Technology crosses industry barriers and unites APEX attendees.

• Position: TECHNOLOGY

AFTER EIGHT YEARS OF DEMOGALA, the Colorado Technology Association (CAA) rebranded its annual confab APEX on Sept. 10-11 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center.

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"Wily APEX?" Erik Mrik Misek, CTA's CEO since April. asked rhetorically. "We wanted to extend the lens of focus and build an agenda that showcases the best of CTA."

This year has been a big one for the state's tech community, Mitisek added, citing best-ever C-Level @ A Mile High and Women in Tech Events, the Rally Software IPO, Intuit's acquisition of GoodApril before TechStars Boulder demo day (a first), and last but not least--a robust wireless network at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

"Every 72 hours a new startup is created in Colorado," he added. "Something special is happening, and that's why we're all here."

Mitisek pointed to technology as the unifier in industries ranging from energy to health care, and highlighted education as the key to the trend continuing. "How do we build the technology leaders of tomorrow before they even know it?"

In her subsequent remarks, ViaWest President and CEO Nancy Phillips focused on the need to get...