Michael Rogers is keynote speaker at the 2015 Ben Franklin iXchange, 5:30 p.m. May 7, Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem.

Rogers is an author, technology pioneer and futurist who most recently was Futurist-In-Residence at The New York Times. He will address the virtualization of America and the world, the "Internet of Things" and what the digital lifestyle means for business.

He began his career as a writer for Rolling Stone magazine. He launched Newsweek's technology column, winning numerous journalism awards. For 10 years he was vice president of The Washington Post Company's new media division, leading both the newspaper and Newsweek into the new century and earning patents for multimedia technology.

The iXchange is a business networking opportunity in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Last year, more than 550 technology entrepreneurs, business people, economic developers, venture capitalists, political leaders, educators, students, bankers, lawyers and accountants from Ben Franklin's 21-county service area attended.

The iXchange will include two executive networking sessions, the keynote address by Rogers and the presentation of Ben Franklin's annual Innovation Awards.

Hot hors d'oeuvres and dessert will be served. A cash bar will be available.

Information: iXchange@nep.benfranklin.org, 610-758-5200.