Registration Open for 2016 Women & Technology Conference
TechConnect West Virginia is pleased to announce that the 2016 Women & Technology Conference will
take place October 6-7 at Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center in Davis, West Virginia.
Click here for conference information and to register.
The purpose of the event is to address the under-representation of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The conference aims to encourage women involved in technology education and research, private enterprises, the public sector, investing, and entrepreneurship.
A core focus of this year’s event will explore how women and technology can help revitalize West Virginia’s economy. The program will examine groundbreaking research, pathways and transitions to STEM careers, women and entrepreneurship, the non-traditional workplace, and more.
“As a state, we face a lot of economic challenges, but the outlook can be very bright,” said Anne Barth, executive director of TechConnect. “Growing the state’s innovation economy is a path to progress, but will require a workforce with new skills and an entrepreneurial spirit. Involving more women in this sector is critical if we hope to effectively rebuild West Virginia’s economy.”
Barth said, “From Silicon Valley to the Boston I-495 Tech Corridor, women are under-represented in technology: on university campuses, in large and small businesses, in government R&D, and among high-growth start-up firms. Developing this potential source of untapped talent could help to diversify and grow the economy, and encouraging more women to enter tech fields and become tech entrepreneurs is an important goal for West Virginia and the nation.”
The 2016 Women & Technology Conference will feature inspirational women speakers, informative and useful panel discussions and breakout sessions, and ample opportunity for quality networking. The conference will begin at noon on Thursday, October 6 and conclude after lunch on Friday, October 7.
Who is expected to attend? Professionals working in or with the technology sectors, including academics, economic developers, business owners, project managers, foundation personnel, professional service providers, students and many more.
“We’re holding the event in one of the most scenic and unique locations in West Virginia – Canaan Valley,” Barth said. “We’ll incorporate some free time into the agenda to allow participants to explore the hiking or biking paths throughout Canaan Valley State Park, and the fall foliage should be in full display at this time of year.”
This program is presented with support from the following generous sponsors—thank you!
- West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts
- West Virginia NASA Space Grant Consortium
- West Virginia University
- BrickStreet Insurance
- KeyLogic Systems, Inc.
- West Virginia Executive Magazine
- Allegheny Science & Technology
- West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
Sponsorships are still available for the 2016 event! Contact Anne Barth at 304.444.2918 or anne@techconnectwv.org for more information.