Lone Star College-Montgomery presents the first-ever High Tech Conference, an emerging technology event designed for both the general public and business professionals, on Friday, October 21, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., in the Mainstage Theatre in the Performing Arts Center (Building D). 
The conference, which is just one part of the college’s inaugural StarTech Symposium, allows attendees to explore Texas’ high-technology ecosystem and related trends such as economic growth, job creation, and innovation.
 
The conference is free, but reservations are required.
 
“The conference brings together an audience from a wide range of backgrounds who share a common interest in technology-related trends and issues that impact the local and national economies,” said Tonya Britton, workforce program manager at LSC-Montgomery and conference organizer. “Attendees will leave with relevant, cutting-edge knowledge about various technology sectors that they can leverage to improve their personal and professional quality of life.”
 
Providing the keynote address is Andy Hines, lecturer/executive-in-residence of University of Houston’s Graduate Program in Futures Studies. His presentation, “A Dozen Surprises about the Future of Work,” will demystify the future of the workplace and discuss structural and other changes taking place in how we work, where we work, and who will be doing the work in the future.
 
Hines, an academic futurist, co-founded and is currently on the Board of the Association of Professional Futurists. He has also co-authored three books and appeared on several radio and television programs, including KRIV-26 News to talk about the future of libraries, and the CBS “Early Show” to talk about an MTV-commissioned study on the future of youth happiness.
 
In addition, Jonathon Taylor, director of the emerging technology fund from the Texas Governor’s Office of Economic Development, will provide the opening remarks.
 
With a strong focus on technology-driven business development, the conference includes scheduled presentations about start-ups, co-working, innovation, project management, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the conference includes several breakout sessions hosted by leading experts in the fields of aerospace, clean energy, geographic information systems (GIS), biotechnology, information technology, sustainability, healthcare, telecommunications, and nanotechnology.
 
“Business leaders will learn best practices on the increasingly sophisticated technological environment, and general lay people will become informed on the technology resources that are available throughout our region and state,” said Britton. “Students are encouraged to attend, as they will learn about emerging jobs in the industry and increase their familiarity with technology-related terms, topics, and trends.”
 
The High Tech Conference takes place during the StarTech Symposium, a four-day technology trends event that includes a community job fair on Thursday, October 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; the NanoTech Workshop, on Thursday, October 20, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and an Algae Certification Workshop, on Saturday, October 22, from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
 
The community job fair is presented in partnership with the South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. The NanoTech Workshop is held in partnership with the Penn State Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization with sessions facilitated by Dr. Stephen Fonash, executive director for the center. The Algae Certification Workshop is held in partnership with the National Algae Association (NAA) with sessions facilitated by Barry Cohen, executive director for NAA.
 
For more information about the High Tech Conference or to register for the free event, visit http://www.lonestar.edu/starTech.htm.
 
LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call 936.273.7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.
 
With more than 69,000 students in credit classes for fall 2010, and a total enrollment of more than 85,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.