North Texas is a big place, with plenty to do, see, hear, and watch. So, we scour the internet every week to find events and activities for you. As always, things may change at any time, so be sure to check the official website or registration page for the latest details. For ongoing events, click here.
Don’t miss anything: Get Dallas Innovates Every Day. And, if you know of a great event, tell us about it. Event details courtesy of organizers.
Tuesday, July 30
Frisco Founder Fundamentals: Pitch Deck Creation and Fundraising
Hosted by Plug and Play Frisco
17 Cowboys Way (first floor training room), Frisco
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Founders, startups, and innovators passionate about turning ideas into successful ventures are encouraged to join Frisco Founder Fundamentals. Whether you’re in sportstech, healthcare, consumer goods, or any other industry, there’s something here for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level with accelerated learning, networking opportunities, and tailored guidance. Secure your spot today and help shape the future of Frisco’s innovation landscape. Lights snacks and beverages will be provided.
Wednesday, July 31
1 Million Cups
Presented by 1 Million Cups
Various North Texas locations and times
Every Wednesday, 1 Million Cups communities around North Texas and the country meet to give each other “support, encouragement, and feedback over a cup of coffee.” Entrepreneurs present their businesses to the group, but “it’s not a pitch; it’s a chance to learn, collaborate and grow,” organizers say. In North Texas, you’ll find multiple 1MC groups in locations including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Frisco, Northeast Tarrant County, and Wichita Falls. Some have Zoom live feeds.
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Angel Investor’s Guide: First Deal to Portfolio Success
Hosted by Startup Grind
Common Desk – Downtown Dallas, 2001 Ross Ave., Dallas
6 to 8 p.m.
Whether you’re an experienced investor or just getting started, this event will provide you with insights and strategies. Each expert angel will review a successful deal from their perspective. Speakers will share valuable insights and lessons learned, and answer audience questions, providing a deeper understanding of the decision-making processes and strategies behind each investment. Discover how to find and evaluate the best startup opportunities, how to build and manage a successful and diversified investment portfolio, and connect with a vibrant community of investors and entrepreneurs. Featured speakers include Jeff Murphy, Executive Director of the North Texas Angel Network, and Wale Salami, Executive Director of the Midlothian Angel Network.
Thursday, August 1
1st Thursday IoT Happy Hour:
Hosted by IoT Texas
Hybrid event; online and in-person at Springhill Suites Dallas Richardson/University Area, 18180 Highland Springs, Dallas
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Peter Nagy, a globally recognized thought leader in the Mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, will share insights on the latest in all things IoT. Join IoT Texas for these free, hybrid events. Those who come in person can network with other IoT professionals, technologists, and business leaders to find resources and learn about what’s next in the industry. Come early and stay late. A cash bar opens at 5 p.m.
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Tech Titans Cybersecurity Forum Featuring George Finney
Hosted by Tech Titans
Collins Executive Center, Southern Methodist University,
3150 Binkley Ave, Dallas, TX
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join Tech Titans for a Cybersecurity Forum discussing the use of generative AI in enhancing data protection through anonymization and encryption. The event will feature a panel discussion with George Finney, CISO at The University of Texas System; Tim Richards, Technology Executive at Wells Fargo; and moderated by Syed Baber, CTO at AcculoT. The forum will cover the challenges and strategies in managing AI for data protection. Lunch is provided.
Wednesday, August 7
1 Million Cups
Presented by 1 Million Cups
Various North Texas locations and times
Every Wednesday, 1 Million Cups communities around North Texas and the country meet to give each other “support, encouragement, and feedback over a cup of coffee.” Entrepreneurs present their businesses to the group, but “it’s not a pitch; it’s a chance to learn, collaborate and grow,” organizers say. In North Texas, you’ll find multiple 1MC groups in locations including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Frisco, Northeast Tarrant County, and Wichita Falls. Some have Zoom live feeds.
Thursday, August 8
The IQ® Brew: Tech Ventures and Insights into the Auto Industry
Hosted by The Richardson Innovation Quarter
IQ® HQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd., Richardson
8:30 to 10 a.m.
