OKALOOSA ISLAND — One Okaloosa Economic Development Council (EDC) and its Technology Coast Manufacturing & Engineering Network (TeCMEN) will host the fifth annual TeCMEN Industry Day (TID) on April 26.
Initially launched in 2017, TID brings together a broad spectrum of companies and industry representatives from across the Gulf Coast region and beyond for a full day of networking and educational content.
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The event begins with registration at 7 a.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island.
The Technical Showcase will feature more than 50 exhibitor booths. While TID is open to representatives of all industry sectors, Technical Showcase exhibitors are required to be in the technology, manufacturing, engineering, aviation, aerospace, defense, education or workforce development sectors.
“Not only do we have some of the most dynamic technically-oriented companies from throughout Northwest Florida confirmed to be with us again this year, but we also have several companies joining us from out of state," said Nathan Sparks, One Okaloosa EDC's executive director. "What a wonderful way to introduce them to the many opportunities and partnerships found in our area.”
In addition to the Technical Showcase, TID attendees will once again be treated to an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists. Col. Anthony Meeks, commander of the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Munitions Directorate, will serve as the luncheon keynote speaker.
Additional topics to be spotlighted throughout the day include the Future of Aerospace Growth at Bob Sikes Airport, Eglin Air Force Base Contracting Opportunities and the Northwest Florida State College Aviation Center of Excellence.
The event’s closing panel, “Industry Newcomers to the Great Northwest,” will feature the leaders of four businesses from the manufacturing, defense contracting, technology and biomedical sectors who recently made decisions to locate new facilities in Northwest Florida.
“With this event marking the fifth anniversary of the TeCMEN Industry Day, our planning committee has worked incredibly hard to develop an agenda that will appeal to a wide range of business interests," said Nic Dezinski, TeCMEN’s chairman for fiscal year 2022. "Whether you are involved in the technical sector — or whether you are a banker, accountant, attorney or other professional service provider looking to expand your awareness of opportunities within our region while networking and building relationships with technical companies — TeCMEN Industry Day will meet, and hopefully exceed, your expectations.”