Here’s our latest wrapup of upcoming conferences, contests, workshops, application deadlines and socials happening across North Carolina through August and September.
Included are upcoming meetups, conferences, workshops, socials and networking events happening in Asheville, Charlotte, the Piedmont Triad, Wilmington and other areas throughout North Carolina. The latest digest is paired with a separate story on the upcoming Emerging Issues Forum in Asheville.
To find out what’s happening this month in the Triangle, check out part one of this week’s column.
Another post previews events coming in October. Recurring monthly meetups are listed here.
These columns are an extension of our interactive calendar of tech and startup events. If you’d like to suggest an event to be added to the calendar, feel free to send me an email.
Small Business Professionalism Series: Humility in Networking
August 27, 3-4 p.m. @Forsyth Tech at Innovation Quarter
Forsyth Tech Small Business Center Director Allan Younger will lead this session of Forsyth’s professionalism series. Join this free event to learn new ideas and strategies for business networking.
Application Deadline: Big Launch Challenge 2018
August 27
Danville, Virginia-based The Launch Place and RTP-based First Flight Venture Center are co-hosting their fifth annual Big Launch Challenge business pitch competition. Finalists will compete for awards up to $20,000. The live event will be held November 7.
Charlotte Chamber South Chapter Luncheon: Evolution of the Retail Industry
August 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Crowne Plaza Hotel
The South Chapter of the Charlotte Chamber is hosting a luncheon all about the current dynamics of the retail industry. Speakers include Walmart Director of International Corporate Affairs Michelle Azel Belaire, 704Shop Owners Chris Moxley and Scott Wooten, and Goodwill Chief Business Officer Barbara Maida-Stolle. The panel will be moderated by Gensler Principal Department Stores Leader Kathleen Jordan.
Collider Lunch & Learn: Finding an Intern
August 28, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
David Earnhardt, the associate director for employer relations at UNC Asheville’s Career Center, will lead a lunch and learn geared toward employers who are looking to add an intern to their team.
Greensboro State of Our Community 2018
August 29, 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. @Sheraton Four Seasons/Koury Convention Center
At this event, Greensboro and Guilford County business executives and community leaders will gather to discuss the state of business, education and community in the region this year.
Application Deadline: Biotechnology Innovation Grant (BIG)
August 29, 12 p.m.
This grant, offered by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, supports research into the commercial applications of early-stage university inventions.
Marketing Outside the Box
August 29, 12:30-1:30 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
Learn how to engage your audience with the best written digital branding content. Workshops are held every Wednesday in August and September.
Application Deadline: Outdoor Industry Business Pitch Competition
August 29, 2 p.m.
Western Carolina University seeks small businesses in the outdoor industry to apply to pitch their companies at the Outdoor Biz Pitch Competition, coming up on September 19 at Highland Brewing in Asheville.
Hatch AVL Pitch Party
August 29, 6-8 p.m. @Hatch AVL
Entrepreneurs are invited to test and develop their pitch at this monthly event hosted by Hatch AVL. Presenters will receive helpful feedback from the audience, and the best-voted pitch will land a spot at 1 Million Cups Asheville.
NC IDEA SEED: Putting Your Best Foot Forward (Greensboro Info Session)
August 30, 12-1 p.m. @co//ab
Applications are open for NC IDEA’s next round of startup grants. At this info session, NC IDEA will present the SEED program requirements and share tips on what makes a solid application. The application deadline is September 10.
Skookum Volcano Tour
August 30, 12-1 p.m. @Skookum Charlotte
Join an open tour of the Skookum office to get an introduction to the tech and ideas powering the community. The Skookum team will be available for any questions or comments participants may have. Lunch will be provided.
Collider Lunch & Learn: SEO 101 for Startups
August 30, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
Leah Quintal, The Collider’s marketing manager, will share expert insights on SEO strategy at this informative workshop.
NC IDEA SEED: Putting Your Best Foot Forward (Winston-Salem Info Session)
August 30, 4-5 p.m. @Winston Starts
Applications are open for NC IDEA’s next round of startup grants. At this info session, NC IDEA will present the SEED program requirements and share tips on what makes a solid application. The application deadline is September 10.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
August 30, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
BLKTECHCLT Fireside Chat with Latoya Marc of Comcast Ventures’ Catalyst Fund
August 30, 6-8 p.m. @BLKTECHCLT HQ
As part of its quarterly fireside chat series with CEOs and investors from around the country, BLKTECHCLT will host an insightful discussion with LaToya Marc of Comcast Ventures’ Catalyst Fund.
Tech Me Out to the Ballgame
August 30, 6-9 p.m. @Charlotte Knights Baseball Stadium
Watch some baseball, eat some snacks and network with the local tech community at this event hosted by Tech Talent South Charlotte.
