Techweek is an annual technology event created in 2011 as a means to connect Chicago’s technology startup scene. The organizers of the event state their primary mission is to celebrate and support localized technology hubs. The festival also fosters significant networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and other technology professionals across industries. Executive chairman Iain Shovlin has said of the event, “Techweek aims to support technology entrepreneurs and innovators and act as a conduit for remarkable ideas and important conversations.” The inaugural 2011 conference drew in 2,487 attendees and featured 220 speakers, and the 2013 conference and expo, which took place inside Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, anticipated over 8,000 attendees.
Since 2011, Techweek has grown into a multi-day conference and expo, featuring a startup competition, a job fair, and nightly parties, including a fashion show. The 2013 speaker roster included such well-known technology leaders as Kim Dotcom and Robin Chase, co-founder and former CEO of Zipcar.
In its first three years, Techweek has expanded beyond Chicago to host conferences in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Detroit. Iain Shovlin said of the expansion, “Techweek is proud to spotlight communities that continue to innovate, inspire and drive the growth of technology broadly. It is this mission that powers us as we expand and bring the Techweek spotlight to new cities.” In 2012, the conference also began releasing its annual Techweek Chicago 100. In anticipation of the full event, the list featured 100 prominent individuals in technology, but it has since adapted to recognize organizations in their entirety. Nominees are chosen from online submissions and adjudicated based on recent progress or innovation in the field.