Immigration is a hot topic right now, and that’s not news to anyone. But what might be surprising is the number of industries in Washington that depend upon our immigrant workforce. For those of us in the Seattle area, we mostly hear about immigrant workers in the tech industry. But our state’s economy is diverse, and to the east of us is a huge agriculture industry that includes our world-renowned apples and wine grapes, as well as dairy products and potatoes. Washington agriculture depends upon immigration as well.

Immigration isn’t the only thing the tech and agricultural industries have in common. They also both see technology innovation as a key success driver. If people of action from technology and agriculture could get together, there would be huge potential for creative thinking and collaboration.

This is why FullConTech is hitting the road on September 26 and heading to Sleeping Lady in Leavenworth, WA. We’re bringing together people from across the state to talk about the immigrant workforce and the role it plays in our technology and agricultural industries. Our plan is to meet in the middle, learn from each other, and build solutions together.

We’re not the only organization that’s planning a road trip. The Tech Alliance will also be in Leavenworth on September 26. The organization is holding its biennial, invite-only Technology Institute retreat with leaders and influencers from business, research, and government. Like WTIA, the Tech Alliance has traditionally focused on the technology industry but recognizes that technology is important to almost every industry in Washington. They’ve shifted their retreat location east to expand their reach, bringing together people from across the state to talk about technology innovation.  

When WTIA and the Tech Alliance found out we were both planning fall events, we decided to see how we could work together to create more opportunities for networking and idea-sharing. Both our events have a full schedule, but we will get a chance to have shared sessions. We will be having lunch together on the 26th, where the Tech Institute attendees will join us for the FullConTech keynote. And we’ve invited them also to participate in our afternoon Invent Sessions.

We’re excited to join forces with our friends at the Tech Alliance. The group does great work fostering economic growth in Washington. Plus, they support efforts in education, research, and entrepreneurship – areas that are important to the WTIA. Being together at Sleeping Lady is an unusual chance for FullConTech participants to meet a wide variety of people. We’re looking forward to seeing what new relationships and collaborations come out of our time together in Leavenworth.

Join us for FullConTech on September 26. Register by September 5 and get the early bird discount.