Student Abstract Submission Deadline: PGS International Workshop for Global Sustainability
August 30
PGS Workshop planners are inviting students to submit proposals for technical session presentations in this year’s program.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
August 31, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Science Pub
August 31, 5:30-8 p.m. @The Collider
The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) and The Collider are co-hosting a free guest speaker series, Science Pub. Enjoy a night of science over light snacks and refreshments.
Presenter Application Deadline: Winston-Salem Chamber 2018 Tech Briefing
September 1
The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce is seeking presenters for the 2018 Winston-Salem Tech Briefing on November 14. Ten selected presenters will speak for five minutes about their technologies.
Asheville Entrepreneurship Week 2018
September 2-9 @Asheville
One jam-packed week of events is in store at this year’s Asheville Entrepreneurship Week. Get a glimpse at the business ecosystem in AVL and connect with the startups and organizations leading its future. Agenda and details here.
The Collider Lunch & Learn: Building Your Business Model Canvas
September 4, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
Asheville’s The Collider invites you to join Dave Michelson of UNC Asheville’s National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC) for a workshop on value proposition and business model strategy.
SYN(HER)GY Night
September 4, 5:30-7 p.m. @Forsyth Tech Small Business Center
Join for an evening of networking and a presentation sharing the success of a local woman entrepreneur.
Intro to the AVL Startup Scene
September 4, 6-7:30 p.m. @HatchAVL
At this free event, Venture Asheville Director Jeff Kaplan and Supportedly Co-Founder Stephanie Kissel will provide a one-hour profile of the Asheville startup ecosystem, in line with this year’s Asheville Entrepreneurship Week. Drinks will be provided.
Tech Talent South Alumni Presentation: New Social Media Platform Preview
September 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @The Garage at Packard Place
At this event, Tech Talent South alum Sterling Scott will preview his brand new social media platform, a dating app called instimate.
1 Million Cups CLT
September 5, 8:30-10 a.m.
Held every month, 1 Million Cups Charlotte features a presentation from a local startup followed by a Q&A from the community. Free coffee is included.
1 Million Cups Asheville 4th Anniversary Celebration
September 5, 9-11 a.m. @Asheville Social Hall
The Asheville entrepreneurship community is invited to attend a celebration of the city’s longest running startup event, 1 Million Cups.
Asheville Chamber Smart Series: Sharpen Your Presentation Skills
September 5, 12-1 p.m. @Asheville Chamber of Commerce
At this workshop, Christian Hickl of Sweet Biscuit Inn will explain how to create passive and active presentation strategies and use them effectively.
Marketing Outside the Box
September 5, 12:30-1:30 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
Learn how to engage your audience with the best written digital branding content. Workshops are held every Wednesday in August and September.
How to Start a Business (Pathway to Success)
September 5, 6-8 p.m. @Forsyth Tech at Innovation Quarter
The Forsyth Tech Small Business Center is presenting a seminar on the strategies every entrepreneur should know to ensure the acceleration of their business. This event is free.
Collider Lunch & Learn: Building Flagship Email Products
September 6, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
Learn how to put together a polished email communication product at this Collider Lunch & Learn session led by Grammarly Brand & Lifecyle Marketing Strategist Drew Price.
Asheville Coworking Crawl
September 6, 5-8 p.m.
In conjunction with Asheville Entrepreneurship Week is a three-hour tour of Asheville’s top coworking spaces, including The Collider, Mojo Coworking, Focal Point Coworking, Hatch AVL and Hatchworks Coworking.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
September 6, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
Wilmington Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Meetup
September 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @tekMountain
The September Wilmington Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Meetup will cover cryptocurrency mining. An expert panel will share insights on the topic.
Charlotte Chamber 2018 Economic Growth Awards
September 6 @Project 658
The Charlotte Chamber presents an award ceremony in honor of select organizations that have impacted the state of economic growth in the city this year. Read about the recipients here.
Get2Know NC TECH Webinar
September 7, 9-9:30 a.m.
This free monthly interactive webinar provides participants with an overview of NC TECH’s activities, resources and member offerings.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
September 7, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
New Ventures Demo Day 2018
September 7 @Biotech Place
Demo Day is a regional showcase of the Triad’s emerging technology startups. New Ventures organizers expect around 500 entrepreneurs and investors in attendance at this year’s program.
Jumpstart Social Media Summit
September 8, 9 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. @The Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship
This full-day summit offers a series of helpful workshops to help participants learn how to establish their online presence on social media platforms. Agenda here.
TEDxAsheville 2018
September 9 @Isis Restaurant & Music Hall
The TEDxAsheville program features a day-long series of engaging talks from innovators, musicians, storytellers, creatives and more.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA SEED Fall 2018 Grant Cycle
September 10, 5 p.m.
