Back to the future with TechWorld

Back in the day in Y2K, the eCoast – a special committee of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce – hosted TechWorld 2000, an expo of New Hampshire Seacoast technology businesses. Now, exactly 10 years later, TechWorld 2010 will return Oct. 14-15.Simply put, if you’re in the area and you’re in high tech, this conference will be the place to be.
TechWorld 2010 marks a time for looking forward to the technologies of tomorrow, and for looking back on the successes of New Hampshire-based high-tech businesses. At TechWorld 2000 a decade ago, the Internet was a wild frontier and the emphasis was on start-ups. Now that the dust has settled, Portsmouth-based companies like PixelMedia, Bottomline Technologies, BayRing Communications and Newmarket International have proven themselves leaders in their fields and leaders in the community.In fact, there are scores of as-yet-untold high-tech business success stories all throughout the state.It may come as a surprise to those who think of ski trips, leaf-peeping and presidential primaries when they think of New Hampshire, but fully one-third of the gross state product is high tech. Large firms like Liberty Mutual, FairPoint and PC Connection remain among New Hampshire’s top high-tech employers, but the state’s many small and mid-size technology firms represent the state’s future of job creation and innovation.TechWorld 2010 is the chance for technology-focused companies of all sizes to promote, recruit, demonstrate, network and celebrate their successes.What else is different 10 years later? TechWorld 2010 marks the first collaboration between eCoast and the New Hampshire High Technology Council. In what is sure to be the highlight of the proceedings, Gov. John Lynch himself will present the NHHTC’s annual InfoXchange Awards.By bridging the Nashua-Manchester tech corridor with Portsmouth’s eCoast, expo organizers hope more cooperation and “cross-pollination” will occur across the state. Even better, unlike TechWorld 2000, this conference will span two days, allowing out-of-towners the chance to experience the fine dining and lodging that Portsmouth has to offer.There will be three separate tracks for conference participants to follow: Technology, Business and Career Growth. TechWorld 2010 will feature a New Hampshire TweetUp, free Wi-Fi, an after-party reception, and lots of opportunities to see and be seen, so don’t wait another 10 years.For information about tickets, how to exhibit, or sponsorships, contact Salina McIntire at ecoast@portsmouth chamber.org or 603-610-5514.