Techweek KC returning with big LaunchKC, Techstars, BetaBlox demo days
February 28, 2018 | Startland News Staff
One of Kansas City’s biggest conference series for entrepreneurs is returning in October alongside some of KC’s most premier accelerator programs, said Amanda Signorelli, CEO of Techweek KC.
Demo days for Techstars KC and BetaBlox will join LaunchKC as signature events during the Oct. 8-12 conference, she said.
“Combined with the nationally recognized LaunchKC competition that awards $500,000 in non-dilutive grants after a live pitch competition, Techweek KC 2018 will attract and showcase more tech talent and emerging entrepreneurs this year than any other event in the country,” Signorelli said.
Chicago-based Techweek first came to the Kansas City market in 2015, she said, noting organizers are focused now on offering more and better technical content, education and training in the realm of innovation and technology.
An ongoing partnership with Kansas City’s Big Data Summit should help Techweek toward that goal.
“Bringing the biggest names in big data and data analytics to Kansas City within the scope and reach of Techweek is an awesome opportunity for our community,” said Don Peterson, founder of the Big Data Summit and the Kansas City Big Data Meetup.
In addition to big data, Techweek’s 2018 tracks focus on healthcare technology, venture capital, IoT/smart cities, virtual reality and augmented reality, digital media/marketing, public policy in tech, minority entrepreneurship/inclusion, and cryptocurrency/blockchain.
“Combined with the educational and networking opportunities, speaker panels, interactive workshops, a hiring fair, nationally recognized keynote speakers and an expanded expo with over 100 booths, we expect this year’s conference to be the best yet,” Signorelli said.
Featured Business

2018 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Meet KC’s cowpunk basement guitar hero: This DIY dreamer is demanding more from himself
Kansas City’s DIY music scene has long been a hub for raw, creative talent — with eclectic frontman Kole Waters quickly becoming one of its standout names. As the lead guitarist and co-vocalist for post-country phenomenon Big Fat Cow and the centerpiece of synth-infused Dreamist, Waters blends influences ranging from folk storytelling to cathartic soundscapes.…
Build to barrel: Inside Holladay Distillery’s ironclad plan to boost bourbon production by one-third
WESTON, Missouri — Holladay Distillery is breaking ground with Rickhouse D — its first new barrel-aging warehouse in 75 years — marking a major step in expanding bourbon production from the historic plant. Renowned as the only Missouri operation to age bourbon in ironclad rickhouses, Weston-based Holladay Distillery is increasing capacity to meet surging demand,…
So you think you’re CEO material? UMKC’s ‘CEO Academy’ puts that ambition to the test
Aspiring executives with an eye on the C-suite need to be ready well before the opportunity arises, said Dan Hesse, leaning on his years of past experience as president and CEO of Sprint. It’s not about just being the boss, he emphasized. “Of all the roles, that of the CEO is so different than any…
Pitch locally or look to outsiders? How founder bias toward funding at all costs could leave your distracted startup without a why
Kansas City’s funding gaps often feel deeper for women entrepreneurs, two top founders said Tuesday, describing a startup ecosystem that pits emerging entrepreneurs against each other — but perhaps more critically, against time — in a highly competitive fight for a limited amount of local capital. “Kansas City is very startup friendly — at least…
