The high-tech industry will be a large part of the discussions at the Columbia Gorge Economic Symposium this Friday at The Dalles Civic Auditorium. The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District hosts the symposium every year, focusing on economic and employment trends in the regional economy. MCEDD’s Tatiana Eckhart says they will have a panel of tech industry members, in particular those involved in the unmanned aerial systems sector, as part of the symposium. Insitu CEO Esina Alic will be the keynote speaker. Regional economists from the Oregon and Washington employment departments will present local data and trents. The symposium runs from nine to one on Friday at The Dalles Civic Auditorium. Tickets are $25, and available at mcedd.org.