Brandon Stokes, CEO and Founder of Buyable, will talk about transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship, starting a venture-backed tech company, insights into the auto industry’s current state, and Buyable’s innovative approach using embedded insurance to address a significant gap in auto lending. The IQ® Brew is a free, public networking and educational series featuring short presentations from entrepreneurs, small business owners and subject-matter experts.
Saturday, August 10
SHADES: Art + Whiskey + Music
Hosted by Artstillery
723 Fort Worth Ave., Dallas
3 to 5 p.m.
Get creative! The folks at Artstillery say they’re typically not into “throwing shade” anyone’s way, but in this case, they’d like to invite you to their *indoor* space on Saturday, July 20th for the first of a monthly SHADES community art series. Come for an afternoon of artmaking, music, and whiskey tasting and education (non-alcohol options available). This session’s art project — with all supplies and guided instruction provided — is soft sculpture. Tickets are $25.
Learn more and get tickets here.
Sunday, August 11 to Thursday, August 15
Dallas Startup Week
Hosted by The DEC Network and Frisco EDC, sponsored by Capital One
Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel & Convention Center
From 3 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Thursday
Dallas Startup Week (DSW) is The DEC Network’s largest, premiere event for DFW small business owners and entrepreneurs. The program includes a five-day celebration that builds momentum and opportunity around entrepreneurship and innovation. DSW began in 2015 with the goal of orchestrating an entire week of entrepreneurial activities that equip, encourage, and educate current and aspiring entrepreneurs to start, build, and grow their businesses. DSW was also created to help increase the awareness and impact of the entrepreneurial community across North Texas.
Tracks include AI, Automation & Quantum; Emerging Technologies; Healthcare; Franchising; Marketing and Branding; Gaming and Esports; and Startup Funding.
Each weekday features a different summit:
- Monday: Disrupt Dallas Summit, which celebrates entrepreneurial champions and programming for entrepreneurs of color
- Tuesday: Startup Innovation Summit, which features the diversity of DFW corporations and startup ecosystem
- Wednesday: Women of Innovation Summit, which recognizes and advances women entrepreneurs
- Thursday: The Future of Venture Forum, which examines the unique problems facing investors and startups in the current economic climate
Tuesday, August 13
Tribe Talk | AI and Ethics: Impacts on Communities of Color
Hosted by Impact Ventures
4621 Ross Ave., Dallas
6 to 8 p.m.
Join Impact Ventures for an inspiring Tribe Talks event to explore AI’s impact on communities of color. The Discussion will cover the ethical challenges and opportunities AI presents, focusing on how it affects our lives, from jobs to justice. Let’s come together to ensure AI works for us, not against us. Be part of the conversation!
Friday, August 16
The Franchise Game Conference
Yum! Restaurants International Corporate Campus, 7100 Corporate Dr., Plano
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event, spearheaded by The Franchise Player, Tarji Carter, marketing expert Dessie Brown Jr., and brand consultant Daylon Goff, will take place at Yum! Restaurants International from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This year’s theme is Own Your Future: Franchising as a Path to True Independence.
The day will begin with a welcome from James Fripp, chief EIB officer at Yum! Brands, and will feature discussions with industry heavyweights, including Rachel Proctor, mayor of DeSoto/franchisee of Salata Salads; Andre Walters (Retired NFL Player / Duck Donuts), Aicha Bascaro (American Franchise Academy), Tanya Nebo (Nebo Law Firm), Dominique Maddox (EATS Broker), Shawn Caric (Smoothie King), Pam Gore (Dine Brands), Maureen DeStefano (Potbelly Sandwiches), and Carter.
Roland Parrish (multi-unit McDonald’s franchisee) will be the guest of honor for this year’s Fireside Chat.
