(Raleigh, N.C.) The North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA), the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina, announced today its annual Charlotte conference, presented in partnership with the Charlotte Chamber of Conference. The theme for this year’s conference is “Thriving in the New Economy: How Technology Drives Business and People Drive Technology” and will feature keynote speaker Pete Walsh, Head of Technology for the Dallas Cowboys. The event will be held Wednesday, April 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hilton Charlotte Center City.

Pete Walsh led the installation of the IT infrastructure for the Cowboy’s new $1+ billion, 3.2-million square-foot facility in Arlington, Texas, the largest domed stadium in the NFL. Walsh’s presentation, titled “Technology Drives Business: Taking Technology Beyond the Gridiron” will focus on how the Cowboy’s IT staff used technology to improve the fan experience, while also helping stadium employees work smarter, boost sales and provide superior customer service.

“In today’s world, technology plays an integral role in so many businesses and their success,” said Walsh. “The Cowboy’s new stadium is an example of how any type of business can use technology to improve processes and ultimately, the customer’s experience.”

NCTA’s annual Charlotte Conference provides an opportunity for technology executives to network with senior level executives and also offers an exhibitor showcase. Additional speakers confirmed for the event include: Kathy Harris, VP and Distinguished Analyst, Executive Leadership and Innovation, Gartner Research; Joan Lorden, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, UNCC; Bob Morgan, President and CEO, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce; Scott Millar, President, Catawba County Economic Development Corporation; Randy Thomas, VP, Integrated Product Development, Premier, Inc.; and Robert Wilhelm, Executive Director, Charlotte Research Institute.

“Following on the success of last year’s Charlotte Conference, we are extremely pleased to once again offer such a stellar group of speakers,” said Brooks Raiford, NCTA president and CEO. “As the economy continues to improve in our state, we believe that technology is the driving force that will help so many companies grow and succeed.”

Title sponsor for this year’s event is PEQ Service+Solutions. Additional sponsors include: CommScope, AT&T, EMC², Alston+Bird LLP, Peak 10, DPR Group, Business Wire, DataChambers, LLC and Alphanumeric Systems.

For information on sponsorship or to register for the event, please contact Marc Montoro at mmontoro@nctechnology.org or 919-856-0393 ext. 225.

The North Carolina Technology Association’s mission is “Making North Carolina #1 in Technology and Technology #1 in North Carolina.” The organization does this through three main focus areas: executive engagement, public affairs, and knowledge workforce. For more information, visit our website at www.nctechnology.org.