2nd annual Sloss Tech building excitement about local innovators

The second annual Sloss Tech conference, to be at the Lyric Theatre on July 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., features speakers and workshops highlighting the latest in creativity and technology. 

But Sloss Tech — presented in conjunction with the Sloss Music & Arts Festival — has one overriding mission, according to an organizer, Jennifer Skjellum of Tech Birmingham.

“The goal is ... to raise awareness of Birmingham’s thriving tech scene, the untapped opportunities to start a career or company here,” said Skjellum, whose organization stages the event along with Telegraph Creative.

The keynote speaker will be Casey Neistat, a maker of films, TV commercials and legendary YouTube videos who used his gift for storytelling to redefine internet content for brands such as Nike and Mercedes. Former NFL star running back Tiki Barber, now a broadcaster and tech entrepreneur who co-founded software maker Thuzio Inc., will also appear.

Local speakers are to include Shipt CEO Bill Smith and Mental Floss founder Will Pearson.

One goal of Sloss Tech is to “entice new people to visit and better understand” the Magic City, Skjellum said. 

The popular Neistat’s appearance can help that effort. He has more than 7 million YouTube followers.

These fans are “the kind of people we want to attract to Birmingham,” she said.

Tickets begin at $179. For more information, go to sloss.tech.