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About Us

Who We Are

Technology First is a community built around connection. We bring together technology leaders, professionals, businesses, educators, and partners to strengthen Ohio’s technology ecosystem.

Founded in Dayton, our community is growing across the state, creating more opportunities for people and organizations to connect, learn from one another, and move technology forward.

What We Do

We connect, strengthen, and champion Ohio’s technology community.

Connect. We create spaces and opportunities for technology professionals, businesses, educators, and partners to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.

Strengthen. Through peer groups, conferences, professional development, industry conversations, and resources, we help people and organizations expand their knowledge, tackle common challenges, and move forward.

Champion. We elevate the people, organizations, ideas, and successes shaping technology across Ohio, helping strengthen the visibility and impact of our technology community.

Why We Do It

Technology is stronger when the community behind it is connected.

We believe meaningful relationships create opportunities to learn, collaborate, solve problems, and make progress. By connecting people and organizations across Ohio, Technology First helps strengthen businesses, develop technology talent, support innovation, and build a stronger technology ecosystem for the state.

Built in Dayton. Growing across Ohio. Connecting technology communities statewide.


Our Three Pillars: Connect, Strengthen, Champion

Connect

Technology moves quickly, and having the right people around you matters. Technology First brings together professionals, organizations, educators, and partners through events, peer groups, and year-round opportunities to engage. We create the space for conversations to happen, relationships to grow, and new opportunities to take shape.

Strengthen

A stronger technology community starts with people and organizations that are equipped to grow. Through professional development, shared learning, industry conversations, and access to peer perspectives, Technology First helps our community navigate challenges, expand knowledge, develop talent, and learn from the experiences of others.

Champion

We advocate for the importance of technology and the role it plays in business and community success. We celebrate industry achievements and elevate the people, organizations, and ideas shaping technology across Ohio. By sharing their stories and amplifying their impact, we help champion a stronger, more visible technology community.

Our Vision:

A connected and thriving technology ecosystem across the nation

Our Mission:

To connect people and organizations to move technology forward.

Our Values: 

    Commitment
    We are dedicated to our mission and the community we serve, staying focused on what matters and following through with purpose.

    Community
    We cultivate meaningful relationships and work together across diverse perspectives to strengthen the technology community.

    Welcoming
    We create an approachable environment where people feel valued, respected, and encouraged to participate.

    Trusted
    We build trust through integrity, transparency, consistency, and follow-through.

    Knowledge Sharing
    We create opportunities to exchange ideas, experiences, and perspectives so our community can learn from one another and grow.

    MEET OUR PARTNERS

    Our Partners share a common goal: to connect, strengthen, and champion the technology community in our region. A Technology First Partner is an elite member leading the support, development, and expansion of Technology First services. In return, Partners improve community visibility and increase their revenue. Make a difference in our region and your business.

    CHAMPION PARTNER

    "The McCracken Group (TMG) is proud to be a Champion Partner of Technology First. We share a commitment to education, collaboration, and empowering technology professionals across our tech region. Together, guided by our core values, Doing the Right Thing, Always Learning, Building Strong Relationships, and Giving Back, we’re helping advance innovation and continuous growth across our region’s tech community."
    Seth Marsh
    Vice President Sales & Marketing, The McCracken Group
    The McCracken Group

    CORNERSTONE PARTNERS