ICT Unconference Gaining Attention in Wichita News

The Wichita community is excited for the upcoming ICT Unconference next week, April 22! Check out the latest news and announcements surrounding the unconference.  

• Evomail Blog , Feb. 19 - ICT Unconference is Going to Start Something Big in Wichita, and Evomail Will be Front and Center 
• Wichita Business Journal, Feb. 13 - Entrepreneurs, leaders plan to collaborate at Wichita’s first unconference
• Wichita Business Journal, Feb. 18 - Three reasons why an ‘unconference’ could be just what Wichita’s entrepreneurship community needs
• The Wichita Eagle, Mar. 16 - Unconference topics to target entrepreneurs 
• Network Kansas - Save the Date for ICT Unconference
• The Wichita Eagle, April 20 - A conversation with Herb Sih

VIDEOS:

• ICT - UNCONFERENCE PSA 
• Local Loop ICT - UNCONFERENCE 

There's still time to purchase your ticket to ICT, submit session ideas you want to take part in and attend this day full of collisions and collaborations with Wichita's own innovators and entrepreneurs. Don't miss out! 

An Out-Of-This-World Experience

An Unconference is a unique learning and collaboration environment, where its success is completely dependent on the participation of its attendees. So where in the world do you find a keynote speaker who can measure up? We looked outside of this word (literally) to Space Entrepreneur and CEO of Katasi, Scott Tibbitts. Curious about his keynote message? Here’s a sneak preview:

This is the story of creating a space company from scratch. This crazy entrepreneurial story started with an invention made of hardware store parts, which NASA said they could use on their spacecraft. That led to a crazy journey of becoming the world’s leading supplier of mechanisms for spacecraft, and also let to perils with becoming a "rockstar" space company – their growth almost killed them. By itself, it’s a very good story with plenty of take-aways – taking chances, following intuition, challenges of growth, dealing with success, the highs and lows of becoming an iconic company in an industry.

Scott will also discuss:

- The challenges entrepreneurs face as a company grows, how your genes wire you for entrepreneurial success, but the same genes create blind spots that can cause a company to fail;
- "Escaping the entrepreneurs prison" where Scott talks honestly about the demons he had to wrestle with as they grew;
- Recognizing the importance of intuitive "Nudges";
- In entrepreneurship where you’re taking a road less travelled, that you have a choice of A or B. And how the one that seems crazy, is the one that leads to great things. 

Trust us, this is a keynote session you don’t want to miss. If you haven’t purchased your ICT Unconference tickets yet, hurry! They are selling fast.

Have an idea for a session topic? Submit it here!

We love our amazing sponsors, including: Wichita State University Center for Entrepreneurship, Wichita Technology Corporation and Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C. CPAs and Advisors.

3Q4: Steve Radley, ICT Unconference Sponsor/Mentor

Welcome to the second in our “3Q4” series, where we ask three questions of Ambassadors and Mentors of ICT Unconference. If you missed our first 3Q4 Kenton Hansen, go check it out now. We’re excited to introduce you to Steve Radley, an ICT Sponsor and Ambassador.

A resident of Wichita, Steve began his career in the private sector as the 28th employee of a business startup technology company, Brite Voice Systems in Wichita. The company grew from $6 million to more than $175 million during the nine years Steve worked for Brite. Since then, Steve has co-owned two businesses including a manufactured housing dealership that was sold to the largest manufacturer in the country, Champion Enterprises. Currently, Steve Radley is the President and CEO of the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship DBA NetWork Kansas. Since the launch in March of 2006, NetWork Kansas has created a resource partner network of more than five hundred (500) partners and launched multiple loan programs and a venture fund that have provided loans and investments of more than $13 million to 350 plus businesses with total capital deployed exceeding $168 million. As you can see, Radley is champion of entrepreneurship and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Unconference.

Steve’s 3Qs

Q1. Why do you think Wichita is a great candidate to host an Unconference like this? What does this conference mean to Wichita?

A conversation has started in Wichita about how to create an environment more conducive to entrepreneurs. The Wichita Metro Chamber has included it in their strategic plan, Wichita State is actively engaged, and entrepreneurs in Wichita are becoming more connected. The Unconference will help continue to build this important foundation.

