Aaron Price, head of worldwide technology networking event Propelify Innovation Festival, will assume the role of chief executive officer at the NJ Tech Council as the two New Jersey technology giants unveiled a merger today.
“By uniting with the robust entrepreneurial community of Propelify, the NJTC is poised for a new chapter to empower innovators and entrepreneurs,” Price said in a statement Monday afternoon.
AARON PRICE
James Barrood, who served as the CEO of the council since 2014, will serve in an advisory role for the upcoming fall.
The NJ Tech Council represents thousands of technology companies in the state – both local start-ups and tech giants – and hosts an array of its own networking and educational events.
“The NJTC is the OG in this space,” Price said. “For many years it’s been a huge influence in the state, highlighting so many of the great companies and talents that are often overlooked here, an easy thing to happen when you live in the shadow of [New York City].”
“We’re definitely focused on how to make sure that the people, the talent, the companies [in New Jersey] can thrive, but I would say it’s by making sure we raise the bar in this next chapter and that it’s something that happens to be in New Jersey and not happens because ‘we’re in New Jersey’,” Price told NJBIZ.
Propelify could bring thousands of more companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs into the mix.
“There’s a really strong foundation of corporate support in the Tech Council and entrepreneurial” spirit with Propelify, Price added.
The upcoming Propelify festival, scheduled for October in Hoboken, will feature big-name speakers from Google and Business Insider; sponsorships from Nokia Bell Labs, Edison Partners and the state’s Economic Development Authority; and delve into the worlds of technology for the health care, financial, eCommerce and retail sectors.
