The tech space in Atlanta, an evergrowing industry for the region anchored by dozens of colleges both in and around the city, saw enthusiasm for the growing space on full display last week.
Atlanta Tech Week, which ran from June 8 through 13, wrapped up its programming on Friday for its third year filled with workshops, discussion panels, networking sessions, employer booths and everything in between. It also encompassed Render ATL, a tech conference that ran from June 11 to 13.
Avoilan Bingham, president of Atlanta Tech Week, reflected after the Silicon South Summit event on the Render ATL floor.
“The atmosphere is crazy, the energy is amazing,” Bingham said.
Bingham, who joined as president last year, has seen exponential growth in the conference, which mirrors the energy the city has been building to build the tech industry.
“We talked a lot about growth with Atlanta Tech Week…our first year, we had about 30 events. Last year in 2024 we had 110 events, and this year we’ve doubled the amount of events, more than tripled the amount of community partners — over 60 plus community partners in and around Atlanta who joined in this year,” Bingham said. “The growth has been amazing, the crowds have been unbelievable, every event sold out, max capacity all over Atlanta.”
Render ATL, RenderFest and Atlanta Tech Week were all sold out, totaling over 8,000 attendees.
Silicon South and the tech mayor
The magic of Silicon Valley, being one of the wealthiest regions in the entire world, has long been sought to be replicated. For Atlanta, those who buy into the city’s potential think it’s more than just talk.
Perhaps nothing is a bigger hallmark of Dickens’ term as mayor than his focus on the tech industry. A graduate from Georgia Tech, one of the nation’s premier engineering and technology schools, Dickens’ focus on tech has been central to his campaign from the start.
Atlanta is already home to Atlanta Tech Village, one of the largest startup spaces in the country since it opened in Buckhead in 2012. Just this past January, it opened another location in South Downtown — an area poised to get an influx of development in the coming years.
The city is also home to schools like Georgia State, Emory, SCAD Atlanta, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Spelman and Georgia Tech — all of which have been growing as institutions in their own ways.
At one panel discussion on Thursday called Silicon South Summit, senior technology advisor for the City of Atlanta Donnie Beamer spoke about the emphasis on tech for the city. Beamer is a Georgia Tech alumni alongside Mayor Dickens.
“There’s been amazing energy, engagement, attendance all week long,” Beamer said. “Thinking about Atlanta Tech Week — that didn’t exist five years ago — the amount of people that are showing up for it and two the caliber of speakers and attendees and interactions…. It’s really encouraging for all that’s possible.”
Beamer noted he was encouraged by the diversity of people in terms of age and background.
Like any other subject in the tech world nowadays, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) made its way into the conversation. According to Georgia Tech, 3.2 percent of all workers in the AI field have come out of the school alone. Beamer said he and his team are mindful of its increasing presence in everyday life and welcome opportunities for adoption; he gave the example of using AI for the city’s 24/7 non-emergency hotline, 3-1-1, in order to give even better service.
He also added that bolstering the Atlanta workforce with in-demand AI skills — while ensuring these tools don’t take jobs from people — is key in moving forward.
As Mayor Dickens and his administration seek reelection this November, Beamer said the work in this space can persist regardless of who is in office.
“It’s a challenge in politics; how can you build things that will persist beyond the administration? You want to build it in a sustainable fashion — financially sustainable — where it’s institutionalized and a part of the city to where, regardless of whoever takes the reins in 20230, this will be here and be celebrated and continue as part of Atlanta’s legacy,” Beamer said.
What specific initiatives or policies has Mayor Dickens implemented to support the long-term growth of Atlanta’s tech industry beyond events like Atlanta Tech Week and Render ATL?
Insightful coverage, Mark!
Your article brilliantly highlights the momentum building in Atlanta’s tech ecosystem. The synergy between Atlanta Tech Week and RenderATL demonstrates not only the city’s innovation capacity but also its growing influence in the national tech landscape. I was especially intrigued by the emphasis on community, diversity, and inclusive growth. It’s exciting to see Atlanta emerge as a vibrant hub where technology, culture, and opportunity intersect. Thanks for this compelling piece!
Great to read about Atlanta’s tech scene! It’s awesome how Atlanta Tech Week and Render ATL showcased so much energy for the growing industry. I loved Avoilan Bingham’s comment about the ‘crazy atmosphere’ and ‘amazing energy.’ Sounds like a truly vibrant event, great for the region!