Arizona Technology Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, honors technology leaders and innovators from across the state with the Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards.

This year marks the 20th year of this prestigious event that attracts more than 400 attendees for a night of networking, dining and entertainment. Guests will be enjoying a seated dinner and a lively awards program hosted by Emmy Award winning news personality, Carey Peña.
Come Celebrate Arizona Innovation!

OUR EMCEE: Carey Peña, Emmy Award Winning News Personality Carey Peña is an Emmy award–winning journalist, television personality, and podcast host. A natural born storyteller and innate advocate, Carey is determined to create content & connection. It’s why the award-winning journalist and public figure founded Inspired Media 360, a cause-driven media and content firm dedicated to informing, advocating, empowering and uplifting businesses and organizations. In 2022, after witnessing the toll the pandemic took on everyone, Peña co-founded Arizona’s Center for Positive Media. Using her talents to identify and amplify stories of impact and paths to healing, she created shows like YouTube’s “Good Morning Sunshine” and “The Next Chapter” podcast. A believer in paying it forward and giving back, Peña continues to emcee for the many charities and causes she champions.

2023 AWARD WINNERS + FINALISTS 

People’s Choice AccountabilIT Lifetime Achievement Award Winner:

• Wes Kremer, president, Raytheon

Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Winner:

• Lawrence Hecker, managing partner, Hecker Pew, PLLC

Innovator of the Year Large Company:

• Viasat Inc.

One company/individual in each of the following categories will be announced as the winner at GCOI:

Innovator of the Year Academia:

• Dr. Deepta Bhattacharya, The University of Arizona Cancer Center
• Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton, The University of Arizona, Center for Innovation in Brain Science
• EdPlus at Arizona State University
• The Luminosity Lab at Arizona State University

Innovator of the Year Small Company:

• Anuncia Medical
• Applied Energetics, Inc.
• Reglagene
• Science of Sport

Spencer Fane Innovator of the Year Start-Up:

• AlgoFace
• Imanyco, Inc.
• Spatial, Inc.
• TG Recycling, LLC.

MSS Transformational Leadership Award:

• Bradley Likes, director, IT Digital Operations, and Rick Dockall, director, Program Management, Republic Services 
• Brian Spicker, president and CEO, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation
• Kimberly Tobey, instructional services manager, Rio Salado College
• Scott Zufelt, deputy director of the Office of Data Analytics, Pima County

AGENDA

4:45 – 5:45 PM – Check-in/Reception/Networking
5:45 – 6:15 PM – Dinner
6:15 – 8:30 PM – Awards/Networking

ATTIRE + SEATING
Come dressed to celebrate Arizona’s vibrant tech ecosystem. Cocktail attire is recommended. All dinner seating will be assigned. Table numbers and assignments for single ticket holders will be given at check-in.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS AND TABLES
Individual Tickets Member: $200 | Nonmember: $250
Table of 10 Member: $1800 | Nonmember: $2250

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
GCOI sponsorship packages range in price from $5000 – $25,000.
Contact [email protected] for more information on sponsorship opportunities.