TechBreakfast, which is part of TechCombustion, an organization focusing on networking events in several high-tech markets across the country, is expanding in the Triangle. The organization will be putting on a job fair and expo next month in Raleigh.

“This is the first event in the Triangle region, but not the first expo we have run,” Kathleen Walch, whose title is Champion of Biz Dev, tells The Skinny.

The Triangle Startup & Tech Expo is set for Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Jim Hunt library on the N.C. State campus. More than 1,000 people are expected, Walch says.

TechBreakfast, which says it has more than 13,000 members, has put on networking events in the Triangle on a monthly basis but now is bringing together employers, job seekers and startups looking for publicity

So who and what is TechBreakfast? And why expand in the Triangle?

In a Q&A, Walch tells the TechBreakfast story.

  • Why choose the Triangle?

The Triangle region is one of the richest technology systems in the country, if not the world. We’ve been running tech events here in the Raleigh / Durham region for almost 4 years.

This Startup & Tech Expo is an extension of another event we run called TechBreakfast that attracts several thousand attendees at locations at NC State, RTP, and elsewhere.

We also run our TechBreakfast event series in Boston, NYC, Baltimore, DC, Austin, Silicon Valley / San Francisco, Austin, and other locations. The Triangle region is definitely one of our largest and most attended!

  • What has been your focus in the Triangle?

Our organization’s mission is simple: ”Bring innovation communities together.” The Triangle Startup & Tech Expo is one of the best ways to achieve this mission.

We invite folks from all over the region to exhibit and show off the latest and various technology from the region. This includes everything from cybersecurity to food and drink to the next big disruptive innovation. There’s a rich tech ecosystem in the Triangle region.

  • What is the purpose of this event?

The goal of the free-to-attend Startup & Tech Expo is to connect the tech ecosystem and enhance the opportunities in the region. We connect students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, innovators, startups, tech [companies]. and more in one location to meet, connect, and network. This will be four hours of idea sharing, making contacts, meeting possible investors, and a display of how innovative and idea diverse the Triangle is.

Essentially, it’s a celebration of the region’ tech and startup ecosystem.

We’ve held expos in San Francisco, NYC, Washington DC, and Boston, and plan to be back in Triangle some time next year!

  • Why do one in the Triangle?

The Triangle region continues to be one of the best places to start and grow a tech business. We believe that there is a lot of innovation and excellent, up and coming companies in the Triangle region. Running our expo here is a way for us to help showcase what to expect from companies in NC.

These companies made the choice to start in or relocate to NC. Ultimately, the expo is designed to help them expand their reach in the region and increase their visibility. If we can help tech cos. and startups do this, then the event is a success.

  • What are the benefits for exhibitors, startups and attendees?

We expect over 1,000 people to register and attend event over the 4 hours at NC State. Our expo participants have a wide range of goals: they might be hiring, looking to meet potential investors, or want to network at an event geared towards multiple walks of business life.

The expo setting that is expecting this many people in a 4 hour window allows this to happen. Attendees get to network with the local tech scene, meet influential people from the region, find out more about local companies, and potentially find their next career – all under one roof.

  • How many jobs do you expect will be available?

With dozens of tech companies participating, there will be hundreds of job openings across a wide range of needs from technical to marketing and sales to administrative and more. Many of our tables are hiring for technical and/or business positions.

To add, this expo allows soon to be graduating students and job seekers to make an impression that could lead to future employment. We are hoping to make a sizable and significant impact in the region’s tech ecosystem!