Summit for Women in Tech (Asheville)

#NCTECHwomen / #NCWIT2026

Join NC TECH, presenting sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and 350+ women from across North Carolina for the seventh annual Summit for Women in Tech being held in a new location, Asheville, NC.

This women-only summit will feature candid conversations with tech leaders where we explore gender bias, share our unique journeys, discuss how to shift the paradigm, and provide insights on how to advocate for change both now and for the next generation. 

The agenda for the event will feature a welcome reception, social activities for guests to participate in, inspiring keynote speakers, interactive panel discussions, and thought-provoking motivational moments.

Agenda

DAY ONE – September 28

2:30 – 4:30 pm | Various Networking Activities

4:30 – 7:00 pm | Innovation Lab – Hands On Technical Experiences + Engagements Renaissance Hotel

5:30 – 7:00 pm | Welcome Reception – Renaissance Hotel

7:00 – 9:00 pm | Dinner – Multiple Locations Available for Selection (Dutch Treat)

9:00 pm – until | After Dinner Meet-up

DAY TWO – September 29

The Renaissance Hotel, Asheville

7:45 – 8:30 am | Breakfast

8:30 - 8:40 am | Welcome Remarks

8:40 – 9:15 am | Opening Keynote – Kristi Straw – Executive, Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker – Lighthouse Leadership

9:15 – 9:30 am | Motivational Moment #1 Brilliance Isn’t Enough: Why Technical Excellence Needs Human Leadership Denitresse Ferrell, CEO, The Culture Refinery

9:30 -10:25 am | Panel Discussion AI and the Future of Work

10:25 – 10:45 am | BREAK

10:45 – 11:35 am |  Panel Discussion Being in the Know: Futureproofing Your Career + Reinvention at Any Stage

11:35 am – 12:05 pm | To AI or Not Debate

12:05 – 12:45 pm | Lunch

12:45 – 1:00 pm | Motivational Moment #2 Emerging Technologies: How To Prepare For These Innovations? Carol Houle, Chief Executive Officer, Inspire Digital Consulting  

1:00 – 1:45 pm | Panel Discussion Allyship – Why Men Matter In Women’s Growth and Development

1:45 – 2:10 am | Table Top Networking Activity

2:10 – 2:25 pm | Motivational Moment #3 Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout

2:25 – 2:55 pm | Closing Keynote

2:55 – 3:00 pm | Wrap-Up/Adjourn