University prepares for eMerge Americas Techweek

Image by FIU courtesy of Creative Commons.

Samantha Davis/Staff Writer

As Miami suits up for eMerge Americas, a large-scale conference that will bring business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and sponsors from all over the world to the Miami Beach Convention Center the first week of May, FIU is preparing for all things tech — recruiting student volunteers for its own pavillion that will showcase University innovations.

FIU is working alongside eMerge as a global sponsor and will be displaying innovations including  Aquarius, the world’s only underwater research facility, and the Wall of Wind, which is capable of simulating a Category 5 hurricane.

“Students should take advantage of this opportunity because they will be able to network and interact with guests and the companies when they’re off duty,” said Ileana Cañizares, special events and student relations coordinator.  “They’ll have access to the tradeshow floor, where companies will be showcasing their ideas and new technologies. Plus, they can put this on their resume.”

“Students should take advantage of this opportunity because they will be able to network and interact with guests and the companies when they’re off duty,” said Ileana Cañizares, special events and student relations coordinator.

The conference will feature keynote speakers from Facebook, Amazon, Viacom, Discovery, IBM, Knight Foundation, Clearpath and more on topics split into different “tracks” — health, finance, cities, entertainment and education.

President Mark B. Rosenberg is also on the roster of speakers, along professors from FIU and University of Miami, and Miami-Dade County Superintendent of Schools Alberto Carvalho.

FIU’s Small Business Development Center, which opened in mid-January 2014, will also be promoting their free consultation services at the conference. The SBDC is a resource for entrepreneurs and businesses in the Miami-Dade County to receive free consultation in a variety of areas such as loan eligibility, international trade and business technology.

The SBDC helps people who are in the planning stages, helping to launch and efficiently operate their business.

“Although it is not geared toward students, they are certainly welcome regardless of their major or field of study,” said Jacqueline Sousa, who recently joined the College of Business as regional director of SBDC.

She brings more than 20 years of experiences as a business analyst, entrepreneur and journalist, and was previously special consultant to the dean of the college.

While SBDC only opened in February, Sousa said it has already had more than 60 business leaders come to its office in Brickell.

“We’ve helped businesses that are launching and are already established,” she said. “We help businesses in financial aspects and with oversea expansion.”

As part of FIU’s sponsorship with the eMerge Americas Techweek, SBDC will showcase its services as well as meet and network with the various businesses and entrepreneurs there.

FIU students from any major have the opportunity to be a part of the eMerge conference as volunteers who will serve as floaters — running between events and remaining on call — help with registration and assist with event management team.

They can choose four-hour blocks from 6 a.m to 6 p.m. to volunteer.

“We’re not just gonna throw them in cold turkey,” said Canizares, who is coordinating student volunteering. “Every student will receive training and they will receive meals and free parking during the conference.

Aside from the immediate perks, students can also benefit from networking opportunities by participating in the conference.

Students and members of the University community receive a 25 percent discount on registration to attend the event.

– samantha.davis@fiusm.com

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