Celebrating Innovation at the 2024 Top Tech Awards

Cox Business was proud to recently partner with VEGAS INC. for the 2024 Top Tech Awards, an annual celebration honoring the visionaries driving technological advancements across the Las Vegas Valley. This prestigious event underscores a commitment to powering the future of tech in Las Vegas and beyond by recognizing the leaders shaping innovation and fueling economic growth.

Honoring Leaders of Technology

These award recipients, selected by an independent panel of judges, represent excellence in technological innovation, impactful contributions to their industries, and meaningful advancements in their communities.

Top Tech of the Year

Joy Hoover, founder of Esōes Cosmetics, earned the Top Tech of the Year honor for her groundbreaking smart lipstick technology, blending personal safety with innovation. This ingenious device allows women to discreetly send emergency alerts to loved ones or law enforcement, exemplifying the spirit of visionary ingenuity celebrated at these awards.

Advancements in Institutional Technology

From hospitality to healthcare, tech leaders are driving change across institutional settings:

Vikrant Bodalia, VP of Technology Operations at Allegiant Stadium, demonstrated exceptional leadership during Super Bowl 2024 by elevating the venue’s technology standards.
Frederick Hutson, founder of Pigeonly, is revolutionizing prison communication technology, breaking barriers in an underserved sector.
Michael Gagnon of HealtHIE Nevada expanded the state’s health information exchange to include over 180 organizations, enhancing healthcare coordination statewide.

Public Service and Security Innovation

Recognizing contributions to government, education, and cybersecurity:

Timothy Galluzi spearheaded Nevada’s state technology modernization efforts.
Jesse Taylor enhanced UNLV’s identity management systems, bolstering campus-wide security.
Ron Arayata and Eric Basu showcased innovation in cybersecurity through their work at Nevada National Security Sites and Haiku Inc., respectively. These efforts highlight Las Vegas as a rising hub for public service and national security technology.

Businesses Driving Community Impact

Community-centered innovation was a central theme this year:

Duana Malone, founder of Nevada Help Desk, connects education with tech workforce opportunities through initiatives like the Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Summit and nationally recognized cybersecurity training programs.
Jamey Felsing, VP of Operations at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, utilizes cutting-edge technology to improve the lives of children facing cancer and rare diseases.
Colin Loveless, System Administrator at Foley Entertainment Group, led seamless network integrations for major acquisitions while mentoring others, teaching music, and giving back through volunteer work.
Mark Stutzman, CTO at AREA15, revolutionized immersive entertainment with AI-driven technology, positioning the venue as a global leader in experiential innovation.
Ian Hughes, of Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), has transformed compliance standards with AI and machine learning, ensuring GLI remains a global leader in gaming certification.

These remarkable individuals exemplify the vision and determination driving Las Vegas forward as a hub for innovation and community betterment.

The Future of Tech Starts Here

At Cox Business, we recognize the critical role of infrastructure in fostering innovation. Our investment in advanced networking, cybersecurity, and telecommunications empowers leaders to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

The 2024 Top Tech Awards showcase Las Vegas’s emergence as a significant technology hub, and we are honored to support the next generation of tech pioneers. Together, we are building a brighter, more innovative future for Las Vegas and beyond.