Austin — TechNet, the national, bipartisan network
of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today announced it is presenting
two panel discussions at SXSW 2017 that will focus on critical issues facing our
nation and the technology industry. The topics
of the panel discussions are how the gig economy impacts the future of work and
how the tech industry can make a business case to defeat measures that allow discrimination
based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Details of the panels are provided below.

What: The Business Case for LGBT Equality
When: March 10, 2017, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Where: JW Marriott, Salon AB,
110 East 2nd Street, Austin, TX
Speakers:

  • Caroline Joiner,
    Executive Director, Texas and the Southeast, TechNet
  • Franz Paasche, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, PayPal
  • Jim Green, Senior
    Vice President, Government Affairs & Public Policy, Salesforce
  • Karrie League, Owner
    & Founder, Alamo Drafthouse

Description
In a majority of states, there are no clear state laws banning discrimination
based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Over the past two years, there have been bills and ballot initiatives proposed
and passed that eliminate non-discrimination protections or that explicitly authorize
discrimination by individuals, businesses, and state and local agencies. These policies have already had a devastating
impact on the ability to attract the best talent and investment in states like North
Carolina and Indiana. How can the tech industry
make a strong business case for equality to defeat these measures?

What: How the Gig Economy Impacts
the Future of Work
When: March 12, 2017,
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Hilton Austin Downtown,
Salon F, 500 East 4th Street, Austin, TX
Speakers:

  • Linda
    Moore, CEO of TechNet
  • Stephane Kasriel,
    CEO of Upwork
  • Tekedra Mawakana,
    Vice President, Global Government Relations & Public Policy, eBay
  • Massachusetts State Senator Eric Lesser (D-Hampden & Hampshire)

Description
The rise of the gig economy is giving professionals freedom to build their
careers on their terms, forgoing traditional bosses and the nine to five workday. More and more companies are tapping into independent
workers expecting them to be flexible, autonomous, and earning money in a way that
fits their lifestyle. Technology is powering
careers that allow individuals to work when and how they choose. eBay provides a platform for entrepreneurs to
start an online business and Upwork offers a website where clients can find top
freelancers. Is this gig mentality the future
of work? How does the independent work model
impact public policy, and how do we see this evolving in the years to come?

In
addition to these two panels, TechNet and the U.S. Conference of Mayors are presenting
Innovation Nation: A SXSW Celebration of Public Service and Innovation.

What: Innovation Nation: A SXSW Celebration
of Public Service and Innovation
When: March 11, 2017, 8:00 p.m.
– 12:00 a.m.
Where: Empire Control Room, 606 East
7th Street, Austin, TX
Presenting Organizations: TechNet and the U.S. Conference
of Mayors
Sponsors: Amazon Web Services, Apple,
Comcast, CompTIA, Consumer Technology Association, Google, Greater Austin Chamber
of Commerce, Intel, National Instruments, PayPal, Route 50, U.S. Chamber Technology
Engagement Center, and Visa