Because Rhode Island is a veritable hive of cool people doing cool things and hiring personal assistants is expensive, we at Rhode Island Inno have established a curated calendar of statewide goings-on we think readers will enjoy — alllll in one spot. Look for new events listings every month, and don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s more (or less) of a type of event you’d like to hear more of.
And! Don’t forget to check out our Events Directory for even more Ocean State happenings.
Week One Friday, 1/3
Free First Friday at Sprout: Curious about coworking? Work for free at Sprout CoWorking the first Friday of every month at all Sprout locations - Warren and Providence. That means free open seating, free wifi, free coffee, and free networking. So mark your calendar, grab your laptop, and come work. Event begins at 9 a.m. at Sprout. More information here.
Tech Help Drop-In: Do you have a technology question about one of your devices? Your email? How to get free eBooks, audio books and movies? This is an event where you can get answers in a relaxing setting. Be sure to bring your devices and cords, library card number and your Apple, Adobe or Amazon account passwords. No registration required. Event begins at North Kingstown Free Library. More information here.
Tuesday, 1/7 SETT Show & Tell: High Tech AAC Tools: SETT Show and Tell is a new series of informal workshops designed to talk about and demonstrate specific categories of AT and how we can use the SETT Framework to help us determine the best tools for students. This workshop will focus on high tech supports for communication, including eyegaze, switch access for the iPad, and dynamic display devices. Event begins at 4 p.m. at Tech Access of RI. More information here.
Wednesday, 1/8 Women in Tech Mentor Program Info Sessions: Tech Collective’s Women in Tech Mentor Program was designed to connect women to create a mutually beneficial relationship geared toward professional and leadership development. The Mentor Program matches experienced and up-and-coming professional women to share best practices, answer questions, offer advice and leadership, and provide support in the tech industry. Info sessions begins at 4 p.m. at Tech Collective. More information here.
Saturday, 1/11 Tax Planning For Entrepreneurs: Should I be an LLC or S-Corp? What is “self-employment tax” and how can it be minimized? How should I keep records? Rich Streitfeld has been a CPA and partner at ALSD for over two decades, where he has helped small businesses be smart and successful. Rich is a frequent local speaker, a long-time mentor at Social Enterprise Greenhouse and a board member of The Economic Progress Institute. Event begins at 11 a.m. at Urban Greens Co-op Market. More information here.
Rhode Island FIRST Tech Challenge Qualifier #2: The second qualification event of the Rhode Island FTC Event of the 2019-2020 Skystone Season. Middle/High School robotics teams from across the state will compete head-to-head in some robot-assisted tower-stacking and rigorous judging to earn their spots to compete in the Rhode Island FTC State Championships. Free, fun and family-friendly events open to the public. Event begins at North Kingstown High School at 8 p.m. More information here.
Week Two
Tuesday, 1/14 The Blue Innovation Symposium At Salve Regina University: The Blue Innovation Symposium is the premier event in New England for connecting the marine technology industry for education, networking and facilitating partnering opportunities. Held in Newport, Rhode Island, this conference brings together a broad spectrum of representatives of the marine technology industry from the U.S. and beyond. Event begins at 8:30 a.m. at The Wyndham Newport Hotel. More information here.
Wednesday, 1/15 CWE Rhode Island - How to Write a Grant: This workshop provides an introduction to grant writing and will assist nonprofits and entrepreneurs to increase their capacity to write successful grants. Participants will learn how to market their organization to potential donors, where to find new grant opportunities, and how to prepare and write quality and responsive grant proposals. Event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Center For Women and Enterprise. More information here.
Getting Started with Python and Data Science: This getting started with Python and data science workshop is an introductory 2-day workshop that aims to provide participants with an immersive practice on Python and data analytics. The workshop is designed primarily for Python beginners, and no prior programming experience is required. Event begins at 9 a.m. at Population Studies and Training Center in Providence. More information here.
Thursday, 1/16 Project Management Training: Whether you’re a designer, a developer, or an entrepreneur who’s looking to get your own company off the ground, knowing how to effectively lead a team and complete a project is an essential element of success. This training reviews the fundamentals of project management. It’s a good place to start whether you’ve found yourself taking on a pm role in your organization or are looking to transition to a career in the field. Events begins at 8:30 a.m. at Tech Collective. More information here.
