The Southeast’s premier technology conference, Sloss Tech, is expanding with its initiative, Next is technology. This year’s focus is on providing free access and professional development resources for more students and young professionals.
As it enters its third year, the Next Tech program has already attracted nearly 200 participants, offering them significant industry insights, networking chances, and direct connections with recruiters from leading companies, including welfare and NASCAR. The aim here is to remove financial barriers that can restrict access to tech conferences and hinder career growth for emerging professionals.
The program is available to those with up to five years of experience in high-tech or related areas, and applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. It caters to university students and recent graduates from across Alabama.
With support from Innovate Alabama, an announcement sponsor of Sloss Tech 2025 along with other partner organizations, participants will be granted free and comprehensive access to the event. In addition to the main conference, the program will highlight specific breakout sessions, keynotes, and career-building opportunities designed specifically for early career attendees.
The reach of this program is increasing through collaborations with talent development initiatives across the state, including fuel, the Quanthub Alabama Data Scholars Internship Program, and the AG Gaston Boys & Girls Club. These partnerships offer professional development experiences, internship placements, and community backing to the next generation of technical talent in Alabama.
Participants have shared that the program has had a meaningful impact on their careers.
“Sloss Tech was my first opportunity outside of UAB’s career fairs to engage with employers in the tech field,” a 2023 attendee remarked. “It helped me connect with companies where I now have summer internships!”
Another participant, Destiny Patton, mentioned that her experience at Sloss Tech 2019 was pivotal in motivating her to lead an algorithm research project, and she is now interning with Amazon.
Sloss Tech 2025 is reinforcing Birmingham’s status as an emerging tech center in the South, with the Next Tech program playing a vital role in fostering local talent and nurturing Alabama’s innovation ecosystem.
For further details on the upcoming Tech programs, you can visit or reach out for applications. To learn more about Sloss Tech 2025 and to purchase tickets, you can check out www.sloss.tech or follow @slosstech online.