Q2. What gets you most excited about this conference? Any predictions?

I'm excited about meeting entrepreneurs I've never met and strengthening the relationships with partners we already have. My prediction is that I will learn from both and others will have the same experience.

Q3. Why should entrepreneurs attend? What's your advice for those on the fence about coming?

Simple, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. In one day, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn from people who have been where they are at, get connected to potential resources that can help, and in the end, mitigate the risk of their venture.

Bonus! Here's a recent post from Steve on cultivating an entrepreneurial culture.

Meet Steve Radley and all of our Unconference ambassadors at ICT Unconference on April 22. Get your tickets today!

A special “thank you” to NetWork Kansas, Quantum Expositions International and Intrust Bank. Without your support, ICT Unconference would not be possible.

10 Reasons to Attend the ICT Unconference

The ICT Unconference is quickly approaching. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, or maybe you’re on the fence about whether to attend, we thought we’d put together 10 reasons to attend the ICT Unconference.

1. Freedom to pick the tough topics. 

Unlike a lot of pre-planned conferences, you don’t get a lot of say in the topics the speakers choose, which means they tell you what they want to tell you, not what you want to hear. The Unconference is YOUR chance to ask these professionals questions you wished you knew the answers to. Don’t be shy! Chances are if you have the question, others do too.

2. You can be more relaxed and have fun. 

Feel encouraged to be creative with the session topics you suggest. Because the Unconference format and tone are set by attendees, why not make if fun? If the session is light and full of laughter and enjoyment, odds are, people will be more relaxed and you may get more out of it.

3. It will inspire you

Unless you sit in the parking lot, you won’t be able to avoid new ideas. The format itself lends to brainstorming and creatively solving problems, so our hope is that a few of these ideas will inspire you to do more and be more in your own business.

4. You will make better, deeper connections

Something magical happens when people get together and get honest – barriers come down, problems get solved and relationships grow. If business to you has felt more like going it alone, and you’re looking for something different, you are in for a real treat.

5. It will give you space to think about your business

Sometimes working day in and day out on the work of your company, doesn’t give you time or space to work on your business. The Unconference provides space to reflect on your past year, the decisions you’ve made, and the choices in front of you. Who knows? Maybe you’ll see things with a fresh eye.

6. You will view your business through the lens of other types of businesses

Hear ideas and challenges outside of your own industry and you’re sure to hear the applications within yours. Things that work for a different business, may just work for yours and help you differentiate.

7. Opportunity for partnerships

Meeting people from your entrepreneurial community not only inspires but it creates an opportunity to build potential business partnerships and other collaborative connections.

8. You will learn from others’ experiences

Wise people learn from the mistakes of others so they do not repeat them. When people share and open up about their own challenges and how they solved them, this is information gold. Lock it in and learn from it.

9. Recharge your creative tank

Sometimes work can feel like…well, work. If you’ve been missing out on the fun and fulfillment of being an entrepreneur, maybe you’re in need of a recharge. There’s nothing like being in a room of like-minded people to get your engines revved up again. Join us and refill.

10. Get 1-on-1 mentorship with some of Wichita’s most respected entrepreneurs and business leaders
 

Are you an entrepreneur looking for feedback or mentorship? We’ve lined up some of city’s most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders for 1-on-1 Mentor sessions.


Sound intriguing? Get your ICT Unconference tickets now!
Unconference sessions are being submitted now. Submit yours!
Sign up for the Mentor Program with local business executives.

ICT Unconference is grateful to our sponsors, including Martin Pringle Law Firm.

ICT Unconference Coming to Wichita April 22nd - For Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Community Leaders

ICT Unconference, Wichita’s first official unconference, is April 22^nd 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. 

Announcing ICT Unconference Ambassadors from the Wichita Community

We’re excited to announce our ICT Ambassadors for ICT Unconference on April 22! 

