One of the best parts about Chicago’s growing tech ecosystem is the steady stream of events. Every week, there’s a panel discussion, networking event or meetup to attend. This week, like every week that has come before and will come after, we’ve rounded up five of Chicago’s must-attend tech events. Check out the list below and if you’d like more to do be sure to check out our full event calendar.
Start 2018 with Queer Tech Club and Enova, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m.
The Queer Tech Club’s first meetup of 2018 is being held at Enova! The online lending company will host a night of networking featuring refreshments and food.
$1 Million IPF Challenge Finalist Pitch & Award, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m.
The IPF Challenge, which seeks to find innovative ways to improve the quality of life for those suffering from the incurable lung disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, is holding its grand prize pitch competition. Nine tech companies will take the stage and compete for a share of $1 million.
Building Brands People Love: Chicago, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m.
This panel features Chicago marketers and founders discussing what it takes to build a brand people recognize and love. Panelists include Flowers for Dreams co-founder and CEO Steve Dyme, senior director of brand at SpotHero Margo Kahnrose and Popular Pays director of marketing communications Aana Wherry.
January Nerd Therapy: Accessibility—Why You Need to Think About ALL Your Users!, Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
At this panel, you’ll learn about the importance of web design that’s accessible to people with disabilities. Before the panel there will be an opportunity to network, taste craft beer and hit the photo booth, and after the panel ends there’ll be more craft beer and photo booth fun along with karaoke.
Startup Grind: Andrew Sieja, Founder, Relativity, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m.
WeWork State Street hosts this fireside chat featuring Andrew Sieja, founder of Chicago legal tech giant Relativity. In addition to hearing Sieja and Relativity’s story, there will be opportunities for networking over drinks and snacks.
Next week preview: Built In Chicago's Top Companies Hiring, Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m.
2018’s first Built In Chicago Top Companies Hiring event features 14 of the city’s fastest-growing tech companies. This is your chance to meet the teams behind these companies and learn about their open roles.