Rhode Island Microbiome Symposium 2020: The Rhode Island Microbiome Symposium 2020 is a networking event for active and future microbiome researchers in Rhode Island and the Northeast. The symposium focuses on applied microbiome research in biomedical and environmental disciplines including the human microbiome, non-human host microbiomes, the role of the microbiome in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes, and ocean/aquaculture microbiomes. Events begins at 7 p.m. at the College of Pharmacy. More information here.
Friday, 1/17 Data Carpentry URI: Data Carpentry develops and teaches workshops on the fundamental data skills needed to conduct research. Its target audience is researchers who have little to no prior computational experience, and its lessons are domain specific, building on learners' existing knowledge to enable them to quickly apply skills learned to their own research. Participants will be encouraged to help one another and to apply what they have learned to their own research problems. Event begins at 8 a.m. at Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering. More information here.
Week Three
Tuesday, 1/21 On Pitching with Dan Rossignol, Octane Venture Labs: As a startup leader and entrepreneur within the technology sector, Rhode Island’s Dan Rossignol has a proven track record with over a decade of experience building, restructuring, and exponentially growing multiple technology companies within the Fintech, PropTech, SaaS, Enterprise Software, BioTech, and Marketplace sector. Having worked as an early employee, advisor, and investor with over 15 tech companies across more than six different countries, Dan continually seeks to identify new opportunities to share his experience, network, and access to capital with underestimated, but talented technology founders. Event begins at 6 p.m. at Brandeis University. More information here.
Wednesday, 1/22 Book Of Lists Premier Event: Hosted by Providence Business News, the annual Book of Lists premier event is the best business networking event of the year, attended by over 350 business executives and owners representing 130 plus companies. All registered guests will receive the 2020 Book of Lists publication at the event. Event begins at 5:30 at the Providence Public Library. More information here.
CWE Rhode Island - Exploring Small Business Administration Resources: This free workshop, presented by a member of the local SBA team, is designed to help entrepreneurs understand the various SBA programs and services available to help them as they start, expand, grow, and recover their businesses. Event begins at 9:30 a.m. at The Center For Women & Enterprise. More information here.
Thursday, 1/23 Fintech Connect: Fintech Connect 2019 will take a deep dive into new innovations in the financial and technology crossover space, exploring the intersection of advancements in software and mobile technology and the financial services industry including banking, investments, insurance and more. Events begins at 4 p.m. at District Hall. More information here.
SEG Volunteer Appreciation Celebration: SEG skills-based volunteers help SEG’s motivated and passionate social entrepreneurs move their ventures forward, offering assistance in a variety of areas, from business strategy and budgeting to marketing and social media. It’s time to say thank you! Come honor the volunteers and help applaud individuals who are receiving awards for their service. Night includes food, drink, and networking. Event begins at 6 p.m. at Social Enterprise Greenhouse. More information here.
Blockchain 101 Workshop: Blockchain 101 will give participants an introduction to bitcoin, blockchain technology, distributed ledgers, and smart contracts with a focus on why it’s all different and how it all fits in the world. Event begins at 4:30 p.m. at District Hall. More information here.
Week Four
Monday, 1/27 Business Professionals Networking Event in Providence: Speed networking works a lot like speed dating without the dating. A structured opportunity to meet accomplished professionals just like yourself, face-to-face, one business professional at a time. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, legal or medical professional, in the finance, real estate or entertainment industry, these events offer the perfect occasion to expand your business, social or enterprise contacts. Event begins at 7 p.m. at O’Boy. More information here.
Wednesday, 1/29 Network After Work Providence: Network After Work invites you to an evening out with other local business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and career-minded professionals. Enjoy introductions and conversations after work in a casual environment ideal for networking and featuring a modern American experience utilizing fresh sustainable products and produce in all food and cocktails. It’s a great chance to get out of your office, step away from the computer, put your phone down, and meet new people who are eager to exchange ideas, make connections, explore partnerships, find employees, get to know you, or just shoot the breeze about movies and sports. Event begins at 6 p.m. at Milk Money. More information here.
Thursday, 1/30 Women in Tech: Gaining Greater Self-Awareness Through Mindfulness: How can self-awareness and being mindful enhance your career and personal growth? In this highly engaging and interactive session hosted by Tech Collective's Women in Technology Group and AWE, you will learn the benefits of mindfulness, explore a few mindfulness practices, and hear from leaders who are using mindfulness practices to raise their self-awareness. Event begins at 4:30 p.m. at Tech Collective. More information here.
