YTexas announces speakers and exhibitors for the 2022 YTexas Summit

News Provided by YTexas
September 21, 2022

YTexas announces speakers and exhibitors for the 2022 YTexas Summit

Event to feature statewide attendees, exclusive networking, unique activations, giveaways and more

Sep. 21, 2022 – DALLAS – YTexas, the elite Texas business network for companies relocating, expanding and growing in the Lone Star State, today announced the full speaker list, exhibitors and slate of events for the upcoming 2022 YTexas Summit, taking place at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2022. The YTexas Summit is the largest business symposium in the state and will feature networking, exhibitors, panel discussions, live demonstrations and more. The Summit expects attendees from Texas’ top corporations across the state, local universities and the leaders of tomorrow.

“It’s no secret that Texas is a powerhouse state for business. This year’s YTexas Summit will be as big as Texas itself. Our event will demonstrate the scope and scale of Texas’ massive $2 trillion dollar economy while also showcasing some of the state’s most noteworthy and iconic brands,” said Ed Curtis, CEO of YTexas. “Since the pandemic, we have had over 100 companies relocate their headquarters to Texas. The Summit is a chance to officially welcome these companies and celebrate their accomplishments within the Lone Star State.”

As part of the expanded venue at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the 2022 YTexas Summit provides the exclusive opportunity for dozens of Texas-based companies to exhibit their technologies and products in person. In addition to the exclusive networking component and regional showcases, attendees will also have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with unique activations on the field including an autonomous Indy car, military-grade helicopter, virtual reality technology, drones, robots and more.

The event will have a unique focus on the future of Texas, combining interests in innovation, education, relocation and entertainment.

The YTexas Summit will have some of Texas’ top executives speaking about up-and-coming trends in the state, Texas growth markets, state economic impact, industries and more. Confirmed panels and speakers include:

• Two Panel Discussions and Fireside Chats about the Relocation Process in Texas
  • Located in the Cowboys pressroom, the Relo Expo discussion panels will be followed by 30 mins of Q&A and industry networking with economic development professionals, business executives and real estate experts.
• Corporate Relocation Credits & Incentives: powered by Ryan, LLC
  • Brint Ryan, Chairman & CEO of Ryan, LLC and Texas Association of Business, CEO Glenn Hamer, discuss the top incentives on the docket for the next legislative session. Attendees will hear what business leaders need to do to educate the legislature on the assistance needed to compete in the global economy. Additionally, Glenn and Brint will talk about the CHIPS act, Chapter 313 and other legislation taking center stage right now. The discussion will be moderated by Austin Business Journal publisher, Abby Mellott.
• Site Selection: Technology in Texas powered by the Howard Hughes Corporation
  • Howard Hughes Corporation president Jay Cross & University of Houston professor Margaret Kidd discuss the growing trend of technology companies choosing Texas. Moderated by Houston Business Journal publisher Robert Charlet.

The Summit will also have live interviews on the YTexas interview desk near the Star on the 50-yard line with discussions including:

• Economic Impact Report: The 2026 World Cup powered by Corporate Relocation International
  • The 2026 World Cup is coming to Dallas and Houston. The Dallas Business Journal and Houston Chronicle Publisher, Ollie Chandhok and Nancy Meyer, sit down for a one-on-one discussion with Matt Wilson, Vice President of Sports & Entertainment of Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Janis Burke, CEO of Houston Sports Authority, to discuss the impact the upcoming World Cup will have on these regions for decades to come.
• Regionalism: How Austin and San Antonio will grow into a super region
  • Austin and San Antonio are projected to have the most powerful collective economies in Texas. However, history has them working independently. San Antonio Express-News publisher, Mark Medici, and John Garrett, CEO of Community Impact Newspaper sit down with two regional influencers, Charlie Amato, Chairman & Co-Founder of SWBC,  and Roy Spence, Founder of GSD&M and creator of the Don’t Mess with Texas campaign, to discuss the future of these two regions.

