How Fairfax County’s tech sector is evolving

The impact of social media is exploding all around us.

With more than 190,000 individuals working in creative and digital media in the Washington D.C., area, and considering that one in four jobs in Fairfax County is tech-related, the region has been long overdue for a conference that focuses on how social media is changing business, government, politics and journalism.

That will take place on September 14, when the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) presents SMWiFairfax, a Social Media Week independent event. This event, to be held at Capital One headquarters in Tysons Corner, will bring together entrepreneurs, social media influencers, tech CEOs and marketers, government communicators and journalists to provide insight and opportunities on the changing social media landscape.

Why is the FCEDA so interested in doing this? As one of America’s most prominent technology communities, one that is home to thousands of tech companies and tech jobs and dozens of government agencies, Fairfax County is uniquely positioned to present this forum.

Always strong in tech-related sectors, we are now seeing an influx of digital media companies especially in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and virtual and augmented reality, that complement our traditional strengths in IT services, software development, cybersecurity, defense and aerospace. Encouraging that innovation, spotlighting the county to innovative companies and employees and building a more diversified business community, is true economic development.

Company growth builds the commercial tax base that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors uses to fund high-quality public services for businesses and employees alike.

Further, we want the wider tech community to know about the thought leadership that happens in Fairfax County and the opportunities for growth that exist here. Bottom line: Innovative companies, innovative employees and innovative communities go hand-in-hand.