Five Things to Look Out for
at Techweek Chicago

by TODD STOLARSKI | June 18, 2015

Returning back to their Chicago home next week from June 22-28 will be the Techweek conference. Taking place at the historic Merchandise Mart, the veritable entertainment cornucopia ranges the entire gamut from your standard startup competition and hackathon to runway shows and Harley-Davidson test drives. It really does offer something for everybody, especially that entrepreneurial code monkey model biker in your life.

To sift through the entire week's schedule and only note five events that BW is most excited for once Techweek Chicago storms the city may be a felony, but we are willing to take that risk.

Tech Toy Chest - Thursday, June 25
When: 12:00 - 2:00pm
Where: Merchandise Mart
As rapidly advancing technology continues to shape how we act with the environment around us, BW co-founder Matt Abeles brings his acclaimed ‘Tech Toy Chest’ to Techweek Chicago for the first time. His Thursday afternoon panel will consist of companies showcasing revolutionary products that include virtual reality headsets, wearable technology, 3D printing, augmented reality helmets, and more. Hosted by Builtworlds’ Abeles and moderated by Hard Hard Hub’s Creative Marketing Lead Christina Klinepeter, Tech Toy Chest will focus on how emerging technologies will allow us to interact with an increasingly technological world, both at the job and at home.

Chicago Hackathon - Saturday, June 20
When: 12:00pm, Sat. - 12:00pm, Sunday
Where: WeWork Chicago
Who doesn't love a good hackathon? After we hosted ours back in March, BW has been chomping at the bit to attend another, and Techweek's looks stellar. A 24-hour frenzy of fun, coding, and camaraderie which will end up with teams showcasing their entirely new applications to judges in hopes of being crowned the winners! Don't miss the first event of Techweek as WeWork Chicago aptly hosts this event...because, you know developers and coders will hack their way through each and every minute of those 24 hours.
Pro tip: Coffee, a lot of it.

Kids Coding Corner - Thursday - June 25
When: 4:00 - 6:00pm
Where: Merchandise Mart
A future winner of Techweek's hackathon might be right in your family. The only way to learn is to dive in and find out, together. Thursday evening, the Kids Coding Corner will be the place to have parents and children work as one to create their own online game in Scratch! With the maker movement exploding worldwide, and gamification influencing more of the AEC space, kids really are poised to take over the world.

Brenna Berman, Chicago CIO - June 25
When: 10:30-11:00am
Where: Merchandise Mart
For the first time ever, the City of Chicago last fall published a comprehensive technology strategy, making it a model for other large cities around the world. After tracking progress with partners, though, it was time for a major update. Hear more firsthand about the promise and progress of the plan from Brenna Berman, the city's own Chief Information Officer and head of its Dept. of Innovation and Technology. This rare chat will provide a window into the ingenuity ecosystem as we progress forward into how Berman and her crew of public servant technologists is attempting to ignite, and manage, change.

Launch Competiton - Friday, June 26
When: 10:30 - 2:30pm, Demo Day & Onstage Pitches; 6:00 - 6:30pm, Awards Ceremony
Where: Merchandise Mart
Over 50 nascent startups from the Chicagoland area will present to a team of anonymous venture capitalists and tech experts for a chance to win $50,000 and the adulation that goes along with being chosen among the finalists. This will be the big day to witness the dream come true for at least one of these firms. Here's hoping the prize money is awarded in an oversized cheque.

BuiltWorlds is remarkably excited for every day during Techweek Chicago. We've partnered with them to bring you the Tech Toy Chest summit at the Merchandise Mart during the conference on the 25th. Before the expo begins at the Mart, BuiltWorlds will be hosting their own event as part of the festivities. On Tuesday, June 23rd, we will hold our own Techweek Chicago event Robots to the Rescue: The Evolution of Unmanned Vehicles. Check out the teaser below, plus event ticket info.

TIX-TiX-TIX! If you still haven't purchased your pass to Techweek, there's still time. Just for our readers, we are able to offer a discount on Attendee and VIP tickets. These passes will gain entry into all Techweek events at the Merchandise Mart, and the partner ones like Robots to the Rescue, as well. Use the codes below!

Techweek Chicago will take place from June 22-28 at the Merchandise Mart located at
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654 and other off-site partner locations.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.