In its sophomore year, poweredUP tech fest to capitalize on industry surge

poweredUP Tech Fest, presented by Tampa Bay Tech, is back for year two on May 23 at the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. This annual event features technology leaders from top companies both local and national. 

“Tampa Bay is Florida’s fastest-growing technology hub and we are the second fastest-growing tech hub in the nation,” said Jill St. Thomas, Tampa Bay Tech’s Co-Executive Director in a press release. “We have a unique market that is attracting global companies, making this flagship event critical to our community’s growth. We are bringing in world-class thought leaders to enlighten and inspire our attendees.”

Among the speakers will be Otto Berkes, the co-founder of Xbox, along with a panel of CIOs from local tech giants with a combined $100B in revenue – Accenture, Nielsen, PwC, and TechData. Industry-leading CEOs from Agile Thought and Vology will engage in CEO 2 CEO chat, and St. Pete mayor Rick Kriseman will address the crowd.

At last year’s inaugural poweredUP tech fest, the Catalyst celebrated Tampa Bay’s tech surge along with hundreds of tech executives, employees, and entrepreneurs. Eighteen speakers took the stage to talk about where Tampa Bay’s tech environment is and where it’s headed – as well as how we foster its moniker as “Florida’s largest and fastest growing tech hub.” 

That moniker certainly remains top of mind for local politicians focused on economic development, especially as Kriseman made his first trip specifically focused on economic development last week. The mayor spent a few days in San Francisco along with St. Pete Economic Development Corporation’s JP Dubuque. The pair met with multiple start-ups to discuss St. Pete’s booming entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Local officials have been laser-focused on tech sector growth, as it brings high-paying jobs to the area. In 2017, the average wage in the tech industry was $86,640, compared to the regional overall average wage of $48,771 – according to a special report from CompTIA. The tech sector’s impact is on employment is nothing to scoff at. In 2017, the tech industry employed 62,673 people in the Tampa Bay area. And the number is only going up. 

In its sophomore year, this half-day festival is sure to be filled with more insight, expertise and vision for Tampa Bay’s future. Don’t miss it.

Tampa Bay Tech members receive a complimentary ticket. Non-members see below for a special Catalyst offer.  For more information on the event, tickets, and Tampa Bay Tech, go to https://tampabay.tech

Event details:

poweredUP Tech Fest

When: May 23rd, 1:00pm – 6:00pm

Where: Mahaffey Theater (400 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701)

Cost: $100 (free for Tampa Bay Tech members)

Check out this special deal from the Catalyst to you…