West Tech Fest’s Post

_SOUTHSTART 2025 is starting to take form.... Here we are on one of our unconventional walking WIPs! Each week, we dive into every possibility, idea, and suggestion for the upcoming festival. And honestly? We often end up with more questions than answers! 😂 But it’s during this unstructured time, filled with expansive ideas on our long walks, that the real magic begins. As we explore each thought, we identify what to embrace and what to release. This isn't just brainstorming—it's a journey to the essence of what makes _SOUTHSTART truly special. Our approach is different. We explore, dissect, and challenge ourselves to rethink norms, ensuring that every aspect of our festival embodies innovation and creativity. We are laser-focused on how we can create those special moments where valuable connections are made and where professional & personal growth go hand in hand. This commitment to our unique process allows us to create something extraordinary. Just like _SOUTHSTART itself, our journey is as unique as the community we build... Stay tuned... it’s coming...

As a true #MarketingNerd, I love observing and learning from the marketing efforts I see in the wild. Came across this American Century Investments social post that has crystallized some things I've been thinking about in terms of how to maximize event sponsorships. Here's #WhyItWorks: 1️⃣ The post clearly communicates that the firm will be at the conference and highlights the team attending. Incorporating headshots helps personalize their brand and familiarizes followers with the people ‘on the ground.’ 2️⃣ It hits on an emotional and human reality of attending a conference - the anxiety of meeting people! Even though we are ‘serious business people,’ we are still human - and wandering through a sea of strangers can be nerve-wracking. The personalized icebreakers give the user a little something to ease their anxiety.  3️⃣ The most powerful activations create a value exchange with attendees - its impact is compounded when the core idea is threaded throughout the whole experience. The ‘icebreaker’ idea is weaved in with the offer of a cool beverage and/or treat (i.e. value exchanges). Bonus points for teasing the activation ahead of the event to help build curiosity and excitement. Hats off to the American Century team. Looking forward to what you’ll come up with for Exchange! P.S.: I will be using the “fin-tastic” pun in the near future ✌ #B2B #DigitalMarketing #AssetManagement

PITCHFEST ALERT! The wait is almost over! Only 4 days until the ultimate tech innovation event! Stay ahead of the game! Check your messages (texts & emails) for important info! Join our Telegram channel for the latest updates, tips & insider scoops! Don't miss out on the future of tech! #PitchFest #InnovationNation #DealDayApproaching`

Check out our set-up at PingPod during Tech Week! Details below!

🚀 Big changes are coming to Tech Tuesdays on October 8th! 🔧✨ We’re revamping the experience and want your input. What would make this event stand out for you? Let us know in the comments below! Join the conversation and help us shape the future of #TechTuesdaysMiami! #Networking #TechIndustry #Innovation #TechEvents #TechNetworking #DiversityInTech #TechCommunity #InnovationInTech #TechLeaders #TechCareers #TechOpportunities #TechGrowth #FutureOfTech #MinoritiesInTech #TechMeetups #NetworkingEvents

PITCHFEST ALERT! Get ready! Only 3 days to go until the ultimate tech innovation event! Stay ahead of the game! Check your messages (texts & emails) for important info! Join our Telegram channel for the latest updates, tips & insider scoops! Don't miss out on the future of tech! #PitchFest #InnovationNation #DealDayApproaching`

Try this cost effective type of content that can amplify your hackathons reach IF DONE RIGHT… Hosting a hackathon? Hackathons are full of innovators, founders, and start ups. These may all be people who are active on X and LinkedIn posting about there experience through out the days. Keeping photos relevant with daily overnight turnarounds and branding the photos can extend the reach of your brand when posted by attendees. Red Waves Media Miami Hack Week

Tech Can Enhance, But Connection Seals The Deal. Did you know about the historic "Tulip Mania" during the Dutch Golden Age? It was a fascinating period when the price of tulip bullbs soared to unimaginable heights, only to crash dramatically in 1637, leaving investors bankrupt. Join us as we draw parallels between this historic event and today's tech evolution. As we navigate the digital landscape, let's learn from history and ensure sustainable growth. #TechEvolution #Avoiding TheBubble #DigitalTransformation

So I have tried several times to right this post. I've been asked onto this panel because of my position with Incubation SIG, because of the work we have done with NZ CODE and as an Out transgender woman. I've watched my community in absolute despair over the past two weeks over the commentary around a cis woman boxer. One one side, we see purity policing as a Not White woman who isn't the picture of white feminine perfection gets scapegoated for being not that by people from the Hasbeen Wizard Lady to various politicians throughout the world on the political Right. Only to see our "allies" come back with "It's okay, she's a real woman, she's not trans!" (Facepalm). And of course, the riots in the UK and some of the behaviour around the US election that looks frankly bizarre to Antipodean eyes. If you're in the workplace, or if you're in an International space or a place where you are meeting people, I urge you to act with basic kindness and baseline politeness if you meet a trans, gender diverse or Intersex person at the moment. I also urge you that if DEI is something that you use as a convenient intellectual scapegoat, particularly when speaking about political candidates to take a second look at what you're saying and what it says to those around you. In creative industries, heterogenous teams have a habit of performing better versus every metric. And it's no surprise why, people bring different ideas and problem-solving to the table from their different backgrounds and life experiences. Being an overt supporter of a political candidate that would disadvantage someone because of their gender, ethnicity, parental status (or lack thereof), religion (as long as it doesn't encroach on the rights of others) etc. sends a pretty tough message and people are going to make a decision about how much they trust someone. I'm watching the US election at the moment with the same paralysed sense of foreboding that many of us feel who don't get a say in that election, but are effected by the inevitable international flow on. On one side, you have a faction screaming about freedom and yet want to police everyone's bodies who's not a straight, cis, white, man. Who want to police their status on their decisions or ability to even have children or not. On the other you have an imperfect but resurgent faction who are at least offering a taste of Not Another Old Guy Who Can't String a Coherent Sentence Together (and one of said old guys has a series of criminal convictions and rape allegations against him). It's just not rocket science to see how things have changed. And some of out domestic politicians will take any form of validation if the flow on is "yes, we can externally police consenting peoples' bodies."

About to go on stage at #BIZFEST for a panel discussion on future tech. Great turnout!