Chroma 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.
Hosted by
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
Powered by
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
Hosted by
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!
Chroma is hosted at Gradient, 12 N Cheyenne Ave, Tulsa.
Doors open at 8:00 AM for check-in and breakfast. Sessions begin at 9:00 AM.
There are several surface lots surrounding the building, as well as street parking. See the parking map below for nearby options.
Yes. Registration is required.
Head to the main check-in desk when you arrive. You will get a badge and a program that you will use throughout the day.
Explore companies across the building and collect one sticker per company on your badge. Show your badge at check-in once you have five or more stickers to be entered into a raffle for a Microsoft tablet. The winner will be announced at the Big Mixer.
Your printed program includes the full list of participating companies and a building map to help you navigate.
The Atrium and Gallery will serve as the hub of activity throughout the day. For Lunch & Launch, the entire building will be open from the Lower Level to the Fourth Floor.
Breakfast will be served at 8:00 AM. Lunch will be served at 11:30 AM during the Lunch and Launch Open House. Note: Each kitchen in Gradient will feature a unique signature dish during the Open House.
Yes. Elevators and accessible restrooms are available. If you need an accommodation, please let the concierge team know.
Yes. Keep your badge visible for smooth re-entry.
Office Members
Your official move-in date is Monday, January 6. Your team lead received an email with the exact time of your team orientation on January 6. Your entire team should be present at orientation so that you can each gain access to your new space through the Gradient App!
Coworking, Dedicated Desk, and Tulsa Remote Members
Your official move-in window starts Tuesday, January 7. In order to keep the orientation process organized, please wait until Tuesday, or any day after, to come to Gradient! To begin your membership and gain access to the building/internet, you must attend orientation on your first day. Group orientations will be held Tuesday - Friday at 9a, 12p and 3p. No need to sign up- just show up to your preferred time! After attending an orientation, you will have full access to the building and amenities!
Plus
The first 1,000 members to complete orientation will receive exclusive Gradient Founding Member swag!
We want to make sure you find the parking option that fits your needs and your budget. See the parking map below for a list of options and use the link below to sign up for parking.
Wave Parking | Meadow Lot $20+ tax/month.
Fill out this form and use 36°N Member as the promo code.
American Parking Lot 119 Starting at $45 + tax/month.
Fill out this form.
Premium Parking | Arts District Lot $46 + tax/month.
Fill out this form and use PARK 120 as the promo code.
Premium Parking | Arena Lot $36+tax/month.
Fill out this form.
American Parking Garage | Lot 129 $90+ tax/month.
Fill out this form.
American Parking | Lot 120 $60+tax/month.
Fill out this form.
We have thoughtfully designed the offices in an elevated and elegant style, providing a neutral backdrop for you to customize as you choose.
Each office is fully equipped with ergonomic workstations, featuring a sit/stand desk, a comfortable task chair, and a lockable filing cabinet for secure storage. Additionally, every office includes at least one small trashcan, with larger offices receiving multiple.
Permanent walls cannot be added within individual offices; however, we do allow the installation of modular walls to customize your workspace. One pre-approved option is Vari Flex Walls, available in various sizes, sleek styles, and colors to match your aesthetic. If you're interested, we can connect you with a Vari representative. You are also welcome to source your own partitions or modular walls, but please note that they must be approved by our Operations department prior to ordering and installation.
We want you to feel completely at home in your office. Each space comes with a basic workstation, including a sit/stand desk, a task chair, and a lockable filing cabinet. If you wish to personalize your office with your own furniture or decor, we encourage you to do so, provided it adheres to the following guidelines: Members are responsible for moving and maintaining their own furniture. For larger furniture move-ins, please notify our Operations team in advance so we can assist with loading dock and elevator access. Additionally, nothing may be hung from the ceiling or attached to pipes, sprinkler lines, wires, panels, HVAC units, or any other equipment suspended from the ceiling. Non-compliance with this policy may result in fines or termination of access.
Our five community kitchens will be fully stocked with the bottomless Topeca coffee you know and love, along with filtered water and ice.
Additionally, a micro-market on the lower level will offer 24/7 access to convenient grab-and-go snacks, meals, and drinks.
We’re also thrilled to introduce an onsite restaurant and café, available to both members and the public. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it will feature espresso drinks, quick bites, and cocktails with elevated fare in the evenings.
As part of our transition to the new space, we’re excited to announce that all membership plans now include 24/7 access! Your smartphone will act as your 'key,' granting access to Member-Only areas, your office, and the building after-hours, including weekends and holidays.
For members without a smartphone, we can easily provide a key card or fob for seamless access.
Most meeting rooms are equipped with a TV display and offer both hardwired and wireless connection options.
The Pitch Lounge features a TV display, speakers, a microphone, and both wired and wireless connectivity.
The Atrium Theater is outfitted with two TV displays, two dedicated microphones, speakers, and both hardwired and wireless connection options.
The Gallery offers multiple TV displays, six dedicated microphones, speakers, and a confidence monitor, all with the flexibility of wired and wireless connections.
We do not offer phone service, but if you require a hardline or WiFi VoIP phone, we can assist by adding a static IP and configuring the setup. Members are responsible for providing their own phone and covering the cost of the static IP as well as any additional fees that may apply.
Each member will receive unique authentication credentials for network access, utilizing a Hotspot 2.0 profile with WPA2 Enterprise connectivity.
We will offer two SSIDs: 'Member' and 'Guest.' Guests will be directed to a splash page where we will collect their information for registration; please note that guest Wi-Fi will have time limits and speed thresholds.
For events, we will provide voucher codes to facilitate access.
By default, each membership includes Wi-Fi access. For members in offices, a hardwired connection can be added for an additional one-time fee.
December 13: Current 36°N. locations close
December 14 - January 5: All locations closed for move
January 6: Move-in day!
Over the next couple of months, our team will be in touch with logistics and specifics regarding your move.
If you currently receive mail at 36°N and are moving to Gradient with us, please submit a change of address form through USPS. In early December, we will email all members with mailboxes included in their Gradient contracts, providing their new mailing addresses. You can use this information to file a change of address with USPS by December 13.
If you currently receive mail at 36°N and do not want your mail forwarded to Gradient, you can use this form to forward your mail to an address of your choice. Please do this no later than December 13.
If you need help moving personal furniture from Basecamp or the Incubator to Gradient, we will offer moving services for a fee. Please fill out this form to inquire about moving services. Please note that our team will not transport technology or personal items such as artwork, paperwork, or books. All personal belongings must be removed from the current space by 5pm on December 13, 2024.
Safety and security are top priorities for us! We will have 24/7 on-site security and multiple layers of infrastructure to create a secure and welcoming environment for all members and guests. Additionally, we’ve partnered with TAD Security Patrol to enhance safety, offering extra support for members and guests as they move between their parking areas and our facility.
While we don’t currently offer an on-site gym or childcare, we are exploring partnerships and working to bring additional amenities to the neighborhood to better serve our community’s needs.
Though we are big fans of our furry friends, only ADA service animals will be allowed in our new space.
You'll be able to reserve space after your orientation, beginning on Jan 6th! If you want to put your name down for a conference room or event space for the new space, please complete this request form.
Secure your spot and show up for what’s next.