Techweek's CEO Amanda Signorelli has officially announced the expansion of the conference to Washington, D.C. The event will run from October 2 through 6 and is expected to attract at least four thousand attendees, with dozens of speakers and a festival included. Techweek will now present in nine cities across North America: Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, Kansas City, Dallas, New York, Miami, and Washington, D.C.
"Our mission is to support the emergence of local Hero Companies in each one," explained Amanda Signorelli in a statement. The concept of "hero companies" is based on sustainable businesses, "that breed talent, investment, and spinoffs," she added.
Altogether, these events attract over 50,000 people.
The expansion to D.C. was first reported by the Washington Business Journal.
What is Techweek
Techweek is largely based on local entrepreneurs, investors, and Startups, looking to drive networking and growth in the tech ecosystem. It has expanded gradually over the last six years and has an extremely ambitious plan: to reach 100 cities over the next ten years. There is a mission statement on their website that goes even further: "We want 100 cities to each build a $1 billion Hero Company in 10 years."
Instead of one central venue, Techweek works as multiple events happening in several venues. Last year's edition of Techweek LA, for instance, was spread from Downtown LA to Santa Monica.
The previous year, it actually set most of its stages and startup festival right on the Santa Monica Pier.
Why Washinton, D.C.
When I caught up with Techweek's former CEO Katy Lynch, in November 2015, she spoke passionately about the mission to bring the conference to cities where the tech sector is blooming. That is the case of Washington, D.C.
Its metro area is growing and "becoming a hub" for hero companies. For the last two years, the region witnessed a 26% increase in VC-backed funding, with the average deal topping $40 million.
What Techweek proposes to do is help solve the four main problems entrepreneurs are faced with when growing their businesses: recruiting the best talent, raising substantial capital, selecting mentors and advisors, and gaining awareness and recognition.
That's why the conference is divided into four different events, each meant to address one of these challenges. It's the Growth Summit, which will select the top twenty CEOs in the region to discuss strategies on stage; the Fest, which is basically a networking event to connect employers with talent; Founders House, which should create mentoring opportunities; and Awards, to give recognition where it is due.
Tickets for the event are on sale and range from $50 to $350 right now, as a "first mover" attendee. Prices will increase over the next few months. For those who wish to attend only the Community Events and the Best Place to Work Showcase, participation is currently free.
