Register NowRegister NowChroma is a one-day speaker series built to connect Fortune 500 and enterprise leaders with the next generation of visionary founders to spark solutions for the future of business.
In support of the Oklahoma IT Symposium, Chroma invites attendees into the region's burgeoning tech ecosystem, where real-world challenges meet transformative ideas and collaboration shapes what’s next.
Strategically positioned as the culminating experience of the Oklahoma IT Symposium, Chroma brings together influential Fortune 500 executives, industry leaders, and founders to explore how meaningful progress emerges through intentional collaboration.
Make smarter decisions with practical insights and tools you can act on. Stay informed. Stay ahead.
Experience our city’s rising innovation economy — driven by founders building what's next and enterprise companies investing in tomorrow.
Less talking, more action. The reality of finding and hiring long-term talent.
01
8:00 AM -
8:45 AM
Breakfast
Doors open- breakfast and networking.
02
9:00 AM -
10:15 AM
Defining the Future: Tech Leadership in an Era of Acceleration
Brian Letzkus, Retired CIO, Williams
Technology is moving faster today, so how can you make sure you get to where you want to go? Whether you are a tech startup, or the latest technology executive to carry the baton for an established company, anticipating the challenge ahead will always be your defining factor.
Gather inspiration from a true technology veteran. Brian Letzkus, retired Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Williams, has had an outstanding career with incredible experience working for established companies and spinoffs as well as global consulting and outsourcing before taking the CIO reins at Williams Companies. Whether your challenge is at the board level, or grappling with changing technology, find your inspiration with this keynote session opening Chroma.
03
10:30 AM -
11:15 AM
From CIO to Startup: Seizing the Opportunity to Innovate
Moderator: Devon Fanfair, Managing Director of Techstars
Brandon Brown, CEO at Roam AI
Brandon Brown, former CTO at Vital Energy, left the corporate world to build tech that’s transforming oil and gas operations. With 20+ years in enterprise IT and digital transformation, he brings a sharp perspective on how innovation happens—across startups and legacy companies alike.
This conversation explores why AI adoption is less about tech and more about people. Brandon shares how trust, empathy, and purpose drive change—and why leaders must model curiosity to build cultures where innovation thrives.
04
11:30 AM -
1:15 PM
Lunch & Launch: Meet Who's Building at Gradient
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Grab lunch, meet founders, and explore Tulsa’s innovation ecosystem! This open house brings together startups and organizations shaping the future. Enjoy a casual midday bite, then wander through Gradient to connect with founders opening their doors for a behind-the-scenes look. Don’t miss the chance to discover what’s launching at Gradient!
05
1:45 PM -
2:30 PM
Poised to Partner: Creating Impactful Partnerships with Legacy Companies
Patrick Benoit, Cyber Risk Insights
One of the biggest dealbreakers for startups pitching legacy companies? Weak cybersecurity. In this keynote, Patrick Benoit (President of Cyber Risk Insights and former Global CISO at Brinks) dives into what seasoned CIOs and CTOs are really looking for. From essential cyber practices to credibility-building moves, learn the steps startups must take to break into enterprise partnerships and turn curiosity into contracts.
06
2:45 PM -
3:30 PM
Hiring Without HR: How Founders Find Their CTOs
Moderator: Steve Caldwell, McElroy
Bill Tyndall, Tynrose
Melanie Hendricks, Information Technology Staffing
Lawrence Ganti, Tulsa Innovation Labs
Hiring a CIO or CTO without an HR team? It’s possible—and essential. This panel dives into how startup founders can successfully scout, vet, and hire technical cofounders and C-suite leaders. Hear from industry experts as they share practical strategies for attracting top tech talent, adopting enterprise-level hiring practices, and building a leadership team that keeps your startup agile, innovative, and ready to scale.
07
3:45 PM -
4:30 PM
Tulsa’s Next Generation of Tech Talent
Moderator: Rue Ramsey, Tulsa Regional Chamber
Libby Ediger, Atlas School
Andrew Lang, Oral Roberts University
Chris Wright, University of Tulsa
Jeremy Wade, Tulsa Community College
Jamey Jacob, Oklahoma State University
Forget the notion that top tech talent only comes from the coasts. This panel spotlights the bold, community-driven efforts happening right here in Tulsa to cultivate the next wave of technologists, developers, and digital leaders. From training programs to workforce initiatives, learn how local innovators are building a tech talent pipeline that’s rooted in Tulsa—and ready for the world.
08
4:30 PM -
6:00 PM
The Big Mixer
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Let's wrap Chroma with drinks, bites, and a chance to connect 1:1 with your fellow innovators and change-makers. Brought to you by Flywheel, the makers of Tulsa's beloved community events Big Ride and Big Bite!
