WRAL TechWire keeps tabs on the latest and greatest meetups, summits and conferences, workshops and all things happening in the North Carolina startup world. “The Headliners” is a two-part weekly roundup of noteworthy upcoming events to add to your calendar.
Here’s our lineup of Triangle events happening in December, including some conferences and summits, a handful of lunch and learns, several educational workshops and plenty of networking. The roundup also features application deadlines for accelerators, competitions and other programs.
To find out what’s happening in cities outside of the Triangle, check out part two of the “Headliners” column.
Another post highlights events in January. Monthly meetups that occur on a regular basis are listed in full here. And, we made a special holiday events guide for this festive season.
Check out a full range of events on TechWire’s interactive calendar for more. If you would like an event to be added to the calendar and weekly roundup, feel free to send me an email.
Stewards of the Future: Plants and Sensors
December 2-3 @The StateView Hotel
This annual conference hosted by NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering and NC Agricultural Foundation gathers scientists, experts and engineers for discussion surrounding the latest innovations in the field. The theme for this year’s conference is: “Communicating with Plants: Deciphering and Exploiting Chemical Signals through Electronics.”
On the Menu: {Lead with Intent. Here’s How.}
December 3, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Brian Alvo of NextGen Center will lead a workshop covering leadership strategies and how to implement them. Lunch provided.
Life Sciences Forum 2018
December 3, 4-7 p.m. @NC Biotech Center
This forum event features expert insight on fundraising in a fluctuating market. Tickets cost $25 online or $35 on-site.
Big Top Startup Crawl
December 3, 6-7:30 p.m. @Teamworks
Next in its Startup Crawl series, Big Top is heading to Durham’s Teamworks. Come check out the company’s space and make connections with like-minded entrepreneurs and startup teams in Durham.
Deadline: CED Life Science Conference Featured Company
December 4
Entrepreneurs: Now’s the chance to apply to have your company featured at CED’s 2019 Life Science Conference, coming up in February. The deadline is December 4.
CIO Peer2Peer Meeting
December 4, 7:30-9 a.m., location to be announced
NC TECH members are invited to join local CIOs and senior IT leaders to discuss relevant topics at the next CIO Peer2Peer meeting. Location, topic and facilitator to be announced.
Future of Clinical Data Management
December 4, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. @NC Biotech Center
This OmniComm symposium covers innovation in clinical trial performance data.
Cybersecurity Continuum…People, Process & Technology
December 4, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Maggiano’s Little Italy, The Streets at Southpoint
This session will discuss the current cybersecurity threat landscape and review tactics being used across an organization’s staff, technology and operations that can help reduce the risk of an attack.
Innovate Durham Demo Day
December 4, 6-7:30 p.m. @Hayti Heritage Center
The six startups in this year’s Innovate Durham cohort have been hard at work testing their ideas during the 12-week program. Now, they’ll present their innovations to an audience at this demo day.
Build an Effective Nonprofit Website
December 4, 6-8 p.m. @Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
This workshop series will show participants how to design and build a website for their nonprofit ventures using the Wix platform.
UNC AI Forum, Feat. Professor Jonas Monast
December 4, 6:30-8 p.m. @Friday Conference Center
UNC’s Center on Climate, Energy, Environment & Economics is hosting a panel discussion on the growing influence of AI and machine learning.
Intro to Python: Fundamentals
December 4, 6:30-8 p.m. @The Nest
Join Thinkful for a hands-on workshop covering variables, data structures and functions, and basic data science concepts.
NC TECH CIO Online Auction
December 5-7
The winning bidder of this online fundraiser gets the opportunity to facilitate a one-on-one lunch meeting with a CIO and an executive at a North Carolina tech company.
Conversation w/ Pendo Co-Founder & CEO Todd Olson
December 5, 7:30-9 a.m. @Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
Register with the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce for a special opportunity to gain insights face-to-face with Todd Olson, co-founder and CEO of Raleigh-based Pendo.
1 Million Cups RTP
December 5, 9-10 a.m. @The Frontier
Research Triangle Park, in partnership with Kauffman Labs, hosts regular informal pitch events for the startup community at The Frontier. Join for free coffee and entrepreneurial community support as Raleigh startup MOVE delivers a presentation.
