8 hours
Wilmington University
Free Tickets Available
Tue, 20 May, 2025 at 08:00 am to 04:00 pm (GMT-04:00)
Wilmington University
320 North Dupont Highway, New Castle, United States
The About That Life Tech Conference is the third annual Tech Ecosystem Conference, check out the video from the 2024 conference below. This year's conference is a free, full day event (8:00am - 4:00pm) for young adults ages 18-24 years old who currently live in Wilmington, Delaware and are seeking to build a better future for themselves. Registrants must be residents who are not currently employed, those working in low wage jobs or industries, not enrolled in college or a tech training program, and are not enlisted in the military. The goal of the conference is to develop a motivated group of Aspiring Tech Professionals and invest in them by ensuring they have the tools and access to training to succeed in Delaware’s tech ecosystem.
This one-day event, sponsored by , is much more than just a conference! It is an investment in Wilmington’s opportunity youth—empowering these high potential residents with life skills, valuable resources, professional connections in the tech industry, and ongoing support to prepare for a career in tech. Conference attendees experience inspiring speakers, panel discussions, informative life skills workshops, resource booths, and networking with industry leaders. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided.
The About That Life Tech Conference is about more than networking—it’s about supporting young adults with developing essential life skills, addressing and overcoming challenges effectively, and finding their place in society and in Delaware’s growing tech community. Young adults in Wilmington who are seeking a better life for themselves deserve to know they matter, belong, and have a future in tech!
But wait, there’s more! Select attendees are offered two months of post-conference career planning support (June—July) featuring individual and group coaching sessions to set career goals, explore tech career opportunities, enroll in a tech training program, and utilize resources from the conference to improve their quality of life.
This is one conference you won't want to miss! It's gonna be lit!
Read the following conference workshop descriptions prior to registering and Choose Three (3) Workshops of interest on the Order Form.
Conflict Resolution: Clap Back with Respect
😤Conflicts are going to happen, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Conflict Resolution: Clap Back with Respect is a dynamic workshop that teaches you how to navigate disagreements and misunderstanding with confidence, maturity, and respect. Whether you’re dealing with tension at work, in public, online, or in personal relationships, this workshop will provide you with the tools to turn conflicts into an opportunities for personal growth and deeper understanding.
😀In this session, we’ll dive into effective communication strategies, emotional regulation, and problem-solving techniques to help you handle disputes calmly and constructively. You’ll learn how to express your point of view assertively without escalating the situation, avoid physical confrontations, and how to listen actively and empathize with others, even in challenging moments when you want to pop off or crash out.
👏🏽Join us for a life changing session where you’ll gain the skills to 'Clap Back' with respect, maintain your peace, and build stronger, more positive relationships no matter the situation!
Decision-Making 101: Adulting Made Easy
🫣Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices that come with being an adult? From paying bills and career moves to managing relationships, responsibilities, and personal commitments—making good decisions can be a challenge. In Decision-Making 101: Adulting Made Easy, you'll learn practical strategies to make confident, stress-free choices in everyday life.
This workshop will cover:
✅ The psychology behind decision-making
✅ How to balance logic, intuition, and emotions
✅ Simple frameworks for making tough choices
✅ Making decisions that are in your best interest
🗣️Through real-life scenarios and group discussions, you'll walk away with actionable tools to navigate adulthood with clarity and ease. Whether you're struggling with big life decisions, want to be more decisive in daily tasks, and make decisions that set you up for success, this workshop will give you the confidence to choose wisely and avoid setbacks.
Whether you're new to 'adulting' or just want to improve your ability to make smart, stress-free choices, this session is for you. Join us and learn how to make adulting way easier!
Financial Literacy: Securing the Bag
🙋🏽Are you ready to take control of your finances and set yourself up for success? Unlock the secrets to managing money confidently. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your knowledge, this workshop has something for you!
