The Nerd Agenda: The Top 10 Cannot-Miss #DENStartUpWeek Events, Part 1
Forget pink button-downs and tighty-whities, Denver knows the true risky business players rock jeans and t-shirts. Members of startup communities prove themselves as some of the bravest and baddest—in the hip sense, of course. Entrepreneurial underdogs might seem small, but they have a big bite. Put them all together and you have a wolf pack of power. This year, you can find them at Denver Startup Week, kicking off Monday, September 15th. The weeklong celebration of startups pools the smarts of thousands of innovators. In collaboration with corporations, government agencies and their fellow startups, goes network, learn and geek out. Between presentations, workshops and beer hangouts social opportunities, attendees have roughly 200 options to fill their agenda. What’s a design-conscious, free-food-loving techie to do?
No need to fret. We’ve narrowed down the top 10 must-see events of #DENStartupWeek ’14. Follow this list for inspiration. And a possible buzz.
10. Ask an Ex-Hacker Anything
Let’s be honest. Magicians reveal their secrets more than hackers. This panel is the exception. Matt Rosentrater, the Houdini of hacking, has made a living of it. He did his time and now does some good. He can boast a title as one of the first Ethical Hackers and top IBM Executives. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to ask an expert security questions or simply pick one’s brain. Thursday 9/18 8:00am — 9:00am!
9. 625 Breweries 3,000 Craft Beers, 50,000 Attendees + The Agile Process = 1 Award-Winning App!
When The Great American Beer Festival needed a mobile app, The 1stMovement came to their side with skills and a stein. Grab a beer and learn how the incredible digital agency used their talent and the Agile Process to brew up success. Friday, September 20th from 11-12:30
8. The Startup Crawl
Two things you should never pass up: 1) any type of “crawl,” and 2) any chance to experience the best city ever—in case you need filling in, that’s Denver. The third annual Startup Crawl combines both of them. See the roots of our tech culture with stops at 14 quintessential startups. That includes MapQuest, PaySimple and Universal Mind to name a few. Feed your curiosity and get a taste of behind the scenes. Eat up. Drink up, kids. Wednesday 9/17, 4:00pm — 6:00pm.
7. Where Do I Start: Idea to Physical Product
You may have asked “Seriously, dude. Where?” Well dude, Denver’s a good place to start. Whip out your map and head towards this amazing session hosted by Sport Bumper. Julie Adams of Pakems, Bill D’Allessandro of Elements Brands, Mike Maloney of Kota Longboards, Bo Pitto of Sport Bumper, and Dave Young of Young Circuit Designs will set you on the right path. Chat with the panel that will help you turn an idea into a prototype into production into pure awesomeness.
6. The Internet of Things Showcase
Sure, we’re all intellectual adults with passion and drive here—but let’s face it. We want to play with some tech toys. Colorado-based IoT companies Notion, Revolv, Rachio, Occipital, Soundwall, Roximity and WÜF will exhibit their pioneering technologies. And yes. You’ll get to touch them. Fulfill your nerdiest desires with the ultimate hands-on “meet and greet” networking event. Friday 9/19, 6:00pm — 10:00pm.
Covering business, design, and manufacturing, these first five events will guide you on your quest for the perfect DENStartupWeek schedule. Remember to register and look out for the rest of our top five picks - TOMORROW! Godspeed, soldier.
