Next in Tech program expands free access for students, young professionals at Sloss Tech 2025

Sloss Tech, the Southeast’s premier technology conference, is expanding its Next in Tech initiative to provide more students and early-career professionals with free admission and access to professional development resources during this year’s event.

Now in its third year, the Next in Tech program has already provided nearly 200 participants with high-level industry knowledge, networking opportunities, and direct engagement with recruiters from top employers, including Protective Life and NASCAR. The initiative is designed to eliminate financial barriers that often limit access to tech conferences and career advancement for emerging professionals.

Open to individuals with up to five years of experience in tech or tech-adjacent fields, the program accepts applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. It is available to students and recent graduates from colleges and universities throughout the state of Alabama.

With support from Innovate Alabama, the presenting sponsor of Sloss Tech 2025, and other partner organizations, Next in Tech offers full conference access at no cost. In addition to the main conference events, the program curates recommended breakout sessions, keynotes, and career-building opportunities specifically tailored to early-career attendees.

The program’s reach continues to grow through partnerships with statewide talent development initiatives such as FuelAL, the QuantHub Alabama Data Scholars Internship Program, and the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club. These collaborations provide professional development experiences, internship placements, and community support to Alabama’s next generation of tech professionals.

Participants have credited the program with providing tangible career benefits.

“Sloss Tech was my first experience outside of UAB’s career fairs to network with employers/people in the tech sphere,” one 2023 scholar noted. “It helped me connect with employers and employees of the company I currently have a Summer Internship with!”

Another attendee, Destiny Patton, described her time at Sloss Tech 2019 as pivotal, saying it inspired her to lead a research project in algorithms. She is now interning at Amazon.

Sloss Tech 2025 continues to position Birmingham as a rising tech hub in the South, with the Next in Tech program playing a key role in fostering local talent and supporting Alabama’s innovation ecosystem.

For more information about the Next in Tech program or to apply, visit here or contact [email protected]. To learn more about Sloss Tech 2025 or purchase tickets, visit www.sloss.tech or follow @SlossTech online.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].