MHV TECHMEET 2024

The 1st Mid-Hudson Valley TechMeet, held on November 8, 2024, at Bard College, was a dynamic event that gathered over 80 participants, including students, tech professionals, and academic leaders. Supported by Bard, Marist, SUNY New Paltz, Vassar, SWE, IEEE, ASME, and IBM, the event featured 35 student poster presentations judged by 20 industry experts. This showcase highlighted projects across fields such as AI, cybersecurity, engineering, and general science, fostering connections and knowledge exchange within the local tech community. Posters were evaluated by a panel of judges that included college professors and industry professionals, ensuring high-quality feedback and recognition for the participants.  

 

Chris Berry, a Distinguished Engineer from IBM, was the invited speaker at this event. Chris spoke on Launching a Tech Career: Skills, Opportunities, and the Future of AI in STEM. Chris shared essential career insights with our diverse group of STEM students, covering practical steps for entering the tech field, the critical skills needed for growth, and how AI is reshaping the industry. His talk offered a forward-looking perspective on AI’s trajectory over the next five years, sparking new aspirations among students from various disciplines.​​​

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Preetha Natesan, Vice-President of SWE Mid-Hudson and an IBM Manager, served as the Chair of MHV TechMeet 2024, providing leadership and direction for this successful event. She, along with the Steering Committee, which included Japheth Wood (Bard College), Don Schwartz & Eitel Lauría (Marist College), Ashley Suchy & Heather Lai (SUNY New Paltz), Marc Smith & Rui Meireles (Vassar College), and  Natesan Venkateswaran (IBM), played a key role in bringing this event to life. Our sincere appreciation goes to Bard College, Marist, SUNY New Paltz, Vassar College, the Society for Women Engineers (SWE), IEEE, ASME, and IBM for their support and sponsorship. 

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This event marks a significant milestone in the effort to build a vibrant, collaborative tech community in the Mid-Hudson Valley. This successful inaugural event set a promising foundation for future tech engagement and innovation in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Thank you to all who contributed to this achievement.