SSTI's 2024 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

9:00am MST

2025 & Beyond: What we know so far - leadership & funding

Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MST

Speakers

Leslee Gilbert

Vice President, Van Scoyoc Associates

Leslee Gilbert is a vice president at Van Scoyoc Associates with an extensive background in higher education, research, technology development and politics. She has over 25 years of hands-on experience in the Washington policy-making process and over 30 years of experience working... Read More →

Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Plenary

Plenary

10:15am MST

Networking Break

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:15am - 10:45am MST

Social

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:15am - 10:45am MST
Social

Networking

10:45am MST

Corporate connections: Engaging industry leaders for economic growth

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST

Large corporations can be powerful allies in building vibrant local economies but effectively engaging them requires a nuanced approach. Join this session to discuss strategies for communicating with potential corporate partners and structuring efforts to keep them actively involved. Learn how to align your region's economic and talent development goals with various corporate objectives for mutually beneficial partnerships.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST

Concurrent

10:45am MST

Intro to TBED: Why TBED?

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST

Breakout A

Are you new to the technology-based economic development community (TBED)? This interactive session will introduce you to various aspects of this community. We’ll delve into the characteristics of an innovation ecosystem and explain why innovation and economic growth rely so much on collaborations among academia, industry, and government. We’ll talk about the necessity for technology entrepreneurship in economic development and demonstrate how you can empower entrepreneurs to turn ideas into successful businesses. And we’ll explain why you need to build a strong infrastructure to support all aspects of your TBED community. Come with your questions and leave with a basic understanding of how to determine your region's innovation strengths and weaknesses and how to build a strategy for your region.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Speakers

Judith Sheft

Executive Director, New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology

Judith Sheft is the executive director of the New Jersey Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology. The Commission's mission is to accelerate economic development by stimulating academic-industrial collaboration and encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs and inventors... Read More →

Jerry Coughter

Program Director, SSTI

Jerry Coughter is a program director for SSTI’s TBED Community of Practice. He previously served as the founding executive director of the Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte, assistant vice president for economic development at George Mason University, and executive director of the... Read More →

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Breakout A

Concurrent

10:45am MST

Leveraging SBIR awards for regional development

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST

Breakout C

This discussion session will focus on states that have robust strategies for encouraging SBIR proposals and providing additional funding to SBIR companies. Our goal will be to help regions consider how the right partner or service design could facilitate better outcomes from SBIR awards. FAST and Growth Accelerator Fund Competition awards play into these considerations, as well as state matching and Phase 0 programs.

Moderators

Genevieve Lind

Program Manager for America’s Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR Programs), U.S. Small Business Administration

Dr. Genevieve Lind (she/her) currently serves as Program Manager for America’s Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR Programs) within the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Office of Investment and Innovation (OII). At SBA, Genevieve leverages years of program management and policy experience... Read More →

Speakers

Brittany Sickler

Director of Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development, U.S. Small Business Administration

Brittany Sickler is the Director of Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). In her role, she leads national initiatives to expand and strengthen networks of entrepreneurship... Read More →

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Breakout C

Concurrent

10:45am MST

Policy on regional innovation

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST

Description forthcoming

Speakers

Dan Berglund

President, SSTI

Dan Berglund is the president of SSTI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving initiatives that support prosperity through science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. SSTI is the most comprehensive resource available for those involved in technology-based economic... Read More →

Leslee Gilbert

Vice President, Van Scoyoc Associates

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST

Concurrent

10:45am MST

The latest on Treasury's $10 billion investment in small business

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST

Breakout B

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) sees the U.S. Treasury allocate funds to states primarily for small business loans and investments. During this session, agency officials will discuss recent trends, challenges, and concerns with the program. This session is great for SSBCI insiders to hear Treasury's current thinking, and for others to better understand how SSBCI might be better leveraged as a regional resource.

