Technology Industry News | NC TECH News | NC TECH Monthly Newsletter

August was an active and impactful month for NC TECH and our statewide technology community. We brought leaders and professionals together for the NC TECH Golf Classic and Leadership Summit in Pinehurst, hosted Brews + Bytes + Insights with MetLife, and continued expanding opportunities for connection through the Young Tech Professionals Network. We also welcomed NC Secretary of Information Technology and State CIO Nate Denny for a timely conversation with members of our Government Vendor Network.

As we look ahead to the fall, we’re excited for another strong season of programming, including the Summit for Women in Tech, Digital Drive, the Q3 Cybersecurity Program, and additional opportunities to connect with technology leaders and professionals across North Carolina. We look forward to continuing the momentum and seeing you at an upcoming NC TECH event.

Featured Programming

Summit for Women in Tech Banner

A Few Weeks Away: Join us in Asheville for our Summit for Women in Tech!

Join 350+ women in tech this September for two days of inspiration, leadership development, and meaningful connections in Asheville.

The most valuable conferences don't just inspire—they equip you with ideas, connections, and strategies you can put into practice. Join more than 350 women from across North Carolina on September 28–29 in Asheville for NC TECH's seventh annual Summit for Women in Tech, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Through executive-level keynotes, candid conversations with industry leaders, interactive panel discussions, and small-group networking experiences, you'll gain practical leadership insights, expand your professional network, and engage in meaningful dialogue around advancing women in technology. From the welcome reception to curated dinners and thought-provoking sessions, every element of the Summit is designed to foster authentic connections and provide takeaways you can bring back to your organization and career.

Learn More Sponsorship Opportunities

Cyber Security Banner

Join us for our Q3 Cyber Security Network Program

Hear from U.S. Secret Service representatives plus a panel on ROI, AI and cybersecurity, followed by happy hour,

How do you measure what your cybersecurity and AI investments actually deliver? Join NC TECH’s Cybersecurity Network in Charlotte on September 15 for an executive briefing featuring the U.S. Secret Service, followed by a panel discussion exploring how organizations can quantify the ROI of security and AI investments. Hear from technology and security leaders on practical approaches to evaluating risk, costs and outcomes—and connect with peers shaping North Carolina’s cybersecurity landscape.

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Digital Drive Banner

Mark Your Calendar: Our Annual Digital Drive is back, this time in Raleigh AND Charlotte!

Donate technology to bridge the digital drive in NC

Have unused computers or technology sitting around your office? Give them a second life at NC TECH’s Digital Drive on October 9. In partnership with Kramden Institute and E2D, we’re collecting surplus technology in both Raleigh and Charlotte to help expand access to devices and bridge the digital divide across North Carolina.

he event is free and open to the community. Clean out your old tech, make an impact, and help us see which city can collect the most!

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Upcoming Events

Q3 Leadership Poll Briefing

NC TECH has partnered with our member firm Hightower Signature Wealth to run a quick quarterly Leadership Poll. It's one of the best snapshots we have of what's on the minds of NC tech leadership.

Each quarter, NC TECH surveys nearly 400 of the state's top tech executives — including our Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, tech CEOs, and site leaders from tech hubs — to capture a real-time snapshot of where the industry stands on the issues shaping its future.

In this live briefing, NC TECH Interim CEO Michelle Calton will be joined by Dennis Stearns, of Hightower Signature Wealth, whose support makes this research possible, to unpack the results.

September 3

Get2Know NC TECH

Get2Know NC TECH is our monthly informal virtual gathering meant for people thinking of joining NC TECH, or members who want a refresher on how to get involved in the tech community. Join us for this virtual event and meet other tech professionals and see how NC TECH plans to help advance our state’s robust tech eco system. This event is free and available to both members and non-members.

September 11

Shape the Next Tech Generation: Learn About Mentorship (Virtual)

Strong mentorship can open doors, build confidence, and create lasting career opportunities. Join NC TECH and the SetFire Foundation for an engaging discussion on the impact of mentorship in supporting college students as they prepare to enter the workforce.

This virtual session will explore how meaningful mentor relationships help students develop professionally, expand their networks, and navigate the transition from college to career.

