- Sistech Conference faced funding challenges a month before the event
- The conference empowers women in the male-dominated tech industry
- Despite sponsorship issues, the conference raised over $58,000 through donations and new sponsors
- Plans for future sustainability include hosting fundraising events in off-years
- Emphasis on the importance of corporate support for diversity initiatives
Women in Tech Conference Overcomes Funding Challenges
The Sistech Conference, a gathering aimed at empowering women in the tech industry, faced a major hurdle just a month before its scheduled date at the Hyatt Regency Bloomington on May 3. Serena Roberts, the co-founder of the event, found herself grappling with the possibility of canceling the conference due to funding challenges. The conference, which serves as a platform for women in tech to network and learn in a male-dominated field, features a lineup of women speakers and vendors. The inaugural conference in 2021 saw a mix of in-person and online attendance, with 90 participants on-site and 60 virtually, all backed by corporate sponsors.
Confronting the Funding Shortfall
Despite a successful debut, the second iteration of the Sistech Conference faced financial setbacks. With a shortfall of $25,000 needed to cover event expenses, Roberts, also the chief operating officer of the event’s parent nonprofit Moxy Foundation, turned to social media to seek help. Her LinkedIn post detailed the challenges faced in securing sponsorships, with only one corporate sponsor onboard. The conference, with almost all seats sold out at 285, struggled as potential sponsors cited budget constraints as the reason for not supporting the event.
Rallying Support and Overcoming Adversity
Roberts’ call for assistance on LinkedIn sparked a wave of generosity and solidarity. Individual donations totaling over $13,000, corporate matching of $5,000, and the addition of three new corporate sponsors, including Dataiku, Turnberry Solutions, and Best Buy Foundation, helped the conference surpass its fundraising goal, amassing a total of $58,000. The outpouring of financial support not only saved the event but also underscored the community’s commitment to empowering women in the tech sector.
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Looking Ahead and Ensuring Sustainability
As the Sistech Conference successfully navigated the funding crisis, Roberts reflected on the experience and outlined plans for future editions. Acknowledging the importance of maintaining momentum, she revealed intentions to introduce a fundraising gala in off-years to sustain the conference’s impact. Despite the challenges faced, Roberts remains steadfast in her commitment to providing a platform for women in tech to connect, share insights, and foster genuine relationships.
The resilience displayed by the Sistech Conference in overcoming funding challenges serves as a testament to the unwavering support for women in the tech industry. Through community solidarity and a shared vision of empowerment, the conference not only weathered a financial storm but emerged stronger and more determined to champion diversity and inclusion in the tech sector.
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