Keynote Speaker: Skip Newberry, CEO, Technology Associations of Oregon (TAO)

The technology industry is often viewed as a source of innovation and disruption to established institutions and markets, as well as. a driver of economic growth for region's that can support a strong, vibrant tech ecosystem. What are the prospects for Oregon and SW Washington in this race for talent, innovative companies and, ultimately, economic prosperity? In this presentation, TAO President and CEO, Skip Newberry, will delve into the trends, companies and sub-sectors to watch, providing insight into the relative health of the region's tech ecosystem.

Speaker Biography
Skip is a frequent speaker on technology trends and topics, economic development, public-private partnerships and civic innovation. Before joining the TAO, Skip served as an economic development policy advisor to Portland Mayor Sam Adams, where he helped create Portland’s first comprehensive economic development strategy in 16 years, recognizing software as a key industry cluster. While at the City of Portland, Skip’s projects included the adoption of the nation’s first open source software procurement policy at the municipal level, an award-winning regional open data initiative and the development of resources to support entrepreneurship, like the Portland Seed Fund. Previously, Skip was a corporate and IP attorney and entrepreneur. Skip is Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of TECNA, Technology Councils of North America, which is a global network of technology and entrepreneurship associations, and he serves on the community advisory board for Wells Fargo and several community-based organizations in the Portland area. Skip is also a 2012 recipient of the Portland Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award. When he's not working on behalf of the region's tech industry, Skip enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest with his family.

Agenda
5:30 PM Social
6:20 PM Dinner
6:50 PM Meeting Start
7:00 PM Keynote and Q&A
8:15 PM Close