💰In Financial Literacy: Securing the Bag, we’ll cover essential topics such as budgeting, saving, understanding credit, debt prevention, and planning for the future. You’ll learn how to make smart financial decisions that align with your goals, avoid common money mistakes, and discover tools and strategies to help you grow your wealth over time.
Through engaging discussions, real-life examples, and practical tips, you'll leave with the confidence to manage your finances like a pro. Let’s turn your financial future into something you can feel proud of—getting the bag is one thing, making the bag work for you is entirely different.
Self-Advocacy: Speak Up for Yourself
🎙️Are you ready to find your voice and stand up for what you need, want, and deserve? Self-Advocacy: Speak Up for Yourself is an empowering workshop designed to enable you to build confidence and assertiveness in every area of your life. Whether you're navigating school, work, or personal relationships, learning to advocate for yourself is a crucial skill for success and well-being.
🧍🏼♀️In this interactive workshop, you’ll discover the tools and strategies you need to speak up at the right time, set boundaries, and communicate your needs effectively. Through videos and discussions, you'll learn how to handle tough conversations, make your voice heard, and stand your ground with confidence.
🙅🏿♀️No more second-guessing or letting opportunities pass you by. Learn to develop the skills to advocate for yourself in any situation and start taking charge of your life today!
Self-Care & Well-Being: Put ‘YOU’ First!
In the hustle of daily life combined with the ways we have been conditioned to act, it's easy to put yourself last. But self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential! Self-Care & Well-Being: Put ‘YOU’ First! is an empowering workshop designed to support you with prioritizing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being without guilt.
In this interactive session, you’ll explore:
✨ What self-care really means (beyond deep breathing exercises!)
✨ Simple, effective ways to manage stress and avoid burnout
✨ How to set boundaries and say “no” without guilt
✨ Personalized self-care strategies that fit your lifestyle and personality
Through group discussions and practical takeaways, you’ll create a self-care plan that works for you. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, tired, stretched too thin or just looking to build better habits, this workshop will give you the tools to recharge, reset, and reclaim your well-being.
If you are ready to invest in yourself, reduce stress, and build a healthier, more balanced life, add this session to your agenda. Because when you take care of you, everything else falls into place! 💖
Tech Connect: Step Your Tech Game Up
⤴️Ready to level up your tech skills and stay ahead in today’s fast-paced digital world? Tech Connect is your opportunity to dive into the latest trends, tools, and technologies shaping the future! Whether you're looking to boost your career, enhance your personal projects, or simply stay connected with the digital age, this workshop has you covered.
👩🏾💻In Tech Connect, we’ll explore everything from mastering essential software and apps to diving into the world of artificial intelligence. You'll gain hands-on experience using ChatGPT and learn how to apply tech skills for personal and career advancement.
💻Join us for an exciting, interactive session where you’ll connect with fellow aspiring technologists, get practical tips from an expert, and walk away with the skills to Step Your Tech Game up. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your current knowledge, Tech Connect is your gateway to mastering the digital landscape!
Info: Upon arrival guests should check-in at the Welcome Table to obtain their conference badge and goodie bag then proceed to enjoy a breakfast buffet consisting of scrambled eggs, home fried potatoes, turkey bacon, turkey sausage, fresh baked muffins, fruit tray, vegan sausage patty, vegan folded egg, regular coffee, decaf coffee, orange juice, and water.
Info: The conference starts with insightful opening remarks from Tech Council of Delaware Executive Director, Zakiyyah Ali, who will explain the purpose of the conference, the current state of Delaware’s tech workforce, key initiatives of the Council to advance its mission, and the plan to welcome conference attendees into the state’s tech ecosystem as Aspiring Tech Professionals.
