?? NVTC News & Events: Discover CES 2025 insights — Legislative session kicks off — Fresh communities launched

Dear NVTC Community,

Happy New Year! As we dive into 2025, many of us anticipate a whirlwind of changes, both at home and on the global stage. Our region’s tech and govcon sectors are gearing up for a little shake-up, courtesy of the incoming administration. It seems we’re living in an era where technology isn’t just the cool kid on the block, but is now running for class president. ??

??With tech bigwigs like Elon Musk and a parade of tech titans lining up to give Uncle Sam a few pointers—be it on boosting government efficiency, overhauling immigration rules (especially for our H1-B highly-skilled workers), or navigating AI, blockchain, and crypto regulations—our region will keep paying close attention and be ready to pivot. NVTC and our members are on deck, assessing how these shifts will impact our industry and the local economy.

??Two weeks ago I attended CES 2025, the glitziest tech show on the planet, where we rolled out the red carpet for an NVTC delegation and curated a VIP experience for our members, including 5 NVTC board members. Keynotes from the CEOs of NVIDIA, Panasonic, Volvo, Delta, and Waymo showcased AI solutions, digital assistants, autonomous vehicles, green energy, and quantum computing — offering a sneak peek into our future.

??These fast-changing times demand we stay sharp about the tech that's transforming our lives and the policies tagging along for the ride. In the midst of all this, NVTC remains your trusted source for connection, collaboration, and growth.

??I’m betting 2025 will be the year the federal government and the tech industry try to hit it off. The jury's still out on how this will pan out, but I look forward to joining forces with our region’s tech trailblazers, industry allies, and lawmakers to continue to drive positive change and progress.

??Please scroll down to check out our new member Communities of Interest, meet the fresh faces joining NVTC, and catch up on our latest buzz. Here’s to navigating this thrilling year together!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Taylor, NVTC President & CEO

?? NVTC’s exciting CES 2025 journey

For the third consecutive year, NVTC had the honor of leading a special member delegation at CES 2025. From attending remarkable keynotes and embarking on a guided show floor tour to connecting with a network of innovators, it was an inspiring week showcasing the art of possibility and groundbreaking innovation!

Why it matters: This year’s show spotlighted advancements in AI, digital twins, autonomous vehicles, mobility solutions, green energy, quantum computing and beyond. These innovations will redefine industries, enhancing how our very own regional tech community continues to adapt and thrive.

Some highlights:

• ?? Panasonic’s CEO Yuki Kusumi took the opening keynote stage after an electrifying music montage by Steve Aoki.??
• ?? NVIDIA’s CEO Jensen Huang unveiled next-gen graphics cards, AI chips, AI models for robotics and vehicles, and a revolutionary desktop supercomputer.
• ?? Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian delivered a keynote in the awe-inspiring Sphere, followed by a high-energy concert by Lenny Kravitz. Of course he performed “Fly Away.”??
• ?? Exhibits included cutting-edge technologies such as modular flying cars (known as an eVTOL) by Guangdong Huitian Aerospace Technology and futuristic commercial airplane concepts by Siemens.

????Check out more photos at the end of the newsletter!

Virginia’s legislative session now underway

The big picture: The 2025 Virginia General Assembly session officially convened on Jan 8, however both the House and Senate quickly adjourned due to a citywide total loss of water (following last week’s winter storm). Legislative work commenced on Monday, Jan 13.

A champion for Virginia’s tech sector, NVTC is actively tracking and updating members on key legislative issues that align with NVTC’s legislative agenda, including:

• Any proposed changes to tax policy (such as the reemergence of the B2B Digital Goods Tax).
• Laws regarding blockchain/crypto, AI governance, and online safety influenced by recommendations from the JCOTS subcommittee (Joint Commission on Technology & Science).
• Proposed legislation stemming from JLARC’s (Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission) Data Center Report issued Dec 9, 2024.

The bottom line: We invite NVTC members to share input on policies that impact your organization and align with NVTC’s legislative agenda and mission. Email Colin at [email protected].

NVTC launches 3 new member communities

Did you know that NVTC launched 3 new member Communities of Interest (COIs)?

