Silicon Slopes Summit will take place for the first time at a university campus. Most of the events of its 2025 Summit will take place at UVU in Orem, Utah. Clint Betts, CEO of Silicon Slopes shares what attendees can expect at the January 2025 Summit.
Silicon Slopes Summit is one of the largest and most prestigious annual business and tech events in North America, and definitely the biggest programmed tech event in Utah. Silicon Slopes, in concert with Utah Valley University, will convene the main portion of the 2025 Summit's events at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. This decision represents a transformative step in Summit's nine year evolution. It marks the first time that Silicon Slopes Summit will take place on a university campus.
Clint Betts, CEO of Silicon Slopes and the summit’s organizer, sat down with TechBuzz to discuss this location shift to UVU. Betts emphasized that the decision to go with UVU for Summit is not only about showcasing UVU's growing influence in tech but also about leveraging UVU’s role as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and education. Known for its robust programs and strong connection to the local business community, UVU provides an ideal backdrop for fostering collaboration between students, professionals, and industry leaders.
This year’s summit will adopt a dual-location format, with the main sessions, keynote speeches, and panel discussions taking place at UVU over two days, January 14 and 15, 2025. Startup Alley and a community-focused, meals-preparation service project will be held at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. This strategic split addresses feedback from previous years, where attendees often faced the challenge of choosing between overlapping events. By spreading activities across two locations, and on different days, Silicon Slopes hopes that Summit attendees may engage more deeply with each aspect of the program.
The Startup Alley segment promises to be a highlight, featuring approximately 100 startups handpicked in collaboration with local venture capital firms. This showcase will not only spotlight emerging talent but also connect startups with potential investors, partners, and customers. The curated selection process ensures that attendees experience the best of Utah's vibrant startup ecosystem, which continues to gain national recognition.
A key focus of this year’s summit will be artificial intelligence (AI) and the future of technology. These themes reflect the rapid advancements shaping the global tech landscape and Silicon Slopes' commitment to keeping Utah at the forefront of innovation. Although the full list of speakers remains under wraps, organizers have hinted at an impressive lineup of high-profile CEOs, industry visionaries, and AI experts who will share their insights on these critical topics. TechBuzz will report on program speakers when this information becomes available.
In a bold move to broaden accessibility and inclusivity, Silicon Slopes Summit will be free and open to the public for the first time. This decision is expected to significantly increase attendance, potentially making this year’s Summit the largest in its history. To offset the loss of traditional ticket revenue, organizers are introducing a paid VIP option and relying on sponsorships from local and national companies. These sponsors view the summit as a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse audience, further fueling Utah's reputation as a thriving business and technology hub.
The relocation to UVU is also seen as a way to engage the next generation of innovators. By hosting the event on a university campus, Summit creates opportunities for students to participate in high-level discussions, network with industry leaders, and gain hands-on exposure to emerging technologies. The university’s facilities, coupled with its deeply-entrenched entrepreneurial culture, offer a fresh environment that aligns with the summit’s mission of fostering growth and collaboration.
In addition to its emphasis on technology and business, Summit’s service project, administered through Silicon Slopes Serves, will prepare truckloads of meals for individuals and families in need. This humanitarian project underscores Silicon Slopes' dedication to channeling its membership of tech companies for a positive community impact. Silicon Slopes will be partnering with Argosy, a luxury streetwear startup in Utah, to launch "Goldy the Bee," a visual representation of one of the symbols of the Beehive State and its dynamic tech sector. Purchasers of Goldy the Bee t-shirts and sweatshirts will see 25% of their purchase go towards Silicon Slopes Serves, culminating in a donation in the form of an oversized check at Startup Alley at the Salt Palace near the end of the Summit.
Clint Betts described the partnership with Argosy as a "fantastic example of how the tech and fashion industries can come together for a greater purpose. Goldy the Bee not only symbolizes our collaborative spirit but also serves as a beacon for charitable initiatives that truly matter.”
By incorporating philanthropy into the event, organizers hope to inspire attendees to think beyond profit and prioritize positive contributions to society. This holistic approach reflects Silicon Slopes' vision of a balanced ecosystem where innovation, collaboration, and community thrive together.
With a reimagined format, expanded accessibility, and a focus on cutting-edge technology, Silicon Slopes Summit 2025 is poised to solidify its position as a premier event in the tech world. The move to UVU not only reflects the growth of the summit but also reinforces Utah’s emergence as a national leader in technology and innovation.
For more information about Silicon Slopes Summit 2025 click here.
To volunteer at Summit, click here.