ICT
Unconference, Wichita’s first official unconference,
is April 22nd at the Wichita Marriott. Presented by Wichita Technology Corporation and Quantum
Expositions, the event’s mission is to bring together
entrepreneurs, innovators and businesses in an effort to grow and strengthen
Greater Wichita’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The
unconference model is open-format, which allows for attendee-driven discussion
and collaboration. Attendees submit and vote on topics prior to the event via
the ICT website. This format allows each session to be relevant and engaging
for those participating.
Trish
Brasted, President & CEO of Wichita Technology Corporation, explained: “Unconferences are being conducted with great success in progressive
cities across the nation. The timing is perfect for bringing the unconference
model to Wichita. We are excited
to bring entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders under one roof, to
increase Wichita’s entrepreneurial innovation collaboration.”
Community
members are showing their support for this event as they share the vision for
strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and bringing startups and
businesses together.
“Our
firm is excited about sponsoring this event because it continues a strong
tradition of the entrepreneurial spirit in our community. Wichita has been the
starting place for so many great companies and we think the ICT Unconference is
a great way to keep that creative energy alive and well,” according to Richard
Stevens, attorney with Martin Pringle Law Firm and Ambassador for the ICT
Unconference.
Along with the unconference format, the event will include expert
speakers on entrepreneurship, as well as a professional mentoring program where
entrepreneurs can discuss their ideas and get immediate feedback and advice
from some of the area’s top entrepreneurs, business executives and leaders.
“Part of the value of the ICT Unconference is the unique opportunity for
attendees to meet 1-on-1 with an experienced mentor for a time slot of 20
minutes. Those who sign-up and are accepted into the mentor program will
receive feedback, guidance, and advice from experienced entrepreneurs who have been
there and done that!” said Bob
Loudermilk, founder of Quantum Expositions and one of the organizers of the
unconference.
Participating mentors for ICT Unconference include:
•
Trish Brasted, President and CEO, Wichita
Technology Corporation
•
Luke Catlin, Cofounder & CTO, Flourish, Inc.
•
Frank Choriego, Business Coach & Entrepreneur,
Family Heritage/Torchmark
•
Jonathan George, CEO, Evomail
•
James Mock, President, 360ideas
•
Gary Oborny, Chairman & CEO, Occidental
Management, Inc.
•
Beth Tully, CEO and Owner, Cocoa Dolce Artisan
Chocolates
•
Josh Umbehr, MD, CEO, AtlasMD
•
Devin Walker, CEO and Founder, Printpop.com
In
addition to mentors, ICT Unconference Ambassadors play a crucial role in
facilitating meaningful interactions and innovative thinking between attendees
during the sessions.
ICT
Ambassadors include:
•
Wayne E. Bell, District Director, Wichita District
Office, U.S. Small Business Administration
•
Suzy Finn, Executive Director, Young Professionals
of Wichita
•
Kenton Hansen, Founder, Labor Party
•
Lou Heldman, Interim Director, WSU Center for
Entrepreneurship
•
Brandi Koskie, Editorial Strategist, Evomail
•
Gary Oborny, Chairman & CEO, Occidental
Management, Inc.
•
Steve Radley, President and CEO, NetWork Kansas
•
Richard Stevens, Attorney, Martin Pringle Law Firm
•
Sean Weaver, Executive Vice President, Assurance
Services at Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C.
•
Stefan White, Director of
Strategery at Centrix Innovations
The emcee
for the event is Derrick Nielsen, Vice President, Organizational Development
and Family Business Services at Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C.
ICT
Unconference is currently looking for entrepreneurs, area leaders and companies
who want to be involved in the event. Complete
information (including sponsorship opportunities, submitting session topics,
applying for the mentor program, or purchasing tickets) can be found at www.ICTunconference.com.
Click here to download a PDF of the media release.
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