Scavenger hunts and happy hours: 5 featured Techweek events
August 18, 2016 | Kat Hungerford
With Techweek Kansas City quickly approaching and expecting more attendees than ever, it’s time to start pulling out calendars to decide events to hit up.
Startland picked a few events off the list that stand to wet the whistle of any techie or entrepreneur. The full schedule is here, which Techweek is expected to expand on with additional offerings as they lock in speakers, sponsors and locations.
Techweek Kansas City Kick-Off Party – Monday, Sept. 12
Say goodbye to Monday in techie style with a gamer kickoff party. Set for 6 p.m. at Up-Down KC in the Crossroads Arts District, the event promises to be a techie’s heaven. Up-Down is a wildly popular arcade bar, featuring dozens of brews and more than 50 games straight out of the 80s and 90s.
Tuesday Night Happy Hour at VML – Tuesday, Sept. 13
Tuesday evening, Kansas City entrepreneurs can combine all their favorite things — free food, drinks and insider information — with this 5:30 p.m. happy hour. Attendees will tour the global marketing agency’s world headquarters while munching snacks and learning how VML launched its successful “Relay the Way” campaign through the power of local love for the Kansas City Royals.
Allied Global’s Photo Scavenger Hunt – Wednesday, Sept. 14
If you haven’t explored the streetcar yet, you’ll get your chance to see what it’s all about while having a dash of fun. Allied Global and Sporting KC have partnered to create Kansas City’s largest interactive charity fundraiser in the form of a 6 p.m. photo scavenger hunt. Proceeds will go to local children’s cancer charities The Victory Project and RJ Children’s Haven.
Block Party @ Kansas City Live! – Wednesday, Sept. 14
After the scavenger hunt, conference attendees can refuel and continue the fun with a giant block party in the Power & Light District Wednesday night. The party will host a live DJ, tailgating games, drink and food specials, and an auction fundraiser at No Other Pub to benefit KC Kicks Cancer.
LaunchKC Finale – Friday, Sept. 16
Scattered throughout Thursday and Friday are assorted Launch KC events, including an open-to-the-public Demo Day on Thursday. But on Friday, it’s time for the grant competition’s semi-finalists to pitch for a shot at winning $50,000. The award show — which last year was capped off with a round of champagne — is set for Friday afternoon. Launch KC is the popular grants competition which annually distributes $500,000 to worthy tech startups via 10, $50,000 non-dilutive grants.

2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Why this serial entrepreneur bought ‘a giant beach in Kansas’ (and how he plans to make it KC’s next outdoor hot spot)
Lance Windholz is already digging his new position on Shawnee’s sand volleyball courts: owner. “This deal was about six years in the making,” said Windholz, a serial entrepreneur and small business owner. “I had been playing volleyball out at Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball three, four times a week — and just thought, ‘Why not own…
Rock Chalk hustle: KU launches ‘Startup Jayhawk’ event series to demystify entrepreneurship
Editor’s note: The University of Kansas’ School of Business is a partner of Startland News. LAWRENCE — A three-day startup event series at the University of Kansas is expected to help shine a spotlight on student entrepreneurship and innovation, said Brian Anderson, noting an intentional effort by KU’s School of Business to make startup life…
Enchanté! Restaurateur bakes her latest hotspot on KC Streetcar line: Each space speaks to me
Some conversations are too special to end with a simple “goodbye,” said Heather White. “Say you’re in France with a group of friends, and you’re having one of those amazing conversations that is just so delightful — when it’s time to leave, you want to say more than goodbye. It’s enchanté!” shared White, the founder…
Olathe startup remixes graduation apparel for students with hair that won’t fit the mold (or cap)
Graduation is an important time in a young person’s life, said Rashawnda Wright, noting students should look and feel their best on perhaps the biggest day of their educational careers. After watching her daughter, Myayla, struggle to wear her graduation cap atop her big, curly hair, Wright was inspired to come up with a solution.…
