ON DEMAND
Technology Is Key To Success On LI
Techfest is geared to promote business growth

By Christy Brothers/ info@longislandernews.com

Want to see robots, geeks and gadgets? What about cloned creatures, hybrid engines and futuristic toys? If you do, then you’re in luck because the first-ever Techfest is set to hit Long Island starting on Friday, August 19 and running through Sunday at Eisenhower Park.

The event, labeled a “lifestyle festival,” will showcase local businesses and their technological achievements. This family-friendly event will present many facets of technology in an entertaining and educational forum. Techfest-goers will see the latest advances that could improve your business or home. Some exhibits include new ways to air condition and more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly automobiles.

An example of groundbreaking technology is Hauppauge-based Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s award from Inman News, an independent real estate news service, for most innovative technology on August 4. In July, sales associates began using LeadRouter, a technology that notifies agents immediately when a consumer inquires online about a listing. The Inman Innovators Award recognizes companies that enhance the real estate transaction for consumers and real estate professionals.

Real estate agents love the new technology and are having no trouble using it, said Kim Graf, director of marketing for Coldwell Banker. Nearly half of all online inquiries from homebuyers and sellers remain unanswered after 48 hours. But LeadRouter converts e-mail inquiries on all Coldwell Banker listings to an automated voice call that is placed to agents’ cell phones. “Salespeople are embracing this. They love the expediency and having the ability to respond with speed.”

“That’s neat. That’s really neat,” said Lisa Strahs-Lorenc, director of community relations, about Coldwell Banker’s award. “People realize that technology moves everything. Technology enhances businesses,” said Strahs-Lorenc. “We’re very excited about Techfest. This is an opportunity to connect industry and education.

“Long Island is known for unique businesses, and technology is moving us ahead,” said Strahs-Lorenc. Currently, Silicon Valley has a 9 percent unemployment rate and Long Island’s is 3.8 percent. “That’s because we diversified,” said Strahs-Lorenc.

Long Island Works Coalition promotes workforce and technology. The Long Island Works Coalition helps bridge the gap often facing students and businesses. There are endless internship opportunities, which could potentially lead to a paid position. School districts across the Island participate, but Smithtown school district has the oldest student-business partnership on Long Island, 28 years. “This has touched so many students’ lives,” said Strahs-Lorenc.

“Long Island is so suburban, we wanted to make the event fun and in a park setting,” said Howard Mauskopf, president of Live Media Entertainment, the company producing Techfest. “It’s obviously not as big, but it will have a little bit of world’s fair to it.”

This event is unique because usually technology events are held in large arenas under fluorescent lights. But Techfest is in a public park, which required that special permits be drawn up.

Through out the weekend, the Long Island Association will present speakers who will discuss protecting computers from viruses and even how to make a profit from eBay. Some Long Island-based companies showcasing their most current technology include Cablevision, Long Island Rail Road, Long Island Forum and Technology, Fonar, Symbol and OSI Pharmaceuticals. Other interactive exhibits will feature natural gas vehicles, engineering, life sciences, software and even homeland security.

One special exhibit for kids gives them the opportunity to touch dinosaur eggs and bones. “It’s the actual relics that are 300 million years old,” said Mauskopf. The fossils are on loan from the Long Island Science and Technology Museum. There will also be food and drinks, and four stages featuring live music and technology demonstrations.