National Black Information Technology Leadership Organization Announces Urban Tech Weekend 2014 & Call for Speakers
The National Black Information Technology Leadership Organization (NBITLO) today announced that speaking proposals are now being accepted for the NBITLO Urban Technology Weekend 2014 (Urban Tech Weekend), September 24-27, 2014, at the Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor, 14703 Park Row, Houston, TX 77079. In addition to being the nation’s premier urban technology thought leadership forum, and STEM development summit, Urban Tech Weekend offers unparalleled educational and professional development opportunities to help bridge the diversity gap in STEM related career fields.
“Urban Tech Weekend is a desired platform because it gives speakers an opportunity to be part of the digital divide solution by equipping IT professionals and leaders with the tools needed for success and to create pathways for more diversity in technology,” said NBITLO Founder Andrew West.
For the four-day urban innovation summit, NBITLO has issued a “Call for Speakers” in STEM education, innovation, technology leadership, empowerment, career planning, entrepreneurship, and those extolling proven practices that will push the leading edge of the industry, while motivating the pursuit of excellence.
Presentation proposals must be submitted under one of the seven thematic tracks that characterize this year’s summit. Each track explores a different aspect of IT professional resources, STEM education and innovative entrepreneurial professions:1. Urban STEM Innovation & Technology–An Entrepreneurial (self-reliance) mindset coupled with careers in STEM are vital to the long-term success of African Americans or any disadvantaged group of people: Educating future innovators, inspiring technology professionals, equipping STEM pipelines, bridging the digital divide and enabling entrepreneurs to succeed.
2. Women in STEM and Technology Leadership–No longer the minority, the emerging majority: Empowering a dynamic workforce of women innovators, STEM practitioners and global information technology leaders.
3. Urban Economics & Entrepreneurship–Managing in an interconnected world: Pioneering business and technology excellence in your own silicone backyard.
4. Urban Education & Opportunity – “All Things Educational”–Fostering a winning mindset and preparing a global workforce in STEM: Adding educational practitioners to the STEM workforce crisis discussion.
5. Urban Career Options Decoded–Approaching STEM, advancing information technology careers, climbing the ladder to C-Level and digital entrepreneurship pathways.
6. Innovate Africa – “Emerging Global Markets”–Seizing global tech opportunities.
7. Urban Economics & Tech – “If it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense”–Monetizing on Apps, businesses, and start-ups.
To submit a presentation proposal or to suggest a speaker, please review the requirements on by clicking here. Submissions will be accepted online through July 1, 2014. In addition to a call for speakers, organizers have also opened early registration for Urban Tech Weekend. Early bird registration will save registrants a third of the standard registration fee. Another cost-effective way to attend is to become a NBITLO member. Membership includes an all-inclusive Urban Tech Weekend pass with exclusive access to members-only events. Corporations interested in exhibiting, are invited to share information related to careers, innovations or products and services at the Tech Expo and Diversity Career Fair. Attendees will experience four days of dynamic programing, which include:
- Four thought-provoking keynotes and two focused roundtable discussions
- Over three days of information packed days of IT professional resources
- High Tech Expo and Diversity Career Fair
- Urban STEM Thought-Leadership Symposium
- Urban High School Code-a-Thon
- Urban Hack-a-Thon
- College Student Pitch Competition
- Urban Tech Authors’ Showcase
- Countless Networking Events & Mentorship Opportunities
- Urban Innovators Gala
“It is widely known that the technology industry lacks diversity,” said West. “About one in 14 technology workers is black or Latino, both in Silicon Valley and nationally. Blacks and Latinos make up 13.1 and 16.9 percent of the U.S. population, respectively, according to the most recent census data, yet are also sorely underrepresented in C-level technology positions. I echo the excitement of our executive team about the transformative nature of Urban Tech Weekend and our year-long programming to change the game for minority youth seeking careers in STEM and to connect, grow and enhance the careers of current IT professionals while also sourcing budding entrepreneurs and innovators.”
Urban Tech Weekend culminates with the NBITLO Urban Innovators Awards Gala. During the gala, the best of the best in urban innovation, STEM and the technology community at-large will be recognized for their efforts to make a difference in their educational opportunities, innovations, inventions and diversity hiring practices. The gala will be held on Saturday, September 27, at the Houston Museum of African American Culture, 4807 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77019.
About NBITLO Urban Technology Weekend 2014
The NBITLO Urban Technology Weekend (Urban Tech Weekend) is the crowning annual program of NBITLO. A multi-day summit, the objectives of Urban Tech Weekend are to help create an environment and network to achieve the following: bridge the digital divide, create equity in the information technology workforce, diversify the STEM pipeline, and incubate and equip innovators with world class inventions and global business ideas. For more information click here.
