Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Sloss Tech 2024 unveils full schedule, state support for entrepreneurs
Reading time: 5 minutes
Sloss Tech—the Southeast’s premier technology and innovation conference—will be returning to downtown Birmingham on June 27-28. Read on to learn more about the full schedule and what to expect.
Promoting innovation in The Magic City since 2015
Founded in 2015 by TechBirmingham and Telegraph Creative, Sloss Tech is an annual tech conference held in downtown Birmingham.
The conference takes place over two days and is designed to inspire, educate and connect tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and emerging tech talent.
“Sloss Tech is an economic driver for the City of Birmingham, bringing attendees and speakers from around the country to experience our ecosystem—but more than that—it’s an incredible showcase of talent, innovation and startup support.”
Maria Underwood, Birmingham Bound President and current Chairwoman, TechBirmingham Board of Directors
For its 2024 edition, Sloss Tech has welcomed Innovate Alabama—a statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation—as its presenting partner.
“We are thrilled to join forces with TechBirmingham to further elevate Sloss Tech’s impact across the state and region and utilize the conference as a launchpad to highlight multiple initiatives, including SSBCI (State Small Business Credit Initiative).
There’s so much untapped potential in Alabama—from the Wiregrass and the Gulf Coast to the Rocket City and the Black Belt.
As we work together to position the entire state as a hub for technological advancement, we’re excited to create impact in the lives of more business owners, startup founders, investors, students and others who call Alabama home.”
Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO, Innovate Alabama
In addition to Innovate Alabama, Sloss Tech has partnered with several organizations to expand the conference’s footprint in 2024:
- Telegraph Creative
- gener8tor
- Endeavor
- REV Birmingham
- HICA (Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama)
- Innovation Depot
Sloss Tech 2024’s full schedule revealed
On June 19, Sloss Tech unveiled the full schedule for its 2024 edition, which can be viewed on the Sloss Tech website.
“We are excited to unveil the complete schedule for Sloss Tech 2024, featuring an array of engaging sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities that we’ve designed to maximize attendee experience.
This year’s conference is shaping up to be our most dynamic yet, and we are incredibly grateful to Innovate Alabama for their support as our presenting sponsor.”
Deon Gordon, President and CEO, TechBirmingham
Highlights of the 2024 Sloss Tech experience include:
- Next in Tech: Talent Development Lounge, presented by Innovate Alabama
- The SSBCI (InvestAL and LendAL) Lounge, presented by Innovate Alabama
- SEEK AL Experience, presented by Innovate Alabama
- Birmingham Innovation Tour, hosted by gener8tor
- The Endeavor Experience, hosted by Endeavor
- Sloss Tech on Tap, hosted by Innovation Depot and sponsored by Birmingham Business Alliance
- Tech on 20th Block Party, in partnership with REV Birmingham and supported by BhamNow, with exclusive experiences hosted by Stella Source and NASCAR
- Startup Showcase, sponsored by Birmingham Bound
- Keynote by Frances Haugen, American Engineer & Scientist + Facebook whistleblower
- Fireside chat with Rodney Sampson, InvestAL Program Manager and globally recognized ecosystem builder
- Fireside with Melissa Butler, Founder of The Lip Bar
- Birmingham native and comedian Roy Wood, Jr
- Closing Keynote by Andrew Yang, Founder of Humanity Forward and Venture for America
- “Deeper dive” sessions, including Q&A with Dona Sarkar, AI Business Acceleration Workshop with Elizabeth Goede, and Product Market Fit workshop with Andrew Goldner
Sloss Tech 2024 will introduce State Small Business Credit Initiative
At Sloss Tech 2024, Innovate Alabama will introduce the highly anticipated State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), made possible through $98M in funding from the State of Alabama.
“As Alabama continues to signal that it’s open for business, it is crucial that we continue to contribute to the growth of the state’s economy through our small businesses.
This is a sector that has played a pivotal role in defining Alabama’s history. With the SSBCI program, we will demonstrate to both investors and business owners that Alabama represents a sound investment opportunity.”
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey
The SSBCI will consist of two programs—LendAL and InvestAL—that will finance loan and venture capital initiatives. The initiative is designed to directly fund the state’s startup founders and small business owners.
“The SSBCI program will be a catalyst for our state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, establishing an evergreen fund to improve access to capital for Alabama small businesses and entrepreneurs.
With the advent of this program, we’re welcoming a new era for entrepreneurs in Alabama.
I’m eager to witness the lasting benefits of the investment in the state, including the stimulation of a self-sustaining, durable investment landscape.”
Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO, Innovate Alabama
Planning to attend Sloss Tech in Birmingham later this year? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
