Scavenger hunts and happy hours: 5 featured Techweek events

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.