UX 101 for Startups w/ Claire Eager
December 5, 12-1:30 p.m. @American Underground (@Blackwell)
NC IDEA presents a beginner’s workshop covering basic UX areas and terms, best practices for web and digital UI, and more.
Chatham Tech Talk: Law & Leadership in Technology
December 5, 4-5:30 p.m. @Carolina Brewery & Grill
This event features a happy hour and a discussion about law and leadership in technology, featuring David Delaney, co-founder of Chatham Tech Talk.
Workshop: Get Hip with Swift
December 5, 6-7:30 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
At this workshop, Tech Talent South Raleigh is diving into the basics of Swift programming, sharing some pointers on why it’s such an important language to know in today’s tech world.
American Underground’s End of Year Celebration & Awards
December 5, 6-9 p.m. @The Cotton Room
The startup community is invited to join American Underground in celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of the Triangle’s entrepreneurial scene this year. The event will introduce AU’s first-ever awards, “The Undies,” which will be granted to the organization’s most notable members. All proceeds from the event will go to Code The Dream.
Current Good Manufacturing Practices Knowledge Seminar
December 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @Kymanox Global Headquarters
Kymanox Knowledge Bar is hosting a full-day course on core Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) principles. Lunch will be served. Take-home materials provided.
RIoT: Radio Integration—Modular Vs. Integrated Design
December 6, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
At RIoT’s next lunch and learn, TUV SUD EMC Manager Randy Sherian will present on the different types of modular approvals and what they mean for wireless integration.
Larger Than Life Science: Big Holiday Party
December 6, 4-7 p.m. @The Chesterfield
Next up in LaunchBio’s Larger Than Life Science event series is a special holiday celebration featuring a panel of HR experts, science comedian Brian Malow, a guided constellation tour in the Museum of Life & Science’s Star Lab and glitter-sprinkled beer from Durty Bull Brewing Company. Tickets are free.
Funding the Future: UNC Startup Investment Programs
December 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m. @Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
This event will provide an update on a pair of early-stage investor programs that fund UNC-affiliated startups—the Carolina Angel Network and the Carolina Research Ventures Fund.
TechGirlz Workshop: Make a Website Using WordPress
December 6, 6-8 p.m. @The WELL Center
This workshop will show students how to set up a WordPress.com site, add content and build their own customized design using the platform.
Business of the Arts Workshop
December 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
In this workshop, artist Eric McRay of McRay Studios LLC will lead a session on handling the business side of art.
Future of NC Forum: The Golden Age of Disruption
December 7, 7:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. @Umstead Hotel & Spa, Cary
This event aims to address the changing demographics in North Carolina and their impact on talent supply, innovation, infrastructure and business climate. (More coverage here.)
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Your Workplace
December 7, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. @RTI International
In this full-day workshop, participants will learn actionable strategies for creating programs supporting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace. A follow-up webinar, which will provide ongoing support for participants to achieve their goals, is scheduled on January 18.
Get2Know NC TECH Webinar
December 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.
NCASA Fall Meeting 2018
December 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @NC State Engineering Building III
The North Carolina chapter of Acoustical Society of America is hosting an event featuring several seminars, academic and industry speakers, and networking to connect students and professionals in different fields related to acoustics.
Raleigh Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon
December 7, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Raleigh Marriott, Crabtree Valley
This event features three Ted Talk-style presentations on financial independence, mindfulness and wellness, workplace productivity and leadership. Speakers include Wells Fargo Senior Financial Advisor and Senior VP of Investments Stephanie Bass, Raleigh Group Fitness Co-Founder Brittany Guerin and Best You Consulting Owner Megan Johnson.
NCSU Annual Cockerham Lecture
December 7, 3-4 p.m. @NC State, Talley Student Union
NC State’s Bioinformatics Research Center is hosting Cornell University Molecular Biology and Genetics Professor Andrew G. Clark for a lecture on “Variance QTLs and the Inference of Epistasis.”
HQ Raleigh December Christmas Party
December 7, 6-9 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
This year’s HQ Raleigh Christmas Party is complete with Lonerider beer, wine, hors d’oeuvre, holiday cookies, carols and even a tacky Christmas sweater competition.
