6 must-attend Baltimore tech and innovation events this March (with a special focus on Women’s History Month)

It’s officially Fool’s Spring, which means that as the weather hopefully warms up, it’s time to attend a plethora of events in the Baltimore area.

Although we can’t advise on the appropriate attire, whether it’s a heavy coat or a light jacket, it’s time to iron your clothes and hit the town. As we have returned to fully in-person formats in 2023, we are gearing our schedules toward going out more during spring. We at Technical.ly are particularly excited about large events such as our Philly Tech Week, which will take place in late spring.

Until then, consider checking out these six events closer to home, starting with one tomorrow:

a2 National Symposium

The a2 Collective will host members of the research and innovation communities — particularly those interested in helping Americans live longer, healthier lives through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Attendees will get to network with experts from the Johns Hopkins Artificial Intelligence & Technology Collaboratory for Aging Research, The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and industry partners while being updated on the latest NIA-funded AI/tech pilot projects aimed at improving care and health outcomes for older adults, including those with Alzheimer’s Disease and related conditions. The event offers both in-person and virtual attendance options.

• Wednesday, March 8
• 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., EST
• Free Virtual Attendance, Register Here

CONNECTpreneur Baltimore Forum

CONNECTpreneur is a global community of over 20,000 investors, VCs, founders, entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators around the world. CONNECTpreneur will host business leaders of all levels at this bi-monthly networking mashup, courtesy of hosts at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. The event includes a panel of leading VCs and private investors, a showcase of promising early-stage companies, networking and updates from TEDCO and the Maryland Department of Commerce

• Thursday, March 9
• 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
• $199 – $2,500, Register Here

HERstory Matters: Examining the Role of Black Women in Nonprofit Leadership

The HERstory Matters speaker series aims to tackle the complex obstacles that Black women face in nonprofit leadership. This month’s event features Danielle Tourain, a leader of OSI-Baltimore. At this event, which is being held during Women’s History Month, the speakers will also examine how the philanthropic community can prioritize and support the needs of Black women executives who lead with considerable challenges but fewer resources.

Jade Meritt, the founder of the Black ED Network, explained that this is the first in-person event for HERstory Matters.

“Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into how the nonprofit sector has historically served marginalized communities, and how Black women leaders of nonprofits often serve the most vulnerable populations with the least amount of funding,” Meritt said. “The event provides a platform to learn, listen and support the voices that are often overlooked but critical to creating a more equitable and inclusive society.”

• Thursday, March 9
• 6:30-8 p.m.
• Walk-Ins Welcome
• Free In-Person Attendance, Register Here

WE OWN THIS! FOREVER CELEBRATION

This event will celebrate Baltimore’s creative femme founders, featuring three femme DJs, specialty cocktails, and an amazing community of creative femme founders and those who champion them. The event aims to explore the concept of femme through time and sound.

The event is an annual celebration that intentionally provides a space to highlight the ingenuity of femme founders in Baltimore and beyond, said Baltimore Creatives Acceleration Network Entrepreneurship and Innovation Director Sharayna Ashanti Christmas. Through this event, “We Own This” aims to showcase the innovative and genius femme founders who are trailblazing across all spectrums of creativity. Attendees will have the chance to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for celebrating and championing the success of women-led businesses.

• Friday, March 10
• 7-11 p.m.
• Free In-Person Attendance, Register Here

A Sneak Peek into Impact Hub Baltimore and Baltimore BASE Network’s Spring Programs Preview 

Impact Hub Baltimore is hosting a preview on March 15 that aims to support anyone seeking the ideal program to launch their entrepreneurial dreams. The event will showcase upcoming opportunities and programs available in the spring and beyond, with insights from leading collaborators and peers such as Innovation Works, Made in Baltimore, Empower by GoDaddy and the Make Space Accelerator. Executive Director Michelle Geiss explained that attendees will have the chance to hear about six-to-eight programs designed for BIPOC- and women-owned businesses, as well as those with creative or mission-driven businesses looking to grow and thrive. These programs will cover a range of skills, from refreshing a website to expanding into commercial space and buying a home.

Spring Program Preview attendees will hear directly from the people behind the programs, ask questions and understand which offerings are suitable for them at their stage of growth. The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided.

Geiss said that the goal of the preview is to highlight upcoming programs and opportunities for Baltimore entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and achieve their goals. By bringing together experts and collaborators from various fields, entrepreneurs will have access to a diverse range of resources and knowledge. The event will provide attendees with the chance to connect with peers and gain valuable insights into the programs and opportunities available to them, so they can select the right one for their needs.

• Wednesday, March 15
• 12-1:30 p.m.
• Free In-Person Attendance, Register Here

Pick-Up a Celebration Kit for Teen Tech Week 2023 

In honor of Teen Tech Week 2023, the Herring Run Branch of the Enoch Pratt Libraries system is offering an exciting opportunity for all tech-savvy teens out there. They are invited to pick up Teen Tech Week Celebration kits from the branch that will feature a wide array of fascinating and engaging tech-themed surprises. The kits will include some amazing items such as optical illusion bookmarks, wind-up robots, and other fantastic gadgets that are sure to thrill young minds.

This exclusive Take & Make Kit will be available at the Herring Run Branch from March 6-11, on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. In addition to this, more STEAM events are happening at Pratt, so be sure to check them out as well.

• Monday, March 6 through Saturday, March 11
• Open 10 a.m. daily except for Sunday
• Free In-Person Attendance, Register Here