South by Southwest is here again, and for several days in March, Austin will transform itself into the media, technology, movie, and music capital of the world. I have had the opportunity to attend South by Southwest for a few years now and mostly as an observer and party goer. The energy and shared creative thoughts which converge on the city offer a time like no other for Austin. With that being said, the Merivis Foundation is proud to have a few veteran focused events in which we will be participating or attending. This brief blog post will share what we are is doing and other events you may want to check out related to our military veterans and South by Southwest 2016.
McCombs Entrepreneurship Night – SXSWi Edition 2016 – This event will showcase new startups from the McCombs School and will be a great networking event. You’ll have the opportunity to network with current students, alumni and local entrepreneurs from the growing Austin Startup scene. Check it out and look for me!
McCombs SXSW Tradeshow Booth for Merivis Foundation – We have been selected to be showcased at the McCombs SXSW Trade show booth on Sunday, March 13 from 2-6pm. We will be with the UT Austin McCombs MBA & MSTC programs at the following location and booth numbers, come see us!
The Austin Convention Center (Exhibit Halls 2, 3 & 4) 500 E Cesar Chavez Austin, Texas 78701.
UT Austin McCombs MBA & MSTC programs booths: 219, 221, 318, 320
Veteran Entrepreneur Breakfast Lounge – This one will be really great if you can wake up on Sunday and get to east Austin by 8:30AM. There will be several members of congress and military veteran entrepreneurs who will engage in discussions on the role of public policy in empowering veteran entrepreneurs as innovators in the American economy. I was fortunate to attend this event last year at the Four Seasons and really enjoyed the conversation on veterans and entrepreneurs.
Tech Inclusion: Austin – If you have time on Sunday March 13th and before you swing by the Merivis Foundation Booth, check out this event! We will be attending the 11:15am – 12:15pm Veterans in Technology discussion. This will be a deep discussion about barriers for veterans in tech with a broad group veterans and allies. There are so many good speakers at this event including the United States CTO, Megan Smith.
Hiring Veterans in the Tech and Energy Field Meet Up – Back in November, my good friend John Boerstler (Executive Director of NextOP) asked me to be on this panel and I am honored to be a part of this session. Along with Teri Poulton (Director, Strategic Relationships at BP) and John, we will discuss how hiring veterans in both the energy and technology fields can be a huge benefit to your company. I have many friend in Austin and coming in from other parts, be sure to come check out this session!
Military and Veteran Roll Call Meet Up – This session will be great and if you have time check it out. This session will provide an open forum to discuss issues that military and veterans face today including transitioning process, education, employment, etc. Bonnie Fletcher works tirelessly throughout the veteran community in Texas so be sure to check out this session.
There will be many other events to attend, but these are a few you will find Merivis and our team!
Enjoy SXSW 2016 and look out for us!
Hector Perez Jr.
- Tags: South By Southwest, SXSW, technology, Veterans
