The mission of the Tampa Bay Technology Forum is to grow and promote Tampa Bay's technology ecosystem. Through events, education, networking, advocacy and philanthropy programs, we provide targeted forums that bring all the constituents of this ecosystem together to advance our industry and member objectives.

Our goal is to propel Tampa Bay to the ranks of one of the top 10 U.S. technology markets by 2015. To achieve this ambitious goal, TBTF will focus on strengthening the ecosystem that will support the success of our aspirations. This means fostering valuable connections and relationships among  technology and business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, scientists, researchers and educators. 

We’ll also provide the leadership and expertise necessary for our state to advance as a center of high-tech innovation and economic growth. Our successes over the past 8 years have been both incremental and exponential, and the organization has never been in a better position to influence technology policy well beyond Tampa Bay.

The Technology Ecosystem
Just as ecosystems in nature are designed so that all participants in a community perform specific roles to keep a system thriving, we believe the same dynamic applies in order for Tampa Bay’s technology community to flourish.

Our ecosystem consists of technology entrepreneurs and business leaders, professional service firms, government and economic development officials, university researchers and educators from K-12 through post-graduate instruction.

To foster a vibrant technology industry, TBTF connects all the players who have roles in ensuring that the area supports technology professionals and their businesses, attracts and retains top talent and collaborates with youth programs, schools and universities to develop the highly skilled workforce we’ll need to support high tech growth well into the future.

Here are some of the ways we keep everyone in the ecosystem connected:

Networking – Over 100 high quality events each year offer diverse and exciting networking opportunities for members. From monthly peer roundtables to fun social events for all, TBTF members have ample opportunities to connect.

Education – Entrepreneur Boot Camps, Business Briefings, seminars and business showcases and conferences provide invaluable professional development opportunities for our members.

Awareness – TBTF members receive weekly updates about local technology company news and issues impacting their businesses. The TBTF board and leadership communicate the mission and priorities of our members to centers of influence in the region, state, and beyond.

Advocacy – TBTF serves as a conduit for the region’s technological thought-leaders to speak with a unified voice and communicate their message to the public and government leaders.

Philanthropy – The TBTF Foundation takes action to help solve the digital divide in our community. Programs such as CompuTer-rific with area Boys & Girls Clubs have helped thousands of underserved youth gain access to the Internet and learn valuable computer skills.