(Raleigh, N.C.) As technology companies continue to play a key role in North Carolina’s recovering economy, leaders from across the state will converge at the North Carolina Technology Association’s (NCTA) annual Charlotte conference on April 14. NCTA has finalized the agenda for this year’s event, which will feature keynote speaker Pete Walsh, head of technology for the Dallas Cowboys, and will also include IT leaders from Coca-Cola Bottling, Duke Energy, Lowe’s, Premier, Inc., Sony Ericsson, Wells Fargo and others. The conference, titled “Thriving in the New Economy: How Technology Drives Business and How People Drive Technology” is presented in partnership with the Charlotte Chamber, and will be held at the Hilton Charlotte Center City from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Presentations and panels will explore technology trends and the impact technology has on business and economic growth. Also slated on the agenda is discussing how the Charlotte region is nurturing its talent, as it is poised to emerge from the recent economic downturn. This panel will examine specific industry sectors, that coupled with economic development initiatives and workforce preparedness programs, are in such a position for growth. Panelists will also address innovative actions that can be taken to attract, develop and retain talent, with a special focus on diversity.

Walsh’s keynote presentation will focus on the business aspect of technology, including a discussion of how to plan for the technology future, how to be a revenue enabler, and how to change the business perception of technology.

In addition, the conference offers networking opportunities with top-level technology executives from across the state and an exhibitor showcase where companies can feature their services and products. A full list of confirmed speakers can be found on the event page of NCTA’s website (http://www.nctechnology.org/get-involved/signature_events/thriving_in_a_new_economy/default.aspx)

“Technology is a vital component in helping many North Carolina businesses continue to grow and succeed,” said Brooks Raiford, NCTA president and CEO. “We have gathered extremely high-caliber speakers for the Charlotte conference who will share their experience and knowledge for making the most of technology as we emerge from a challenging economy.”

Title sponsor for this year’s event is PEQ Service+Solutions. Additional sponsors include: CommScope, AT&T, EMC², Cisco Systems, Microsoft, InCentric Solutions, DPR Group, Alston+Bird LLP, Business Wire, Grant Thornton, Hosted Solutions, Peak 10, Alphanumeric Systems, DataChambers and Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice.

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.