With InTheCapital's first pillar event of the year now just three days away, we've been working tirelessly to put the final touches on what's sure to be an unforgettable afternoon full of great conversation about the future of innovation. Whether you're looking forward to the higher education and tech panels chock full of some of the biggest local collegiate and startup names or networking among an illustrious crowd of movers and shakers, DC UpFront is a comin' and it's time we start highlighting some of the most exciting features you can look forward to.
Why DC UpFront is going to be ridiculously awesome
Besides seeing our beautiful faces in person (which will be great in and of itself), you'll have the chance to meet others, like you, who are passionate about the future of our nation's capital. You'll be able to hear what the experts have to say about "what's working" in D.C., and predictions pertaining to what's on the horizon for our region's innovation ecosystem. There will be in-depth discussion about what we can do to further grow as an entrepreneurial community. With real, authentic conversation, and an opportunity to network with some of D.C. best and brightest, DC UpFront is an event you can't afford to miss out on.
What you should wear
Ladies and gentleman, it's business casual time. While there are certainly some of you out there who can pull off a bow tie and suit every day of the week, we're anticipating a diverse crowd of bootstrapping startups, high profile investors, educators, and policy experts alike, so dress to impress, but expect to see some t-shirts in the crowd. As for what we're wearing, the fellas will be decked out in blazers, no tie, and the girls will likely be sporting cocktail dresses and cardigans, weather-permitting.
Which transportation app you should be using
While you have the option to drive (there are two parking garages, one adjacent and one across the street from the House of Sweden), our sweet partnership with Uber will allow you to thoroughly take advantage of the open bar. Uber will be offering free rides to DC UpFront for new users! We're thrilled to offer 50% off rides for existing users, too. We'll be sending the promo codes in the coming days, so to make sure you don't miss out, purchase your tickets now. Know that you can also make your way to DC UpFront via metro by getting off at the Foggy Bottom station. It's a brisk 12 minute stroll to the House of Sweden.
What the schedule's like
In case you end up running late to DC UpFront, here's how the day will play out: At 2:30 p.m., attendees will begin arriving to network; from 3 p.m. to 3:35 p.m., the education panel will be in full swing; From 3:40 p.m. to 4:10 p.m., the technology panel will take over; and come 4:15 pm., it will be all about networking and the open bar.
Why we need your input
Leading up to DC UpFront on May 23, we want to hear what you have to say about the topics panelists are due to discuss. An interactive way to incorporate the views of both audience members and experts alike, these surveys will provide a way for us to see how our readers feel about certain issues in comparison to the opinions of our panelists. Take an active part in the conversations about our future by filling out the survey questions below and then make sure to get your tickets to DC UpFront to find out how the experts responded. Did you answer the same way? We'll see come Thursday afternoon.
Here is the Tech Survey panel:
Here is the Edu Survey panel:
How beautiful the venue will be
If the great conversation, unlimited supply of alcohol, and impressive slew of big names in the innovation industries don't appeal to you, well, the venue will. Reader, meet House of Sweden. House of Sweden, meet your new admirer. This is beauty at its finest, folks:
See you there!
