Events Roundup: 7 Philly tech and civic gatherings to love this February

Events Roundup is a Technical.ly column where we highlight events happening in the Philly area each month. Got a submission? Email us the details so we can consider it for our next roundup: philly@technical.ly.

While the City is still a frozen tundra this week, things are looking up. February means longer days, a little more sunlight and some great tech events to keep momentum from the new year going.

February is also Black History Month. There are some related tech events on our list, but there are tons more throughout the city this month to interact with the arts, learn more about Philadelphia’s Black history or support a Black-owned business. Check out this list of Black-owned restaurants, find an activity to celebrate the month or see the new Harriet Tubman, The Journey to Freedom statue at City Hall. You can also find resources for entrepreneurs of color in our own archives.

As you look to add some activity to your calendar this month, we’ve got you covered when it comes to transit, STEM recruitment, women in data science, investing and art appreciation. Let’s dive into this month’s events.

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SEPTA Virtual Transit Talk

SEPTA is hosting a virtual transit talk to update residents about its plan to redesign the city’s bus system. The talk will go over the “State of the System” report, market analysis, route evaluation profiles, and survey results surrounding this project. It will also update riders about what to expect in the coming months, and give the opportunity to ask questions.

• Thursday, Feb. 3
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Register for the Zoom event here

Unlocking Black & Brown Business Potential

ImpactPHL and Impact for Breakfast are hosting this panel of investors, business leaders and employment experts to talk about how to address the infrastructure needed for more capital distribution. The event is calling on investors to take action and participate in investment opportunities that work toward greater racial equity in Philadelphia.

• Tuesday, Feb. 8
• 1 to 2 p.m.
• Free, register here

Life Science and Tech Recruitment

This virtual recruitment session hosted by Campus Philly for early-career folks in STEM will bring 200 college students and recent grads with hiring employers in the life sciences, cell and gene therapy, bio and tech industries. More than 60 colleges and universities, including 10 HBCUs, will be represented. Job seekers will meet employers over Brazen, a virtual event platform.

• Wednesday, Feb. 9
• 3 to 6 p.m.
• Register here

Women in Data Science @ Penn 

The third annual Women in Data Science Philadelphia conference is being held virtually this month with a theme of “This is what a data scientist looks like.” The conference will emphasize the diversity in the data science field, both in the people in the industry and its subject matter. The sessions will be a mix of keynote speakers, panels, workshops and networking opportunities. Anyone can attend the event, regardless of gender or if they’re affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania.

• Feb. 9 and 10
• Noon to 3 p.m.
• Free for the Penn community, $25 for others; register here.

NextFab Ecommerce Accelerator info session

Makerspace NextFab is extending its ecommerce accelerator to Philadelphia after a successful pilot in Wilmington. The eight-week accelerator provides artisans with essential tools, support and structure for viable businesses to increase online sales. NextFab is hosting a free info session to learn about the program for anyone who might be interested.

• Thursday, Feb. 10
• Info session 1 to 2 p.m. here 

Black History Month Virtual Tour

Mural Arts has created live tour via Zoom that will guide guests though Philly’s featured murals that represent iconic Black figures and civic heroes in American history. A ticket will allow you to “travel” through different Philly neighborhoods to see the murals and hear stories behind the works of art, learn about the artists and mural-making process.

• Tuesday, Feb. 15
• 4 to 5:30 p.m.
• Tickets are $20

PACT’s Foundation Breakfast

PACT‘s annual foundation breakfast will explore impact investing and aligning values with investments during this rescheduled event. The last decade has been full of concerns of COVID-19, climate change and racial justice. The breakfast event will explore how to “create a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient regional economy” for Philadelphia.

• Thursday, Feb. 17
• 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Tickets run from $51 to $153