BENTONVILLE — The NWA Tech Council discussed adding an educational event involving area schools to its 2015 line up at a meeting Wednesday.
The council’s steering committee met with several of its members to discuss its vision for this year. Michael Poore, Bentonville Public School superintendent, was one of about 22 people who attended the morning meeting at the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce.
Bill Atkins, council chairman, explained the thoughts behind hosting an education-based event this summer.
“We really want to see education and student involvement continue to be a big focus here over the next year,” he said.
The event would give students and small businesses an opportunity to be immersed in technology topics. Council officials discussed the possibility of the event including a competition similar to ABC’s "Shark Tank" TV show.
Poore and business leaders discussed the challenge of developing technology talent among students in such a way that prepares them to enter the workforce after graduation and how the council can help in overcoming that challenge.
Tammy Thurow, vice president of marketing and membership at the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber, announced that the 2015 NWA Tech Summit will be held Nov. 10.
There were more than 400 attendees at the inaugural summit last year.