SSTI Conference Update:Maximizing Impact Workshop Sold Out!

Limited Seating Remaining in Three Preconference Sessions

The desire to establish sound metrics to evaluate performance and progress for science and technology investments has grown as S&T programs mature, state and federal funding tightens, and good managers simply want to know what's working and what isn't. As a result, SSTI's all-day intensive pre-conference on sound TBED evaluation models has sold out.

Limited seating remains for the other three preconference workshops, described below. Individuals interested in attending any of the three are strongly encouraged to register on SSTI's website as soon as possible: http://www.ssti.org/conference05.htm

Developing Successful Angel Organizations: A Practical Guide

Access to capital sources is an essential element for building a tech-based economy and growing thriving businesses. Policymakers and practitioners in many regions worry about how their tech firms will finance growth. Just as the weather varies across the country, so, too, do the philosophy, the motivations, and the depth of the pockets of its angels. What’s the best way to develop a strong angel investor community in your region?

Presented by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Angel Capital Association, this full-day workshop will focus on the development of angel organizations, including a step-by-step process for determining whether or not your community can support an angel organization and, if it can, the type and structure that is right for the involved investors and your community.

Technology Square: Proof for the Power of Local Tech-based Economic Development

The result of a unique public-private investment of more than $400 million, the mixed use, multi-block Technology Square serves as Atlanta's hotbed for emerging technology firms and the new hub of Georgia's economic development community. There are many reasons why Atlanta's award-winning "Intersection of Innovation" can serve as a great model for other universities and communities that want to build tech-based economies.

This full-day on-site workshop will uncover the keys to Technology Square's phenomenal success. From concept and planning to financing and management, you'll hear directly from the people who made it all happen. Members from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Research Alliance, Midtown Alliance, Georgia Quick Start, and many others will lead various panel discussions. Participants will walk away with a recipe for success that they can apply to their own universities and communities.

An Introduction to Tech-based Economic Development

This full-day interactive workshop is tailored to those professionals new to tech-based economic development. Engaging, educational and enjoyable, participants will discover proven programs and policies for creating technology companies, financing high-tech firms, commercializing technology, and developing productive university-industry partnerships. If you're new to the field, there is no better way to prepare for the calibre of discussion and content at SSTI's 9th Annual Conference than to attend this full-day, highly interactive workshop examining the fundamental elements of successful tech-based economic development.

More information on each preconference workshop is available at: http://www.ssti.org/Conf05/preconference.htm