The NC IDEA Foundation’s SEED grant program offers a select group of early-stage companies $50,000 in funding for launching their products/services and gaining more customers before they seek future investments. Applications are due September 10 at 5 p.m.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA LABS Fall 2018 Cohort 2
September 10, 5 p.m.
NC IDEA seeks a new round of entrepreneurs for the fall 2018 cohorts of its LABS program, a four-week business development program covering important topics from customer discovery to business model strategy to product-market fit and more. Applications for the first cohort of the fall 2018 program are due August 13. Applications for the second cohort are due September 10.
LaunchLKN: Stop Sliding Pizza Under the Door for Developers Because You’re Intimidated
September 11, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. @The Hurt Hub@Davidson
Learn how to better approach and communicate with developers at this LaunchLKN-hosted workshop. The session will be led by software developer and architect Arbind Thakur and serial entrepreneur Jon Boggiano.
Thinking of Starting Your Own Business?
September 11, 2:30-4:30 p.m. @Forsyth Tech at Innovation Quarter
The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center and Forsyth Tech Small Business Center are partnering to present a seminar on business ownership and strategy. This event is free.
Flywheel Idea Tap
September 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking
Idea Tap is an opportunity for local startups to present their products/services to an audience and receive feedback on how to refine their pitches. The format involves: a five-minute pitch, a five-minute Q&A and five minutes of audience feedback. This monthly event is always free.
Design Sprint Bootcamp with Jake Knapp, Jeff Grant + Wily
September 11-12 @Camp North End
This two-day interactive event will guide participants through the five stages of the Design Sprint process featuring sessions by Jake Knapp, the creator of Design Sprint. More details here.
Charlotte PitchBreakfast
September 12, 8-11 a.m. @The Garage at Packard Place
Every month, a handful of Queen City-based companies headline Charlotte PitchBreakfast, pitching their products and services for a total of five minutes, after which they will answer questions from the audience and a panel of entrepreneurs and experts.
Marketing Outside the Box
September 12, 12:30-1:30 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
Learn how to engage your audience with the best written digital branding content. Workshops are held every Wednesday in August and September.
Retail Summit 2018
September 12, 3-6 p.m. @The Proximity Hotel, Greensboro
This event will join local business owners and leaders for a day of conversation about adapting into the future of retail. Speakers include David Wagner of VF Corporation, Jenni Broyles of Wrangler, Brian Lampkin of Scuppernong Books, and more industry experts.
How To Find Customers (Pathway To Success)
September 12, 6-8 p.m. @Forsyth Tech at Innovation Quarter
The Forsyth Tech Small Business Center is presenting a seminar on market research and feasibility. This event is free.
Wise Women Wednesday Speaker Series
September 12, 7:30-9 p.m. @HQ Greensboro
This panel discussion includes women speakers that have been featured by Yoke and Abundance over the past year. Join to learn insights from their entrepreneurial journey.
Adapting to a Changing Climate: Personalizing Exposure Health
September 13, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
This event will offer insight into the convergence of climate adaptation and environmental health impacts. The presentation will be delivered by Eric Klos, CEO of allergy and asthma warning system DailyBreath.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
September 13, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
Idea Tap Davidson
September 13, 5:30-8 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking – Davidson
Held by Flywheel at the HurtHub@Davidson once a month, the Idea Tap Davidson event series offers local entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their ideas through short pitch sessions and network with like-minded innovators in the community.
Making Connections: Lifting as We Climb
September 13, 6:15-8:15 p.m. @HQ Greensboro
This free event will address the ways to further diversify workplaces and communities. Panelists include Joe Bryant II of VF Corporation, Anna Cushman of Chapman Law, Ivey Ghee of Hospitality G, Jose Sandoval of synerG, Michael Truong of BB&T, and Justin Outling of Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard (moderator). Refreshments provided.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
September 14, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
CONNEXXPO, Tech: Virtual & Augmented Reality
September 14, 7-9 p.m. @MIXXER
Come learn about the latest VR and AR technologies from experts. Speakers include Ryan Schmaltz of UNCSA Film School, Todd Shoaf of Forsyth Tech Architecture, John McBride of Looking Glass Studios and Brent Kensey, VR enthusiast.
32nd Annual Plant Molecular Biology Retreat
September 14-16 @Holiday Inn Resort, Wrightsville Beach
This annual weekend event includes research lectures, keynotes, networking and informal “chalk talks” from academic and corporate associates in the plant molecular biology field.
Fall 2018 Emerging Issues Forum
September 17 @Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville
The theme for the next Emerging Issues Forum is “ReCONNECT to Community: Increasing Civic Engagement and Dialogue.” It will highlight the different strategies that can be used to engage and connect citizens across the state.
