On December 7, Engine is partnering with the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) and the Cedar Rapids Gazette to host the Iowa Presidential Tech Town Hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This first of its kind event offers candidates a platform to articulate their vision for supporting the innovation economy. Candidates will discuss issues including technology innovation, STEM education, broadband access, the sharing economy, and the promise of entrepreneurship.
The Presidential Tech Town Hall will also connect candidates to the Iowa technology and startup community. From Cedar Rapids to Des Moines to Iowa City, Iowa’s tech and startup community includes more than 76,000 workers from across the state and accounts for 9% of the state’s GDP. (Read more about Des Moines startups in our dispatch from Rise of the Rest last year.)
“The Technology Association of Iowa is excited to partner with Engine and The Gazette to deliver the Iowa Presidential Tech Town Hall. Iowa has a long history of creating technology solutions and investing in the future by supporting entrepreneurship,” said TAI President Brian Waller. “TAI members and Iowans are eager to hear from our presidential candidates on the topic of Technology and Entrepreneurship”
The Tech Town Hall will give candidates an opportunity to communicate directly with hundreds of caucus-goers, and well as many more watching the event via livestream around Iowa and across the country. In addition, The New Hampshire High Tech Council plans to host a live viewing event for their members and other primary voters in New Hampshire.
“It’s critical for the startup community to make its voice heard in this election cycle, and drive the conversation about tech and entrepreneurship,” said Engine Executive Director Julie Samuels. “The positions our next president takes will have far reaching impact, and will help determine whether even more Americans can launch and grow a startup and create good jobs - here in Iowa, and in communities all over the country. Engine is excited to engage in a thoughtful discussion with 2016 candidates, and we’re grateful to TAI and the Cedar Rapids Gazette for partnering with us on this event.”
For more information and to register to attend, visit www.PresTechTownHall.org. Join the conversation at #IowaTech2016.
