Today TechPoint was at Techweek listening to and participating in presentations by innovative thinkers in the tech industry, Startup City (over 70 startups showcased their products for chances to win cash and prizes) and an expo fair boasting 150 brands.  Techweek is a national event occurring in New York, LA and Chicago.  Techweek Chicago is being held Thursday – Saturday at the Merchandise Mart downtown.  Later this afternoon, we toured 1871 – a co-working space for digital startups, also in the Merchandise Mart. We loved seeing what Chicago has to offer entrepreneurs!  We talked about Indiana, tech and tech in Indiana as we networked and worked our way through an action-packed day in the Windy City.

During our time at Techweek, Mike Langellier sat on a panel entitled “Ideas for Entrepreneurial Ecosystems.”  The panelists discussed how to create entrepreneurial environments conducive to innovation, productivity and growth.  The other four participants were Max Chopovsky of Chicago Creative Space, Benjamin Dyett of Grind and Anthony Hughes of Jumpstart’s Mentoring Program served as the panel’s moderator.  Mike, Max, Benjamin and Anthony talked how to make a space effective and what makes space (on micro and macro levels) an enjoyable place to work. 

Check back with the blog next week to read more about our time at Techweek and 1871.