Each month our team confers about what to include in the District newsletter. We lament how to share all the amazing stories while not creating an encyclopedia (yes, I am showing by age with an old school reference). We are fortunate to have so many things going on in the District.
This month is no different. We chose to highlight accomplishments across our partners… and to share four upcoming events. Through the generous support of our anchor institutions and sponsors we can keep the costs of these events low or free. I encourage you to join us.
I am headed soon to the first Global Summit of Innovation Districts. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to visit Districts around the country. This will be the first time a large group of Districts have come together. I am looking forward to learning how they are organized, the challenges they face, and the tools/techniques they are using to foster innovation and economic growth in their communities. I’ll share some highlights of what I learn in our next newsletter.
Have a great month! I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
Not so long ago, talent and innovation blossomed in an area just south of Downtown St. Petersburg. City officials and community partners wanted to leverage the capabilities of key institutions—USF St. Petersburg, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, and the Poynter Institute, to name a few. The point was to foster collaboration and show our initiatives to the world.
We will host another Trolley Tour and Happy Hour on Friday, June 13th. You will board a trolley with other Innovation District partners and learn about the history and future plans for the area. This tour will feature stops at Albert Whitted Airport, Florida Institute of Oceanography, and The Dalí Museum. The tour will conclude back at the Hub with a networking happy hour.
April’s Tech X-change was a hit, thanks to an engaging presentation from Digital Twin Marine. Shoutout to all the Eckerd College students who joined us! The audience was curious and interactive, asking great questions and eager to try out the virtual reality headset.