Sloss.Tech 2025 expands to three-day tech/innovation experience
Birmingham’s Sloss.Tech 2025 conference is set for June 25-27. This year, after six consecutive sellouts as a one-day gathering in the downtown theatre district, the annual technology and innovation event is expanding to three days, offering a lineup of acclaimed keynote speakers, panel discussions featuring founders, funders and facilitators, and other activities celebrating technology and innovation across the Southeast.
Deon Gordon, president and CEO of TechBirmingham. (contributed)
“Sloss.Tech has evolved into a definitive tech event for the Southeast,” said Deon Gordon, president and CEO of TechBirmingham, a nonprofit working to strengthen and promote Birmingham’s tech ecosystem and an organizer of Sloss.Tech. “The demand was there, so expanding just made sense.
“We’re creating more opportunities for meaningful connections between founders and funders, while showcasing Alabama’s growing reputation as a hub for inclusive innovation. The expansion represents everything we’ve been building toward.”
Reflecting the opportunity to broaden the range of content available to attendees, Sloss.Tech 2025 has assembled an impressive roster of speakers and presenters, representing diverse perspectives on technology, innovation and social impact. Speakers include:
Currently the executive-in-residence at the University of Virginia, Kass helps companies like Coca Cola, Morgan Stanley and Amgen navigate the AI landscape. He was previously with OpenAI, where he led teams responsible for sales, partnerships and customer success.
A venture capitalist and the guest investor on the television show “Shark Tank,” Williams has invested in 170 companies with more than 50 successful exits to date. He was an early investor in Robinhood, Coinbase, Ring and Lyft, and in 2024 became a limited partner in the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Black Enterprise named Williams its “Investor of the Year” in 2018.
Founder Johnny Earle has won numerous national awards for young entrepreneurs since launching his T-shirt company at age 19. Noted for his insights on building brand loyalty, he consults for a client list that includes Apple, Disney, IBM and Harvard University.
Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and founding director of the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab, Benjamin’s award-winning work examines the intersection of technology, innovation and social equity. She joins Sloss.Tech in partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
In addition to speakers and panel discussions, the conference will present the inaugural Sloss.Tech/Ideas Pitch Competition. A total of 16 startups from across the Southeast will compete for a $50,000 Grand Prize and an additional $25,000 in other prizes.
Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. (contributed)
For the third consecutive year, Sloss.Tech’s Next in Tech program is providing free admission for 200 students and early-career professionals. Since 2023, the program has participants with access to industry knowledge, professional development and direct connections with recruiters ranging from Protective Life to NASCAR.
Next in Tech is supported in part by Innovate Alabama, which also is a presenting sponsor of Sloss.Tech 2025, along with the city of Birmingham and Jefferson County. As Alabama’s lead organization for promoting and generating investment in the state’s innovation ecosystem, Innovate Alabama is using its presence at Sloss.Tech to highlight founders and ecosystem builders from across the state.
“The growth of Sloss.Tech is indicative of the incredible momentum that continues to build in Alabama’s growing tech community,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “We’re particularly excited to present programming that encompasses all corners of Alabama and empowers more Alabamians to connect, collaborate and contribute to the innovation economy.”
Maria Underwood, chair of TechBirmingham and president of Birmingham Bound. (contributed)
With the expansion from one to three days, Sloss.Tech 2025 represents a pivotal moment in positioning Alabama as a catalyst for regional innovation that extends beyond traditional tech hubs, said Maria Underwood, board chair of TechBirmingham and president of Birmingham Bound, a nonprofit that recruits startups to the city. Sloss.Tech is an opportunity for innovators outside the established centers of Birmingham and Huntsville to make connections and find support in a burgeoning tech and innovation climate.
“Alabama’s tech community stands out for being genuinely supportive and collaborative,” Underwood said. “What founders discover when they come to Sloss.Tech is an enthusiastic community ready to help them succeed.”
Sloss.Tech 2025 offers a range of ticket options at reg.digitalmotion.events.