I am part of a team organizing the Activate Innovate conference, in Toledo, on June 13th, to (hopefully) kick-start the next era of innovation-based economic development in the region. For me, this is iteration 4 or 5, depending on how you count, of being involved in the IT / tech / startup ecosystem in the Toledo Region.
We made our first conference announcement back in February, but interest has picked up since the Blade ran a front-page article on Thursday. A few snippets:
- A group of Toledo-area tech executives are organizing the inaugural Activate Innovate Conference in the [lavishly renovated Jefferson Center] on June 13.
- The conference is aimed at inspiring and informing entrepreneurs and innovation leaders on tech trends, such as artificial intelligence, smart mobility, and sustainability.
- Organizers are hoping to jumpstart interest in the building and the embryonic technology district in UpTown that it sits in.
- “Come enjoy the conference; we have a great day of programming focusing on all categories of innovation…But we also see this as an opportunity to have an open house for this building. We want dreamers. We want bold thinkers to come and be a part of the resurgence of innovation in Toledo.”
While everyone still calls it the “Jefferson Center”, the funders called it the “Toledo Innovation Center” (TIC): designed to create an energizing and open workspace, be a space for entrepreneurs to launch or expand their business, and prepare people for positions in the technology field.
We hope the Activate Innovate conference does those things at the TIC for a day, as a start. Buy a ticket and join us!
