Technology Conference for Kona Businesses Set for Aug. 2

TechConKona — a full-day conference teaching business owners technology solutions to boost their bottom line — will be held Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Sheraton Keauhou Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event is the first of its kind held in Kona with attendees learning about everything from digital marketing and innovative technology, such as cloud computing, to innovation/startups on the Big Island and sustainability/renewable energy.

The conference, which will feature exhibitors, networking opportunities, a luncheon, and a pau-hana business reception, is sponsored by Friends of NELHA, Hawaii Community College, the County of Hawaii, the Small Business Development Center, West Hawaii Today, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, and RevoluSun.

The conference is headlined by two prominent keynote speakers: Paul Hawken, best selling author of “Natural Capitalism” and the founder of the first natural food store in the US, and Dustin Luther, head of social media at Dun and Bradstreet Credibility Corporation, who will address the expected 400 attendees.

The conference will focus on the key elements of business success, including how to raise funds, how to increase sales with online tools such as mobile payments, lowering energy costs and more.

Among the nearly dozen expert panelists giving presentations are Jane Sawyer, district director of the Hawaii office of the US Small Business Administration, who will talk about utilizing SBA loans; and Dave Minkus, information technology director for North Hawaii Community Hospital, who will talk about taking your business into the cloud. 

“At TechConKona, our presenters and expert panelists will show business owners and managers how to use technology to boost their bottom line using affordable, and often times free tools such as mobile apps, social media, email marketing and energy efficiency information,” said Guy Toyama, executive director of Friends of NELHA, a key organizer of the event. “TechConKona is an exciting networking, educational and synergistic event which we are proud to sponsor.”

Tickets to the event are $100. Registered attendees receive full conference access, lunch, a post-event networking reception and access to exhibitors. An open discussion forum to learn specific topics of interest from the speakers and other business professionals is a projected highlight. Tickets can be purchased at www.TechConKona.com

Companies interested in being exhibitors at the event can contact Julie Ziemelis, Ziemelis Communications, at 808-854-6769 or email julie@ziemelis.com.