New Reader Experience Accompanies Magazine Update

Think of your favorite magazine. If it still exists after all this time, odds are it has been through some changes but is still a part of you.

That captures what has happened with TechConnect magazine. Since its launch in 2005 by the Arizona Technology Council, the publication has gone through redesigns and evolved from print only to an online digital format. After 56 issues, members of Arizona’s science and technology community can still call it their own.

But there are new changes for the publication. A behind-the-scenes conversion of sorts has occurred that makes TechConnect a regular part of the Council’s website. Users will notice a new, clean look that resembles a blog. An added feature is that visitors to the site will have the ability to print and share individual pages. TechConnect can now be found at www.aztechcouncil.org/techconnect.

“TechConnect has moved through digital phases, along with some growing pains, in an effort to continue to provide readers a unique experience,” says Jill Brownley, the Council’s director of marketing and communications. “Its progress continues with a dedicated page on our website featuring technology trends in a convenient and consumable way that’s now easy to read, as well as easy to share via social media.”

The latest update came about after the Council was approached by the leaders of Coplex, a startup accelerator in Phoenix that had taken on the publishing duties of the digital publication TechAZ. While they recognized what the Council and partner Arizona Commerce Authority had accomplished with TechConnect over the years, the Council was intrigued by the look and following of TechAZ. That led to an agreement for the technology community to continue being served with the newer platform.

A feature started by Coplex and that the Council will explore is offering college journalism students the opportunity to cover Arizona technology under the guidance of Editor Don Rodriguez, who began his duties with the Council and TechConnect in 2006. Rodriguez is a veteran editor who has worked for other magazines and daily newspapers in several states.