In partnership with Gradient, Flywheel Presents: Chroma

RETURNS AUGUST 2026

A technology event that highlights the incredible new technology innovation as well as the legacy technology foundation of Tulsa area companies. Chroma is a one day event that takes place after the Oklahoma IT Symposium to end the week in celebration of innovation and legacy.

In support of the Oklahoma IT Symposium and the Tulsa CIO Forum, Chroma invites attendees into the region’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, where real-world challenges meet transformative ideas and collaboration shapes what’s next.

 

2025 AGENDA

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

A look at leadership in rapidly evolving environments and how CIOs and CTOs can remain adaptive and forward focused.

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, Former CTO at Vital Energy
An executive’s transition from enterprise to startup – what it takes to build trust, drive innovation, and lead with purpose.

04

11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
Lunch & Launch: Meet Who’s Building at Gradient
Hosted by Gradient
Tour Gradient and meet the startups building our region’s future.

05

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
Poised to Partner: Creating Impactful Partnerships with Legacy Companies
Patrick Benoit, Cyber Risk Insights
What enterprise buyers are really looking for – and how startups can prepare.

06

2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Hiring Without HR: How Founders Find Their CTOs
Moderator: Steve Caldwell, McElroy
Melanie Hendricks, Information Technology Staffing
Bill Tyndall, Tynrose
Lawrence Ganti, Tulsa Innovation Labs
Recruiting and retaining senior technical talent as a startup.

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
A spotlight on our city’s most promising tech workforce development and education initiatives.

08

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
The Big Mixer
Hosted by Flywheel
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!

 

FAQ

Who is Chroma for?

Anyone in or associated with technology, Information Technology, Software Development, Database Programming and Administration, Networking, Cyber Security, and more. All technologists welcome.

Where is Chroma located?

Chroma is hosted by Gradient at their facility at 12 N Cheyenne in downtown Tulsa. It is right around the corner from Welltown Brewing next to the railroad tracks. Look for the big white building!

Is there parking?

Street parking is available but likely limited along Gradient and up Cheyenne, but there are also two paid parking lots less than a block from the facility.

What is the cost to register?

It is FREE to attend Chroma. Just click and register for your ticket.