TechNet had a successful SXSW this past weekend in Austin, Texas, engaging public officials and raising awareness around public policy priorities.
The signature TechNet event, Innovation Nation: A Celebration of Public Service and Innovation, hosted more than 500 guests in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Elected officials in attendance included Congresswoman Nanette Barragan (D-CA), Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX), Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Austin Mayor Steve Adler, West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim, and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, among others. Thank you to the event sponsors, including Amazon Web Services, Apple, Comcast, Google, Lyft, National Instruments, PayPal, and Visa.
TechNet again played a prominent role curating panel discussions on member company priorities. A panel on Friday, March 10, ”The Business Case for LGBT Equality,” featured TechNet Southeast Executive Director Caroline Joiner and panelists Franz Paasche ofPayPal, Jim Green of Salesforce, and Karrie League of Alamo Drafthouse. On Sunday, March 12, TechNet CEO Linda Moore moderated a panel highlighting “How the Gig Economy Impacts the Future of Work” with panelists Stephane Kasriel of Upwork, Tekedra Mawakana of eBay, and State Senator Eric Lesser (D-MA).