LOS ANGELES — L.A. is where the world comes to innovate, and Mayor Eric Garcetti today hosted the second annual Techfair L.A., in partnership with Comparably and the Annenberg Foundation, to connect Angelenos with companies looking to hire in one of America’s largest tech ecosystems.
More than 14,500 job-seekers registered for the free event, which is one of the largest job fairs of its kind. It was held at the Reef in Downtown Los Angeles, and featured more than 250 leading technology companies.
“Tech Fair L.A. is about inclusion, and making sure that talented coders, creators, and innovators in Los Angeles are part of re-imagining the future of technology,” said Mayor Garcetti. “We are growing this industry here so that a young woman from South L.A. or North Hollywood has the access, resources, and opportunity to go after her dreams in a field that continues to transform how we live our daily lives.”
TechFair L.A. aims to promote an inclusive tech sector, retain local talent, and attract new entrepreneurs — by providing Angelenos with an opportunity to meet recruiters face-to-face. The gathering featured professional development sessions and access to key L.A. tech companies that are hiring for entry to senior level positions in fields such as design, software engineering, and marketing.
“During my tenure as Entrepreneur in Residence for the City of Los Angeles last year, we created TechFair so that thousands of job seekers would find their dream jobs in tech,” said Jason Nazar, co-founder/CEO of the data firm Comparably. “I’m thrilled to have the continued support from Mayor Garcetti and Annenberg Tech this year so that we can provide even more people with access and opportunities to contribute to our growing tech ecosystem. As a native Angeleno, I know firsthand just how much untapped talent we have in this diverse city.”
More students graduate with engineering degrees in the Los Angeles area than in any other region in the country, according to the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. Prior to the TechFair L.A., a Hackathon was held at the Reef in which more than 300 participants from L.A.-based companies and academic institutions designed applications to improve recruitment and personnel practices. Mayor Garcetti will present awards to the winners at the TechFair.
Mayor Garcetti partnered with the Annenberg Foundation to organize this year’s TechFair and to prioritize inclusivity in the City’s emerging tech sector. Annenberg conducted a targeted outreach campaign, contacting nonprofit workforce development partners that serve communities underrepresented in tech careers.
“AnnenbergTech is working to bring a new social impact component to this year’s TechFair LA,” said Annenberg Foundation Chairman of the Board, President and CEO Wallis Annenberg. “Our goal, along with support from Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti, is to provide real access for diverse and underrepresented communities and opportunities for untapped talent. This will help the growing tech ecosystem in our city make equity and opportunity part of their strategy. These students will have access to our #TechIsUs lounge, where they can have one-on-one mentoring meetings with tech executives and participate in sessions specifically tailored to their career growth.”
TechFair L.A. builds on Mayor Garcetti’s commitment to ensuring the prosperity generated by our tech and entertainment sectors is felt in every community. Last month, Mayor Garcetti announced the Evolve Entertainment Fund (EEF), a public-private partnership aimed at creating new opportunities for communities that have been historically excluded from the entertainment industry. The EEF has already secured 150 paid summer internships for students participating in the HIRE LA’s Youth program — and has a goal of 500 placements by 2020. And the L.A. Tech Talent Pipeline — a partnership between Mayor Garcetti and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s Bixel Exchange — brings together public and private sector partners to expand training and job opportunities for the next generation of talent.
TechFair sponsors include the Annenberg Foundation, LegalZoom, Delta, Golden Hippo Media, Cooley, and The Reef.
Companies in attendance include Emblematic, Lyft, Enplug, SpaceX, Headspace, Snap, Inc., PatientPop, YouTube, Google, Drone Base, WorkPop, SnackNation, Tinder, Jam City, fabfitfun, Cross Campus, Ticketmaster, BloomNation, Grindr, Tradesy, internet brands, Experian, Keypr, Two Bit Circus, Zwift, Joy Mode, Syncromatics, GOAT, sweetgreen, BuzzFeed, Evite, Chow Now, Science 37, Hawke Media, Golden Hippo Media, HONK, LegalZoom, REX Real Estate, The Black Tux, Tronc, Inc., Verifi, and Warner Brothers.