Speakers

Jeff Stout

Director of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), U.S. Department of the Treasury

Jeff Stout serves as the deputy chief program officer for Small Business and Industry in the Office of Recovery Programs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In this role he is also the Director of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Previously at Treasury he served... Read More →

Tuesday December 10, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Breakout B

Concurrent

12:00pm MST

Lunch

Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Social

Tuesday December 10, 2024 12:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Social

Networking

2:00pm MST

Building Better Regions annual gathering (INVITE ONLY)

Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout D

In this session for members of the Build Better Regions Community of Practice, the BBR CoP will facilitate a dialogue focused on key questions important to BBR regions. We will use a World Café approach of energizing roundtable discussions to surface ideas to tackle pressing challenges. Insights from these roundtables will be compiled to inform policymakers and peers across the country on tactics and strategies to help chart the course for both immediate and long-term BBR initiatives. At the same time, you will connect with and learn from others driving BBR work across the country.

Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout D

Concurrent

2:00pm MST

How regions are adapting to trends in equity investment

Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout C

The last several years have seen the private venture capital markets swing from all time highs to mediocre activity, and this evolution occurred just as many states were launching capital programs, including rolling out their approaches to the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Join this session to hear how states and others have been adapting to the changes, and what this volatility suggests for designing future capital access initiatives.

Moderators

Karl Fooks

SSBCI Outreach Team Member, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Karl Fooks works on the Treasury’s SSBCI outreach team, where he focuses on outreach and policy related to SSBCI funded Venture Capital Programs. Prior to joining Treasury, he was the president of the Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation, an agency of the State of Hawaii that... Read More →

Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout C

Concurrent

2:00pm MST

Intro to TBED: Building a regional strategy

Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout A

This second session on fundamental topics in tech-based economic development (TBED) will focus on how to create a regional strategy. Topics addressed will include key partners in developing a strategy, useful data and information sources, and initial concerns about funding and sustainability.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Speakers

Casey Nemecek

Program Director, SSTI

Casey Nemecek is a program director for SSTI’s Technology-based Economic Development (TBED) Community of Practice, which is supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Casey’s previous work focused on program design and building partnerships to bring education... Read More →

Sherrod Davis

Co-founder & CEO, EcoMap Technologies

Sherrod Davis has worked in tech his entire career. Today, he serves as EcoMap’s co-founder and CEO.Since joining EcoMap in 2021 as COO, Davis has played a pivotal role in the company's growth. He has been instrumental in securing significant funding to advance EcoMap's next-generation... Read More →

John Fernandez

Senior Vice President, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, The Mill

A respected senior executive leader, John has extensive experience leading private and public organizations. John joined The Mill, Bloomington's home for innovators, to catalyze the regional innovation ecosystem, including leading collaborations with Indiana University, investors... Read More →

Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout A

Concurrent

2:00pm MST

Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) awardee working meeting (INVITE ONLY)

Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout F

Moderators

Alison Evans

Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

Alison Evans brings a wealth of experience to her role as an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where she manages the Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative. Her journey in public service began as a Presidential Management... Read More →

Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout F

Concurrent

2:00pm MST

Strengthening risk capital access through policy

Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout E

Historically, the federal government has provided relatively little direct funding for investment, but SSBCI 2.0 and changes to SBIC, as well as some investment through CDFIs and other programs, have started to change the picture. During this discussion, we'll consider how the federal government could adjust policies, regulations, and program funding to unlock greater capital support for tech enterprises.

Tuesday December 10, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout E

Concurrent

3:15pm MST

Networking Break

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:15pm - 3:45pm MST

Social

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:15pm - 3:45pm MST
Social

Networking

3:45pm MST

Building Better Regions annual gathering, continued (INVITE ONLY)

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout D

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout D

Concurrent

3:45pm MST

Communicating TBED to non-TBED audiences

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout B

During this session, we will examine SSTI's influential series of tech-based economic development (TBED) polling -- the latest of which will be released at the conference -- and consider what the results tell us about how to talk about the field with elected officials, regional stakeholders, and even your friends and family. We will do this by taking a look at problematic jargon, discussing alternative approaches, and considering how this should inform our communications strategies.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout B

