A decade after its launch, the Tech at the Gap conference is marking a major milestone by turning its attention to what comes next. Presented by the Western Maryland IT Center of Excellence (ITCE), the 10th annual conference, “The Age of Disruption,” will take place Thursday, October 15, at Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone, Maryland. Technology leaders, industry experts, entrepreneurs, students, and community stakeholders will gather in Allegany County to examine the rapid changes unfolding across artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity, and more, and consider what they could mean for Western Maryland’s future.

“We're focusing on the ‘Age of Disruption,’ which is talking about how technology is moving at such a pace that it’s disrupting a lot of what's happening across the board with any kind of industry,” said Melanie Chapman, Director of the Western Maryland ITCE. “Whether it is AI, the impacts of quantum technology and cybersecurity, or small businesses becoming more tech-savvy to compete within their sectors, technology is now affecting every industry and aspect of what we do.”

This year’s conference will feature a refreshed format, including keynote speakers and a plenary panel with representatives from different industries discussing how technology is changing and disrupting their work. Together, the speakers will bring perspectives on the business, social, and human impacts of technological change. The conference will also put a greater emphasis on Allegany County’s students and emerging talent, highlighting innovation and connecting students and entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities to turn ideas into action.

Terry Jones
Founder of Travelocity • Founding Chairman of Kayak • Innovation & Digital Transformation Expert

Terry Jones is best known for founding Travelocity and serving as founding Chairman of Kayak. He is a recognized leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. Through his work in travel technology and business innovation, he has helped organizations navigate disruption and succeed in rapidly changing markets. Drawing on his experiences building Travelocity and Kayak, Terry shares practical insights on innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and leading organizations through disruption in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world.

“Terry Jones will focus on disruption and help us understand the full spectrum of its impact,” said Chapman. His presentation will explore what disruption looks like in practice and how businesses and organizations can adapt, innovate, and find opportunities within a rapidly changing technology landscape.

Eva Galperin
Director of Cybersecurity, Electronic Frontier Foundation • Digital Privacy & Cybersecurity Advocate

Eva Galperin is the Director of Cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and a leading voice in digital privacy, cybersecurity, and online safety. Her work focuses on protecting vulnerable populations, combating digital threats, and advancing practical approaches to privacy and security around the world. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, Galperin helps organizations and individuals better understand digital privacy, online security and the real-world impact of emerging technologies.

At Tech at the Gap, Galperin will bring a human perspective to the conversation around technological disruption, exploring how rapidly evolving technology affects people, particularly vulnerable populations. Her perspective will help attendees consider not only the capabilities and opportunities technology creates, but also the challenges it presents for individuals, communities, and personal safety in an increasingly connected world. This focus adds an important dimension to the conference’s broader conversation about how technology is disrupting every aspect of society.

Mike Hruska

President & CEO, Problem Solutions • Technologist, Design Thinking & Emerging Technology Expert

Michael Hruska is President and CEO of Problem Solutions, where he helps organizations navigate emerging technologies, innovation, and complex business challenges. A technologist and design thinking practitioner, Mike’s experience spans technology standards, emerging technologies, learning, and science. He is also a former researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Throughout his career, Mike has developed solutions for Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, and startups. His team has built award-winning products and delivered technology systems supporting millions of users and billions of daily web hits.

At Tech at the Gap, Hruska will bring a practical, forward-looking perspective to the conversation around emerging technology and digital transformation. Drawing on his experience working at the intersection of technology, business, and innovation, he will explore how organizations can understand and apply rapidly evolving technologies, turning disruption into meaningful opportunities for growth and innovation.

Additional speakers and panelists will be announced leading up to the conference. Those interested in attending Tech at the Gap can visit the official conference website for more information about the speaker lineup, schedule, and registration.

To learn more about what’s happening in Allegany County’s economic development space, read our blog