Avant South will be held soon at Georgia Tech! The event brings together some of the leading voices in sports, video games, film and television, digital arts, and entrepreneurship to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement. The event will take place on Monday, Oct. 7, at the Exhibition Hall on Georgia Tech’s campus.

Avant South is a key initiative in the City of Atlanta’s ambitious goal to position itself as one of the top five technology and entrepreneurial hubs in the nation. With a focus on empowering the next generation of innovators, the event is designed to inspire and connect students, faculty, entrepreneurs and industry professionals.

“In Atlanta, we understand the importance of community and equity in innovation. To fuel Atlanta’s rise to a top five technology hub, events like this are crucial to scaling our technology infrastructure and creating a network of incubators, accelerators, and financial backers to grow and keep our own talent right here at home,” said Mayor Andre Dickens, a Georgia Tech alum.

Participants can choose from four focused tracks featuring leading innovators in media and entertainment, sports, digital arts, and entrepreneurship. Sessions and panels will provide insights into the future of these industries and explore the impact and potential of rapidly advancing technologies. The event will also include an immersive Innovation Showcase, where attendees can engage with cutting-edge products and technologies.

Avant South will feature a stellar lineup of industry leaders who are driving innovation and shaping the future. Television host and producer Maria Taylor will be the keynote speaker. Other scheduled participants include Julie Ann Crommett, president of Collective Moxie; Brennen Dicker, executive director of CMII at Georgia State University; Fonz Morris, Lead Product Designer at Netflix; Ken Durand, director at Boomtown Innovations; Abe Geiger, chief product officer at U.S. Soccer; Erik Gordon, vice president of Corporate Relations at FilmHedge; Todd Harris, CEO of Skillshot Media and Ghost Gaming; Craig King, CEO and co-founder of Rap Plug; Albert Dankwa, content program manager at Xbox; Albert Ng, CEO of Misapplied Sciences; Frank Patterson, President of Trilith Studios; Julie Straw, executive director of RE:IMAGINE; and Lee Thomas, deputy commissioner of the Georgia Film Office.

ACES is a coalition of Atlanta institutions, including Clark Atlanta University, Emory University, Georgia State University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine and Spelman College. The partnership plays a critical role in cultivating a collaborative environment that strengthens Atlanta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event underscores Atlanta’s dedication to becoming a global leader in tech and innovation, and the community is invited to join in this transformative experience. 

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by visiting avantsouth.com. GTRI/Georgia Tech faculty and staff tickets are $10 when using the promo code ACESSTAFF here.