Sessions will include A Day in the Life of a Franchisee (learn from expert multi-unit franchisees) and Talk to My Attorney! (learn about legal rights and responsibilities), Recipe for Success – Identifying The Ideal Franchisee (understand what makes an ideal candidate), From One to Many: Mastering Multi-unit Ownership (soak up the essential skills necessary to scale your business), Taste of Ownership: Acquiring a Restaurant Franchise (an in-depth session on evaluating acquisition opportunities), and Franchise Freedom: Seizing Opportunities Amidst DEI Challenges (grasp the urgency for marginalized groups to enter franchising now before it’s too late).
ONGOING
Through September 1
Seward Johnson Sculptures in the Garden
Hosted by the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth
Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Twenty-one life-size sculptures by the late artist Seward Johnson will be on display throughout the Garden, Mar. 1 – Sept. 1, 2024. This head-turning exhibit of “living” art will take Garden guests by surprise as they encounter sculptures that fool the eye and beg for double takes. Strategically placed to blend with their surroundings, Mr. Johnson’s unique creations strive to make everyday occurrences special and bring classic art to life. Experience the joy of discovering these lifelike sculptures placed unexpectedly, yet harmoniously in the Garden’s landscape. The exhibit is included in general admission.
Learn more and get timed entry tickets here.
Through September 22
T.rex: The Ultimate Predator
Hosted by Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily
T. rex: The Ultimate Predator explores the remarkable features that allowed T. rex to dominate its competition, examines the sensory abilities and social behaviors of this powerful hunter, and reveals how the world’s most iconic dinosaur evolved from a superfamily that included more than two dozen species and spanned 100 million years. Explore our evolving understanding of this theropod, learn about a number of recent tyrannosaur discoveries, and find out how paleontologists study fossil specimens to understand the biology and behavior of T. rex.
Weekends through September 29
Prismatic Art Pop-Up Experience
Hosted by Spark! Adventures in Creativity
South Side on Lamar, 1409 S. Lamar St,, Dallas
Open to all ages on Fridays 1 to 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays are adults only from 5 to 9 p.m.
Explore a never-before imagined universe of color! Leave your expectations at the door and see the world through a completely new lens at the hit new pop-up PRISMATIC. Immerse yourself in rooms each decorated with one single color & theme, designed and built by local high school students. Open to the public: June 1-September 29 on Fridays-Sundays, Prismatic also offers adult (21+) only nights on Thursdays.
Save the Date image: istockphoto
Tuesday, August 27
Future of DFW Life Sciences Summit
Hosted by Bisnow and presented by Mansfield Texas Economic Development
Location TBD, Save the date
8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Embark on a journey into the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth’s burgeoning life sciences sector at the Bisnow Future of DFW Life Sciences Conference. Throughout the event, you’ll delve into the latest trends and innovations shaping the region’s biotech landscape, gaining invaluable insights from industry pioneers and thought leaders. From a deep dive into the current state and future trajectory of the DFW life sciences market to exploring cutting-edge design and construction trends in biotech facilities, each session promises to offer actionable intelligence to propel your business forward. Discover the driving forces behind DFW’s rapid growth in life sciences, uncover strategies to attract investment and talent amidst increasing competition, and explore the unique advantages the region offers for biotech enterprises. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and chart the course for success in DFW’s dynamic life sciences ecosystem.
Wednesday, September 4
How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from our Presidents
Hosted by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
Bush Institute, 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Throughout U.S. history there are presidents whose qualities separated them from the rest and propelled them to the highest office Washington’s honesty, Lincoln’s leadership, Kennedy’s charisma, Roosevelt’s fortitude, the list could go on. But which of these qualities can be transferred to the next generation? What leadership lessons apply today? The discussion features historian Talmage Boston and moderator Jeff Engel. InBoston’s new book, How the Best did it: Leadership Lesson’s From our top Presidents, he explores the best qualities of former U.S. presidents and what we can learn from them.
Tuesday, September 17
State of Public Education
Hosted by the Dallas Regional Chamber
The Arts District Mansion, Dallas
12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Join the Dallas Regional Chamber for the State of Public Education luncheon, presented by Toyota Motor North America and The Commit Partnership. Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath will deliver a keynote address on pressing issues facing Texas’ public schools, including updates on student outcomes. Following the keynote, Chairman Brad Buckley of the Texas House Public Education Committee will participate in a fireside chat discussing public education issues and looking ahead to the 89th Texas Legislative Session in 2025.