Concurrent

3:45pm MST

Exploring 5 Strategies for More Inclusive TBED

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout A

New Growth Innovation Network will facilitate a discussion focusing on strategies to increase equity in Tech-Based Economic Development. The session will include a presentation of NGIN's 5 strategies for Inclusive TBED (I-TBED), examples from places throughout the US who are embedding equity in their TBED approaches, and an open discussion on how to adapt these strategies for your own community.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout A

Concurrent

3:45pm MST

Intro to TBED: Ask me anything

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout F

After you've explored the foundational concepts and real-world applications of technology-based economic development in the previous sessions, this session offers you a unique opportunity to engage directly with experienced leaders in a roundtable format. By the end of this session, you will have a deeper understanding of the complexities and potential of technology-based economic development and be equipped to apply these insights to your work and initiatives.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Speakers

Bryan Barnhouse

President & CEO, Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA)

As president and CEO of the Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA), Bryan jointly leads a system of programs that help the state’s research institutions attract, recognize, and retain top talent and intellectual capital; a system that produces scientific discovery and innovation, fosters... Read More →

Jennifer McGrail

Executive Director, Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST)

Jennifer McGrail is a trailblazer in building Oklahoma's innovation economy. As executive director of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) she leads efforts to drive innovation across all 77 counties. Her diverse professional background spans economic... Read More →

Jerry Coughter

Program Director, SSTI

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout F

Concurrent

3:45pm MST

SBIC update and next steps for ecosystem partners

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout B

Many conference attendees will be interested in last year’s SBIC changes—either because they want to apply themselves, or because they are working with partners attempting to leverage the program. For this session, we propose an update from SBA that covers the agency’s experience from implementing the rule changes and then features a discussion with recent applicants/licensees.

Speakers

Brittany Sickler

Director of Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development, U.S. Small Business Administration

Conrad Hollomon

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

Conrad Hollomon is an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). He brings a diverse background in venture capital, technology, and public service to his role. Conrad's experience includes serving as Director of Government Programs... Read More →

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout B

Concurrent

3:45pm MST

What do entrepreneurs need from government? Mapping a new policy agenda

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout D

Entrepreneurs are affected by a wide range of government policies, from licensing fees to incubator assistance, from small business research to workforce development. During this discussion session, entrepreneurship development organizations will identify priority policy concerns for their clients and regions.

Speakers

Leslee Gilbert

Vice President, Van Scoyoc Associates

Tuesday December 10, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout D

Concurrent

5:00pm MST

Reception (cash bar)

Tuesday December 10, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm MST

Social

Unwind after the first full day of the conference, catch up with old friends and make new ones. Light appetizers provided with a cash bar.

Tuesday December 10, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm MST
Social

Networking

8:30am MST

Breakfast

Wednesday December 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am MST

Plenary

Wednesday December 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am MST
Plenary

Networking

9:00am MST

2025 & Beyond: Technology, TBED and Competitiveness

Wednesday December 11, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MST

Plenary

Whether one calls them transformational or disruptive, challenging or exciting, topics like generative AI, Big Tech, climate change, and geopolitical/economic issues will have significant influences on the future focus and efforts of every SSTI conference attendee. At this session, we will engage in one of the most important conversations on the future of regional innovation policy and practice. Rob Atkinson, president and founder of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), and Deborah Cummings, principal and managing director of TEConomy Partners LLC, will explore the conclusions drawn and implications of a select group of “myths” included in Rob’s newest book, Technology Fears and Scapegoats: 40 Myths about Privacy, Jobs, AI, and Today’s Innovation Economy. Rob and Deb’s conversation will consider the potential impact of generative AI, climate change, and Big Tech and what it all means for regional economies and the TBED practice. Our conversation will advance the discussion of what the policy and practice of local technology-based economic development must look like given the technological and geopolitical issues already shaping our future.

Note: All paid conference registrants will be given a copy of Technology Fears and Scapegoats for deeper exploration after this once-in-a-career, not-to-be-missed event.

