TiECON Tampa Bay returns; Patel family to keynote event
TiECON, the local annual marquee event recognizing entrepreneurs in Tampa Bay, is returning as an in-person event and will have several prolific speakers.
TiECON is hosted by TiE Tampa Bay, a non-profit chapter of the global TiE community that spotlights entrepreneurs from all over the world and supports the startup community with mentoring, networking, education, incubating and funding.
The TiECON Tampa Bay 2022 event will have a “Legacy: The Next Generation” theme at the Tampa River Center, at Julian B Lane Park in downtown Tampa.
“This year marks our 10th anniversary, a chance to celebrate all we’ve built, and lay the groundwork for our future,” TiE Tampa Bay President Richard Heruska told the St. Pete Catalyst. “TiE has always been committed to the cycle of today’s entrepreneurs shaping tomorrow’s innovation. This year’s TiECON will honor that legacy, and highlight the power and diversity of the next generation.”
Renowned serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Kiran Patel, who is the Chairman Emeritus of TiE Tampa Bay, will speak alongside his son and daughter – CEO and Founder of HealthAxis Shilen Patel and COO of the Patel Family Office Sheetal Patel. The family members will speak during the fireside chat, moderated by Embarc Collective CEO Lakshmi Shenoy.
“You can’t find a more compelling story in Florida than the Patel family. We will have a truly candid conversation with them,” Heruska said. “All three of them could be keynote speakers themselves, but we wanted to highlight their overall legacy.”
TiE and Kiran Patel have a strong relationship, as he serves as the chairman emeritus. The duo has also partnered on a university program, which is integrated at Patel’s charter school.
At TiECON, TiE Tampa Bay will also recognize and present the TiETAN awards for Startup of the Year, Super Entrepreneur of the Year, Angel Investor of the Year, Social Entrepreneur of the Year and Community Champion of the Year.
Heruska said he expects this year’s event to be the biggest with over 300 attendees. Over 100,000 people are projected to attend TiECONs hosted globally.
Another big change is that the event will be held on a weekday rather than a weekend as it traditionally has been. It will take place Thursday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those interested can register here.