Thursday, September 19
North Texas Tech Connect Conference
Hosted by North Texas Tech Connect
Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, 1502 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The North Texas Tech Connect Conference, the region’s premier single-day event for the IT executive community, provides a unique opportunity for IT leaders to gather and explore ways to maintain a competitive edge in the global economy. Attendees will learn strategies for driving innovation and efficiency in their organizations. The conference aims to support the growth of the IT industry in North Texas.
Friday, September 20 to Thursday, September 26
Minecraft Experience Villager Rescue
Hosted by MOD and Mojang Studios
2712 N. Central Expressway, Plano
Save the date, Timed ticket entry
For the first time ever, the Minecraft community will have their chance to experience a real-world, immersive, interactive Minecraft adventure. To celebrate Minecraft’s 15th anniversary, Experience MOD and Mojang Studios announced Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, which is set to debut in Dallas on September 20, 2024, giving longtime Minecrafters, players and non-players alike, and families of all ages their first chance to be heroes in a real-life, in-person Minecraft quest. Attendees begin their 1-hour journey by entering the forest, where they will learn the ropes, give tips to other players, or just bask in the blocky nature. Moving into the village, they will receive their quest and embark on a rescue mission with a team of fellow Minecrafters. On this interactive scavenger hunt, adventurers will journey through multiple Minecraft biomes while building structures and interacting with iconic mobs – some more friendly than others. Minecrafters can gush over pandas and dolphins as well as face skeletons, spiders, and – of course – creepers. Once they complete their quest, they can kick back and celebrate their heroic feat at the Minecraft Experience Trading Post with a crafty memento from the adventure.
Single ticket prices start at $32, and friends and family multipack tickets start at $28.
Tuesday, September 24
Mike Rawlings Lecture: Election Forecasting
Hosted by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
Hilton Anatole, 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy., Dallas
5:30 to 7 p.m.
More than half of the world’s countries are democratic and 2024 has become the election year, with 49% of the world’s population going to the voting booth. With a record number of elections being held this year, how do the results abroad affect our upcoming November election? Join the Council in welcoming back presidential political advisor Mark McKinnon in conversation with former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings for the 2024 Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture Series.
Wednesday, October 2
The Rebirth of Notre Dame
Hosted by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
Crescent Club, 200 Crescent Court #17, Dallas
6 to 7:45 p.m.
On April 15, 2019, the world watched in shock as the Notre-Dame Cathedral burned in Paris, France. As the fire was extinguished, there was a huge international outpouring of support and pledges to restore Notre-Dame, one of the oldest beacons of faith in the world and the site of important events in European history. Under reconstruction and closed to the public for the past five years, the cathedral will reopen this December. The Council welcomes Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris President Michel Picaud as he describes his personal experiences from the day of the fire, the steps that have been taken to restore the cathedral, and the plans to achieve full restoration of Notre Dame before the end of the decade.
Thursday, October 3 to Friday, October 4
iC Life Science Summit
Hosted by BioNTX
Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center, 888 Nolan Ryan Expressway, Arlington
Save the date, 7:30 a.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. Friday
The BioNTX iC³ Life Science Summit provides a dynamic platform for the North Texas bioscience community to engage in insightful discussions, share cutting-edge research, and explore emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the future of healthcare and biomedicine. Early registration is now open, as of March.
Friday, October 4
Changing the Odds 2024 Conference
Hosted by Momentous Institute
Location TBD
Save the date, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Momentous Institute’s Changing the Odds conference brings together some of the world’s brightest minds in mental health and education who are focused on today’s children and families. Changing the Odds 2024 will be a dynamic, one-day conference addressing pressing mental health needs and inspiring impactful change. Centered around Momentous Institute’s vision of emotionally thriving communities, the 2024 conference explores ‘hot topics’ such as addiction, technology’s impact, puberty, neurodiversity, and more.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Marisa G. Franco, author of Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make — and Keep — Friends, who will provide insights into the science of connection and why belonging makes individuals and communities more resilient. She will share skills and hands-on tips for initiating and maintaining collaboration, community, and friendship.