Mini BioBlitz at Piedmont Wildlife Center
December 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. @Piedmont Wildlife Center
At this free event, attendees will join Piedmont Wildlife Center experts in observing birds, fungus and other wildlife that represents nature’s biodiversity.
NCTERMS Annual Conference 2018
December 10, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. @Fitzpatrick Center, Duke University
This event features a keynote from Dr. Krishnendu Roy, director of the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Cell Manufacturing Technologies at Georgia Tech, plus talks from other invited speakers.
LaunchCARY Info Session
December 10, 12-1 p.m. @Wake Tech Western Wake Campus
LaunchCARY, a program co-organized by Dorcas Ministries, Rotary Clubs of Cary and Wake Tech, aims to offer classes geared toward anyone who is interested in starting their own business or for existing business owners seeking help. Classes begin January 28, 2019. Join this info session to learn more about the program and how to apply.
RTCC Cleantech Innovators’ Networking
December 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Jordan Lake Brewing Company
The Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster is hosting a holiday gathering to celebrate the Triangle’s progress in cleantech this year. Complimentary beverage and hors d’oeuvres included.
TREX Holiday Party
December 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @WeWork, Downtown Durham
Join The Revenue Exchange for its year-end holiday celebration. Drinks and food will be provided.
Intro to Python: Build a Predictive Model
December 11, 6:30-8 p.m. @The Nest
Join Thinkful for an interactive beginner’s workshop on the fundamentals of Python through predictive modelling.
Monthly COINversation
December 12, 7:30-9:30 a.m. @Cafe Carolina & Bakery in Cary
In this monthly networking event, participants can meet and connect with other entrepreneurs and companies in the science and technology space.
2018 LAS Research Symposium
December 12, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. @James B. Hunt Jr. Library
Join NC State’s Laboratory for Analytic Sciences (LAS) for a day-long event that convenes academics, industry leaders, small businesses and startup partners for discussion and collaboration on topics related to data analytics, analysis and interdisciplinary approaches.
SBIR/STTR Seminar for Science & Tech Startups
December 12, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @North Carolina Central University
Hosted by First Flight Venture Center’s LiftOff program, this event is part of a series of upcoming training sessions covering SBIR/STTR grant programs for entrepreneurs.
Equitable Hiring Forum
December 12, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @Durham County Human Services
NC Commerce, through its Reentry Initiative, is hosting a discussion on how businesses can benefit from equitable hiring practices.
Minority & Women-Owned Enterprise Small Business Expo
December 12, 4-6 p.m. @Southeast Raleigh High School
Join Raleigh’s Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program and network with local and state procurement agencies and prime contractors searching for certified minority and women-owned businesses.
NC TECH CIO Reception
December 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Hawkins-Hartness House
Local CIOs and IT leaders are invited to enjoy networking and catered food at a holiday gathering at downtown Raleigh’s historic Hawkins-Hartness House. This event is only open to NC TECH members. Tickets are free.
WIB-RTP: Celebrate 2018 & Get a Sneak Peak of 2019
December 12, 6-8 p.m. @RTP HQ
Women in Bio-RTP invites the community to an evening of networking, appetizers and drinks to celebrate the holidays and the past year’s successes. WIB will also introduce some of its 2019 initiatives.
AMA Triangle: December Luncheon
December 13, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Brier Creek Country Club
At AMA Triangle’s next luncheon, market research expert Scott Seidewitz of The Seidewitz Group will share best-practices for managing insights in your organization.
4th Annual RTP Mistletoe Market
December 13, 4-7 p.m. @The Frontier
Shop local for the holidays at this market featuring the products of artisans in the Triangle. Code The Dream, a Durham-based tech education program, will receive 15 percent of the profits.
GrepBeat December Happy Hour
December 13, 5-7 p.m. @Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub
GrepBeat is hosting local tech entrepreneurs and friends of the startup community for an evening of drinks, connections and good conversation at Bull McCabe’s.
RTP AITP Holiday Party 2018
December 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. @NC State University Club
Join the Triangle chapter of CompTIA AITP for a recap of this year’s membership growth and accomplishments, a festive dinner, plenty of networking and the installation of the chapter’s 2019 officers. Guests are welcome to attend.
Get Found on Google for Free
December 13, 6-8 p.m. @Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
At this workshop, participants will learn cost-effective search engine traffic strategies.
