The Fire Awards are back.
Next week, Chicago Inno will host its first in-person event since 2019, highlighting the 50 winners of the 2024 Inno Fire Awards and announcing the Blazer winners in each category. We're also bringing back our much-anticipated blazer ceremony!
It's been a minute since the last time we did this, so here's everything you need to know:
When: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 4-6:30 p.m.
Where: TeamWorking by TechNexus, 20 N. Wacker Drive, 12th floor
Find out more about the Chicago Inno Fire Awards and get tickets here.
What can I expect at the Fire Awards?
- Networking with founders, entrepreneurs and rapidly growing businesses.
- A fireside chat on where Chicago tech is headed in 2025 and beyond, plus the state of fundraising with the founders of TechNexus Venture Collaborative.
- Makers demo space.
- Drinks, bites and a good time.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online. Register now before we sell out! Contact Cat Francis, cfrancis@americaninno.com, if you have questions.
How do I get there? Is there parking?
Centrally located in downtown Chicago, TeamWorking by TechNexus is located in the Civic Opera Building, which is a five-minute walk from major transit hubs such as Chicago Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center and the Loop.
The Civic Opera Building does not have a dedicated parking lot. There is limited metered parking nearby — we recommend ParkWhiz or SpotHero to find discounted parking options. The CME Center at 10 S. Wacker is the nearest parking garage, but plenty of other parking options are within a two-block radius.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 4 p.m. Don't miss out on networking, drinks and bites to eat!
What's the dress code?
Startup chic.
What will happen at the event?
4 p.m. – Welcome: Check-in, makers demos, tours of the TeamWorking by TechNexus space, networking, drinks and bites.
5:15 p.m. – Fireside chat: Chicago Inno reporter Alex Zorn will host a fireside chat with TechNexus founders Fred Hoch and Terry Howerton on the state of innovation in Chicago.
5:30 p.m. – Blazer reveal: We'll announce the Blazer winners — aka the hottest company in each of our Fire Awards categories: fire starters, embers, climate tech, burning hot and ready to explode.
5:45 p.m. – Awards pick-up and reception: Representatives from each company will head to a special area to pick up their awards and enjoy a toast. Meanwhile, networking and celebrating continue.
6:30 p.m. – Event concludes.
Who are the Fire Awards winners?
A promising first-time founder can be on fire, as can the local venture capital firm that invested in them. This year's lineup includes established serial entrepreneurs and plenty of recent successful fundraisers. Check out the full list.
What are the makers demos?
During the networking portions of the event, we'll have a makers demo showcase where Chicago companies including Mella Pet Care, CloudNuro and mHub will show us what they've been working on.
Who else will be there?
In addition to our Fire Awards winners, founders, C-suite leaders, entrepreneurs and decision-makers from the Chicago ecosystem are all invited to our Fire Awards event.
Who are the event sponsors?
- Event sponsor: Invesco QQQ.
- Impact sponsor: Cooley.
- Event partner: TechNexus Venture Collaborative.
More questions?
No problem! Shoot an email to Cat Francis at cfrancis@americaninno.com.
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