Techweek Chicago 2014: Your Dining and Event Guide
It’s expo time! We’re so excited to be at Techweek Chicago this year, and after three days of tours, networking events, and happy hours, we’re ready for the main event. In anticipation we’ve put together a list of a few talks and events we’re particularly looking forward to, as well as some fantastic local recommendations from our resident Chicagoan and steakhouse/deep dish/Italian beef aficionado, Dan Dorfman.
Check out the complete schedule and don’t forget to visit us at booth #7-7088!
LISTEN
THURSDAY
June 26th
High-Growth and Startup Companies: What You Need to Know About the R&D Credit from Day 1
12:30 PM
Argyle Technical Stage
Large businesses aren’t the only ones that can benefit from research and development tax credit. Join Chris Bard and Patrick Wallace as they speak about what every small business should know about the often underutilized aid that R&D credit can offer.
PeopleWork: Welcome to the People (Not Digital) Revolution
1 PM
Skype Campfire Stage
We absolutely loved Brian Kramer’s blog earlier this year entitled, “There Is No More B2B or B2C: There Is Only Human to Human (H2H)”. Austin Allison takes that concept and runs with it in an attempt to turn our digital world into one where businesses connect with people on a more personal level than ever before.
Knowledge Bar: Protecting and Promoting Innovation: How the US Patent Office Can Help Entrepreneurs
3 PM
Knowledge Bar
At CardConnect, we know a thing or two about how important patents can be. Sue Purvis of the Outreach and Education Advisor in the Office of Innovation Development will break it down for entrepreneurs.
FRIDAY
June 27th
Commerce Innovation Fueled by Technology
12 PM
Summit Stage
Obviously this is right up our alley. Global CTO of Razorfish will be schooling Techweek on everything commerce.
Dropbox Presents: Simplifying How Your Team Gets Work Done – New Technologies and Techniques
2 PM
Summit Stage
We’re all about efficiency, but organizational software can create as many problems as it solves if you don’t know how to use it. Join leading technology companies Sprout Social and NogginLabs as they share what tools and techniques they use to smooth out workflows and simplify how their teams get work done.
SATURDAY
June 28th
Payment Security: Find Out if Your Company is a Prime Target for Hackers (Spoiler Alert: It Probably is)
1 PM
Argyle Technical Stage
It’s us! CardConnect’s President of National Sales, Michael Mertz and CTO Rob Nathan will tell you everything you need to know about protecting your company—and your customers—from a security breach. Startups take note, we’re talking to you!
The Value of Internet Security: Security as a Competitive Advantage
2 PM
SingleHop Stage
With data breaches ever rising, having unmatched security is essential. Join cybersecurity and privacy expert and learn what securing your servers can do for your business
ATTEND
THURSDAY
June 26th
LAUNCH Competition
12-5 PM
Techweek Town Square
After meeting the 100+ teams ready to battle, watch the top 5 startups pitch it out in front of a panel of judges. Get a peek at some of the most innovative businesses in their infancy while you learn about the intricacies of business from industry experts. The winner will receive $50,000 in cash and prizes.
State of Innovation in Chicago
1:30 PM
Summit Stage
We’re based outside of Philadelphia, but we’ve still got a lot of love for Chicago. Join Brenna Berman of the Chicago Department of Innovation and Technology along with Howard Tullman of 1871 and Craig Ulliot of Belly for a roundtable chat of the present and future of Chicago innovation.
Brands+Startups 2014: Blind Pitch
6-9 PM
Summit Stage
Round 1 of “The Voice” of pitch competitions puts startups in the spotlight. If the judges like what they hear, they’ll hit the button, spin around, and be their coach. The top 3 will walk away with $25k and a contract with their coach.
FRIDAY
JUNE 27
Maximizing Impact Through Technology
8 AM – 12 PM
SingleHop Stage
We love non-profits and we can’t wait for this social innovation summit. Talks from DonorPath, Edovo and Youtopia will cover everything from gamification to fundraising and rehabilitation through education. The keynote speaker, Michael Slaby, former CIO for Obama for America, will explain the benefits embracing technology for non-profit organizations.
