The DFW metro area has been consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the US, and home to an ever increasing number of tech companies: from the original Texas Instruments to startups like Alkami Technology. And it is also home to the USICOC’s extremely popular and often sold-out Annual Tech Conference.

This time the conference will be at the Hilton Granite Park in Plano, TX on May 22, 2025.

Keynote Speakers

We are pleased to welcome Matt Creason as one of our keynote speakers. Matt is the co-founder of ShiftKey, a $2 billion healthcare tech platform that connects healthcare facilities with nursing professionals. Matt continues to leverage his experiences and expertise to empower the next generation of innovators and share his firsthand insights.

Our second keynote speaker is Curtis Hite, CEO of Improving,  a global software consulting and training company with 2,000+ employees, 19 offices, and over $280M in revenue — all guided by the principles of Conscious Capitalism. Curtis is a sought-after speaker on leadership, culture, and entrepreneurship, and has been recognized as a “Most Admired CEO” by Dallas Business Journal and is a 3x Finalist, EY Entrepreneur of the year.

Tech Investor Panel

This year’s Tech Investor Panel brings together top industry leaders for an exclusive conversation on innovation and investment at our TechConnex must-attend event for professionals passionate about technology.

We are honored to welcome Mathew Verghese, EVP of Texas Stock Exchange | TXSE Group Inc & Head of TXSE Digital, who brings deep expertise in investment banking and corporate finance to shape market strategy and opportunities.

Ansley Carlisle, an investor at Mark Cuban Companies, specializes in deal sourcing, portfolio growth, and business development across industries. Her experience also includes being the environmental engineer at ExxonMobil, where she focused on business planning and regulatory compliance.

And Vikram Taneja, head of AT&T Ventures, manages a diverse portfolio of 50+ investments spanning venture capital, investment banking, and cutting-edge connectivity solutions.

Tech Executives / CISO Panel

This panel offers critical insights into balancing innovation and security, addressing evolving cyber threats, and aligning technology strategies with business goals.

Kala Ramchandra, Head of Technology at US Foods, is a seasoned technology and business executive with over 23 years of a successful career journey which includes pivotal roles at cybersecurity giants like McAfee and Trellix, where she orchestrated transformative technology initiatives across various industries and global markets, always prioritizing tangible business outcomes and client satisfaction.

Ajay Gupta serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Cencora, a Fortune 10 life sciences powerhouse. With over 20 years of leadership across healthcare, retail, and services, Ajay leads a global cybersecurity program that safeguards innovation and patient access. His previous roles include transforming cyber operations at Humana and leading global security for Pizza Hut and Concentra. Known for aligning cybersecurity with core business goals, Ajay excels at integrating risk management into enterprise strategy.

Ran Zach is Director of Managed Security Services at Amdocs, where he leads cybersecurity initiatives for global telecom and enterprise clients. With over 15 years of experience, Ran has developed cutting-edge solutions across 4G/5G networks, cloud systems, and critical infrastructure. His deep expertise spans governance, risk, compliance, vulnerability management, and cloud security, especially in highly regulated sectors. Renowned for his strategic thinking and hands-on approach, Ran guides major engagements for Tier-1 telecom providers and multinational firms. He’s passionate about innovating next-gen security operations that bridge business strategy and technical resilience.

Don’t miss this exciting line up and network with your peer tech entrepreneurs and leaders!

Purchase your tickets now. And if you’re not a member yet, this is a great time to join us– and you can attend the conference for free.

LOCATION:

Hilton Granite Park
5805 Granite Pkwy, Plano, TX 75024

DATE & TIME:

May 22, 2025
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST

EVENT CONTACT:

Melissa Follis
info@usicoc.org