Shape the future of tech at the Builders Conference on May 9

Whether you’re a technologist or entrepreneur building and implementing new technology, an ecosystem builder supporting these roles, a brand builder trying to reach them, or a company culture builder growing with them, you play a crucial role in creating and maintaining the overarching community.

Using the tools of journalism, Technical.ly tells the stories of this community and also acts as a convener, bringing people together to spark innovation and create meaningful connections.

That’s why we organize the annual Builders Conference, which this year takes place Thursday, May 9, as part of Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast. 

Held at the Fitler Club on the Schuylkill River, across from the fast-rising towers of the burgeoning University City tech hub, the event features a packed day of speakers, sessions and networking opportunities, followed by the Signature Event, Philly Tech Week’s closing party with music, food, drinks, tech demos and fun!

Philly Tech Week 2024 co-organizer 1Philadelphia will be present throughout the day to share info.

Take a look at the full agenda below (subject to change), and register here.

Register for the Builders Conference

Technical.ly Builders Conference 2024 

9 a.m.

• Welcome: Coffee, Refreshments and Networking

10 a.m.

• Tech Economy Outlook: Keynote and Discussion
  • Danae Mobley, 1Philadelphia
  • Chris Wink, Technical.ly
  • Theresa Singleton, Federal Reserve Bank
  • Laura Plunkett, Comcast NBCUniversal, LIFT Labs
  • Kyle Samuels, Creative Talent Endeavors (former recruiting lead for Yum! Brands)

11:15 a.m.

• Cheap Money is Over: What changes, and what doesn’t, about entrepreneurship?
  • Sherrod Davis, EcoMap
  • Bob Moore, Crossbeam
  • Nasir Qadree, Zeal Capital
  • McKeever Conwell, Rarebreed Ventures
• Lightning Talks: What Employee Engagement Strategies are Working Right Now?
  • Hannah Marks, Discord (formerly)
  • Gabby Harvilla, Comcast
  • Lakia Elam, MDC
  • Alyssa Vasquez, Cultured Enuf
  • Barry Wright, III (Highwire Improv and Noom; former Spotify)
• Startup Fishbowl: Product-Market Fit
  • Adeola Ajani, FemEquity
  • Nikisha Bailey, CoffeePLUG

12 p.m.

• Catered Lunch and Networking

1 p.m.

• What does inclusive ecosystem building mean in practice?
  • Kory Bailey, Upsurge Baltimore
  • Maria Underwood, Birmingham Bound
• Lightning Talks: Is Artificial Intelligence a Threat or Just Another Technology
  • Andrew Gamino-Cheong, Trustible
  • Munir Y. Mandviwalla, Temple University
  • Tito Obaisi, Comcast NBCUniversal, LIFT Labs
• Startup Fishbowl: Fundraising
  • Mike Ravenscroft, MD Momentum Fund

2 p.m.

• What is working in alternative pipelines for tech workforce?
  • Jameel Rush, Google
• Lightning Talks: How do innovation ecosystems tell their story (honestly)?
  • Deontee Gordon, Tech Birmingham
  • Zakiyyah Ali, Tech Council of Delaware
  • Tasia Malakasis, The Company Lab, Chattanooga
  • Ryan Touhill, Arlington Economic Development
  • Nick Smith, Sailes
• Startup Fishbowl: Sales/Marketing
  • Anna Li, CEO & Founder, Korion Health Inc.

3 p.m.

• What’s the future of local innovation ecosystems?
  • Stephen Tang, Author, tech executive
  • Jake Ganey, Mindspace
  • Joey Clark, JP Morgan Chase
  • Archna Sahay, Northwestern Mutual
• Startup Fishbowl: Recruiting

4 p.m.

• Closing Reception

5 p.m.

• Signature Event

Thank you to our event sponsors

• Comcast — Philly Tech Week 2024 title sponsor
• Ionos
• Morgan Lewis
• Mindspace
• University City Science Center
• Truist
• Innovation@Penn
• Ghost Robotics
• Ballard Spahr
• Accenture
• Bank of America

Register today and get exclusive access to data analysis and trends, high-quality professional networking and interactive sessions to advance your company, your career and your ecosystem.

We’ll see you May 9 — let’s build the future together.

Register for the Builders Conference