If you aren’t a Michigander, it might surprise you to learn that we’re working hard to become known as a hub for entrepreneurs and technology, digital and art enthusiasts. From Quicken Loans Founder & Chairman Dan Gilbert committing to turning a portion of downtown Detroit into a center of software and high-tech innovation, to five-day events like Art X Detroit that present newly commissioned works from local artists, the creative revolution that has quickly gained ground over the past several years is both infectious and long overdue.
The Girls in Tech Detroit chapter wants to educate our GIT counterparts around the world about how our region is contributing to the development of the technology and digital spaces, so we’d like to start by introducing you to the FutureMidwest Conference (disclosure – I’m part of the communications team), taking place April 28-29 in Detroit.
FutureMidwest is the Midwest’s largest digital business conference. Initiated in 2009, the two-day conference is designed for executive management and decision makers from corporate, small and midsized businesses, entrepreneurs, brand managers, marketing, communication professionals, students and professionals in the digital/technology spheres. Presenters offer advice on implementing digital strategies to engage audiences and boost company profitability. FutureMidwest focuses on the impact of technology in five areas: integrated marketing, user experience, mobile, business intelligence/analytics and regional growth.
In two conference sessions, led by digital and marketing professionals, participants will learn about emerging business technology trends and ways to incorporate digital strategies into their marketing and business operations. A third session will be devoted to networking with professionals from the startup community, venture capital firms and other industries.
One new element added to the FutureMidwest Conference this year is Funded By Night, a one-day competition to fund technology startups that will compete to win a $100,000 convertible note from two metro Detroit local venture capital firms.
Not the typical conference you would expect to take place in Detroit, right?
While the conference program differs each year, you can check out the following presentations from 2010 presenters Joe Jaffe and Ken Burbary to get a sense of what you can expect.
I welcome you to check out the FutureMidwest Conference website, Facebook page and Twitter stream to learn more about this technology and digital conference. Feel free to ping me directly on Twitter with questions.
What technology events or movements are happening in your neighborhoods that you want the GIT community to know about?
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