Whether you're an experienced executive, an early-career professional, an educator, or simply passionate about developing future talent, this event offers an opportunity to connect with others who are committed to investing in the next generation of leaders.

This event is open to all interested in learning more about mentoring college students in technology!

September 15

Q3 Cyber Security Program (Charlotte)

The NC TECH Cyber Security Network connects professionals, executives, and practitioners across North Carolina who are focused on protecting digital assets and managing cyber risk. Through quarterly programs held across the state, participants share insights, explore emerging threats, and discuss best practices in cybersecurity strategy, governance, and innovation. The Network provides an opportunity for collaboration among peers from technology companies, enterprises, government, and academia to strengthen North Carolina’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

This quarter, we will have an executive briefing, followed by a panel on quantifying the ROI on cybersecurity.

September 15

NC TECH Digital 101 (Virtual)

This monthly webinar is for new (and long-term) members interested in leveraging resources and plugging into our dynamic member community. Learn how to navigate Member InfoHub and engage with NC TECH Connect, our virtual community. We will showcase online resources such as the Marketing Toolkit and Member Directory. Tune in to become ‘savvy’ on how to make the most of your membership.

September 23

YTPN: Advocate for Yourself: The Art of Compensation and Career Advancement (Virtual)

Learn practical strategies to confidently advocate for yourself and take an active role in your career growth. Whether you're navigating a new opportunity or planning your next career move, you'll leave with actionable insights you can apply immediately.

This event is for members of the Young Tech Professional Network - reach out to Ben Tramontana with any questions.

September 24

Summit for Women in Tech (Asheville)

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.

September 28-29

Brews + Bytes (Triad)

Join NC TECH for a Brews + Bytes in the Triad! This event aims to bring together our network in a casual, intimate setting to connect. Light bites and drinks will be provided.

October 7

Brews + Bytes (Triangle)

Join NC TECH for a Brews + Bytes in the Triangle! This event aims to bring together our network in a casual, intimate setting to connect. Light bites and drinks will be provided.

October 8

Digital Drive: Technology Donation Event (Triangle + Charlotte)

Do you or your organization have unused computer equipment ready for a second life? Your retired technology can help bridge the digital divide and expand access to essential digital resources across North Carolina.

On October 9 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., NC TECH, together with members Kramden Institute and E2D, will host a Digital Drive in both Raleigh and Charlotte, expanding our impact and helping more individuals gain access to refurbished technology.

Gather your computers, laptops, tablets, and cell phones and make plans to donate them at this year's Digital Drive. View the complete list of Items Accepted below and note that equipment of any age/make/condition will be accepted. Both organizations do DOD-level 3-pass wipe to sanitize devices for data security.

October 9

Events Calendar

Learn More

One of the most impactful ways to get engaged is through events and activities. With 75+ offerings per year, there’s something for everyone. From peer roundtables, networking options and talent attraction activities to informative programs, online auctions and larger annual events. Viewers may search the calendar below in chronological order, sort by filters, or use key words in the search field.

View all of our scheduled events to date.

Talent + Research

Meet the Employer

Meet the Employer Webinars are designed to give job seekers a closer look at leading employers in North Carolina’s tech sector. Each session features company representatives who share insights into their culture, technology teams, career paths, and open roles. You’ll also hear directly from employees about their experiences, professional development opportunities, and what it’s really like to work there. Whether you’re exploring your next step or actively seeking new opportunities, these webinars provide valuable connections and inside knowledge to help you advance your career.

Learn More

SetFire Foundation Webinar

Learn About Mentorship with SetFire Foundation

Join NC TECH and the SetFire Foundation for an engaging discussion on the impact of mentorship in supporting college students as they prepare to enter the workforce.

This virtual session will explore how meaningful mentor relationships help students develop professionally, expand their networks, and navigate the transition from college to career.

This event is open to all interested in learning more about mentoring college students in technology!

Learn More

Young Tech Professionals Network (YTPN)

NC TECH’s Young Tech Professionals Network (YTPN) provides a platform for early-career professionals eager to build connections, sharpen their skills, and grow as future leaders in North Carolina’s tech sector.

