About this Event
Innovation. Connection. Community.
Join Media + Tech Collective of the Rockies for the 2026 Ron Rizzuto Innovation Challenge Live Finals!
This year's challenge, Bridging the Trust Deficit, brings together talented student teams to tackle one of today's biggest challenges: building and maintaining trust in an increasingly connected world.
After weeks of research, collaboration and mentorship, our finalists will take the stage to pitch innovative solutions to a panel of industry judges, competing for $6,000 in prizes.
Why attend?
- Connect with industry leaders: Meet professionals from media, technology, telecommunications and business.
- Grow your network: Build meaningful connections with the MTC community and other Denver-area professionals.
- Experience innovation: Watch emerging talent present creative solutions to real-world challenges.
- Support the next generation: Celebrate the students shaping the future of our industry.
Event details
Friday, November 6, 2026
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM MST
Comedy Works South at The Landmark
5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village, CO
FREE and open to the public!
Stay after the presentations for networking and light refreshments, available while supplies last.
Whether you're an industry professional, student, educator, entrepreneur or simply interested in innovation, we'd love to see you there!
Thank You to Our 2026 Innovation Challenge Sponsors!
The Ron Rizzuto Innovation Challenge is made possible through the generous support of our industry sponsors and partners.
Their commitment to innovation, education, and developing the next generation of industry leaders helps bring this experience to life.
Innovation Challenge Prize Sponsors
- Associated Staffing — First Place Sponsor
- TalentBridge — Second Place Sponsor
- SCTE — Third Place Sponsor
Student Experience Sponsor
- AOI
Coffee & Connections Sponsor
- TEKsystems
We are grateful to these organizations for investing in emerging talent, supporting student innovation, and helping make the 2026 Innovation Challenge possible.
Thank you for being part of the MTC community!
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Welcome Coffee & Networking
Info: Check in, enjoy coffee and connect with fellow attendees.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Opening Program & Introductions
Host: Ryan Seim - MTC President
Info: Welcome remarks, MTC overview, founder and sponsor recognition, challenge overview and introduction of judges.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Innovation Challenge Live Finals Presentations
Info: Watch finalist student teams present their innovative solutions to Bridging the Trust Deficit.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Judges' Deliberation & Awards Ceremony
Info: Judges evaluate the presentations, followed by winner announcements and recognition of our student innovators.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Industry Networking & Refreshments
Info: Meet industry leaders, expand your professional network and connect with the MTC community.
Event venue & nearby stays
Comedy Works South, 5345 Land Mark Place, Greenwood Village, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.