Move The Needle sets inaugural Latino Innovation Conference

Listen to this article

In Jersey City, innovation hub Move The Needle provides coworking and event space for tech companies with the aim of fostering collaboration and community. This month, it’ll bring those pillars to a larger platform with the launch of Sazón 2023, the inaugural Latino Innovation Conference.

Coming to American Dream in Rutherford June 10-11, the “two-day event for all with the innovation bug” will bring together the best and brightest Latino innovators, entrepreneurs and thought leaders, according to organizers.

“We’re thrilled to launch Sazón 2023 and unite some of the most innovative and inspiring Latino leaders from across the Northeast,” said Jose Espinoza, founder of Move The Needle. “Our goal is to empower attendees with knowledge, inspiration, and a network that will help them thrive and succeed in their respective fields.”

Over the course of the two-day event, Sazón 2023 will feature leaders in fields including venture capital and artificial intelligence; engaging fireside chats; and interactive workshops to offer attendees insights and practical strategies for success.

Continuing its efforts to foster the innovation economy within the state, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority will sponsor a startup pitch competition.

Sazón 2023’s other supporters include:

• Title sponsor Sutudu, an NFT Marketplace, which will add an element of immersion to the event and the chance to unlock new possibilities: Attendees will be able to convert their event tickets into digital collectible through the Sutudu platform.
• New Jersey Institute of Technology; New Jersey Innovation Institute, an NJIT corporation; New Jersey City University; and the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at NJCU serve as inaugural event sponsor. The NJSBDC at NJCU and the university proper will also provide sponsorship support and workshops for small business that attend.
• Additional sponsors include retail accelerator Brand Experience Lab, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Casa De Lobo in Jersey City and others.

Attendees will have the chance to interact with emerging technologies, with additional hands-on workshops led by Hands on Coding, Latinos in Coding and Urbander Inc., among others.

“Representing only 8% of professionals in STEM, Hispanics are grossly underrepresented. This is about to change,” says Sami Haiman-Marrero, CEO of Urbander.

The conference will also incorporate the arts – both traditional and digital. One Rad Latina and her SprayNYC project will showcase their support for emerging regional artists through microgrants; Melissa Ulto, known as MULTO, will present her socially conscious digital art collections; and Dario of LindosNFT will showcase his generative AI art collection, alongside other artists, according to organizers.

Bringing in more fun, an afterparty with DJ Camilo will take place Saturday night and on Sunday the program will feature edutainment options, including STEM programming, live painting, gaming tournaments and cutting-edge AR/VR/metaverse experiences, “ensuring an engaging and diverse atmosphere for all attendees.”

According to Latina Surge National co-founder and President Elisa Charters, “Innovation, technology, the metaverse and AI all have the power to shape our world. The development and approach within these spaces must include the Latina perspective, fully embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

“We are #INPOWER to foster a culture of inclusivity by supporting this Sazón Innovation, unlocking the full potential of new digital spaces for a more equitable and just future,” she continued.

More information, sponsorship opportunities and registration for Sazón 2023 is available here.