GBI Tech Talks Report

The program hosts a monthly series of presentations, known as the GBI Tech Talks, to share best practices and encourage networking among development professionals. The Tech Talks have been held regularly since the summer of 2011, with a steady increase in attendance. Over the program's duration, there have been 129 attendees. The demographics of these attendees include USAID staff, implementing partners, and other stakeholders. The breakdown of attendees is as follows: 28% had not heard of GBI before the Tech Talk, indicating a strong outreach effort. GBI employs various communication methods to promote the Tech Talks. Internally, announcements are made via General Notice and the ICT Listserv, while externally social media and the GBI Newsletter serve as key promotional tools. The Tech Talks are also advertised through posters displayed throughout the hallways and elevator bays within USAID. Attendees report a high level of satisfaction with the Tech Talks. A survey of respondents showed that 100% reported their overall evaluation of the Tech Talk as "Very Good" or "Good". Furthermore, 100% of respondents indicated that they learned something new at the Tech Talk, and 92% expressed a likelihood of attending another GBI Tech Talk in the future. The Tech Talks have been successful in engaging stakeholders and promoting the efficient use of ICTs in development efforts. The Tech Talks have been well-received by attendees, who report a high level of satisfaction with the program. The presentations have been effective in sharing best practices and encouraging networking among development professionals. The program's outreach efforts have been successful in engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including those who were previously unfamiliar with GBI. The Tech Talks continue to be an important component of the Global Broadband and Innovations Program, promoting the efficient use of ICTs in development efforts.