Girls in Tech Conference Comes to Phoenix

Silicon Valley-based nonprofit Girls in Tech will hold its annual Catalyst Conference in downtown Phoenix for the first time, on Sunday, April 26, through Tuesday, April 28, at the Hotel Palomar Phoenix CityScape.

"We're more than excited to host this premiere tech conference in Downtown," Mayor Greg Stanton said. "Women at the forefront of the technology and startup industry will have an opportunity to experience first hand Phoenix's rapidly growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovative community." EDGE

Girls in Tech is a global nonprofit focused on the engagement, education and empowerment of influential women in technology and entrepreneurship. The organization offers initiatives and curriculums for women and girls, including mentorship programs, business pitch competitions, online education and more.

Founder and CEO Adriana Gascoigne met with Stanton, as well as downtown and economic development experts, in January to discuss the conference opportunity.

"There's excitement and energy buzzing in downtown Phoenix, and Catalyst attendees are going to feel that," Gascoigne said. "Amazing things can happen when one woman helps another -- and together we're going to pave the path for future industry leaders."

The Catalyst Conference will offer participants a chance to hear from more than 40 notable female speakers, including presidents, CEOs, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and leaders in the tech industry and STEM fields. Attendees also will have access to a broad selection of workshops, panels and hands-on resources to help advance women in technology careers.

Heidi Jannenga, co-founder and chief operating officer of Phoenix-based software company WebPT, will speak at the conference about her experience leading one of the fastest-growing software companies in the nation.

"This conference is critical -- not only to Phoenix's burgeoning tech scene, but also to the growing number of women pursing careers in technology," Jannenga said. "Innovation at its finest can only occur when all great minds are involved. Thus, it behooves everyone to attend this conference and support Girls in Tech."

The Girls in Tech Catalyst Conference will be held April 26-28 at Hotel Palomar Phoenix CityScape, 2 E. Jefferson St. in Phoenix. For information or tickets, visit http://catalyst.girlsintech.org/.