INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) will host its 2026 National Conference July 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis. The four-day event will bring together technology industry leaders and innovators to explore new trends, network, and advance careers.
Founded in 1975, BDPA works to increase the representation of minorities in technology by providing resources, education, and professional development opportunities.
“BDPA was founded in 1975. It’s a tech organization, and we’re trying to get more underrepresented minorities in the tech field,” said Stephanie Gloster, national BDPA president.
“We have low representation in STEM, and we just want to make sure that people starting as young as middle school up through their corporate career have a place to connect and be able to be involved,” Gloster said.
Rupal Thanawala, national BDPA Conference 2026 chair, said the organization aims to ensure local participation. “We wanted to make sure that individuals from Indiana are also able to take part in this one,” she said.
Thanawala said the conference serves to build a talent pipeline and support workforce development.
“This is our initiative to generate a talent pipeline and have a workforce development opportunity for anybody who is interested in learning more about tech, but then all the way to developing a network,” Thanawala said.
She added that scholarships will expand access. “We will be offering multiple scholarships for those who are interested in coming and who do not have the resources to be part of it,” Thanawala said. “Local Indiana students and professionals can join for free.”
The conference will feature sessions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, workforce development, and emerging technology trends. A career fair will be held on Friday and Saturday. Organizers are also seeking sponsors and partners to support the event.
Information on scholarships for Indiana students and professionals will be released on BDPA’s website at bdpa.org/bdpacon26.
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