Boise’s thriving tech industry is making logistics easy for planners.
The picture-perfect capital of Idaho has recently opened a new AAA Four Diamond hotel and boasts several new routes through Boise Airport. While these additions are partly due to the accolades Boise routinely receives through the media (National Geographic Traveler Best of the World 2025, Condé Nast Traveler Best Places to Go in 2025), a booming tech industry is also underwriting Boise’s new path to success.
How Boise Tech Grew
“We've always had a big tech market here, with Hewlett-Packard having its main headquarters here [starting in 1973] for a number of years, and Micron [in 1978], with semiconductors; those two have spun out different companies, like Clearwater and Cloud,” said Carrie Westergard, executive director, Visit Boise.
In addition to Micron, which is currently building a $15 billion semiconductor plant (that, according to the company’s senior director, Carmen Achabal, will be the size of 10 football fields when completed), Meta/Facebook is building an $800 million data center in nearby Kuna.
“Boise has become a rising star in the tech industry, particularly excelling in areas like software development, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing,” agreed Nick Aldinger, CEO of Boise-based IBL Events. “This combination of innovation and technical expertise continues to attract startups and well-known tech firms. The city's easy accessibility and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for talent, which is critical for tech industry growth.”
Technology is now part of Boise’s DNA. Westergard points to Hackfort, created by tech and innovation enthusiasts in 2014 as part of Boise’s annual Treefort Music Fest. At Hackfort’s 11th anniversary, more than 2,000 attendees participated in the Hackfort Interactive Space, and nearly 800 attended sessions, panels and workshops.”
Currently, tech meetings account for 8% of Boise’s business, according to Westergard. Aldinger estimated that these meetings typically range from up to 250 for industry leaders and as many as 1,500 attendees at corporate events.
But this September, the first Basecamp Tech Fest is expecting 2,000 attendees—Boise’s first tech citywide. Partnering with Innovate Boise and Boise Art Revel, the tech summit will convene at Boise Centre. Basecamp Tech Fest is also using the new routes offered at Boise Airport to attract attendees from Northern California and Montana.
[Related: How Pacific Northwest Convention Centers Are Agents of Positive Change]
Idaho Technology Council
A key player in the area’s tech growth is the Idaho Technology Council (ITC). In 2009, the member-driven ITC launched to provide advocacy and know-how to area startups and other small businesses.
“Boise nurtures its tech industry through organizations like the Idaho Technology Council that are key to promoting collaboration and fostering innovation,” Aldinger said.
In addition to conducting and participating in a wide variety of meetings and conferences throughout the world, ITC offers seminars and networking sessions in Boise for local businesses. In May, ITC held its annual State of Technology Luncheon and Small Business Showcase, where attendees included Gov. Brad Little and Kelly Loeffler, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Through its Hall of Fame Gala and Idavation Awards held each fall, ITC recognized the tech and entrepreneurial stars in Boise’s orbit.
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How Planners Benefit
“The use of technology in meetings is on the rise,” noted Andrew Heidt, VP of sales, Visit Boise. “With tools for audience engagement, live polling and event apps becoming standard to enhance the attendee experience.”
Meeting in an area where tech savviness is common is an added benefit for meeting planners. Especially when there are hot topics like AI, for example, which have broad implications for business and society.
“We've got a speakers list that we are curating all the time,” Westergard said. “There are definitely different needs based on who's coming, and they definitely like to customize it to the audience.”
“Boise’s tech conferences strike a balance between showcasing expertise to small businesses and serving as learning hubs for techies from other markets,” Aldinger noted. “These events highlight innovative solutions tailored to small business challenges, giving attendees actionable insights to integrate into their operations. They also offer deep-dive workshops, panel sessions and networking opportunities that attract tech professionals from across the country.”
