Speaker Bios
Why Austin? Setting the Stage of the Live Music Capital of the World
With 15 years at Visit Austin, Dane Piper has played a role in shaping how the city welcomes and supports conventions and meetings. As Vice President of Destination Services, he leads the team responsible for ensuring that Austin’s visitor experience reflects the city’s creative culture while also driving measurable economic impact.
Dane Piper
Dane spent more than a decade in sales before transitioning to convention services, giving him a unique perspective on how tourism not only supports Austin’s economy but also strengthens its identity as the Live Music Capital of the World. His work bridges the needs of meeting planners, local businesses, and community stakeholders to ensure that Austin’s rapid growth enhances rather than diminishes its authentic character.
Roland Peña is the SVP of Global Investment and Innovation with Opportunity Austin – a five-county regional economic development initiative. Since May 2018, Roland Peña has been at the forefront of economic development in Austin, Texas, serving in pivotal roles at Opportunity Austin. His leadership as SVP of Global Investment and Innovation and previously as SVP of Global Technology & Innovation and VP of Economic Development, plus a 34-year track record in economic development exemplifies his unparalleled commitment to fostering
Roland Peña Roland's visionary approach to enhancing the Austin Region's Global Investment and Innovation ecosystem, spearheading international relations initiatives, and fostering startup growth has positioned Austin as a global hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. His tenure has been characterized by a robust commitment to strategic adaptation, goal setting, and sector-specific leadership, significantly advancing the business landscape and technological infrastructure of the Austin area. Roland is a member of the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Management and a Master of Business Administration Degree in International Trade from Sul Ross State University. innovation, investment, and technological advancement in the region. Under a collaborative model Roland is driving strategic initiatives that significantly enhance the region's economic diversity and competitiveness.
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