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At SSTI's 16th Annual Conference, you will have the opportunity to explore comprehensive, flexible programs and innovative, "lean" models to support and cultivate faculty entrepreneurs. Join National Science Foundation's Rathindra "Babu" DasGupta, the University of North Carolina's Judith Cone and Marnie LaVigne from the University at Buffalo as they discuss what universities need to do to create a class of Faculty CEOs. Learn more about this session...

There are only six days left before early registration ends on Monday, October 8. Register today and save at least $100 per registration. This year we are offering two full days of conference activities including 16 breakout sessions, four session tracks, three workshops and two networking receptions. Find out more at: ssticonference.org.

During a lively discussion session — Recent Federal Efforts: What's Happened, What's Working and What Should Change — SSTI will bring together the members of the economic development community to review what the federal government has done, how it has worked for the tech-based economic development community, and what changes should be made to improve the federal programs.

The old adage "change is inevitable" rings especially true for economic development practitioners who must not only adapt to changes, but anticipate them and employ the best methods to capitalize on new opportunities. SSTI's conference session, Re-Orienting Your Organization for Today's Economy, pulls together three organizations at the local, state and federal level to examine how they have re-oriented their work to reflect the changing economy and the needs of their clients.

SSTI will be holding a congressional briefing from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on September 12 in Washington, DC, featuring seven of its members. The briefing, "Lessons from the Field on a Path to Sustained Economic Growth and Job Creation," will provide an overview of state, regional and university tech-based economic development efforts and highlight work being done by Ben Franklin Technology Partners, BioSTL, Center for Innovative Technology, Georgia Research Alliance, JumpStart, Michigan Economic Development Corp, and NorTech.

Come early or stay late and bring the whole family with you to SSTI's 16th Annual Conference, October 29-30. Atlanta has the biggest aquarium, the coolest Coca Cola Museum, and some of the best golf in the U.S. Outdoor activities that celebrate nature, like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park abound, as does high culture — from art museums to great shopping. You could spend a month in Atlanta without doing the same thing twice.

Re- is a remarkable prefix. Use of these two little letters in front of a word can demand we pause to reflect, re-examine and review how our situation has changed — and so too should our actions.

Re- recognizes the status quo isn't acceptable anymore. It reveals a need to rethink what we're doing and to react differently. It requires us to reconsider our goals and desired outcomes. It urges us to respond more appropriately to a new reality with new opportunities.

Change is constant. Every era ushers in forces requiring people, businesses, institutions and governments to adapt. The Great Recession, globalization, demographic shifts and stunning technological advances herald a new era demanding significant transformation. You wouldn't know that looking at how most economic development is practiced, however. That has to change.

As the world changes, economic development must evolve to stay relevant. This year's conference will feature thought leaders on operating in a global environment, capital, higher education and demographics, who will share their take on how current trends in these areas will affect the innovation economy.

A moderated audience discussion will ensure this interactive plenary session will provide the spark to help us start re-thinking everything.

Learn about the plenary...

The Coca-Cola Company's Clyde Tuggle will share his perspective and response to the challenges of managing an enterprise in our complex global environment in a keynote address at SSTI's Annual Conference. Mr. Tuggle will discuss how his company is changing the game through social networking platforms to build one of the world's most recognized brands. Read more about our special keynote address..

With economic development at a crossroads, SSTI's Annual Conference will re-examine every facet of the field. This year's conference will offer breakout sessions in four thematic tracks: strategic direction, universities in economic development, investment & capital and from theory to practice. Participate in the track that most suits your interest, or mix-and-match to create a unique conference experience.

Conference tracks include:

Following the highly anticipated unveiling of 2012 award recipients during a special ceremony on October 29, the winners will meet with attendees for one-on-one interaction to share stories and offer advice. True to roundtable format, this session moves you around the room to promote dialogue and exposure to different viewpoints in the tech-based economic development field.

Beautifully adorned to capture the spirit of the ocean, the Arctic Room at the Georgia Aquarium is your starting point to re- connect with colleagues, experience close encounters with majestic beluga whales, and simply enjoy an evening among friends. This lively event provides a wonderful pre-conference opportunity to network with conference attendees and our local hosts, Invest Atlanta and Clark Atlanta University, over drinks and light hors d'oeuvres by Wolfgang Puck Catering. The event begins at 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 29.

