Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/297333
the shaping and promotion of Brevard and surrounding counties as a true tech hot spot. Space may be the region's legacy, but that isn't stopping the local tech industry from reaching for the stars. Visit sctcbrevard.com The Innovative Upstart Perhaps one of the best examples of tech entrepreneurs who came together organically WRÀOODQHHGKDSSHQHGWKUHH\HDUVDJRLQ Orlando. At the time, a few friends who ran tech startups were looking for a place where they could demo their ideas and get feedback from other entrepreneurs and tech-minded people. They started a meetup group with the goal of convening monthly to present their ideas to an audience of people outside of their friends and family. ´,W·VDPD]LQJWRWKLQNWKDWWKHUHZHUHRQO\ÀYH SHRSOHDWRXUÀUVWPHHWXSQRZPRUHWKDQ 200 people come out every month to hear from companies, entrepreneurs or sometimes just developers with a solid idea," said Orrett Davis, one of the co-founders of Orlando Tech Meetup. Thanks to the support of the technology community and a generous grant from the City of Orlando to be a part of its Main Street Program, the Orlando Tech Meetup has broadened its mission and transformed into an RIÀFLDORUJDQL]DWLRQ2UODQGR7HFK$VVRFLDWLRQ With the goal of connecting technology businesses throughout Central Florida and supporting the right growth environment, Orlando Tech Association is continuing with its successful meetups, as well as supporting and establishing community-wide events to promote the region as a community where tech companies thrive. "September's 'Orlando Tech Week' is designed to prove that we have a thriving tech scene in Central Florida—both for those inside the tech community and those outside of it," said Davis, who now serves as Orlando Tech Association's executive director. Orlando Tech Week activities include: the sixth annual iSummit digital conference organized by the Florida Technology Journal, the Orlando EDC's revamped Schwartz Tech Awards, the game development gathering Indienomicon, and several smaller events and workshops designed to bring people together from all parts of the tech community. "We invite everyone to be a part of Orlando Tech whether you're a maker, bootstrapper, investor, founder, suit, techie, dev, student or just startup-curious," said Davis. Visit orlandotech.org florida.HIGH.TECH 2014 Orlando Tech Meetups help entrepreneurs pitch their technology ideas._3KRWR0DWW/HYHN