These Ambassadors are community leaders and change-makers in the Wichita community. They believe in growing the Wichita entrepreneurial economy and are passionate about bringing entrepreneurs, innovators and companies together into a day full of unexpected conversations and collisions. Please welcome the following Ambassadors:

Wayne E. Bell - District Director, Wichita District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration
@sbagov

Suzy Finn- Executive Director, Young Professionals of Wichita
@ypw

Kenton Hansen – Founder, Labor Party
@kentonh, @thelaborparty

Lou Heldman – Interim Director, WSU Center for Entrepreneurship
@LouHeldman

Brandi Koskie- Editorial Strategist, Evomail
@brandik, @evomail

Gary Oborny – CEO/Chairman, Occidental Management, Inc

Steve Radley – President and CEO, NetWork Kansas
@SteveRadley3, @networkkansas

Richard Stevens – Attorney, Martin Pringle Law Firm
@richardcstevens

Sean Weaver – Exec. Vice President, Assurance Services at Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C.

Stefan White – Director of Strategery, Centrix Innovations
@CentrixKC

We appreciate the support of our ICT Ambassadors who are excited to create a thriving entrepreneurial city!

To learn how to get involved or attend ICT Unconference, visit www.ictunconference.com

ICT UNCONFERENCE: What It Is and Why Wichita Needs It

It’s time for Wichita’s entrepreneurial community to take action. Although entrepreneurship has been taking off here in Wichita and throughout the Midwest, it’s time to kick it up a notch. That’s why we’ve created ICT Unconference, to take place on April 22 at the Wichita Marriott Hotel.

Why An Unconference

If the word “unconference” left you scratching your head, let us explain. An unconference is an open format conference that facilitates activity, conversations and collisions between individuals. Attendees actively create the unconference agenda with the assistance of skilled facilitators so that all the sessions become relevant and engaging for attendees.

Unlike at a regular conference, event planners won’t decide what you want to learn. Instead, the power is in the hands of you- the attendee! You create the sessions with the information most important to you.

Plus, we’ll have speakers such as Herb Sih of Think Big Partners and Scott Tibbitts, CEO of Katasi and entrepreneurial explorer. Our speakers, mentors and facilitators will be available during the day to keep the creative juices flowing and allowing us to all work together and take action.

But Why?

ICT Unconference isn’t just for fun (although it will be). This unconference’s goal is to bring all of Wichita’s entrepreneurs, innovators and doers together to increase our community’s collision density. We’re sorry to throw another new phrase at you like that, but bear with us. It’s important.

Collision density is the level of collisions (or interactions) between entrepreneurs, innovators and connectors in any given area. The higher an area’s collision density, the more quickly and efficiently innovative development can occur. Therefore, the more collision density Wichita has, the better.

For example, while entrepreneurship hotbeds like Silicon Valley and Austin have high rates of collision density, Wichita’s is rather low. But our low collision density hurts more than just Wichita’s entrepreneurs. It also impedes our local economy and Wichita’s progress as a community.

This is why we have created the ICT Unconference: together we can create a thriving entrepreneurial and innovative community here in Wichita by increasing our collision density!

Take action with us on April 22 to boost Wichita’s collision density! Get your tickets to ICT Unconference today!

Attention All Wichita Entrepreneurs and Innovators, Save The Date: ICT Unconference April 22, 2014

Mark your calendars, Wichita, for the ICT Unconference at the Wichita Marriott Hotel on April 22, 2014. The ICT Unconference will bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, and companies together to create meaningful collisions for the betterment of all involved.

What is an Unconference you ask? An Unconference brings together innovators from all stages and areas of the business world to create meaningful collisions in a setting without pretense. The entire day is unscripted, unexpected, and best of all you make your own agenda. An Unconference is organized chaos guided by 4 (un)Written Rules.

1. Whenever it starts is the right time. When it is over it is over.
2. The people who came are the right people.
3. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened.
4. If you are not learning or contributing, it is your responsibility to use your own two feet to find someplace where you are (The Law of Two Feet).

The day will begin at 7:45am with live agenda creation based off ideas submitted by you, the attendees. There will also be a keynote address from CEO of Katasi and former space entrepreneur, Scott Tibbitts with opening remarks from Managing Partner of Think Big Partners, Herb Sih.

Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime event. Get involved by becoming a sponsor of the ICT Unconference and help increase Wichita’s collision density.

Stay up to date with Wichita’s first ever Unconference, sign up for the ICT Unconference newsletter.