1. ?? The GovCon community hosts events, facilitates connections, fosters innovation and shares best practices to support the growing tech-focused government contracting industry.
2. ?? The Space community provides professionals from across the region’s space technology ecosystem, opportunities to collaborate and gain insights on this rapidly emerging commercial space industry.
3. ?? Hosting its first event on Jan 23, the Marketing & Growth community connects marketing and business development professionals who want to learn the latest marketing trends and cutting-edge strategies to grow their business rapidly.

NVTC has 8 COIs enabling members to convene and stay up-to-date on the latest developments relevant to a specific sector or topic within our region’s tech hub. Check them all out!

Go deeper:

• Join a COI and be the first to know about upcoming events.
• Meet the COI chairs who curate and plan informative programming and networking events.

?? Nominate top tech finance leaders

Nominations are now open for the 29th annual NVTC Technology CFO Awards. Now’s your chance to honor individuals who are driving innovation and economic growth in our region’s fast-growing tech sector.

Nominate finance leaders in these categories:

• Emerging Growth CFO of the Year
• Private Company CFO of the Year
• Public Company CFO of the Year
• Transformative CFO of the Year
• Rising Star

What’s next: Buy your ticket or table today and join us on June 2 to celebrate the honorees at the Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner!

?? Explore the 2025 Techtopia map

NEW: The 2025 Techtopia Map is now available for download!

Why it matters:

• The map highlights our region's dynamic tech landscape, reflecting its continued growth and innovation as a tech powerhouse.
• It features the region’s evolving skyline, noteworthy buildings and landmarks, new construction sites, and thriving tech districts.

What’s next: Download the map here. To get a poster-sized printed map email [email protected] or pick one up at an NVTC signature event.

One fun thing: Once you download the 2025 map, check out the maps from prior years to see how our region has truly evolved!

Upcoming NVTC events

Register for these upcoming NVTC events:

• Jan 23 | Marketing for Growth: Strategies to Thrive in 2025 | presented by NVTC’s Marketing & Growth Community of Interest
• Jan 29 | Acquisitions in GovCon: Overcoming International Integration Challenges | presented by NVTC’s GovCon Community of Interest
• Feb 6 | AI State of the Union: Revolutionizing Technology and Business | presented by NVTC’s AI & Digital Transformation Community of Interest
• Feb 11 | New Member Orientation
• Feb 19 | 2025 Data Center Awards

Go deeper: View all NVTC’s upcoming events through June.

Meet NVTC’s 9 new members

A special welcome to our 9 newest members that joined NVTC in Dec: Avature | BluOcean Digital | Cliff Services Inc | Downing Street Strategies | ECPI University | Landrum Talent Solutions | Netdots | Otolith Labs | ProLiant.

What’s next: We hope to see you at the NVTC New Member Orientation on Feb 11. Note, all members are welcome!

?? Follow NVTC on social

Keep up to date with NVTC and follow our social media accounts:

• LinkedIn
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Instagram
• Bluesky

Team coaching boosts productivity

Written by Andrew Deutscher, CEO and Founder of Regenerate.

How much time and energy do we spend trying to bring teams together and get everyone on the same page? What if there was an easier way?

The bottom line: Team coaching can supercharge how individuals collaborate within a group and how teams progress together.

By the numbers: In a study from Forrester and IBM, aligned teams:

• Reduced the time needed to complete various phases of work, increasing alignment by 75%.

• Streamlined processes to generate a $9.2 million cost savings.

• Improved work and fixed bugs, cutting defects in half, enabling teams to spend more time on innovation and less time on rework.

When teams pull together, they achieve more and are more satisfied with the work they do. Organizations that use team coaching report they have:

• Improved decision-making processes and problem-solving abilities (source: International Journal of Coaching in Organizations).

• Increased collaboration and teamwork (source: Institute of Coaching).

• ROI of $7.90 in increased productivity and retention (source: MetrixGlobal).

Go deeper: To learn more about how team coaching is the next best tool for organizational strength and productivity, read Regenerate’s guide to team coaching on Forbes.com.

?? Join NVTC and grow today

Only NVTC offers the best combination of education, networking, awards, and advocacy to support and advance our region’s thriving tech community.

Don’t miss out: Join NVTC today.

Grow your people, brand, and business with unique access to our region’s tech community.

?? CES 2025: Photo ops

Contact Tarin Horan, CMP learn about NVTC event and newsletter sponsorship opportunities for your organization!