Info: Christopher 'CJ' Gross is an accomplished TEDx presenter and a highly regarded consultant in the field of organizational development. With a background in engineering and specialization in leadership development and cultural integration, CJ brings a unique perspective to his work. He is the esteemed author of the enlightening book “What’s Your Zip Code Story?: Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace,” as well as the influential Harvard Business Review article “A Better Approach to Mentorship.” CJ has been featured in the Washington Post, HR Professionals Magazine, NBC News, Fox News, Bloomberg, Best Practice in HR, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Government Executive. Conference attendees will receive a copy of his book and an opportunity to have it signed by CJ.
Info: Attendees can get a copy of the "What's Your Zip Code Story?" book signed by CJ Gross, visit Resource Booths, engage in Networking, and have a Professional Headshot Photo taken.
Info: Attendees choose from the following four workshops: Tech Connect: Step Your Tech Game Up!; Conflict Resolution: Clap Back with Respect; Decision-Making 101: Adulting Made Easy; and Self-Care & Well-Being: Put ‘You’ First!.
Info: Attendees choose from the following four workshops: Tech Connect: Step Your Tech Game Up!; Financial Literacy: Securing the Bag; Conflict Resolution: Clap Back with Respect; and Self-Advocacy: Stand Up for Yourself.
Info: Attendees visit Resource Booths, engage in Networking, and have a Professional Headshot Photo taken. Booth organizations include: Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, Community Education Building, ABC Parenting Institute, Delaware Commute Solutions, Delaware Center for Distance Adult Learning, and City of Wilmington.
Info: Attendees are treated to a tasty buffet lunch featuring garden salad, pasta salad, marinated chicken breast, beef meatballs, salmon with citrus butter, baked ziti with marinara sauce, fresh roasted veggies, rice pilaf, assorted desserts, iced tea, soft drinks, and water.
Info: Curious about how the tech industry has changed over time, where you fit into the latest wave of innovation, and what is happening in other regions? Say less! This Fireside Chat moderated by Delaware’s own Stephanie Eldridge, a technologist extraordinaire and Chief Executive Officer of Code Differently, features an insightful conversation with President and CEO of TechBirmingham, Deon Gordon.
Info: In the spirit of paying it forward, this panel discussion features three young adults who are blazing trails in the tech industry with their bright ideas, industry credentials, and practical experience. Moderated by Whitney Akinola, Founder & CEO, Future Proof Consulting Services Inc., Nahshon Little, Jacqueline Means, and Jadyn Worthington share their insights on what it takes to prepare for a career in tech, pitfalls to avoid, and lessons learned from their personal journeys.
Info: Attendees choose from the following four workshops: Tech Connect: Step Your Tech Game Up!; Financial Literacy: Securing the Bag; Decision-Making 101: Adulting Made Easy; and Self-Care & Well-Being: Put ‘You’ First!.
Info: Attendees take a brief break before heading to the employer panel discussion in the main conference room.
Info: Get the inside scoop from top industry leaders at JPMorgan Chase, M&T Bank, and WSFS Bank on hiring trends, must-have skills, and how to break into tech as a young professional. This panel, moderated by Terrance Bowman of Capital One and now Code Differently, is all about connecting Wilmington’s young adults to real opportunities and providing them with the knowledge and information to prepare for and launch successful careers in Delaware’s growing tech ecosystem. Don’t miss this chance to level up your career game, ask great questions, and hear straight from the pros shaping the future of tech!
Info: This session features several premier tech training programs in Delaware including Wilmington University, Code Differently, University of Delaware Professional & Continuing Studies, Tech Impact, Delaware Technical Community College, Zip Code Wilmington, Year Up United, and Polytech Adult Education.
Info: The day concludes with prizes, announcements, and a Meet & Greet with special invited guests.
Also check out other Workshops in New Castle, Business events in New Castle, Conferences in New Castle.
Tickets for About That Life Tech Ecosystem Conference can be booked here.
Ticket type | Ticket price |
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General Admission Young Adult Ticket | Free |
We have gathered all the information for you in one convenient spot, but please keep in mind that these are subject to change.We do our best to keep everything updated, but something might be out of sync. For the latest updates, always check the official event details by clicking the "Find Tickets" button.