SSTI's conference is packed with timely and thought-provoking workshops, discussion groups and networking opportunities certain to keep you busy during your Atlanta stay. But to fill the gaps in between and maximize your experience, we've arranged some exciting activities geared toward improving your overall wellness and better connecting you to the people you most want to meet and share ideas.

A limited number of conference sponsorship opportunities remain. Due to numerous requests, we have unveiled highly visible interactive opportunities at the right price point. A few of the exciting options include:

SSTI extends its appreciation and thanks to the following exemplary organizations helping to make SSTI's 16th Annual Conference a success.

Tom Ridge, the first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a former governor of Pennsylvania, has been elected chairman of the State Science and Technology Institute's (SSTI) Board of Trustees. As chairman, Ridge will lead the board in providing strategic guidance and oversight of SSTI's operations as the group works to encourage economic growth through science, technology and innovation. "SSTI focuses on issues central to our nation's competitiveness," said Ridge.

There is still one week left to submit a proposal for SSTI's 2012 Excellence in TBED awards. Over the last five years, SSTI has recognized 26 initiatives for helping to strengthen U.S. competitiveness. This could be your year to join the ranks of TBED pioneers and innovators improving the landscape of our nation's economy. To apply, send us a five-page narrative describing your most successful efforts to build, transform or accelerate state and regional economies through science, technology and innovation.

Some of the brightest, most innovative ideas are made in the tech-based economic development field. Every day, practitioners are discovering new ways to support companies and entrepreneurs who are building the next economy. SSTI recognizes these achievements through the award for Most Promising TBED Initiative. Last year's winner, NorTech wowed the judges with their systematic approach to growing industry clusters. Submit your accomplishments by July 17 and become the next winner of this prestigious award.

Do you like to plan ahead? Do you have some funds left over you need to spend this fiscal year? Why not register early for SSTI's 16th Annual Conference in Atlanta, Oct. 29-30? Every year, our conference offers engaging conversations and expert opinions from the world of technology-based economic development. Visit our site for more information about this year's conference, including our opening reception at the Georgia Aquarium on Oct. 28. Read more at ssticonference.org... Interested in becoming a sponsor of this year's conference? Many sponsorship opportunities are still available!

Each year, a group of talented and dedicated practitioners from across the country converge to learn from one another, share successes and challenges, and participate in a national dialogue on improving innovation and competitiveness. This year's theme, The Power of Re- Defining, Imagining and Energizing Regional Economies, echoes the need for bold, innovation-centered ideas and TBED organizations are leading the charge.

Past judges of the Excellence in TBED award program have told us they want to read a clear, concise and compelling story about how tech-based initiatives are improving local, state and regional economies. To assist applicants in their quest for the trophy, SSTI has provided several resources for writing an outstanding proposal. First, we recommend downloading the brochure, which explains the program philosophy and provides complete instructions. Writing samples from past award winners are available to gain a better understanding of what the judges are looking for in the narrative.

It's easy to recognize a great thing when you see it. Over the years, judges of the SSTI Excellence in TBED awards program have seen promising tech-based economic development initiatives worthy of showing off to the community. If your organization is working toward improving economic conditions through a creative approach, we want to hear about it. This is a great opportunity to capture national recognition and secure support for your program. Judges also look for strategic partnerships and a well-defined action plan.

Several SSTI members met yesterday with Sen. Moran (R-KS), his staff, and staff for Sens. Coons (D-DE) and Rubio (R-FL) to express support for the creation of a fund to commercialize university-developed technology, and also encouraged the bill's sponsors to broaden eligibility for funding to include public and nonprofit organizations working with institutions of higher education to commercialize technology. SSTI as part of its efforts in DC will be working on this issue over the coming months.

Throughout our travels across the country, SSTI always is impressed by the important work TBED organizations are doing to improve economic conditions for their state or region. Many of these organizations have been around for decades, and continue to innovate and evolve, while others are just getting off the ground with a creative approach. SSTI seeks to honor these initiatives as part of the 2012 Excellence in TBED awards program.