TechConnect West Virginia, a non-profit coalition committed to the advancement of the innovation economy in West Virginia, will hold the 2016 Women & Technology Conference October 6-7 at Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center in Davis, WV.
The purpose of this 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, public sector, investments and entrepreneurship. A core focus of this year’s event will explore how women and technology can help revitalize West Virginia’s economy.
Growing the state’s innovation economy is a path to progress, but it will require a work force with new skills and an entrepreneurial spirit. Involving more women in this sector is deemed critical to effectively rebuilding West Virginia’s economy.
From the 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 research and development and among high-growth start-up firms. Developing this potential source of untapped talent could help diversify and grow the economy, and encouraging more women to enter technology fields and become technology 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 opportunities for quality networking.
The event is also being held in one of the most scenic and unique locations in West Virginia: Canaan Valley. Free time will be incorporated into the agenda to allow participants to explore the hiking and 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 fields. TechConnect West Virginia focuses on advanced manufacturing and four core technology sectors: advanced energy, chemicals and advanced materials, biosciences and biometrics. With broad representation from private industry, the public sector and higher education, TechConnect seeks to diversify the state’s economy, promote economic prosperity and create high-paying jobs.
The conference will begin at noon on Thursday, October 6, and conclude after lunch on Friday, October 7. Registration and conference information can be found online at www.techconnectwv.org. For questions regarding registration, sponsorships or exhibiting, contact Anne Barth at anne@techconnectwv.org.