Speakers

Deborah Cummings

Principal and Managing Director, TEConomy Partners

Deborah Cummings is a principal and managing director at TEConomy Partners, LLC. Deborah’s 25 years of experience in state and regional innovation-based economic development as a consultant and government official have made her a well-respected thought leader. At TEConomy, Deborah... Read More →

Robert D. Atkinson

President and Founder, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Robert D. Atkinson is president and founder of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the world’s leading think tank for science and technology policy. He is an internationally recognized scholar, a widely published author, and a trusted adviser to policymakers... Read More →

Wednesday December 11, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Plenary

Plenary

10:45am MST

2025 & Beyond: Regional Strategies for Long Term Growth

Wednesday December 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST

Plenary

Wednesday December 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Plenary

Plenary

12:00pm MST

Lunch

Wednesday December 11, 2024 12:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Social

Wednesday December 11, 2024 12:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Social

Networking

2:00pm MST

Building successful regional collaboration

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout G

The days of going it alone to grow your regional innovation economy are numbered—and for maximizing your impact and value, that isn't a bad thing. Creating and sustaining truly collaborative teams that can win significant funding from various sources requires talents, techniques, and tradeoffs that we'll explore with the leaders of a select group of people who put together those teams or are managing them now that they are underway.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout G

Concurrent

2:00pm MST

Federal TBED funding forum

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout E

We may not be able to show you the money, but we'll put you in the room with some of the top federal programs that have it for our community—and want to give it away. Sit down for a one-on-one conversation with federal agency funders who will give you the low-down on funding opportunities for your TBED community. You can schedule appointments throughout the day with representatives from the agencies most vital to your funding strategies. With a chance for direct engagement with the right people, you'll leave this session smarter for your next proposal writing effort. You can also catch 15-minute presentations from each agency, which will be scheduled throughout the day.

Agencies in attendance and their presentation time slots are forthcoming.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Speakers

Alison Evans

Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

Conrad Hollomon

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout E

Concurrent

2:00pm MST

Igniting Innovation: The Power of Community-Centered Public-Private Partnerships

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout B

Public-private partnerships (P3s) are becoming increasingly vital for driving next-generation innovations across all sectors. This session moves beyond the hype to showcase real-world examples of successful community-centered P3s. We'll explore compelling case studies and delve into how these collaborative efforts between governments, civic organizations, and private enterprises are transforming industries and communities to deliver groundbreaking solutions. Discover how P3s can unlock new levels of innovation and create sustained impact for all communities.

Speakers

Kara Lively

Economic Development Director, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.

Kara Lively brings over 15 years of economic development and marketing experience to ABI, serving most recently at the Decide DeKalb Development Authority and the Cumberland CID. She executes economic development initiatives to empower existing Beltline businesses and markets the... Read More →

Jamal Lewis

Economic Opportunity Manager, Partnership for Inclusive Innovation at Georgia Tech

With more than 10 years of extensive experience in marketing, branding, project management, and, most notably, economic development—Jamal Lewis is known to drive business results, enact positive change and processes, and, most importantly, be a resource to help create and prepare... Read More →

Lindsey Cox

Chief Executive Officer, Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN)

Lindsey Cox is the chief executive officer at Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN), a public-private partnership supporting entrepreneurs and innovation across the state of Tennessee. A Tennessee native, Lindsey has dedicated her career to the support and acceleration of startups and entrepreneurs... Read More →

Abisoye Ajayi

Manager, Community Relationships, Tulsa Innovation Labs

After working as a computer programmer, Abisoye Ajayi came to the United States, earned a master's degree, and found her way to Tulsa, where she now manages Community Relationships at Tulsa Innovation Labs and recently led the development of their Tech Hubs projects. With 15 years... Read More →

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout B

Concurrent

2:00pm MST

Mapping a policy agenda: Talent

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Description forthcoming.