The network offers opportunities to engage with peers across the state, access professional and leadership development resources, and take part in conversations around innovation, career advancement, and the future of technology.

Open to professionals from early career through mid-30s, the YTPN features exclusive programming, special discounts, and a pathway to greater involvement in North Carolina’s thriving tech community.

Learn More

Membership

Welcome August New Members

Member Companies

Apex Agentic

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

BeaconGuard Assistance

BMO

BlueRidge Ventures

Davis Moore

Direct Supply

Elevate Digital

Koolbridge Energy

Level Solutions Groups

PCG Global

Pitchmap.app

PMPA

Research Triangle Regional Partnership

Synwave

Board of Advisors

Murshid Khan | CIO | Coastal Credit Union

Andrew Norris | Sales Director | AWS

Ben Litke | Corporate Real Estate Advisor | Davis Moore

To view a complete list of our Board of Advisors or to learn more about joining, click here. Reach out to Ben Tramontana with any questions.

Member Directory Membership Benefits

If you're not a member, we encourage you to join our network of 600+ member companies, organizations and institutions and take advantage of all membership has to offer. View our 2026 Membership Brochure for an overview of NC TECH.

SPECIAL OFFER: A discounted registration to the upcoming NC TECH Leadership Summit (August 5-6 in Pinehurst) OR a complimentary registration to the Summit for Women in Tech (September 28-29, Asheville) OR a complimentary registration to the NC TECH Awards Celebration (November 16, Durham).

Click the member benefits button below to learn more about membership and how to join. To learn more about membership, contact our Membership Team at Membership@nctech.org or 919.856.0393.

Partner Events

From time to time, NC TECH will partner with organizations to connect members with local events and share perks such as free or discounted registration. Are you an NC TECH member with an event to share with fellow members? To submit an event, complete the form at the link below.

Submit Your Event View All Partner Events

NC TECH Blog

828 Day: 8 Western North Carolina NC TECH Members to Know

Written By: Alex Taylor, Marketing + Communications Manager at NC TECH

Celebrating 828 Day by spotlighting the technology companies, organizations and institutions helping shape Western North Carolina’s growing tech ecosystem.

August 28 is 828 Day — a celebration of Western North Carolina and the region represented by the 828 area code.

From Asheville and Montreat to Cullowhee and communities across the mountains, Western North Carolina is home to a growing technology ecosystem that spans software development, cybersecurity, telecommunications, broadband, entrepreneurship, leadership and higher education.

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Women Leading in Tech Spotlight: Crystal Tolbert

Submitted by: Crystal Tolbert | VP, Technology Delivery Lead - Finance Applications | Brighthouse Financial

In the lead-up to the 2026 Summit for Women in Tech, we’re sharing Women Leading in Tech Executive Spotlights to celebrate the achievements of female tech leaders across our state.

We’re proud to feature Crystal Tolbert, who leads Financial Solutions Technology Delivery at Brighthouse Financial, overseeing technology strategy, transformation, and teams supporting critical finance and actuarial functions.

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The Race for AI-Ready Tech Talent Has Begun

Written by: Ben Coulter | Southeast Regional Director + Chancellor WGU NC | Western Governors University

The AI revolution isn’t just changing how we work; it’s rewriting the entire tech career playbook. Employees everywhere feel the rapid shift, but for those ready to embrace it, this disruption is an unprecedented gateway. AI is opening massive new technological opportunities — giving forward-thinking minds a rare chance to dive into the core architecture of these systems and actively engineer what comes next.

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Women Leading in Tech: Stephanie Styons

Submitted by: Stephanie Styons | EVP | Wireside Communications

In the lead-up to the 2026 Summit for Women in Tech, we’re sharing Women Leading in Tech Executive Spotlights to celebrate the achievements of female tech leaders across our state.

We’re proud to feature Stephanie Styons, EVP at Wireside Communications, who works with technology companies to raise visibility and build creditability through strategic communcations.

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Member + Tech News

Check out the stories coming from our state's thriving tech ecosystem:

Communications Sponsor

Meet Wireside