Summerfest, Summerfest Tech, Summer Tour... let's go
We're going to Milwaukee - which is a great city despite what someone just said on the news :)
Ten days, ya’ll.
The Midwest House Summer Tour starts officially in ten days and we’re… let’s say “nearing ready.”
Quick reminder, we’re hitting the road this summer to visit some of our favorite places around the Midwest. All in an effort to build on the burgeoning regional innovation community we’ve started cultivating each year at SXSW. Over the course of the next few months we’ll be popping up in different ways at events like:
SUMMERFEST TECH - Milwaukee - June 24th-27th
TECH CHICAGO WEEK - Chicago - July 22nd-26th
RALLY - Indianapolis - August 27th-28th
MICHIGAN TECH WEEK - Detroit - October 1st-5th
and damn damn are we excited.
Our first stop - as I mentioned - will be Milwaukee, WI for Summerfest Tech. And so it only made sense to check in with our pal Lena Delaet - the Director of Summerfest Tech - for a sneak peek into what to expect.
Midwest House: So we’re coming to Summerfest in two weeks.
Lena DeLaet: Yay! We’re so excited.
MH: Okay, so first off, what exactly is Summerfest?
LD: Summerfest is the “World’s Largest Music Festival” (Guinness Book approved) that’s held each summer over three weeks on the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee.
MH: Already excited. Okay, what is Summerfest Tech?
LD: Summerfest Tech is a Conference that we started in 2018 to showcase technology and innovation happening here in the Milwaukee region. It was born directly out of conversations with Summerfest sponsors and partners as a way to better serve the community. A lot of us saw the way that SXSW had brought so much opportunity to Austin and wondered if we could try something similar here in Wisconsin.
MH: SXSW? I feel like I’ve heard of that…
LD: Ha. That’s how we know each other.
MH: Of course, Summerfest has been a partner of ours the last two years down in Austin. We’ve brought the Mayor of Milwaukee down. Our friends at Molson Coors. A few bands. But there’s another SXSW tie in this year at Summerfest, right?
LD: Yes, Hugh Forrest the Chief Programming Officer for SXSW is speaking on a panel at Summerfest Tech on 6/24!
MH: That’s so cool. We love Hugh. He’s kind of legend. Okay back to the questions, so you started in 2018 - how has Summerfest Tech grown over the years?
LD: Honestly its grown because we’ve done the year round work of engaging with the tech community here in Wisconsin. We have our corporate partners that have helped spread the word, but we’ve also gone out there and really engaged with the innovation community to make sure they feel some ownership over the conference.
MH: That’s only way to do that kind of thing right. What are some highlights people can expect from this years conference? What are you most looking forward to?
LD: That’s like choosing my favorite kid - not that I have any kids. But there’s going to be so much cool stuff. The Pitch Competition (6/26) is always a highlight. We’ve got 8 different founders pitching (from Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, South Africa(!)…) and it’ll be really great opportunity to meet other founders and investors. And then the party you’re helping us out with on Monday (6/26) will be really fun. It’s taking place on Summerfest park grounds and is going to feature Diet Lite who performed at Midwest House in Austin. (See the entire Summerfest Tech Line-Up here)
MH: Yes! Diet Lite! Can’t wait. Okay, last one, what are some things folks coming into town should do while they’re in Milwaukee?
LD: I love this question. So I’m a big food & drink person - that’s how I like to travel. This year Top Chef is in Milwaukee and Chef Dan Jacobs’ restaurant DanDan is definitely worth a visit. It’s in the 3rd Ward which is filled with great spots. The Milwaukee Public Market is another great place to eat and a must stop when you’re in town. Also if you’re coming to Summerfest Tech at the Potawotmi Hotel you’ll be a few blocks from the Harley Museum and AmFam Park (where the Brewers play)!
MH: So much to do. It’s going to be a very full few days. Thanks so much for all you do. See ya at Summerfest!
MIDWEST HOUSE AT SUMMER TOUR - SUMMERFEST TECH
Monday 6/24 - 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Summerfest Tech Opens w/ Midwest House Opening Party - Henry Maier Festival Park
Tuesday 6/25 - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Tuesday 6/25 - Out of Towners Happy Hour - Third Space Brewing - RSVP
Wednesday 6/26 - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition - Potawatomi Hotel
Thursday 6/27 - 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Summerfest Tech Closing Networking Event - Henry Maier Festival Park