing” themes, Joe shares what ideas from the movies made it into our day-to-day lives, and reflects on what’s coming next.
- Rachel Beisel – Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, CableLabs
- What COVID Is Teaching Us About Leadership: As CableLabs’ first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, Rachel Beisel is a powerhouse of ideas, action, and energy. Learn what the COVID pandemic taught her about the human side of leadership, how COVID gave new depth to the WICT Touchstones, and what matters when communicating during a global pandemic.
- Ruha Benjamin – Education Equity Advocate; Sociology & African American Studies Scholar; Author; Princeton University
- KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Ruha imparts actionable wisdom about biases in technology, and recommendations about challenging predispositions when building new products and services.
- Dr. Jennifer Andreoli-Fang – Distinguished Technologist, CableLabs & WICT Rocky Mountain’s 2020 Technology Woman of the Year
- TECH TALK: When she was growing up, Jennifer Andreoli-Fang thought it was normal to get to school an hour early to help her physics teacher get set up for class, and to attend science and math camps in the summer. Since then, she’s risen to become our industry’s leading technologist when it comes to the inevitable intersections between mobile and fixed networks. She’s also an artist, and will illustrate her journey with some of her own sketches.
- Jessica O. Matthews – Founder and CEO, Uncharted Power
- KEYNOTE SPEAKER: She invented a soccer ball that provides off-grid energy for the developing world – when she was 19. At 22, she founded Uncharted Power, a global, full-service power technology company that builds, owns and operates renewable power infrastructure. Jessica is a dynamo! Don’t miss this … powerhouse (ahem) of a keynote.
- Revisit the highlights with access to all of the webinars, videos, and photos here.
2019 Tech It Out Speakers & Topics
- WICT Champions – Shane Portfolio
- How Tech can Leverage Diversity and Inclusion to Win
- Morning Keynote – Dr. Davidson
- Leadership/Facing Challenges Head On
- Panel Discussion – Maria Rothschild (Moderator) with Kate Tummarello (Engine,) Debbie Fitzgerald (CableLabs,) Chris May (Comcast,) Manish Jindal (Charter)
- Oh Gs! Wired and Wireless at the Edge
- Tech Talk – Eilisa Reed, Woman in Technology Winner
- Perspectives from the Engine Room: IT Operations at a Major Cable Operator
- Tech Talk – Daisy Henderson, Young Woman in Technology Winner
- Being a Young, Ambitious Woman in Tech
- Tech Talk – Sarah Vergara
- Near Future Video and Behind the Tech
- Fireside Chat – Leslie Ellis interviewing Stephanie Mitchko
- Show & Tech Demo – Jodi Robinson
- Demo Tech House
- Leadership Talk – Cynthia Carpenter
- Dare to Shine
- Tech Talk – Rebecca Rusk
- Ethics in Design – How do we Keep Human-Centered Design Human?
- Tech Talk – Mona Kessel
- How to Communicate Effectively in Male-Dominated Fields
- NextGen – Shreya Nallapati
- Never Again Tech – Using Machine Learning Algorithms to Detect Markers of Mass Shootings
- Tech Talk – Lisa Schwab
- The Innovator vs The Entrepreneur: Why we Need Both
- Keynote Speaker – FlyGirl
More Info
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring the 2025 Tech It Out event? Please email us at wict.rm.sponsorship@gmail.com.
Strategic Partnership Opportunities
Interested in becoming our strategic partner? Please email us at wict.rm.partnerships@gmail.com.
Student Ambassador Opportunities
Interested in becoming our student ambassador? Please email us at wict.rm.partnerships@gmail.com.