conference

If you are a regular reader, you know by now about the Tech4Society event Ashoka is hosting with the Lemelson Foundation in Hyderabad in February. Though I won’t be there, I am excited for our team putting on the event and am anxiously looking forward to the commentary and insights we’ll gain from the gathering.

Over the past few years I have been somewhat frustrated by health/development/technology conferences that seem to focus on the same groups of stakeholders: international donors, foundations, large government agencies, etc. I’ve often been left wanting more: more presentations, access, opinions, and insights from the entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs on the ground, and end users or beneficiaries of the program. The fact that all 100 of the Ashoka-Lemelson Fellows will be at the Hyderabad event, plus corporations, international organizations, etc. excites me beyond belief!

Sex::Tech is an upcoming conference dedicated to technology and sexual health, this February 26-27 in San Francisco, CA.

That's what you thought it was going to be about, right?  So the title earns it a little extra buzz—that's a great thing for something as important as sexual health.

From the Sex::Tech website:

"The Internet and mobile technologies have strengthened youth networks, provided new avenues for expression, and increased youth access to tools and information designed to improve their sexual health. Sex::Tech explores available tools and methods for reaching youth with culturally appropriate STD/HIV prevention and sex education interventions. Technology developers, accidental techies, educators, researchers, youth, public health professionals, activists are all welcome. It's time to show what you know and learn something new. Join us!"

Sounds like an excellent opportunity to learn about and share the latest developments and uses of technology in promoting sexual health, reaching audiences, educating youth and others, and making resources accessible.  Even if sexual health's not your focus, you might be able to learn about how to apply the same successful technologies and methods to your work too.