• What does THR do?
• How is the THR funded?
• What is the benefit of becoming a member?
• How much does it cost to become a member?
• Does THR have individual memberships?
• How do I become a member?
• How often does the tech council meet?
• What types of companies are tech council members?

What does THR do?

Technology Hampton Roads is building a better environment for technology business in southeastern Virginia. There are three key dimensions to our efforts here (represented by the three circles in our logo): advocacy, communication, and education.

We're advocating changes to state and regional laws that will make the region more appealing to business leaders who are considering growing or moving their technology companies here. We also fight for changes in legislation that will improve our universities' ability to graduate more highly skilled technologists and our region's ability to keep them here after graduation.

On the communication front, we're publishing newsletters, email updates, legislative agendas, summaries on the state of the region's technology efforts, and more-all with the main goal of keeping Hampton Roads' tech community informed about the progress we're making and the challenges ahead, as we continue driving the region's technology revolution. We're also facilitating communications among the region's tech companies and technologists by producing or partnering on nearly 30 technology events per year, where attendees can learn about others' offerings and needs through networking and find potential clients, service providers, investors, and business partners.

But these events offer more than just networking, and that's where education comes in. We make education a part of nearly every event we're involved in because we believe it's the way to help this community continue growing toward its potential. We also focus on providing educational content in our communications, and we're introducing a certificate program series on legal and other issues that can make or break your business.

Take a self-guided tour of our website to learn more about the many things Technology Hampton Roads is doing to drive technology growth in southeastern Virginia.

How is THR Funded?

When it was founded in 1997, the Technology Hampton Roads was funded by the Hampton Roads Partnership, Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), Old Dominion University, and member dues. Today it still receives some funding from CIT as a Silver Technology Partner and resource sharing.  A significant piece of the THR budget is money that is supplied predominantly by the City of Hampton to run the physical incubator locations in those localities.  The rest comes from sponsorships, event revenues and membership dues.

The Tech Council's value and financial well being greatly dependent on your membership. The Hampton Roads tech community needs to take a proactive approach to driving membership in their tech council showing belief in our region's tech potential and support for the Council's initiatives. You are key to guaranteeing our future.  Growth in membership drives networking value, sponsor interests and event attendance- which are the major sources of revenue for the organizatoin. Visit the membership area of this site to learn more.

What is the benefit of becoming a member?

Besides an opportunity to give back to the community and do your part in building a stronger economy for Hampton Roads, there are many benefits to membership in THR. You'll get reduced rates on comprehensive employee benefits and property and casualty insurance programs; tickets to and discounts on events; access to decision-makers and valuable opportunities, services and information; a full package of discounted products and services from our member organizations; reduced rates on THR advertising and sponsorships; and much more. Visit our member benefits page for the full list.

How much does it cost to become a member?

THR calculates your corporate membership dues based on the number of employees your company has based in or dedicated to (i.e., as a sales region for example) Hampton Roads. It also allows discounts to true technology companies. Resouce Associate members, or non-technology service providers, pay higher rates for their involvement. Visit our Dues page to learn more about the cost of becoming a member.  THR also offers affordable student memberships to post secondary students interested in a technology field.   

Does THR offer individual memberships?

Yes, THR offers individual memberships for those who are between jobs or whose employers are not yet corporate members.  Individual memberships are a great way to stay engaged with the tech community. 

How do I become a member?

We've made it very simple to become a member. Just fill-out our online form, and you're in. You'll begin enjoying tech council member benefits as soon as we process your application.  For student memberships, go to our student information page.  

How often does the tech council meet?

THR doesn't have monthly or other regular meetings per se.  We have events on average about two times per month, where our members come together to network and learn about a hot topic in technology. But we only gather for what we'd call a THR meeting once or twice a year. That's our members-only meeting, where the Directors of the tech council and its incubator division deliver State-of-the-Region-type addresses, focused on Hampton Roads' progress toward achieving its technology objectives.

What types of companies are tech council members?

THR's member organizations include software developers, telco and Internet service providers, web content developers, systems integrators, and many other technology product and service providers. They also include "Resource Associate Members", or companies who provide services to technology companies or who simply want to do their part in building a stronger economy for Hampton Roads.

If your company develops, sells, or uses technology, or serves those that do, then THR is your council. Do your part in transforming the region into a thriving technology community. Join THR and gain access to the leaders, partners, customers, money, ideas, and support that are critical to your company's success. Your membership and participation will make a difference - for Hampton Roads and your business.

I'm convinced!  How do I join?