The Rise of Technology & Innovation Symposium (Tech Symposium)

Change the World has been the ever-growing slogan for all things tech. Every major technology giant from Google, Facebook, Salesforce, Linkedin, Microsoft, Apple, Tesla, Amazon, etc. have all claimed that their platforms will change the world. And today, each tech giant has done just that.

Not only have they changed the world, but they’ve also changed the face of America for decades to come. They've expanded the job market and made more millionaires and billionaires over the last twenty years than any other time in history. The new ‘Technology Revolution’ has been created.

The Rise of Technology & Innovation Symposium (Tech Symposium) is designed to not only increase the presence of black emerging innovators in the tech space but to initiate an ongoing conversation that’s long overdue. The scheduled date for this anticipated Symposium is Friday, August 23rd. The venue hosting the half-day event is The University of Chicago Logan Center at 900 East 60th.

The Rise of Technology & Innovation Symposium will also highlight some of Chicago’s brightest youth who've created tech gadgets like Apps, Precise Codings and Mobile Games. These hidden gems will have a chance to present their innovative digital discoveries during the Symposium.

Registration with light snacks - 1 pm - 1:30 pm

1:30 PM - Opening Symposium starts with two Keynote Speakers: How to Build a Tech Company?

“Emmett Vaughn” Workshop (2 - 2:45 pm): Building Wealth in Tech (1 Panelist)

5 Panel Discussions (3:00 pm - 6:00 pm): This uniquely styled rotating panel will consist of experts who will join interviewers at separate times throughout the three-hour chat session. For example: On the half hour (3 pm - 3:25 pm) an expert will participate in a Q&A. The next expert will begin at 3:30 pm - 3:55 pm for a live audience Q&A. This will happen over the next few hours. The theme of Chosen Panels:

“Janice and Jada” Women in Tech (2 Panelists)

“William Garth” Education in Tech (2 Panelists )

“Henry English” Entrepreneurship in Tech (2 Panelists)

EDUCATION - There will be two experts who will conduct workshops on the importance of elementary, high school and college kids being instructed on the need for learning in all things tech (more educational curriculum to be announced). CPS traditional, Charter and other school educators and pupils are invited, as well as organizations that primarily focus on technology mechanisms.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP - There will be two experts who will conduct entrepreneur style workshops on the importance of elementary, high school and college kids, as well as adults, on the need for creating and presenting gadgets and innovative technologies for production (more business curriculum to be announced).

WOMEN IN TECH - There has been a shortage of female tech professionals and women who have created startups globally but in Chicago, there have been dozens of women who have founded some very remarkable tech companies. These women deserve to be recognized for their innovative achievements. It’s also important to stress the importance of bringing women voices and ideas to the tech space and the Symposium will highlight their enormous contribution.

Tech & Innovator Awards : Ten individuals who have been leaders in helping to build a progressive and rewarding environment in the innovation of technology and wealth building in Chicago. Honorees to be announced!

Producers of the Symposium - MG Media, Next Generation Leadership Council (NGLC), The TiTaNs, and TRUTH 4 Literacy have partnered with several youth organizations to have young people volunteer as personal assistants to each of the panel guests and sponsors. There will be pre and post-exposure within the pages of digital media and radio partners.