When people think of tech hubs in the United States, big cities like San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Boston typically first come to mind. Yet Silicon Slopes, Utah’s rapidly growing tech and startup community headquartered in Lehi, is quickly gaining industry recognition for its globally renowned businesses, skilled talent pool, and affordable cost of living — and UVU students are in the mix.

Earlier this month, students from the UVU Woodbury School of Business participated in the fifth annual Silicon Slopes Summit, one of the largest and most prominent tech conferences in the world. This year’s event featured an impressive lineup, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, U.S. Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney, Qualtrics Executive Chairman Ryan Smith, and Domo CEO Josh James.

“[The summit] was really, really invigorating — as a student especially,” said Tori Hooper, a UVU senior studying biology. “It definitely changed my view on how fast technology and automation and programming are changing the future.”

Since its inception, Silicon Slopes has been closely connected to UVU. Beginning in fall 2018, the UVU Entrepreneurship Institute partnered with Silicon Slopes to offer a lecture series each semester dedicated to supporting future and current entrepreneurs. In 2019, the UVU Woodbury School of Business partnered with Silicon Slopes to offer a Master of Business Administration program with an emphasis in technology management.

Clint Betts, CEO and president of the Silicon Slopes nonprofit organization, is a UVU alum and continues to stay involved with his alma mater. For this year’s summit, Betts gave the university a code allowing MBA students and undergraduates to receive free tickets to attend the event either in person or virtually.

Renae Deighton, an MBA candidate through the Woodbury School of Business and professional education coordinator at UVU, says she most enjoyed the chance to network at this year’s summit and learn about innovations.

“They always do a good job at bringing in very interesting people and doing a wide range of topics,” Deighton said. “One of the really great parts for me is walking around and meeting people — seeing what’s happening in the valley.”

Elmer Pineda Magana, an MBA candidate in the finance emphasis program, also appreciated the chance to observe business leaders, make connections, and learn about how companies are tackling real-world issues like cybersecurity and cryptocurrency.

“When you’re studying, you’re pretty much in the classroom trying to be on your laptop all the time or reading or doing case studies. But this event — they actually allow you to see what’s out there just outside the classroom — to see which companies are out there and what they’re doing.”

Magana said that a key takeaway for him from one of the panels was the need for individuals and companies to be continually seeking new information as technology progresses. “It was interesting because theory is one thing and applying theory or seeing what the world is evolving to is different, and so [one panelist’s] response was that they’re learning still.”

UVU provides opportunities for students and professionals alike to continue their learning in an engaged classroom setting through its MBA program offerings, which include emphases in finance, management, marketing, and technology management. The university hosts a booth at the Silicon Slopes Summit’s networking expo, giving prospective students the chance to learn more about UVU’s flexible, affordable, and high-quality offerings.

Deighton, who is currently in the technology management emphasis, had the opportunity to help with the university’s MBA booth at a summit several years ago. She said that this experience sparked curiosity about UVU’s partnership with Silicon Slopes and served as “the initial seed” that motivated her to pursue an MBA.

“It’s very cool that the Woodbury School is aware of things that are happening and giving students opportunities to be engaged in the community beyond their education,” Deighton said.

Hooper feels that all students can benefit from engaged-learning opportunities like the Silicon Slopes Summit, regardless of their experience level or specific field of study. “You can’t take yourself out of the game even if you don’t feel qualified to be there. Even though you may not feel like you’re in that certain sector yet, you can, and you most likely will be. So just keep your eyes open and keep your ears open to the possibilities there.”

To learn more about graduate programs offered through the Woodbury School of Business, visit the UVU Master of Business Administration webpage.

UVU MBA candidate Renae Deighton poses at the Silicon Slopes Summit. Photo courtesy Renae Deighton.

UVU personnel pose with Young Living treasurer and UVU and Woodbury alum Brandon Evans.