Albuquerque’s first-ever "ABQ Tech Fiesta" takes place Saturday Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 15, as a weeklong celebration of tech talent and the groups that continue to cultivate a thriving tech community in the Albuquerque-area.

A variety of events throughout the city will showcase different groups, companies and venues and highlight some of the great people who make Albuquerque a fun and creative place to work and really live.

“Albuquerque is well-positioned to be leading the nation in tech activity, and this week is all about making that happen,” said Lisa J. Adkins, chairwoman of the New Mexico Tech Council. “We have been overwhelmed with the excitement that ABQ Tech Fiesta is generating in the Albuquerque community and we are more convinced than ever that our great city is the perfect nexus of tech, talent and creativity that will lead economic growth in our state and help us become recognized as an industry – leading city of tech talent throughout the nation.”

The University of New Mexico is one of several sponsors for the event and will host TEDxABQ on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Popejoy Hall to kick-off the week-long event. For four years running, the TED.com licensed conference has showcased New Mexico’s biggest ideas and fascinating thinkers to sold-out audiences. This year, the event will highlight 16 to 20 remarkable homegrown ideas from New Mexico’s most passionate engineers, authors, farmers, scientists, artists, and doctors, among others.

A limited number of $25 student tickets and a limited number of $45 tickets are available for UNM faculty and staff at the Popejoy Ticket Office. Stop by the Popejoy Ticket Office with your UNM ID to get your ticket.

Free parking will be available in Lot G (East of Carrie Tingley Hospital) for the TEDxABQ event. Shuttles to the event will be available throughout the day. For more information visit: TEDxABQ tickets.

On Thursday, Sept. 12, the ABQ Tech Fiesta celebrates UNM Lobo Day “Tech Talent Showcase.” The agenda includes a student poster competition that invites all university students to submit a poster of their current research project, thesis, theory or next big idea. Also featured will be UNM Staff and Faculty presentations, an STC.UNM panel titled, “University Start-ups: How Do They Really Work?,” a networking reception, announcement of awards and a closing reception.

For the complete agenda and entry details, visit: Tech Talent Showcase.

Friday, Sept. 13 will be TechRevABQ Day, a day designed to create a conducive environment in Albuquerque to help facilitate and support growth of its tech communities. UNM attendees on Friday can receive a 50 percent discount to attend using the code "GoLobos." Simply enter the code when registering at Tech Fiesta Eventbrite to save $30.

For complete information, tickets and event schedule, visit: Tech Fiesta Albuquerque.