Recapping Tech Talent 2024

Each fall, the Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech) hosts the Tech Talent Conference, bringing together technical leaders, educators, policy makers, and hiring managers to collaborate on nurturing Minnesota’s tech workforce.

On October 11th, 2024, nearly 300 attendees gathered at Best Buy headquarters for this one-day event featuring inspiring speakers, networking, and learning. MnTech’s mission is to help organizations inspire, hire, develop, and retain tech talent, with the conference serving as a key initiative.

Setting the Stage With Data
Tech Talent 2024 began with a presentation from RealTime Talent. The local workforce data agency provided an overview of the strength of our state’s tech talent workforce, roles and skills in demand, and what will be needed to sustain growth for the future.

Keynote: GenAI and Our Workforce
Building on the data presented by RealTime Talent, we welcomed Harvard Professor Joe Fuller to the stage for his keynote: “Technology and the Workforce in the Post-Covid, Generative AI Era.” In his presentation, Fuller explored how generative AI is having a massive impact on the output of workers, how adoption has increased dramatically, and how it will soon impact an increasing number of non-technical professions.

Diving Deep With Breakout Sessions
Throughout the day, attendees split into 12 breakout sessions focused on important topics in talent. Popular topics included innovative hiring practices, how to support new entrants and non-traditional talent, upskilling your organization to use AI tools, and equitable hiring practices.

A Conversation With CIOs
The final gathering of the conference welcomed four c-suite leaders to the stage for our executive panel discussion. Four Chief Information Officers from Optum Insight, Best Buy, the State of Minnesota, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota gathered to share their thoughts on changes to their workforces, how new technology such as AI is impacting their organizations, and changes they see ahead for their workforces.

The future of Minnesota’s technology economy relies on the strength and innovation of its people. The goal of the Tech Talent Conference is to empower leaders with tools, knowledge and connections to build a stronger tech workforce. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this event and to our speakers for sharing your time and insights. We hope to see you at Tech Talent 2025!