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Concurrent

2:00pm MST

State TBED leaders meeting (INVITATION ONLY)

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout C

Speakers

Dan Berglund

President, SSTI

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout C

Concurrent

2:00pm MST

The role research parks serve in regional economies

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout F

This peer-to-peer discussion will provide frank, valuable insights for everyone interested in leveraging the best practices and adaptations these hubs are implementing to boost regional innovation and economic resilience: We'll talk about: how these areas continue to drive regional economic growth by retaining graduates, attracting investment, creating jobs, and fostering new industries an an ever-changing development landscape.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Speakers

Sean Edmonds

Economic Development Manager, Arizona State University

Sean Edmonds is the economic development manager at Arizona State University. In this role, Sean specializes in attracting businesses to Arizona, managing economic development pipelines, and fostering collaborations between ASU, domestic and international companies, and industry partners... Read More →

Brian Darmody

Chief Strategy Officer, Association of University Research Parks (AURP)

Brian Darmody is chief strategy officer for AURP and former CEO. Previously he worked at UMD College Park and University System of Maryland in a variety of economic development and research administration roles, including forming public-private partnerships and earlier served as a... Read More →

Carol A. Stewart

President & CEO, University of Arizona Tech Parks

Carol Stewart, a long-standing authority on research parks, is the vice president for Tech Parks Arizona at the University of Arizona. Stewart is president & CEO of the UA Tech Park at Rita Road and the UA Tech Park at The Bridges. She is also president of the University of Arizona... Read More →

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout F

Concurrent

2:00pm MST

Venture Development Organizations leaders meeting (INVITATION ONLY)

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST

Breakout D

This peer-driven roundtable is an invite-only opportunity for leaders at venture development organizations—publicly backed nonprofit and state entities that provide capital, business, and technology assistance with an economic development focus—to candidly discuss issues facing their organizations, best practices, and program management. Topics could include VDO organization, structure, management, capital formation, and investment.

Wednesday December 11, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
Breakout D

Concurrent

3:15pm MST

Networking Break

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:15pm - 3:45pm MST

Social

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:15pm - 3:45pm MST
Social

Networking

3:45pm MST

Cultivating capital-ready startups in regional ecosystems: a case study

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout A

Thriving startup ecosystems don't happen by accident. Join efactory and the Southern Missouri Innovation Network as they share strategies for supporting regional entrepreneurial communities. Learn how to prepare local startups for funding rounds and create an environment where innovation flourishes. Whether you're just starting to build your regional ecosystem or looking to take it to the next level, you'll come away with fresh ideas to enhance your community's entrepreneurial landscape.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Speakers

Rachel Anderson

Executive Director, efactory

Rachel Anderson serves as the executive director of efactory, Missouri State University’s Center for Business and Economic Development. She joined the university in 2015 to revitalize an abandoned poultry processing plant in a blighted area into international award-winning and thriving... Read More →

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout A

Concurrent

3:45pm MST

Federal TBED Funding Forum

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout A

We may not be able to show you the money, but we'll put you in the room with some of the top federal programs that have it for our community -- and want to give it away. With a chance for direct engagement with the right people, you'll leave this session smarter for your next proposal writing effort.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Speakers

Alison Evans

Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

Conrad Hollomon

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout A

Concurrent

3:45pm MST

METRICS: Measuring economic transformation, reporting impact, cultivating success

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout E

What’s the secret to measuring success? This session will explore cutting-edge techniques that unleash the power of your data and help quantify impacts, share captivating success stories, and ignite transformative growth. Engage with experts in the field to enhance your understanding of the most important metrics delivering meaningful change in support of regional innovation.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Speakers

Deborah Cummings

Principal and Managing Director, TEConomy Partners

Jonathan Dworin

Project Manager, TEConomy Partners

Jonathan Dworin is a project manager with TEConomy Partners LLC, where he is responsible for effectively managing projects focused on innovation-led economic development and public policy. Blending qualitative and quantitative analysis, Jonathan’s work focuses on strategic planning... Read More →

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout E

Concurrent

3:45pm MST

Setting a policy agenda for university TBED

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout C

As the setting for much of the country's STEM talent development and research activity, higher education institutions play a unique role in the broader tech-based economic development field. During this session, we'll discuss what policy and regulatory topics are of the greatest interest to universities over the next several years.