Beer Pong Tournament Presented by Sterling Bay and Raise
3:30 PM
Bar Techweek
Because, why not?
SATURDAY
June 28th
Techweek @ The Movies & The AV Club Present: Computer Chess
12:30 PM
Gene Siskel Film Center
Techweek at The Movies & The AV Club invite you to join us for a private screening of the independent comedy Computer Chess. AV Club staff members will join us to introduce the film at the renowned Gene Siskel Film Center, exclusive only to Techweek attendees.
EAT
Food Truck Face Off
Every day 11 AM – 4 PM
South Drive, Merchandise Mart
Join some of Chicago’s best food trucks for the mobile feast of the year, then vote for your favorite. A People’s Choice Award will be bestowed on the favorite truck of the event. Just tag @CHIFoodTruckHub on Twitter with #TechweekCHI and @TechweekCHI to show your support of your favorite truck at Techweek and check out a list of the trucks here.
Dan’s Dining Recommendations:
Portillo’s
Multiple locations
This Chicago institution serves up some of the best Italian beef in the city. A must-try for any Chicago newbie, and a great option for lunch. Dan recommends the Italian beef with mozzarella and hot peppers, the chopped salad, and of course the famous Chicago style hot dog.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Multiple locations
“Deep dish sausage, uncut, slightly well-done will arrive fresh at your door in 50-60 minutes when ordering delivery. I recommend 2-3 people on a medium and 3-4 on a large. This pizza is absolutely breath-taking, every ingredient is perfect and the buttery crust holds all of the goodness together. I’ve been eating this pizza almost weekly my entire life. If you visit Chicago for the first time you MUST go to Lou Malnati’s and I assure you any of the locations will provide a memorable experience.”
Pizano’s Pizza
Multiple locations
If you want to go thin, Dan recommends Pizano’s. Skip the deep dish here and try Oprah’s favorite thin crust pizza.
Mastro’s Steakhouse
520 N Dearborn St
“Although I expect to get ridiculed for not selecting a Chicago original as my numero uno, if you want to go big, you go to Mastro’s. The gigantic seafood towers come on dry ice, the Mastro’s House salad is a chopped up wedge with huge shrimp in it, the bone-in ribeye is buttery and flavorful, all the sides are enormous, and the butter cake is absolutely ridiculous, accompanied by a heaping mound of ice cream and a side bowl of whipped cream. Everything at Mastro’s is enormous, so I recommend sharing. Oh, and don’t plan on going out after dinner because I personally guarantee you will leave feeling all kinds of full after this onslaught of calories.”
Chicago Chop House
60 W Ontario St
“This Chicago steakhouse has earned numerous awards recognizing it as the best steakhouse in Chicago, and for good reason. It is a bit more expensive than the rest on this list. The ribeye is irresistible, and I still dream often about the prosciutto wrapped shrimp. The Chop House Truffle mac and cheese features the seldom used gemelli noodle, and is a true knockout punch as a side dish. Get it and thank me later.”
Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab
60 E Grand Ave
“Large stone crabs, bone-in filet, fried chicken, hash browns, and tres leches pie (or apple pie a la mode) are the true dream team here. Besides having exceptional steaks, this restaurant is up there for my favorite among fine dining establishmentsin Chicago; it earns itself a top 3 berth. Service is outstanding, and Joe’s is very consistent in providing a pleasant dining experience.”
Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse
1028 N Rush St
“A true Chicago experience, Gibson’s is all-around top-notch, and is the only restaurant group in the country to feature their very own USDA Prime Certification, “USDA Gibson’s Prime Angus”. Salads and appetizers are all solid (per usual I go with the loaded wedge), and W.R.’s Chicago Cut (bone-in rib eye) is the way to go for your choice of steak.”
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
300 N LaSalle St
“The bone-in filet is the crown jewel of Cut, and it is a truly remarkable steak. I’d probably go with hash browns over the truffle scalloped potatoes next time I visit, but they’re both great. The salads and desserts are solid all around. It’s a cool restaurant right on the river, and during the summertime, you should consider taking advantage of the al fresco dining.”
