Largest Festival of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Tech Culture Returns to Boston City Hall Plaza

BOSTON, March 29, 2016 — (PRNewswire) — On June 16, 2016, City Hall Plaza will once again be the home of the annual Boston TechJam, bringing together area entrepreneurs, startups, established tech companies, venture capitalists, non-profit organizations and students in celebration of the region's technology ecosystem and culture. The event, now in its fourth year, is one part block party, one part tech showcase that connects the community and celebrates Massachusetts' innovation economy.

"While TechJam evolves each year to adapt attendee feedback, what hasn't changed is the momentum of the area's tech ecosystem," said Mark Lorion, co-founder of TechJam and chief marketing and products officer at Apperian. "The entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative culture and passion for technology in and around Boston has only gotten stronger. I'm proud that Boston TechJam can once again play a role in bringing people together showcasing the innovation happening right now in our city."

Last year's event sold out days in advance, with more than 4,000 registered attendees and contributed nearly $30,000 – 100 percent of the admission revenue – to the MassTLC Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on supporting computing education in Massachusetts.

The 2016 event brings with it some new changes. For the first time, the event will allow entrance to techies under 21 years old. As home to some of the top higher-learning institutions in the world, the goal is to encourage greater networking between current tech contributors and the next-generation of industry luminaries.  

This year, exhibitions will be organized as "Innovation Villages," to inspire community and networking within the event. Boston TechJam will also feature performances from live bands, appearances from entrepreneurial tech leaders – both past and present, local craft beer, food truck fare and "street-festival"-type games from 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.

"Boston has become known as a focal point for tech incubators not only in the country, but around the world," said Tom Hopcroft, president and CEO of the Mass Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC), the lead organizer of the event. "From the individuals to the organizations, Boston TechJam celebrates those shaping, molding and growing the ideas and industries that have made the Commonwealth standout among other innovation regions."

The event is being led by co-founder Mark Lorion of Apperian and co-founder Christine Nolan of MassTLC along with founding team members Dave Polcaro from East Coast Catalyst, Ben Maitland-Lewis from Pretty Instant, Dave Cutler from Influence Central and Joel Richman from SHIFT Communications. Other leading collaborators include GreenHorn Connect, MassChallenge, MITX, The City of Boston and New England Venture Capital Association.

The event would not be possible without the thought leadership and financial support of underwriting sponsors Autodesk, Constant Contact, Equinix, Kronos Incorporated, Fitbit, firstPRO, Monster and Rocket Software. Additional sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are available.

How to Get Involved

• To register to attend and get the most up-to-date information on the schedule of events, visit www.bostontechjam.org and follow @bostontechjam (#btj2016). Two-thirds of this year's admission will go to support computing education in Massachusetts through the MassTLC Education Foundation.
• To exhibit or sponsor, contact Email Contact.
• To attend as a member of the press, contact Email Contact.

About Boston TechJam
Boston TechJam is a showcase and accelerator for new ideas and world-class innovations coming out of the Boston region. The event brings together early stage companies, entrepreneurs, students, established enterprises, venture capitalists and artists to celebrate the region's technology, entrepreneurship and culture. Equal parts idea exchange and celebration, Boston TechJam is an unconventional meeting ground for local innovators, visionaries and up-and-comers. The 18+ event will take place June 16, 2016 in Boston City Hall Plaza.

Boston TechJam is supported by Autodesk, Constant Contact®, Equinix, Kronos Incorporated, Fitbit, firstPRO, Monster and Rocket Software and collaborators include Apperian, MassTLC, East Coast Catalyst, Pretty Instant, Influence Central, SHIFT Communications, GreenHorn Connect, MassChallenge, MITX, The City of Boston and New England Venture Capital Association.

Media Contact:
SHIFT Communications
Email Contact

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