Techweek KC speaker lineup spans blockchain and 3D printing to fintech and inclusion

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.