Shift Communications is handling the inaugural Boston TechJam, a block party slated Oct. 3 to celebrate the tech community and the city's "Innovation District."

bostonTechJam will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs, business leaders, venture capitalists, students and professors to "rub elbows."

Panel discussions and a "shark tank" event, where aspiring start-ups can deliver their pitches to potential investors.

Food trucks, music, craft beer producers and exhibits from local artists will contribute to the festivities.

Boston Mayor Tom Menino said in a statement that TechJam will strengthen his city's "vibrant tech and innovation economies by building social infrastructure and creating new partnerships."

Boston's revitalization has received national press of late in connection with the murder trial of legendary gangster Whitey Bulger.