The Summit will also feature several Industry InfoLounges in the shape of a Y on one side of the football field for networking and learning more about Texas’ innovation economy, including:

• YTexas Concierge with Artificial Intelligence powered by IBM & Soul Machines Technologies
  • Visit the YTexas concierge to get guidance on navigating the event and YTexas membership. Learn how businesses compete by using AI to meet customer demands. Experience a live experiment from IBM Technologies using the event’s digital concierge AI, Olivia.
• Regional InfoLounge: Brownsville – Space for All
  • The Brownsville region is one of the fastest growing in the state. As the home of SpaceX and their close proximity to the port, Brownsville is the ideal place to expand your supply chain and compete within the fast-paced economy. Learn more from the city about why corporations are choosing Brownsville and what’s next for the region. The lounge will be joined by the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, Brownsville International Airport, City of Brownsville and the Port of Brownsville.  The lounge will bring the culture of Brownsville to the event with decor, prizes and games.
• Industry InfoLounge: Drone Technology powered by DroneUp
  • DroneUp, a Virginia based company looking to expand around Texas, uses drones to assist with the delivery of everyday products, while also helping rural communities get deliveries in a timelier manner. DroneUp is developing a last-mile delivery system that will not only provide swift and simple local deliveries, but will also be ready to provide critical infrastructure inspections at every corridor. Stop by to see the model drone.
• Industry InfoLounge: National Security powered by Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES)
  • Texas is becoming the state of the future for national security. Join Texas A&M, Raytheon, AFWERX, and Fort Worth-based Elbit Systems of America as they showcase the modernization of US military operations.  Rob Gorham, Executive Director of TEES, Col Ross Guieb, Executive Director George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex and Col. Martin Salinas, Chief Operating Office, AFWERX will discuss how industries, the Department of Defense and Academic institutions can collaborate and move the needle on innovation for our state and for our nation as a whole.
    This group is joined by Firehawk Aerospace, a new Texas company looking to change the space industry. Elbit Systems of America will also be displaying its Vertical Lift Test Bed (VLTB) helicopter – a flying “laboratory” – and its X-Sight augmented reality helmet-mounted display system on the field at AT&T Stadium.
• Industry InfoLounge: Intelligent infrastructure powered by Autonomy Institute
  • Our world is becoming more and more intelligent and autonomous. Soon, our cars and roads will be connected. Our ability to predict outcomes will make us safer. Data is the new oil – and broadband is the pipeline. Autonomous services are more commonplace now than ever. It hasn’t even touched the tip of the iceberg. Join the Autonomy Institute and learn about the future of autonomous roadways and experience an autonomous Indy car and see how Texas is getting ready for the Jetsons.
  • Irving-based OnRobot will provide demonstrations on how robots are used in the future of manufacturing. Lastly, Houston-based Venus Aerospace will be showcasing their plans to build a Mach 9 hypersonic Spaceplane.
• Regional InfoLounge: Experience Abilene
  • Abilene is the largest city in West Central Texas. It is only a 2-hour drive to the DFW area. Their employment numbers are sharply increasing, and the city has an aggressive strategy for recruiting large-scale manufacturing facilities. Visit with Abilene manufacturer Tige Boats, who will be exhibiting one of their newest boats on the sidelines. Other manufacturers include Primal Pet Group, Clavel, Chike Nutrition and Vista Flags. In addition, Lancium – a bitcoin mining company with operations in Abilene will be showcasing a bitcoin machine. DevelopAbilene, the sponsor of the Lounge, will be bringing groups of students from Wylie High School and Abilene ISD to learn about career opportunities across the state.
• Texas Real Estate powered by Monument Realty
  • Everyone is coming to Texas to expand personally and professionally. Rural Texas has been of big appeal to investors and residents seeking a high quality of life. A new class of real estate called barndominiums is gaining popularity both with homeowners looking for more space and for those looking for a new type of luxury living. Learn more about the easy build process – and infrastructure needed to live off the grid. Ranch land is ripe for large industrial products or cattle ranching to support any food distribution company. The rural part of the lounge will be joined by R2G Barndominiums, LandHub.com and American Farm + Ranch. The urban life on both the residential and commercial side will include Monument Realty, the official real estate partner of the Dallas Cowboys as well as Aquila Commercial, a boutique Commercial Real Estate brokerage based out of Austin. Learn about new trends, pricing, and development across the great state of Texas.

