The day-long C Spire MVMT 2018 conference, the flagship event which is bringing to life the company’s tech movement initiative designed to help transform the region for future success, is set for Tuesday, May 8 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Convention Complex, 105 E. Pascagoula Street, in downtown Jackson.

“As the region’s technology leader, we want individuals to step out of their comfort zone and experience for one day a technology-filled future that C Spire and its partners are helping bring to life right here in our state,” said C Spire CEO Hu Meena.  “It’s a future you’ve got to see to believe.”

MVMT will include a half-day information security summit for businesses from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. featuring thought leaders and industry experts from C Spire, Apple, Cisco, Hitachi Vantara, Horne Cyber and Dell Technologies in a series of talks and breakout sessions about the latest security trends and threats in the information technology world.

“Technology workforce development and recruiting more IT workers for Mississippi businesses are crucial factors in the future growth and diversification of our state’s economy,” said Scott Waller, president and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council.  “With the growing importance of cybersecurity, this summit will help businesses of all sizes and stripes get the answers they need.”

A two-hour interactive technology expo aimed at consumers and high school students also is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as part of MVMT 2018, featuring 3D food printing from Sue’s Tech Kitchen, virtual reality technologies from Exit Reality, Intel and Lobaki and a connected car demonstration from Nokia.

“Technology is transforming the way we live, work and play,” said Tony Jeff, president and CEO of Innovate Mississippi.  “We’re excited that C Spire is giving consumers and students an opportunity to get up close and personal with applications like robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, virtual reality and the Internet of Things.”

The afternoon session, which begins at 12:30 p.m., will feature a trio of renowned speakers at the forefront of technology and culture, including Randi Zuckerberg, founder of Zuckerberg Media and in association with Sue’s Tech Kitchen, Sarah Bond, general manager of business development for Microsoft and Howard Wright, vice president of Global Business Development for the Intel Sports Group.

Exhibits and special breakout sessions are planned in the afternoon for educators, teachers and employers on computer science education in the classroom, teacher training in information technology subjects and a modern workplace panel discussion focusing on how workplace and workforce changes impact business operations.