The 14th CTO Colloquium: Denver, CO
The 14th CTO Colloquium: Strengthen Foundations. Scale Intentionally.
Dates: September 18–19, 2025
Venue for Both Days: Code Talent, located in River North Brewery – Blake Street Taproom
Address: 3412 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
Great leadership begins with strong foundations.
The 14th CTO Colloquium is a two-day experience for CTOs who are ready to reinforce what matters most—clarity, consistency, and intentional leadership that drives sustainable growth.
At the core of this event is the official launch of LIQUID: How CEOs & CTOs Unlock Flow and Momentum in Complex Systems, a new book by Etienne de Bruin, Kathy Keating, and Scott Graves. LIQUID introduces the CTO Levels framework—a powerful model to help technical leaders align with reality, assess their impact, and move forward with purpose.
Agenda
Day 1 – Thursday, September 18: Colloquium Talks (Denver)
This day follows a true Colloquium format: short, expert-led talks designed to spark reflection, with intentional pauses for breakout discussion and peer feedback. This is not passive listening—it’s an exchange of ideas among experienced CTOs.
Talk 1: Who Do We Need to Be as CTOs? (Kathy Keating)
The importance of consistency in our industry. Why we should stop resolving solved problems. And how our leadership brand shapes everything we build and scale.
Talk 2: Strong Foundations Drive Success (Etienne de Bruin)
What assessments reveal about a company's grounding. Why strong foundations are essential to growth and revenue. And how the CTO Levels framework is being used to drive strategy and profitability.
Talk 3: Along the Journey (Diana Pfeil)
What it looks like to stabilize, scale, or save a company—especially as a fractional or advisory CTO. Includes a real-life example of grounded, high-stakes leadership in action.
Schedule:
3:00 – 3:30 PM: Welcome & Light Refreshments
3:30 – 4:15 PM: Who Do We Need to Be as CTOs? + Peer Breakout
4:15 – 5:00 PM: Strong Foundations Drive Success + Peer Breakout
5:00 – 5:30 PM: Break
5:30 – 6:15 PM: Along the Journey + Peer Breakout
6:15 – 6:30 PM: Closing Reflections
7:00 PM: Optional Networking Dinner
Day 2 – Friday, September 19: Forum, Lunch & Mini Golf
This day is designed for connection, collaboration, and stepping outside routine.
Morning: Forum-Style Sessions
Small group breakouts focused on foundational leadership challenges and opportunities. Participants will explore topics introduced on Day 1, reflect on their own experiences, and engage in collaborative problem-solving guided by the CTO Forums model.
Midday: Group Lunch (Denver – venue TBA)
A relaxed, communal lunch to continue conversations and build deeper connections with fellow CTOs.
Afternoon: Mini Golf at Puttshack
We’ll close out the Colloquium with some light competition and fun at Puttshack Denver—a great way to reset and connect with peers outside the usual context.
Why Attend
Reinforce the structural foundations of your leadership
Engage deeply with peers who understand your challenges
Explore a clear framework for assessing and growing your impact
Apply tangible insights to real-time organizational and personal decisions
Step back from daily noise to realign with what matters most
Registration
Ticket Sales Open June 1
Early Bird (until July 1): $149
Standard: $249