eMerge Americas is an annual technology conference held in Miami, Florida that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from North America, Latin America, and Europe. The event aims to showcase the latest advancements in technology and innovation, connect startups with investors, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive economic growth.
The event was created in 2014 by Manny Medina, a technology entrepreneur and founder of Terremark Worldwide, a data center and cloud computing company. Medina’s intention was to create a platform that would put Miami on the map as a hub for technology and innovation, and to help bridge the gap between Latin America and the rest of the world in terms of access to technology and investment opportunities.
The mission of eMerge Americas is to connect innovators, investors, and government leaders to build a sustainable future through technology, while the vision is to transform Miami into a global tech hub by fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, promoting innovation, and providing a platform for startups to grow.
Typical guests at eMerge Americas include entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, government officials, and technology enthusiasts. The event features keynote speeches, panel discussions, startup pitches, networking opportunities, and an expo showcasing the latest technology products and services.
The highlights of the event in previous years included keynote speeches from tech luminaries such as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and former CEO of Google Eric Schmidt, as well as panel discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of work. The event also featured a pitch competition for startups, with a total of $175,000 in prizes awarded to the winners.
The economic impact of eMerge Americas in Miami is significant, as it brings together investors and startups from around the world and helps to drive economic growth and job creation in the city. According to a study by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the event has generated more than $1 billion in economic impact for Miami since its inception in 2014.
Attendance at eMerge Americas varies from year to year, depending on the lineup of speakers and the overall interest in the event. However, the event typically attracts several thousand attendees each year, with last year’s attendance estimated at around 8,000. It is not yet clear how attendance will compare this year, as the event has not yet taken place.
