Events & Programs
Each year we consider major trends in technology innovation and leadership, as well as trends affecting the industries of our members, and we plan a calendar of event topics tailored to help you and your team garner insights and ideas that will help you think bigger and stay ahead of the curve.
Our Programming Includes:
Annual Economic Forecast
Held once a year, this event provides an in-depth look at economic trends affecting California and the U.S., including technology, policy changes, and market impacts. Featuring economists and industry experts, it offers insights into current challenges and opportunities shaping the economy. The event creates a space for leaders to understand and discuss how these trends might influence their organizations and communities.
Career Exchange Event Series
A peer-driven support group designed to build connections and help members navigate career transitions. These pop-up virtual sessions offer a collaborative space to share job opportunities, exchange insights, and develop strategies for career growth. Featuring guest speakers and facilitated breakout discussions, the events create an open environment where both members and non-members can connect, learn, and support each other’s career journeys.
Quarterly CxO Exchanges
Innovate@UCLA hosts CxO Exchange events 2–3 times a year for senior executives from our member organizations. These in-person gatherings typically last 2–3 hours and offer a chance to hear from guest speakers or connect with peers in a private, curated setting. Designed specifically for executive leaders, the events provide a relaxed, conversational space to share insights, ask questions, and learn from one another.
Executive Leadership Awards
The Executive Leadership Awards (ELA) is Innovate@UCLA’s premier in-person annual event, during which we recognize leaders in SoCal for their technology and innovation accomplishments and contributions to our communities. We feature an executive keynote speaker, panel discussion, celebrate our winners, recap the year of events and achievements of our organization, and look ahead to the next year.
Partner Events
We work with a network of partners who share our values and benefit from collaborating on events. Some events are co-hosted, bringing together both organizations to create meaningful experiences. Others involve partners offering free access to their events for our members, while we help promote those events within our community.
Pop-up Event Series
These timely virtual sessions respond quickly to major industry developments and emerging trends. Designed to provide relevant insights and foster real-time discussions, pop-up events bring together experts and members to explore pressing topics as they happen.
Summer Solstice
Our annual summit, typically lasting most of the day, brings together leaders, experts, and innovators for keynotes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Each year, the event focuses on timely, impactful themes shaping technology and business. Attendees can expect engaging presentations, interactive sessions, and structured networking designed to foster connections across industries and interests.
Women in Tech Event Series
All members are welcome to join our biannual virtual Women in Tech event series. These events highlight women leaders in technology, giving them a platform to share their stories and experiences. The series also covers essential topics and insights that support career growth, leadership, and inclusion—helping women leaders in tech and business accelerate their careers.
Young Tech Professionals Bootcamp
The Young Tech Professionals (YTP) program develops the next generation technology workforce by educating undergraduate and graduate students on business and digital skills through a 10-week Spring quarter Design Thinking bootcamp culminating into a Demo Day MVP presentation to a group of industry judges. UCLA students can participate in the upcoming Spring Qtr YTP bootcamp through UCLA Engineering 170 – Project Based Bootcamp for Social Impact.