Learn next month how North Louisiana’s Technology Corridor has exploded, creating nearly 4,000 new tech jobs in the last several years.
TECH BY 20, a technology-focused professional group created and managed by North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), will host the North Louisiana TECH BY 20 Symposium: Mapping our Technology Ecosystem on November 13, 2019.
This inaugural event is open to the public and will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center from 9 am to 5 pm. The Symposium will unveil a map that shows the technology assets along I-20 and I-49. This emerging technology corridor, anchored by General Dynamics Information Technology in Shreveport-Bossier City and by CenturyLink in Monroe, will drive economic growth for years to come.
“NLEP’s TECH BY 20 should be commended for its commitment to growing and showcasing the strength of our existing IT community in North Louisiana,” said Mark Crews, TECH BY 20 Steering Committee member. “This Symposium is a great opportunity for technology leaders to come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and help build a solid foundation for growth of this economic engine.”
The idea for the North Louisiana TECH BY 20 Symposium was born out of a meeting of the North Louisiana CIO/CTO Roundtable in January 2019, hosted by TECH BY 20. TECH BY 20 supports the development of a vibrant technology ecosystem in North Louisiana and is guided by a 22-member Business Partner committee that sets the direction and goals for TECH BY 20.
“Having been involved with TECH BY 20 since its inception, I have been excited to watch the growth of our technology corridor in North Louisiana,” said Angie White, NLEP Sr. Vice President and TECH BY 20 manager. “I have also witnessed the increasing need over the last decade for information technology workers in all industries as technological advancements transform the way businesses work and communicate. Providing this opportunity for them to come together and find new partners for collaboration and innovation will only help our tech ecosystem get stronger.”
The Symposium will kick-off with an unveiling of the North Louisiana Technology Ecosystem map, an interactive mapping tool that will offer a visual representation of the technology ecosystem in North Louisiana. Speakers from a variety of private industries, government and military will discuss the industry trends over the last decade that have led to an increased need for information technology skills. Breakout sessions throughout the day will feature topics such as cybersecurity, cloud services, Internet of Things, digital engagement strategies, talent pipeline development, Smart Cities, and more.
Recognizing the value of information technology (IT) as an economic engine, the City of Shreveport charged Chief Technology Officer Keith Hanson with transforming Shreveport into a “Smart City.” This designation is given to a city that incorporates information and communication technologies to enhance the quality and performance of urban services. Hanson will lead a break-out session at the Symposium.
“With so many innovators, disruptors, and thought leaders in one room, I can’t wait to see the first pilot projects being built by our citizens for Shreveport’s Smart City efforts,” said Hanson, Chief Technology Officer, City of Shreveport. “With the accessibility and affordability of new technology, every technologist in Shreveport is welcome to pilot projects that can make our lives better.”
The Symposium will also feature keynote lunch speaker, David Elcock, Executive Director of the International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals. Elcock will lead a facilitated panel discussion about increasing diversity in the regional information technology talent pipeline. The Symposium will wrap up with a Power Hour networking mixer for attendees and presenters to continue their conversations.
General admission tickets to the North Louisiana TECH BY 20 Symposium are $65, which includes lunch. Information on tickets, sponsorships, vendor booths and a schedule of events can be found at www.symposium.techby20.org.
