Technology First upcoming events

The Loneliest Seat: What IT Leaders Don't Say Out Loud (09/15/2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMT

The Loneliest Seat:

What IT Leaders Don't Say Out Load

In partnership with the circuit

Agenda:

11:15am Check-in, Networking, lunch
11:30 - 1:00pm Meeting

Technology leadership isn't only about strategy, innovation, and what's next. It's also about the decisions and challenges that rarely make it onto a conference agenda.

How do you know when it's time to stop a project you once championed? How do you own a failure publicly and move forward? How do you navigate the isolation that can come with being the person expected to have the answers?

This conversation creates space for the realities of leadership that often happen behind closed doors. Join fellow technology leaders for a candid discussion about difficult decisions, lessons learned, and what it really takes to lead when the path forward isn't clear.

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Technology First Digital Mixer (10/14/2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Join us where over 200+ students, faculty, and IT professionals' network and connect.

The Digital Mixer is an annual event that brings together hundreds of students and IT professionals to network and connect with regional employers. Join us for casual yet meaningful conversations that could land you the job or the talent you’ve been

looking for!

Students - Bring your resumes and learn more about the internships and career possibilities in the region.

Employers - Bring your company information to share internship, part-time, and full-time opportunities they have available.

Dress Code: Business Casual

NOTE: This event is exclusively open to students, faculty, and hiring employers only. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that this opportunity remains focused on the intended audience.

Please contact info@technologyfirst.org with any questions!

IT Leadership Institute (10/16/2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Hosted by The Circuit, the IT Leadership Institute is a leadership development program now available to Technology First members.

Successful IT leaders, whether in formal leadership roles or leading through influence, combine technical expertise with emotional intelligence and a commitment to growth. They set vision, understand people, and shape culture with intent. The payoff: stronger teams, better business outcomes, and lasting impact across the IT community.

About the Program

The IT Leadership Institute is a 10-month, immersive leadership development experience designed specifically for IT professionals. Through expert-led sessions, peer discussion, and applied learning, participants will:

Increase self-awareness and understand how they are perceived by others
Identify their leadership style and apply it for maximum impact
Build and inspire high-performing teams
Develop critical leadership skills for an evolving technology landscape
Lead through influence rather than authority
Navigate complex organizational dynamics with confidence

Program Structure

Schedule: One half-day session per month, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, October through July (no December session)
Format: Expert-led discussions, peer collaboration, and CIO-level guest speakers
Environment: A focused, trusted space for tackling real-world IT leadership challenges

Key Topics

The Essence of Leadership
Community Project Planning
Technology Leadership and Why It’s Different
Is Management for Me?
Transformational Leadership: Vision and Strategy
Transactional Leadership: Delivering Results That Matter
IT Budgeting and Financials
Relational Leadership: Coaching, Communication, and Trust
Higher-Order Leadership: Leading Other Leaders
HR Insights: Interviewing, Career Management, and Networking

Click here to register and use the password TechnologyFirst

2026 Taste of IT Conference (11/18/2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The Future of IT Is Connected

The technology landscape is no longer a collection of separate priorities. AI affects data strategy. Cybersecurity shapes infrastructure. Workforce readiness influences adoption. Leadership determines whether any of it turns into real progress.

That is the focus of Taste of IT 2026: The Connected Stack.

This year’s conference brings together the people building, securing, managing, and leading technology across the region. Attendees will explore how platforms, people, security, and strategy work together across AI, cyber, training, leadership, infrastructure, data, and emerging tech.

Expect practical sessions, peer conversations, expert insight, and real examples from teams doing the work now. You will leave with a clearer view of the technology landscape, stronger connections, and practical ideas your team can use right away.

Because the connected stack is already changing how work gets done.

Powered by people. Connected by technology.
Tomorrow will be shaped by Technology First.

Date: November 18, 2026

Location: Sinclair Conference Center

Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Remembered.

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