🌈 Queer Tech Conference: Top 3 Takeaways

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending the 4th Annual Rainbow Ventures Summit in Birmingham, Alabama. Just an easy three-hour drive from my home in Nashville, Birmingham is a city that has always held a special place in my heart.

RVS is Central Alabama's one and only LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurship Conference. Two days of speakers, vendors, networking, pitch competitions and, most importantly, pure joy!

Here are my top 3 takeaways from the event:

1. The Power of Community

   
   

Our world is crazy right now and there is a serious amount of vitriol and discrimination directed at the LGBTQ+ community (among other marginalized communities). It can be hard to carry on each day with business as usual when the news is a constant stream of scary things. It gets incredibly lonely.

In times like these, we need to care for each other more than ever. I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to gather with my community and share stories of hope and healing.

And that is exactly what happened over these two days. A beautifully diverse group of people came together to learn, grow, and lift each other up. Tech was the context, but our collective need for a safe space to share and be seen was the real reason for gathering.

2. Humans > AI

   
   

The tech world’s absolute obsession with all things AI is out of control. LinkedIn is insufferable. Social media is full of AI slop. Conferences are hyper-focused on AI.

So imagine my surprise and delight when the Rainbow Ventures Summit served up two days of intentional focus on HUMANS in business. AI was mentioned, of course. But the majority of our time was spent celebrating people and the amazing things they are doing in the world with or without AI.

AI is powerful and ubiquitous, but guess what, so are human beings. We are still the engine that drives innovation. No matter how much AI can do for the world, people will always be the driving force for good.

3. Birmingham: The Magic (Tech) City

   
   

Finally, it has to be said that there is something special brewing in the Birmingham tech scene. You can feel it in the air. The energy is high and the desire to build awesome things is contagious.

Birmingham is full of organizations that are investing in their city and trying to help the community build, grow, and thrive. It’s a beautiful model of what happens when people in tech collaborate and support each other with a shared purpose. A rising tide lifts all boats.

We love you, Birmingham! See you next year, Rainbow Ventures Summit!