At the NorTech Innovation UnConference, Attendees Are in Charge

Imagine going to a conference without an agenda. No topics have been determined. No keynote speakers have been invited. No presentations or panel discussions have been arranged.

Why would a person attend such an “unconference?” Because it’s the most engaging, empowering and productive way to exchange innovative ideas. And that’s exactly what the NorTech Innovation UnConference is all about.

On Sept. 24, 2014, Northeast Ohio’s most innovative entrepreneurs, executives and inventors will come to the state-of-the-art Cleveland Convention Center for a fully participant-driven “unconference.”

Business leaders, academics and investors will pitch and convene breakout sessions on topics that matter most to them – all tied to the theme of innovation within Northeast Ohio’s technology-focused industries. These industries include, but are not limited to, advanced energy, biotech, flexible electronics, IT, software and water technologies.

“So much of life and work is overly structured that it doesn’t give us, or our ideas, the room to run and grow freely,” says entrepreneur Joshua Kauffman, who has facilitated unconferences around the world. “By contrast, the unstructured, high-energy environment of the UnCon amplifies everyone’s ideas.”

At the beginning of the UnConference, Kauffman will help attendees refine their ideas for discussion and emphasize two basic rules: 1) Nobody is giving a presentation – the UnCon is all about conversations; and 2) If a session doesn’t inspire you and you’re not contributing, get up and find a different one.

The UnConference is the first of its kind in Northeast Ohio’s thriving technology community and offers a rare opportunity for entrepreneurs to gather to have an unfiltered exchange of innovative ideas.

“We believe our region, which is nurturing a culture of innovation, is ready for the UnConference,” said Rebecca Begley, NorTech president and CEO. “The event will put a spotlight on Northeast Ohio’s tremendous innovation capacity and allow the region’s most creative minds to exchange their expertise on groundbreaking trends, technologies and business approaches.”

The UnConference is sponsored by:
• Medical Mutual
• Dix & Eaton
• Rockwell Automation
• AT&T
• Valtronic
• AlphaMicron
• BioEnterprise
• FirstPower
• Kent Displays
• Lubrizol
• MAGNET
• NewSpring Capital
• Smartshape
• Fay Sharpe
• Case Western Reserve University
• Kent State University
• Lorain County Community College
• Northeast Ohio Medical University
• The University of Akron
• Crain’s Cleveland Business
• Smart Business
• ideastream