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
Last month, the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub kicked off the school year with a lively Retro Back-to-School themed Happy Hour. Tenants brought their families, and the space was filled with throwback snacks, classic laser backdrop photo ops, and plenty of nostalgic fun.
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay's 3DE initiative connects high school students with local and national businesses, giving them hands-on experience in problem-solving.
October always feels like conference season — a time when professionals from around the world gather to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen collaborations. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the OCEANS 2025 Conference in Chicago, a global gathering for those advancing ocean science and maritime technology.