There is still time to sign up and attend Lone Star College-Montgomery’s first-ever High Tech Conference, a free emerging technology event for the entire community on Friday, October 21, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., in the Mainstage Theatre in the Performing Arts Center (Building D).
 
The conference, a segment of the college’s inaugural StarTech Symposium, will highlight the current and emerging career opportunities in technology-driven industries, as well as related trends in Texas’ high-technology ecosystem such as economic growth and innovation.
 
The conference is free, but reservations (via www.LoneStar.edu/StarTech) are required. Attendees with limited time may select individual sessions that interest them.
 
“The event is designed to educate everyone—from industry professional to students, about the ‘business’ of technology and the roles that cutting-edge technologies play in meeting our current and future economic needs,” said Tonya Britton, workforce program manager at LSC-Montgomery and conference organizer.
 
The conference includes more than 45 presentations and exhibits about start-ups, co-working, innovation, project management, and entrepreneurship, along with 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.
 
Providing the keynote address is Andy Hines, lecturer/executive-in-residence of University of Houston’s Graduate Program in Futures Studies. In addition, a representative from the Texas Governor’s Office of Economic Development will provide the opening remarks.
 
“The conference is focused on the most current industry trends and technology-related scientific breakthroughs,” said Britton. “There will be onsite opportunities that will motivate, challenge, and inspire anyone working in or thinking about a career in an industry driven by energy, science, or technology.
 
The High Tech Conference is co-sponsored by LSC-Montgomery’s business and social sciences division and the college’s Biotechnology Institute.
 
It takes place during the StarTech Symposium, a three-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 sign up for the free event, visit www.LoneStar.edu/StarTech.
 
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.