Unleashing an Entrepreneurial Mindset Across NC
December 13, 6-8:30 p.m. @Museum of Life and Science
NC IDEA is launching a special initiative with the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program (IHEP). At this event, Gary Schoeniger, ELI founder and co-author of IHEP, and Thom Ruhe, CEO of NC IDEA, will discuss the program’s potential for economic impact, community deployments and leveraging the effort statewide.
C-Suite Perspectives, Feat. Jesse Lipson
December 14, 7:30-9 a.m. @Umstead Hotel & Spa
Raleigh Chamber’s C-Suite Perspectives series returns in December with a talk from serial entrepreneur Jesse Lipson, who will share insights learned along his business journey.
Triangle Tech Net
December 14, 7:30-10 a.m. @Family Legacy Financial Solutions in Cary
This free bimonthly event offers a space for local tech professionals to build connections and find potential job opportunities.
Transform Your Business into a Money-Making Machine
December 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
In this workshop, serial entrepreneur Damon Yudichak, MBA CPA will guide participants through the GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) formula and apply profit-maximizing strategies to their businesses.
Deadline: Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Project
December 17
Cleantech innovators are encouraged to apply for the first in three consecutive rounds of funding allocations under the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project, funded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
IoT Student Showcase
December 18 in Raleigh
This event, co-hosted by RIoT and NC State, spotlights 10 teams of graduate student engineers, designers and MBA students who’ve worked for four months on building startup concepts.
Bunker Brews: Helping Vetrepreneurs Sell More Consumer Products
December 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Loading Dock Raleigh
Bunker Labs Raleigh-Durham has lined up a panel of product entrepreneurs and veterans who will share their paths to commercializing and marketing their products. The panelists include Rob Campbell, author of It’s Personal, Not Personnel: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield and the Boardroom, Philip Freeman, founder of Loading Dock Raleigh and Murphy’s Naturals, and Jessica Harris, founder of K9 Salute.
ImBlackInTech Monthly Mixer Series
December 18, 6-7:30 p.m. @American Underground
ImBlackInTech’s monthly mixer event convenes the local entrepreneurial community in support of the growth of founders and professionals of color in the Triangle’s tech startup ecosystem. More coverage here.
Data Science Your Vacation Workshop
December 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @The Nest
In this workshop, presented by Thinkful, participants will use hotel reviews to build a predictive model determining their next vacation destination.
Deadline: ReCONNECT Rural and Urban Community Cohort
December 18
The Institute for Emerging Issues is putting out a call for communities to participate in its second forum in the ReCONNECT NC series, ReCONNECT Rural and Urban, taking place February 11 in Raleigh.
Digital Health Happy Hour: Festive Celebration
December 19, 5-7 p.m. @Bluedoor Cafe, Chapel Hill
At this free networking event, attendees can enjoy some local craft beer with DHIT in celebration of the organization’s 2018 milestones and contributions to North Carolina’s digital health sector.
Explore GitHub with Tech Talent South
December 19, 6-7:30 p.m. @HQ Raleigh
Join Tech Talent South Raleigh for a collaborative workshop all about GitHub and how to use it to your advantage.
Triangle TechBreakfast
December 20, 8-10 a.m. @RTP Headquarters
Developers, designers, startups and tech enthusiasts are invited to join this monthly meetup for free networking over breakfast, plus a series of showcase presentations.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA LABS
December 24
NC IDEA LABS is a four-week intensive program that helps startup founders with customer discovery, validation and product-market fit for their ventures. The first cohort of the 2019 LABS program starts January 28. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on December 24.
Midtown Techies: Meet Your Neighbors in Tech
December 25, 7-9 p.m. @Fox and Hound
Bring your ideas and opinions to the next Midtown Techies meetup. Events are held on the last Tuesday of every month.
Triangle Tech Net
December 28, 7:30-10 a.m. @Family Legacy Financial Solutions in Cary
This free bimonthly event offers a space for local tech professionals to build connections and find potential job opportunities.
HQ Raleigh New Years Eve Bash
December 31, 9 p.m. – January 1, 1 a.m. @The Cannon Room
Ring in the new year with a night of live music, bites and drinks, and a nice view of the firework-lit skyline at HQ Capital Club.