2026 QueerTechSTL Kickoff & Strategy Reveal

The future of the St. Louis technology sector is intersectional, resilient, and inclusive. Join us at the historic Post Building for the official 2026 relaunch of the TechSTL LGBTQIA+ Cluster!

This kickoff is a strategic mobilization of our region's queer professionals, entrepreneurs, and community anchors. Our mission is to lift and diversify the LGBTQIA+ professionals and businesses operating within and adjacent to the local tech industry. By uniting our unique perspectives with professional resources, we are building a "United Front" to drive economic success and innovation across the St. Louis metropolitan area.

The evening will feature a deep dive into our 2026 strategy, including our community impact goals and the unveiling of a new regional engagement model. Come to align with the network, meet the new leadership committee, and help shape the trajectory of inclusive tech in STL.

• Technical Professionals: Software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and IT specialists looking for a professional safe space.
• Tech-Adjacent Talent: UX/UI designers, digital marketers, technical writers, and project managers who fuel the tech ecosystem.
• Entrepreneurs & Founders: LGBTQIA+ business owners looking to connect with enterprise partners and procurement pipelines.
• Students & Career Transitioners: Those entering the tech field who are seeking mentorship and a pathway to leadership.
• HR & DEI Leaders: Professionals committed to building more inclusive and equitable technical work cultures in the Midwest.
• Community Anchors: Leaders from local LGBTQIA+ support groups looking to bridge the gap between social support and economic opportunity.

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Professional Networking Mixer

• Arrival & Check-in: Guests receive industry-categorized identification to facilitate networking across sectors (Professionals, Students, and Business Owners).
• The Skill-Swap Board: An interactive station where attendees can post expertise they offer and resources they are seeking.
• Social Hour: Informal networking within a curated safe space for the local tech community.

6:45 PM – 7:15 PM: Regional Strategy Reveal

• Opening Remarks: An overview of the current representation of LGBTQIA+ talent in the St. Louis tech workforce.
• The Mission Launch: Introduction of the three core pillars: Recruitment, Integration, and Leadership.
• Committee Introduction: Meet the leads driving our upcoming events, advocacy, and community impact.
• Impact Announcement: Reveal of the fundraising targets for the Metro Trans Umbrella Group (MTUG), St. Louis Grand Pride Parade, and the STL GLASS sponsorship.

7:15 PM – 7:45 PM: Industry Breakout Huddles

• Focused Discussions: Small group sessions categorized by tech stack and career interest to encourage peer-to-peer alignment.
• Street Team Signup: Opportunity to join the grassroots mobilization for Pridefest 2026 and the regional outreach campaign.

7:45 PM – 8:00 PM: Closing & Action Items

• Next Steps: Information on the upcoming June 9th monthly meeting and the first quarterly event of the year.
• Final Connections: Open floor for final introductions and networking before the evening concludes.

Free and gated parking is available across from the Post Building in the Channel 30 lot at the intersection of Tucker and Cole Street. There are also metered spaces along Cole Street and a City of St. Louis Parking Garage directly behind the building.

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