Agenda

Intro to TBED Workshop

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

This combination course-workshop is designed for practitioners who are new to one or more areas of TBED. We will discuss the elements that comprise a strong regional innovation economy, how to approach TBED strategies, and example programs to solve common challenges.*

Building Better Organizations Workshop

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

This workshop is targeted to experienced professionals interested in learning best practices in organization management.*

Higher Ed Roundtable – Research

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

This roundtable is for those working to expand the research capacity and technology transfer successes at institutions of higher education.*

Higher Ed Roundtable – Economic Development

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Higher education staff and partners are invited to attend this roundtable discussing how to strengthen the impact that these institutions can have in their regional economies.*

SSBCI Panel + Discussion

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Treasury will provide updates on the State Small Business Credit Initiative. Following this presentation, states and their partners will discuss effective practices.

Risk Capital Roundtable

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

This roundtable will convene practitioners who provide capital to young and tech-focused companies to discuss common trends and challenges in fund management, attracting co-investors, and other topics of concern to attendees.*

Trends in Regional Innovation Economies

9:00 am – 10:30 am

SSTI President and CEO Dan Berglund will provide another installment of his conference-favorite presentation on the latest developments affecting regional innovation economies and tech-based economic development strategies. Topics include broader economic, technology and demographic forces, state and federal funding, and emerging program models.*

Big Thinking on Tech, Society and the Economy

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Keeping your region at the forefront of the global economy requires having a vision of what could be over the horizon. During this session, a series of practitioners and policymakers will share their thoughts on significant topics that the TBED field should have in mind.*

Finding Funding

12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Looking for funding that can support your regional TBED strategy? Then this exhibition is for you. Plan to attend all or part of the afternoon to learn about new funding programs, offices and organizations that could become your next partners.*

Entrepreneurship Development Roundtable

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

This roundtable brings together practitioners supporting local entrepreneurs — including through incubators, accelerators, mentorship programs, entrepreneur-in-residence, training programs — for a dynamic discussion about program design, the entrepreneurial journey, and operational challenges. Participants will share their experiences, discuss current trends, and brainstorm solutions to common challenges. This session is an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and deepen understanding of the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship development.*

State Leaders Roundtable

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Leaders from tech- and innovation-focused state agencies will be invited to participate in a roundtable that focuses on the unique and critical role these offices play in coordinating, executing and supporting TBED strategies and initiatives.*

Venture Development Organizations Roundtable

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

This roundtable is for leaders at venture development organizations — entities that provide capital, business and technology assistance with a mission-focused lens — to discuss best practices in their organization and program management.*

Communications and Messaging Workshop

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Communicating the importance of tech-based economic development can be a challenge for even the most experienced professionals. This workshop will be guided by a communications consultant, who will help attendees develop a better approach to messaging with key stakeholders.

STEM Talent Roundtable

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

This interactive session is designed for organizations navigating the complexities of STEM talent development. It begins with a roundtable discussion to identify community priorities and transitions into formulating actionable plans and exploring innovative solutions. Participants will acquire practical tools to foster collaboration among stakeholders and build effective talent pipelines. This roundtable is an opportunity to learn, share, and plan for the future of STEM talent development efforts within your organization and the TBED community.*

Rural Innovation Roundtable

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Rural regions may not provide the same opportunities for scaling as their urban counterparts, but there are still many ways that rural entrepreneurs, investors and talent can participate in the innovation economy. This roundtable will discuss emerging and effective practices.*

Lab to Market Roundtable

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

This roundtable will focus on technology transfer and commercialization strategies and initiatives that help move innovations from universities and federal labs into the market.*

Advancing Equity within TBED

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

All practitioners and policymakers striving for broader participation in their innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives are encouraged to join this workshop. The session will focus on overcoming initial challenges, creating actionable plans for inclusive growth, and scaling successful practices that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within tech-based economic development programs and organizations. Participants will gain practical tools and insights to address the unique challenges in their own organizations and contribute to the development of more inclusive and equitable TBED ecosystems.*