About the Forum
About The Austin Forum
What we cover
Every transformative technology, one civic lens
The Austin Forum covers topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cybersecurity, climate tech and clean energy, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), gaming, smart cities, health tech, space exploration, and much more. Technology leaders and experts share information through extensive programming, and everyone is invited to attend monthly presentations and discussion events, virtually or in person.
As one of Austin's largest and oldest technology organizations, the Forum is increasing the quantity, diversity, and quality of programming to help everyone keep up with technology capabilities and potential — accelerating the impact of these technologies in business, government, education, health, entertainment, and more.
Our mission
To engage and inform a diverse and worldwide community about the importance and impact of technology on society — and stimulate discussions, collaborations, and partnerships on new technology opportunities.
Participate in the Forum
Ways to take part
Presentation and networking events are the premier monthly events where speakers share knowledge and expertise during an hour-long presentation, followed by open Q&A, refreshments, and networking — the second Tuesday of every month.
Discussion events are held either completely online or completely in person, fostering intimate, expert-moderated conversations about technology and its implications for society.
The best way to stay updated is the Austin Forum newsletter, which announces event registrations, shares new podcasts and blogs, and keeps the community updated on programming.
History
Two decades of civic conversation
2006
Conceived by Jay Boisseau and launched in September 2006 under the management of the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), held on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin and at the AT&T Conference Center at The University of Texas at Austin.
2014
The Forum's original run at TACC and the AT&T Conference Center continues through October 2014.
2015
In February 2015, Vizias relaunches the Austin Forum in downtown Austin.
Today
The Austin Forum has grown into the premier monthly technology event series in Austin — one of the city's largest and oldest technology organizations.
Leadership
Austin Forum programming is led by Jay Boisseau, Executive Director, with guidance from an advisory board comprising leaders from technology companies and Austin companies that are partners of the Forum. Meet the full Austin Forum team.
Coordinating organization
The coordinating organization of The Austin Forum on Technology & Society is Vizias, an Austin-based technology strategies and solutions company. The Forum is designed to bring people together with diverse professions and points of view to increase collaboration and the cross-fertilization of perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
Community comments
In their words
I've formed literally dozens of new relationships and from a very diverse set of topics. I've made new friends, been able to share ideas with public and private sector people, and have joined up with CityUP partners.
Ron Baker
IBM
The Austin Forum has become the primary Austin gathering intersecting tech, culture, and community - sort of like a monthly dose of SXSW programming.
Steve Guengerich
Austin Forum Patron
Speaking at the Forum allowed us to directly speak to engaged, civic-minded individuals about our new municipal transportation policy initiative, MobilityATX. For an organization like Glasshouse Policy, a crowdsourced think tank that directly sources policy solutions from the general public, engaging such an audience is critical to our success.
Francisco Enriquez
Glasshouse Policy
Join the conversation
Attend a monthly event, listen to the podcast, or continue the discussion in the Austin Forum Slack community.