In addition to its focus on Texas business, the YTexas Summit will also have a strong education component. The event anticipates attendance from college students across 10 Texas universities and 150 high school students from Texas-area high schools. Students can expect internship and workforce showcases, on-site training and more. Event activations include:

• The Texas Workforce Commission: Internship HUB powered by Texas Mutual Insurance Company
  • This HUB will be where students and employers can converge to match interests. Students will be able to learn about internship best practices and how to position themselves for the job of a lifetime. Employers will be able to learn about the benefits of hiring interns and the best ways to attract the talent they need.
• Career Center featuring University of North Texas (UNT) Sports Management, Esposure and YTexas Leadership Academy
  • UNT has one of the premier sports management programs in the nation. Stop by this lounge and hear from students who are working with the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks and PGA of America.
  • Stop by the Esports Lounge powered by ESposure to learn more about careers in gaming and e-sports and how to get the training you need.
  • The YTexas Leadership Academy provides students with first-hand mentoring with some of the top CEOs in Texas, visits to corporate campuses and training on how to nail job interviews. Attendees can meet alumni and apply to be part of the 2023 YTexas Leadership Academy class.
• YTexas STEM Challenge powered by Formula 1 in Schools and NASA STEM Challenge
  • Watch as Texas high school students compete in a statewide contest to build the next rocket or race car to win the F1 challenge. Over 60 schools will be competing for the grand prize.
• The Make it Movement: Informing, inspiring, and engaging youth around the growing opportunities of skilled careers
  • The jobs of the future, in many cases, will not require a four-year degree. Learn about career opportunities that best fit your competencies. Earn money immediately, while in school, by getting trained for a high-paying job within some of the most in-demand industries across the country.
• Del Valle High School: Robotics Showcase
  • Del Valle ISD is proud to participate in this important event, and demonstrate our region’s, and our district’s workforce readiness. Our Robotics Team, the best new Texas seed in First Robotics, will be showcasing their talents. We will also be bringing our AutoTech team to demonstrate their skills on the Lucas-Nuelle Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Trainers. We look forward to an exciting event.

Lastly, in addition to the exclusive networking, industry panels and education components, the YTexas Summit will feature live performances, on-the-field interviews, competitions, and giveaways. This includes:

• A live half-time performance from Grammy-nominated artist, SaulPaul
  • SaulPaul is a two-time GRAMMY-nominated musician with a Message. He is also the official Global Ambassador for the Make It Movement. He has presented three TEDx Talks, performed at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and been featured on America’s Got Talent. His life story of transitioning from tragedy to triumph has been told on screen via the documentary Tower to Tower as well as via his memoir “Be the Change”. SaulPaul is also the founder of Change Water, a socially conscious bottled water company that donates to the local community with each case of water sold.
• An Award-Winning Military Color Guard will open the event
• National Anthem performance by the Shelton High School band and Drum line
• Live Summit coverage from the YTexas Podcast including guest podcasters
  • Hear live interviews with event attendees on what trends they are discovering at the 2022 Summit. Stop by for a chat with a Texas podcaster, local newspaper publisher or an interview on a hot mic with event MC and EMMY award-winning sports anchor and broadcast journalist, Scott Murray.
• YTexas Summit Punt, Pass & Kick Contest Powered by Advocare
  • You can’t spend the day on the field without going for an extra point. Compete in a team-building event, catch a ball from a robot and beat Gronkowski in a fitness challenge. Win an ice shaker and receive a complimentary sample of an Advocare supplement.
  • Activation includes special promotions by Ice Shaker CEO, Chris Gronkowski, and demonstrations by the world’s first robotic quarterback, Monarc Sport.
• YTexas Pick ‘Til You Win Contest for cars and cash
  • Enter a few on-the-field lounge competitions to win a Tesla Model S Plaid or Toyota Tacoma – both Texas-based auto manufacturers.
• What’s Your YTexas Story
  • Attendees can record a video to share why they chose to relocate, expand, or keep their businesses headquartered within the Lone Star State. By sharing the video clips using the hashtag #YTXsummit, attendees can enter to win two tickets to a future Dallas Cowboys game.

The event will include participation from over 125 companies doing business in Texas, a list of which can be found here.

To learn more about attending the 2022 YTexas Summit, visit YTexas.com/2022summit.

About YTexas

YTexas is an elite Texas business network for companies relocating, expanding and growing in the Lone Star State. The organization is the premier go-to resource for the most current insider information about Texas’ community, commerce and culture. YTexas provides a platform for the exchange of information and ideas, and fosters long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that help culturally integrate companies entering Texas. Headquartered in Austin, YTexas has received national acclaim for being at the forefront of economic development trends. Visit YTexas.com to learn more.

YTexas would like to extend appreciation to all of the following companies for their support of the 2022 YTexas Summit: