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Familiar with Atlanta’s growing reputation as a hotbed of mobile commerce and entrepreneurial activity, the CEO of popular tech blog GigaOM recently visited the city to meet with leading technology companies and share industry insight.
Home to numerous tech giants, mobile marketers and content providers including AT&T, Verizon, Coca-Cola Co., Delta and CNN, Atlanta has emerged as a key player in the mobility industry. In the last year alone, nine mobile startups were launched locally, creating nearly 1,000 jobs for metro Atlanta. The Metro Atlanta Chamber now sees mobility as one of the prime drivers of economic growth for the region and has appointed a task force to help drive business.
Intrigued by this type of extensive mobile ecosystem and impressive local talent, GigaOM tapped Atlanta for a series of local meetups. The first gathering – dedicated to mobile innovation – will take place July 17th at Opera Nightclub.
“The startup community in Atlanta is growing and maturing, with Atlanta Tech Village and others building on the momentum already in place thanks to ATDC,” said meetup co-moderator Dr. Phil Hendrix, an analyst with GigaOM and founder/director of immr, a research and consulting firm. “In addition to Atlanta companies whose business “is mobile” (like AT&T and AirWatch), many of the locally-based global brands are pushing the envelope with mobile in their businesses.”
Led by a team of GigaOM writers, analysts and team members, the Mobile Meetup runs from 6 to 9 pm and features a prestigious list of speakers, including:
- Glenn Lurie, President, Emerging Enterprises and Partnerships for AT&T Mobility
- Tom Daly, Group Director, Global Connections, Coca-Cola
- Chris Huff, VP Mobile & Consumer App Development, The Weather Channel
- Ted Stine, AVP Mobile Payments and Commerce, AT&T
- Bengt Horsma, Head of Mobile Enablement Solutions, Visa Inc.
- David Cummings, Founder of Atlanta Tech Village
- Blake Patton, Interim General Manager of ATDC
Attendees will hear insight on topics ranging from connected devices and the future of mobile marketing and commerce to ways enterprises and startups can collaborate more directly. The meetup will feature an informal setting, two mobile-focused discussions, a “fireside chat” with Glenn Lurie, followed by a Q&A and reception. ATDC is one of the event sponsors.
“We’ve found that the format works well for dialogue with thought leaders, so don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the best,” said Hendrix.
The event is free, but RSVPs are required.