Who we are
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 insights through extensive programming, and together, we explore technologies through the lens of their influence and impact on society.
Everyone is invited to join our monthly in-person presentation and networking events, online book discussions, and in-person meetups where they can ask questions and share their own experiences and ideas.
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 our premier in-person events featuring expert speakers and interactive Q&A discussions. Every gathering includes two networking opportunities: pre-event networking on-site, and complimentary post-event drinks at Remedy, courtesy of our sponsors.
Virtual Book Discussions are our interactive virtual book discussions exploring featured reads centered on technology and culture. We bring together curious minds from around the world for engaging, expert-moderated conversations on how tech shapes society.
Meetups (and more!) are our dynamic in-person gatherings designed for immersive learning and community connection. From film screenings with expert panels to hands-on workshops and town halls, these events offer interactive ways to explore the practical impacts of technology.
Stay up-to-date on all Austin Forum events by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. And don't forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter and Slack workspace! You can also check out our News page for the latest Austin Forum updates. And last but not least, we are gearing up to relaunch the Austin Forum Upload podcast. More on this soon!
History
Two decades of civic conversation
2007
Conceived by Jay Boisseau and launched in 2007 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.
An Austin Forum speaker taking questions from the floor
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
At a glance
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Austin Forum on Technology & Society?
- The Austin Forum on Technology & Society brings together technology leaders, practitioners, advocates, and enthusiasts to learn about and discuss transformative technology topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, climate tech and clean energy, AR and VR, gaming, smart cities, health tech, and space exploration — always through the lens of their influence and impact on society. It is one of Austin's largest and oldest technology organizations, founded in 2007.
- Who can attend Austin Forum events?
- Everyone! Thanks to the generosity of our Austin Forum Partners, Sponsors, Champions, and Friends, the Austin Forum keeps high-impact tech programming free and accessible to thousands annually—from our local Austin community to audiences worldwide.
- What kinds of events does the Austin Forum host?
- We host three types of events each month: an in-person presentation and networking event, a virtual book discussion, and an in-person meetup. Anyone can join to interact, share ideas, and collaborate with speakers and fellow attendees. Check out our Events page to learn more!
- Who runs and funds the Austin Forum?
- Programming is led by Jay Boisseau, Executive Director and Founder, with guidance from an Advisory Board of partner and community leaders. The coordinating organization is Vizias, an Austin-based technology strategies and solutions company. The Austin Forum is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by Partners, Sponsors, Champions, and Friends.
- Where can I follow the Austin Forum between events?
- Beyond our live events, we have several ways to stay connected via our community Slack workspace, weekly newsletter, and by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also check out our News page for the latest Austin Forum updates. And last but not least, we are gearing up to relaunch the Austin Forum Upload podcast. More on this soon!
Join the conversation
Attend a monthly event, listen to the podcast, or continue the discussion in the Austin Forum Slack community.