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TechConnect West Virginia will hold the 2016 Women & Technology Conference October 6-7 at Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center in Davis, West Virginia. Registration will open soon.

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.

“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, an exhibitor showcase, and ample opportunity for quality networking.  The conference will begin at noon on Thursday, October 6 and conclude after lunch on Friday, October 7.

“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.”

TechConnect founded the Women & Technology Conference in 2012 to encourage and inspire women involved in technology education, research, private enterprise, the public sector, investing and entrepreneurship. Sponsorship opportunities for the 2016 event are still available. For questions regarding registration, sponsorships or exhibiting, please e-mail Anne Barth at anne@techconnectwv.org.