Techweek KC speaker lineup spans blockchain and 3D printing to fintech and inclusion
August 8, 2018 | Startland Staff
Techweek KC has released a diverse docket of events, panels and speakers that aim to inspire and mobilize the area’s tech and entrepreneur community.
Now in its fourth year, Techweek KC returns Oct. 8-12 with national tech, venture capital, nonprofit and blockchain leaders, said Drew Solomon, senior vice president of business development at the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.
“We are seeing some really great content taking shape for Techweek this year in Kansas City,” Solomon said. “The industry-focused content, along with some thoughtful and diverse keynotes, bring really good perspectives to Kansas City as a part of this year’s conference. I think these speakers are going to give us some great insights and I am looking forward to it.”
The 2018 speaker roster features:
- Tim O’Reilly — Founder and CEO of O’Reilly Media, Inc.
- Phil DeSimone — Co-founder of Carbon3D, a Silicon Valley-based digital 3D manufacturing company recently valued at $1.7 Billion
- Dr. Karen Kerr — Executive managing director at GE Ventures and a PhD in physical chemistry
- Dr. Fred McKinney — Dartmouth University, Managing Director of Minority Business Programs
- Kimberly Bryant — Founder of Black Girls Code
- Rodney Sampson — Founder of Opportunity Hub in Atlanta
- Kira Blackwell — Program executive at NASA Headquarters
Chicago-based Techweek first came to the Kansas City market in 2015, and is focused on offering technical content, as well as education and training programming. That programming includes seven distinct tracks for attendees to choose from, including fintech, healthtech, augmented/virtual reality, blockchain, minority inclusion, public policy and venture capital.
The speakers and content should prove valuable for techies and entrepreneurs alike, said Amanda Signorelli, CEO of Techweek KC.
“There is a lot to be excited for as a result of good partnerships and a real focus on diving in to key subject areas and issues,” Signorelli said. “Creating good content with focus around these areas makes every day of the conference very attractive.”
In addition to speakers and programming, demo days for Techstars KC and BetaBlox will join LaunchKC as signature events during the festival like experience.
To buy tickets for Techweek KC, click here.
2018 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
LOOK INSIDE: Blade & Timber raises the bar (and kitchen) with Power & Light axe throwing
When Blade & Timber officially opens this weekend at Power & Light, the two-year-old startup concept will set a new standard for the growing experiences industry, said Jessie Poole. “We want to show people ‘This is what you should expect from an axe-throwing experience,’” said Poole, communication director for Blade & Timber. “We’ve been upping…
$9.4M funding round steers Bungii toward ‘biggest sharing economy footprint in US’
A $9.4 million oversubscribed Series A round isn’t just an investor vote of confidence in Bungii, said Ben Jackson. It’s a funding fuel-up as the tech startup shifts expansion plans into high gear on the road to becoming the final link in the big and bulky supply chain. “By the end of 2021, we’ll still…
Fattyhead feeds demand for keto-friendly pizza crust; What’s the founder’s secret?
Fattyhead began as a labor of love: a path toward a more healthful diet that transformed into a booming business for Kansas City native Laura Manivong. “I started feeling better, I started having energy and my body stopped hurting as much,” said Manivong, creator of her own low-carb, ketogenic pizza crust. Manivong’s journey started 18…
Innovation versus inclusive prosperity: Can hub developers create both in Kansas City?
Place and prosperity go hand-in-hand, said William Dowdell. Less clear, however, is how developers and communities will strike a balance in their efforts to generate innovation and wealth in Kansas City. “Geography is a big part of this. When we talk about expanding opportunity and bringing innovation, we also have to look at those spaces…