Speakers

Leslee Gilbert

Vice President, Van Scoyoc Associates

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout C

Concurrent

3:45pm MST

State TBED leaders meeting (INVITATION ONLY)

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout C

Speakers

Dan Berglund

President, SSTI

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout C

Concurrent

3:45pm MST

Venture Development Organizations leaders meeting, continued (INVITATION ONLY)

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST

Breakout D

Wednesday December 11, 2024 3:45pm - 5:00pm MST
Breakout D

Concurrent

8:30am MST

Designing an improved SBIR/STTR program

Thursday December 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am MST

Breakout C

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is now more than 40 years old. What changes to the long-running and successful program could position tech entrepreneurs and regional economies for greater impact? We'll discuss proposals for Congress and the new Administration in this session.

Speakers

Leslee Gilbert

Vice President, Van Scoyoc Associates

Thursday December 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am MST
Breakout C

Concurrent

8:30am MST

Do centralized tech transfer offices deliver success?

Thursday December 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am MST

Breakout B

How do centralized TTOs develop and implement strategies to manage intellectual property, licensing, and commercialization activities? What are the advantages of centralization, such as cost savings and improved service quality, versus potential drawbacks, like reduced flexibility and local autonomy? This session will offer some examples of successful centralized TTOs and the best practices they employ to achieve their goals. It will also provide valuable insights for policymakers, university administrators, and technology transfer professionals aiming to optimize the impact of their TTOs.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Speakers

Kayla Meisner

Executive Director, Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV)

Kayla Meisner is the executive director of Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV), an initiative of Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC). In her role, she leads efforts to grow the statewide innovation ecosystem through technology transfer from our regional and rural... Read More →

Charles Layne

Senior Technology Advancement Manager, Launch Tennessee

Charles Layne, known as “Chuck” to friends and colleagues, currently serves as the senior technology advancement manager at Launch Tennessee, where he oversees the organization’s commercialization programs to facilitate the research and development of innovative technologies... Read More →

Thursday December 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am MST
Breakout B

Concurrent

8:30am MST

Finding financial sustainability

Thursday December 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am MST

Description forthcoming

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Thursday December 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am MST

Concurrent

8:30am MST

Fueling inclusive growth through regional partnership and advocacy

Thursday December 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am MST

Breakout D

This session will explore how collaboration across sectors can address systemic inequities, foster innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunities for all. Attendees will gain practical insights into building robust regional networks, leveraging policy advocacy, and implementing best practices to ensure that growth benefits every community member.

* This session is supported by the TBED Community of Practice. See https://ssti.org/tbedcop for more information.

Speakers

Katie Nash

Senior Director, External Affairs, Science Center

Katie joined the Science Center in 2018. As senior director, external affairs. Katie is responsible for driving strategic engagement and outreach efforts to local, state, and federal government officials, community leaders, key stakeholders, and other organizations in service of regional... Read More →

Anthony P. Green

Chief Scientific Officer, Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Anthony P. Green, Ph.D., chief scientific officer for Ben Franklin Technology Partners, has over thirty years of experience in the biotechnology industry with a track record of success in developing and commercializing cutting-edge technologies from immunodiagnostics to monoclonal... Read More →

Kathleen Lee

Senior Vice President of Regional Initiatives, Greater Phoenix Economic Council

As senior vice president of regional initiatives at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), Kathleen Lee engages with different partner organizations to lead strategic projects that align with GPEC’s Modern Economy Plan. This plan underscores the need for investments in workforce... Read More →

Joseph W. Williams Jr.

Managing Director, The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company

As part of his work with TCF MIC's New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3), Joseph (Joe) Williams focuses on building, leading, and coordinating the day-to-day activities related to the establishment of an inclusive, integrated, and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem... Read More →

Thursday December 12, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am MST
Breakout D

Concurrent

9:45am MST

Networking Break

Thursday December 12, 2024 9:45am - 10:15am MST

Social

Thursday December 12, 2024 9:45am - 10:15am MST
Social

Networking

10:15am MST

Town Hall: SSTI & TBED community action plans for 2025 & beyond

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MST

Plenary

Speakers

Leslee Gilbert

Vice President, Van Scoyoc Associates

Dan Berglund

President, SSTI

Thursday December 12, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MST
Plenary

Plenary