Flywheel Coworking Indeavor Club Lunch
September 18, 12-1:30 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking
Indeavor, a networking club offered to all Flywheel Coworking members, is an opportunity to get to know fellow entrepreneurs and swap helpful resources with one another. The lunches are held on the third Tuesday of every month.
Launch Greensboro IdeaLaunch
September 19, 7:45-9 a.m. @Co//ab
The Triad startup community is invited to attend Launch Greensboro’s monthly IdeaLaunch program. It includes a series of four-minute pitches from local startups, along with opportunities to network with fellow entrepreneurs and innovators in Greensboro. This event is free.
NC TECH Lunch & Learn: Closing the Widest Attack Vector—Comprehensive Identity Management
September 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @The Garage at Packard Place
Learn about the latest cyberattack vectors, identity management practices and data protection insights at this NC TECH-hosted lunch & learn.
Power of Women Luncheon: Women Who Lead in Charlotte
September 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Sheraton Charlotte Hotel Uptown
Meet and learn from the prominent women leading the Queen City community at this Charlotte Chamber of Commerce-hosted event. Speakers include Dianne Chipps Bailey of U.S. Trust, Johnelle Causwell of International House, Astrid Chirinos of Simmons YMCA and Tanya Blackmon of Novant Health. Charlotte Chamber COO Blair Stanford will moderate the panel.
Indeavor Club Lunch – Lake Norman
September 19, 12-1:30 p.m. Flywheel Coworking – The Hurt Hub@Davidson
Indeavor, a networking club offered to Flywheel Coworking members, is an opportunity to get to know fellow entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area and swap helpful resources with one another. The lunches are held on the third Wednesday of every month.
Marketing Outside the Box
September 19, 12:30-1:30 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
Learn how to engage your audience with the best written digital branding content. Workshops are held every Wednesday in August and September.
Outdoor Industry Business Pitch Competition
September 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Highland Brewery
The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is hosting Western North Carolina-based companies in the outdoor industry for a business pitch competition. Finalists will compete for cash prizes. Drinks and refreshments included.
Charlotte Chamber Young Professionals Startup Matchmaker
September 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Innovate Charlotte
Meet with fellow startups, innovators and investors in the Charlotte entrepreneurial community at this Charlotte Chamber networking event.
Packard Place Public House
September 19, 5:30-8 p.m. @Packard Place
On the third Wednesday of every month, the Queen City’s entrepreneurial community joins together for an evening of networking and connections over free beer and snacks.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
September 20, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
NC TECH Anniversary Celebration
September 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Duke Mansion, Charlotte
Come celebrate NC TECH’s past, present and future at its 25th anniversary event in Charlotte.
NC Healthcare Innovation Conference
September 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. @UNC Charlotte Center City
The Society of Physician Entrepreneurs brings healthcare professionals and innovators together for an industry conference.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
September 21, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Collider Lunch & Learn: Bridging the Generation Divide on the Job
September 25, 12-1 p.m. @The Collider
This lunch and learn will tackle the different ways to overcome generational stereotypes. The session will be led by Alison Sher, author and founder of Millennial Inc.
Startup Grind Winston-Salem, Feat. Steadman Harrison and Steve Beck of GoInnovation
September 25, 5:30-8 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking (@Center for Design Innovation)
The next Startup Grind Winston-Salem event features a fireside chat with Steadman Harrison III, founder of GOInnovation and senior associate at Center for Creative Leadership, and Steve Beck, conflict management expert, leadership consultant and GOInnovation facilitator and conciliator.
Demo Night: Creative Startups Winston-Salem
September 25, 6-8 p.m. @Biotech Place
At this free event, the 10 teams in this year’s Creative Startups Accelerator Winston-Salem cohort will pitch their products and services for the first time.
Marketing Outside the Box
September 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m. @Center for Design Innovation
Learn how to engage your audience with the best written digital branding content. Workshops are held every Wednesday in August and September.
Skookum Volcano Tour
September 27, 12-1 p.m. @Skookum Charlotte
Join an open tour of the Skookum office to get an introduction to the tech and ideas powering the community. The Skookum team will be available for any questions or comments participants may have. Lunch will be provided.
Tech Talk Live: Ransomware
September 27, 3:30-5:30 p.m. @UNCW Center for Marine Science
NC TECH is hosting an informative event all about ransomware. Learn about how ransomware attacks work and how to protect your business from them.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
September 27, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
September 28, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Science Pub
September 28, 5:30-8 p.m. @The Collider
The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) and The Collider are co-hosting a free guest speaker series, Science Pub. Enjoy a night of science over light snacks and refreshments.
