A Guide to Midwest Tech Events — Fall 2021

This fall, the calendar is loaded with tech events around the Midwest, and we are so excited about what's to come. 

Events can be such a great way to learn about new startup job opportunities, get to know the people in the tech community, and make new friends. From virtual workshops and happy hours and networking, startup career fairs to awards, we're looking forward to an exciting season of Midwest tech events. 

So mark your calendars and RSVP. Here's what's coming up. (Heads up, this post is constantly being update, so check back often.)

Startup Happy Hour, 2019

Midwest Tech Events in Fall 2021

1. The State of the Columbus Startup Community — Tuesday, October 12th, Virtual

Virtually join us on October 12th for The State of the Columbus Startup Community virtual event. We’ll hear from top Columbus startup and tech leaders and dive into why the city is rapidly growing as a tech hub. We'll also be hosting a virtual career fair with the city's top startups. RSVP for free now.

2. Ann Arbor New Tech Meetup — Tuesday, October 19th, Ann Arbor/Hybrid

Ann Arbor New Tech is one of the longest-running, largest attendance, tech startup events in the region. Since 2009, they've hosted hundreds of companies at their monthly flagship event, where 3-5 companies get 5 minutes to pitch their product, do a 5 minute Q&A with the audience, after which they open it up for community announcements and networking. This fall, join them on October 19th at 6:30 PM (EDT).

3. OhioX: The Future of Travel presented by JobsOhio — Thursday, October 21st, Virtual

Join OhioX and technology and innovation leaders for a conversation around The Future of Travel. OhioX is a nonprofit statewide technology and innovation partnership passionate about helping make Ohio a leading tech hub. This webinar is hosted on Zoom. Register here.

4. Milwaukee Tech Week — October 25th - 31st, Virtual/In-Person

A weeklong celebration of tech, Milwaukee Tech Week is designed to connect, educate, and celebrate innovation in Southeast Wisconsin. The event will highlight parts of the industry and provide resources to support everyone in the ecosystem. This hybrid event will have both virtual and in-person sessions and will feature 40+ free community events hosted by 40+ partner organizations in the community. 

5. Startup + Tech Virtual Happy Hour — Tuesday, October 26th, Virtual

The Startup + Tech Virtual Happy Hour brings together the Purpose Jobs community of technologists, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Happy hour is all about connecting with people on common topics, so this month we're using Wonder to facilitate conversation based on themes like #developer, #founder, or #marketing. Join us on Wonder to meet new people, learn something new, and connect with other great humans. RSVP.  

6. StartupCincy Week 2021 — October 26th - 29th, Cincinnati/Hybrid

StartupCincy Week is back for its fifth year of celebrating the Cincy startup ecosystem. This year the event will focus on REimagining, REconvening, REconnecting and REenergizing. Hear from panelists and keynotes, connect with others at happy hour networking events, join the pitch competition, or find a job at the career fair. StartupCincy Week 2021 will include both in-person and virtual elements, following the latest guidelines from the CDC in regards to COVID-19 and in-person gatherings. Register now to stay up to date on all the details. 

7. Reverse Pitch MKE Kickoff — October 27th, Milwaukee/Virtual

Reverse Pitch MKE is a unique pitching competition where corporations present business challenges to entrepreneurs and startups in search of the next great solution. The Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition invites entrepreneurs to pitch back their proposed solutions in February 2022, for a chance to earn a $10,000 prize, mentoring and coaching from corporate sponsors and community mentors. Join the Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition on October 27 for a virtual session to hear executives outline the business challenges and learn how to participate in the challenge. In-person happy hour and networking to follow.

Past Midwest tech events

1. Lightship Workflow — Wednesday, September 22nd, Detroit

Lightship Capital is hosting its Workflow Wednesday on September 22nd, 5:30 - 7:30 PM (EDT) at Bamboo Detroit. Meet local entrepreneurs, side hustlers, technologists and the Lightship team as they discuss entrepreneurship, the ins and outs of business, and technology.

2. Ohio Tech Day — Friday, September 24th, Ohio/Virtual

The first-ever Ohio Tech Day will be held on September 24th, bringing together companies, organizations, and schools to celebrate technology and innovation across Ohio. Ohio Tech Day is being sponsored by Facebook and hosted by OhioX, a statewide tech nonprofit working to build Ohio into a leading tech hub. Join an event, host an event, or participate in the #iamOhiotech social media campaign to tell your own story. And check out this Q & A with OhioX President Chris Berry.

3. Tech Innovator Fall BBQ — Friday, September 24th, Detroit

Our friends at Altimetrik Collider are hosting a BBQ on Belle Isle with yummy food, a live DJ, and good vibes. All tech innovators and problem solvers are welcome! RSVP for location, party starts at 5 PM. 

4. Startup + Tech Virtual Happy Hour — Tuesday, September 28th, Virtual

The Startup + Tech Virtual Happy Hour brings together the Purpose Jobs community of technologists, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Happy hour is all about connecting with people on common topics, so this month we're using Wonder to facilitate conversation based on themes like #developer, #founder, or #marketing. Join us on Wonder to meet new people, learn something new, and connect with other great humans. RSVP.  

5. TechTown Annual Toast of the Town - Thursday, September 30th, Detroit/Virtual

Join our friends at TechTown for for the annual Toast of the Town, a virtual benefit celebrating Detroit's entrepreneurial spirit. Tickets are free, and donations are kindly accepted.

6. Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2tech360 — October 1st - 8th, Ann Arbor/Virtual

a2tech360 event is back October 1st - 8th. This week of events celebrates Ann Arbor’s spirit of innovation through experiences, conversations, and connections that strengthen and expand the region’s vibrant ecosystem. Entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, businesses, academic institutions, non-profits, job seekers, and the general public are all welcome to join.

7. Shine & Rise: #IamRemarkable Workshop — October 6th, Virtual

Join Shine & Rise during a2Tech360 week for a #IamRemarkable workshop, a Google initiative that strives to empower women and underrepresented groups to speak openly about their accomplishments in the workplace and beyond. This virtual event is hosted by Chloe Prince, who is not only a Google Engineer AND Shine & Rise member, but also #IamRemarkable certified facilitator. In this this 90 minute workshop, you'll learn the importance of self-promotion in your career and be equipped with tools to develop this skill. This workshop is free and open to everyone, but the Shine & Rise team recommends that attendees consider donating what they can to Black Girls Code to support expanding access in technology.

8. The Value of NFTs: Digital Collectibles & Other Exciting Use Cases — October 7th, Virtual

Join Altimetrik Collider in a discussion on NFTs — what the heck are they, what makes them valuable, and more. Speakers include Nate Talbot from Detrot Blockchain Center, Adam Zientarski from EOS Detroit, and Rob Konsdorf from FACINGS. RSVP for access.

9. Alloy, the Annual Corporate Venture Studio Summit — October 7th, Virtual

Presented by High Alpha Innovation, Alloy is the Annual Corporate Venture Studio Summit. This year's programming focuses on disruption and the future. Several hundred corporate innovation leaders, entrepreneurs, and VCs will come together for a day of discovery and networking.

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P.S. We have a new Slack community where folks post tech and startup events. Join the group, meet new people and get involved.