Top Tech Awards is an annual event that celebrates innovation and excellence in Southern Nevada's technology sector. Mark Stutzman, Chief Technology Officer at AREA15, won the 2024 Top Tech Award in Entertainment for his visionary leadership in transforming the world's first purpose-built immersive entertainment district into a technological marvel that attracts over 3 million visitors annually. In an interview with VEGAS INC, Stutzman reflects on his win and shares his vision of a future where technology will evolve in the next five years.
What is it like to win a Top Tech Award?
Winning the Top Tech Award was both humbling and energizing. It’s an acknowledgment of personal achievement, but also of the incredible teams and collaborators who push boundaries alongside me every day. It reinforces that the risks, late nights, and crazy ideas really matter and make a difference in shaping the tech landscape here.
Why is it important to have a technology recognition awards program in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is often seen globally as just entertainment and hospitality, but beneath that there is an amazing tech ecosystem. Programs like this shine a light on the innovation happening across sectors — from immersive entertainment to sustainability, health tech, and beyond. It helps attract talent, investment, and attention to the region, showing that Vegas is a serious player in the future of technology, but it also provides an evening where we can celebrate with likeminded colleagues.
How will technology evolve in the next five years?
We’ll see a deeper blending of physical and digital worlds — AI, spatial computing, and immersive experiences will reshape how we live, work, and play. Expect more automation, hyper-personalization, and ethical debates about where we draw the line between convenience and privacy. I also think industries like entertainment, hospitality, and health will see huge advancements.
What advice would you give aspiring innovators looking to make an impact on the tech industry?
Stay relentlessly curious and don’t be afraid to break things — innovation comes from testing, failing, and learning fast. Surround yourself with people smarter than you, stay grounded in real-world problems, and remember that the best tech isn’t about shiny features; it’s about the enablement of better experiences and solving actual problems.
What are the biggest technological challenges you face in your role and how do you overcome them?
One of the hardest challenges is scaling innovation while maintaining operational excellence. It’s easy to chase shiny new tech but integrating it in a frictionless way takes discipline and alignment. I ask myself many times a day “how does this improve the guest experience?” or “how can I make this teams life easier?”.
Who is your technology superhero?
Steve Jobs – he was the master at blending tech, usability, design, marketing, and storytelling into products that changed entire industries. His ability to see the intersection of human needs and possibilities — and then present it in a way that captured imaginations — is something I deeply admire. It’s a reminder that great tech isn’t just about code or hardware; it’s about creating experiences that resonate with people on an emotional level.
If you know or work with a similar leader in technology who contributes to the success of industries such as cybersecurity, education, gaming, health care, nonprofits and more, nominate them for the 2025 Top Tech Awards at https://toptech.awardsplatform.com/