From NFTs to an innovation run, Miami Tech Month offers plenty. Here’s a rundown
The second edition of Miami’s NFT Week that opened Friday in Wynwood kicked off the tech sector’s April showcase month, one replete with various events in a city increasingly considered an important global technology hub and one looking to demonstrate that.
The monthlong spotlight on innovation comes amid considerable market uncertainty hitting cryptocurrency and tech overall. Venture capital funding in Miami the first two months of this year was a fraction of what it was last year. Still, Miami techies have shown a resiliency and are not going to let anyone crimp their style or their yearly celebration.
April is only informally referred to as Miami Tech Month and has no official organizer. For years, the signature tech conference here, eMerge Americas, took place in May. But the arrival of newcomers, many from California and New York, after the coronavirus pandemic began, shook things up. And so since last year, many tech leaders have chosen to hold their big events here in April.
Highlights include the second Black Innovation Technology & Entertainment Conference and eMerge Americas, the oldest homegrown tech conference here. eMerge will feature former star NFL quarterback Tom Brady as a keynote speaker, and loads of networking opportunities for people looking to break into the technology world in South Florida or simply learn more about it.
Want to learn about how NFTs, the non-fungible tokens, can help artists or web3 can bring in individuals long ignored by the tech world? You can do that this month. Wish to go bike riding with Mayor Francis Suarez or help techies clean up a beach? You can do that, too.
Events during the month, many which are open to the public although have an entry fee, will cover dozens of topics, from technology innovation in healthcare and education to the growing number of applications for artificial intelligence.
Here are a rundown of known events taking place as part of Miami Tech Month:
▪ Miami NFT Week, a conference on non-fungible tokens, web3, and more, March 31 – April 2
Location: Mana Wynwood Convention Center
For tickets and more info: https://miaminftweek.com
▪ Startup Day Miami, April 4, hosted by Amazon Web Services
Location: InterContinental Hotel Miami
For more info: https://pages.awscloud.com/NAMER-field-T3-AWS-Startup-Day-Miami-2023-reg-event.html
▪ Miami Tech Happy Hour, April 5, 12, 19, 26, starts at 6:30pm
Location: Freehold in Wynwood
▪ #MiamiTech Innovation Run, April 11, 6:30 p.m.–9 pm
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Frankie Ruiz, city of Miami’s chief wellness officer, will lead a 3.5-mile run through Brickell and downtown Miami. After the run, there will be food and music.
For more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miamitech-innovation-run-tickets-560017165417
▪ BITE-CON 2023, April 13-14
The Black Innovation Technology and Entertainment Conference
Location: Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Education Center
For more info: https://www.bite-con.com
▪ Miami’s AI Future: A Hackathon for Innovation and Progress, April 13-15
eMerge Americas annual hackathon in partnership with Ironhack and powered by Kaseya. During this 48-hour hackathon, teams will use artificial intelligence to build a project and present demos to a panel of judges.
The winning team will get a $10,000 cash prize. In addition, each participant will receive an eMerge Americas tech pass, valued at over $500.
For more info: https://lp.ironhack.com/emerge/hackathon
▪ Maker Faire Miami, April 15-16, the 10th anniversary celebration of the event for do-it-yourself enthusiasts and makers.
Location: Watsco Center in Coral Gables
More info: https://miami.makerfaire.com
▪ Miami Tech Summit 2023, April 19
Location: Perez Art Museum
Invitation only forum focused on tech policy
For more info: https://techsummitmiami.com
▪ eMerge Americas conference, April 20-21
Location: Miami Beach Convention Center
For more info: venue website: https://emergeamericas.com
▪ #MiamiTech Earth Day Park and Beach Cleanup, April 22 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Collins Park, Miami Beach
Celebrate Earth Day with eMerge Americas and the #MiamiTech community.
More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miamitech-earth-day-park-beach-cleanup-family-fun-tickets-560024627737
▪ Venture Miami Tech Hiring Fair, April 25-26, hosted by Venture Miami
Location: Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus
For more info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/venture-miami-talent-summit-tech-hiring-fair-tickets-568374271747
▪ Founders Fund flagship events, April 26 starting at 11 a.m.
Location: Faena Forum
Invitation only. Billionaire Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund will lead a series of invitation-only gatherings at the end of the month.
More info: https://thetechweek.com/flagship/
