Game Changer Week (GCW) celebrates our innovative ecosystem where participants are inspired by encounters with disruptors from all industries, people of all ages with ideas, the curious looking to learn or invest, and the brightest talent among us. Participants – no matter the career or business stage – find their catalyst at networking events, thought leaders in action, and educational opportunities and leave with real-world connections and new knowledge to be inspired.
The series of events – which launched in fall 2021 – is a celebration of our innovative ecosystem and is designed as a place where big ideas and technology can collide. There will be more than 50 speakers focusing on everything from biotechnology to cyber tech to workplace leadership in workshops, panel discussions, and during networking events.
The intent of the week is to inspire innovative thinking and connect the regional innovation ecosystem. You might learn about a new technology being developed right here, engage with leaders to help advance your startup (or career), and walk away with tips and skills to make you better at work today.
“We developed Game Changer Week to help connect the dots between all of the innovations and thought leadership happening in this region,” said Brett Malone, President and CEO of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.
“Whether you come for one event or 10, we can practically guarantee you’ll learn something, find new inspiration, or meet someone that can help push your professional path forward,” said Erin Burcham, President of Verge and Executive Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council. “The future of innovation in this region is starting now.”
Game Changer Week is a collaborative effort organized by technology leaders from across Virginia, including the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, VIPC, the Virginia Tech Entrepreneur Club, Tech Center Research Park, Virginia Bio, and other organizations.
Game Changer Week is free to attend and designed for everyone from the mentor/CEO looking to connect with innovative thinkers to working professionals looking to level up their careers to college students that want to network with industry pros. Join us for networking events, engage with thought leaders in action, and leave with real-world connections and new knowledge to be inspired.