Plug In South LA will host its 3rd annual tech conference, Urban Tech Connect, in a virtual setting next week from September 15 to 17. Urban Tech Connect // Forward 2020 will equip tech company founders from African American and LatinX communities in Los Angeles and beyond with the knowledge and expertise to build competitive and successful tech enterprises and platforms. The virtual conference also is helping founders push forward in scaling and growing their businesses amidst the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration is at https://utc.pluginsouthla.com; ticket packages range in price up to $225, and scholarships are available via this form. Virtual sponsorships are available starting at $1,000.

Urban Tech Connect is a platform for under-represented communities to plug in to the greater technology ecosystem and to network with other founders, VC's, angel investors, tech influencers, and industry leaders. The conference also addresses access to and cultivates opportunities for tech jobs especially for LatinX and African American individuals. From businesses that are raising significant funding or trying to be successfully acquired, Urban Tech Connect is bridging the gap of diverse ideation in technology while empowering the next generation of founders and entrepreneurs.

The three-day virtual Urban Tech Connect // Forward 2020 event will feature collaborative engagement, untapped talent, and community and economic development. Confirmed speakers include: Cavel Khan, Chief Revenue Officer of Tumblr; Baron Davis, Investor and Founder of Baron Davis Enterprises; Julia Collins, Co-Founder of Zume Pizza and Founder of Planet FWD; Bonin Bough, Chief Growth Officer of Triller; Diishan Imira, Founder of Mayvenn; Isa Watson, Founder of Squad; Hamet Watt, CEO of Share Ventures; Joe Fernandez, Co-Founder of Joymode; Travis Holoway of Solo Funds; Mark Ridley-Thomas of the LA County Board of Supervisors; and other prominent tech industry insiders.

Special topics and sessions include: taking the first step to disrupting an industry; live startup pitch contest; insights into venture capital entrepreneurship; and more. Sponsors include Verizon, JP Morgan Chase, Annenberg Foundation/Pledge LA, SoLa Impact Fund, Office of Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas LA County District 2, and more.

“This conference, even in its virtual form, is helping build a movement of innovators, investors, and creators to transform the technology sector of tomorrow while reflecting the characteristics of our community today,” says Derek Smith, Founder of Plug In South LA.