ConnectTech networking event strengthens Prince George's County tech ecosystem

ConnectTech, a networking and community-building event hosted by Council member Wala Blegay (At-Large), brought together local tech professionals, entrepreneurs, startups and innovators on Jan. 14 at the Kenhill Center in Bowie. Held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the gathering was organized in partnership with the Prince George's County Artificial Intelligence Taskforce and aimed to accelerate a homegrown tech ecosystem while spotlighting ways businesses can work with county government.

The event focused on building relationships across sectors that operate and live in Prince George's County. Attendees included recent founders, established local tech professionals and community members interested in entrepreneurship and innovation. Organizers invited residents and media to pre-register for the session, emphasizing accessibility and transparency in connecting private initiatives with public-sector opportunities.

By pairing a county elected official with the AI Taskforce, ConnectTech signaled a push from local government to be more proactive in technology-driven economic development. The format prioritized networking and practical conversations about collaboration and procurement pathways, offering a direct line for companies that want to explore contracts, pilot projects or advisory roles with county agencies. For small and emerging businesses in Prince George's County, that link to government can translate into concrete work, visibility and credibility.

The location in Bowie underscored the countywide intent: to create hubs beyond the core federal corridor and to keep talent and startups rooted locally. Strengthening networks inside Prince George's County also aims to address workforce retention and to make it easier for innovators to scale without relocating. The involvement of the Artificial Intelligence Taskforce added an industry-specific focus, aligning local talent development with technological trends that county departments are increasingly evaluating.

For residents, ConnectTech opened new avenues for engagement with economic development efforts and signaled that elected officials are actively courting technology-driven growth. For entrepreneurs and tech professionals, the event was an opportunity to learn how to position their services for public-sector work and to meet potential collaborators in a familiar local setting.

Moving forward, the county's approach appears to favor more events and touchpoints where municipal leaders, AI Taskforce members and the private sector convene. Residents and businesses should watch for follow-up outreach from the council office and the taskforce as they translate initial connections into projects and partnership opportunities that could influence contracting, workforce programs and local investment in the months ahead.