Friday, October 4 to Saturday, October 5
Inclusive Capital Summit
Hosted by Impact Ventures
Life in Deep Ellum & UTD Center for Brain Health, Dallas, Texas
Join Impact Ventures for a dynamic two-part experience featuring insightful panels and app-driven workshops with local and national thought leaders from the impact finance, venture capital, policy, and private equity sectors. Highlights include the Trailblazer and Legacy Awards, a founder pitch showcase, and a keynote fireside chat with Mehrsa Baradaran, author of “The Color of Money,” a book that explores how a racially-segregated financial system built and maintained the racial wealth gap and inspired Netflix to commit $100 million to support Black communities. The event kicks off Friday evening with an Art, Music, & Economic Justice experience at Life in Deep Ellum and continues Saturday at the UTD Center for Brain Health.
Other agenda highlights include the Opening Plenary on “The Road to Closing the Wealth Gap,” a series of lightning talks on integrated capital and leveraging CDFIs, and panels discussing “Raising in Texas: Funds & Founders,” “Inclusive Entrepreneur Ecosystems,” and “The Rise of Athlete-Investors.” The summit concludes with a Happy Hour at Aloft Love Field, offering ample opportunities to network and engage with industry leaders.
*Rescheduled from July 26-27.
Learn more and register at inclusivecapitalsummit.com
Thursday, October 10 to Friday, October 11
Consumer Experience in Healthcare
Hosted by SMU Cox
Location TBD
Save the date
Save the date for the SMU Cox Healthcare Conference on Consumer Experience on October 10-11, 2024, featuring distinguished speakers and panelists discussing the latest trends in consumer experience, health equity, innovation, and AI in healthcare. Enjoy networking opportunities, keynote addresses, and fireside chats with industry leaders.
Friday, October 11
Humble Beginnings Luncheon
Hosted by the Austin Street Center
Hilton Anatole Dallas – Trinity Ballroom
Save the date, 11:30 a.m.
Austin Street Center will hold its annual Humble Beginnings Luncheon on Friday, October 11 and feature co-host of NBC’s TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of 43rd President George W. Bush, as keynote speaker. This luncheon kicks off the 24th annual celebration themed, What Does Hope Look Like? and will raise funds and awareness around the issues of homelessness in the city of Dallas.
This year’s luncheon, co-chaired by Michelle Thomas and T. Dupree Scovell, with Elaine Agather serving as honorary chair, will honor The Addy Foundation with the Norm Hitzges Distinguished Service Award for their long-standing dedication to Austin Street Center and ongoing leadership in the Dallas community.
Wednesday, November 20
CodeLaunch World Championship
Produced by Improving
Gilley’s Dallas
Save the date.
The CodeLaunch World Championship will bring together eight of the most promising startups from previous CodeLaunch events held in the U.S, Canada, and Mexico, offering them a platform to showcase their innovative solutions and compete for top honors in front of a panel of esteemed judges and potential investors. Produced by Improving, a leading IT consulting and software development company based in Plano, Texas, CodeLaunch support to early-stage tech startups, which receive professional software development assistance, enhancing their ability to turn visionary ideas into market-ready products.
The 2024 CodeLaunch World Championship promises to be an unparalleled event, combining high-stakes competition with engaging entertainment. With as much as $50,000 in investment ready to be deployed live on stage, startups will not only vie for the Championship Belt but will also benefit from extensive networking opportunities with industry leaders, potential collaborators, and investors.
Get on the list.
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R E A D N E X T
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The hybrid event in August will take place in person at SMU and virtually. The seventh annual Dallas Startup Week powered by Capital One is Dallas-Fort Worth's largest event focused on driving entrepreneurial success, economic impact, and innovation in the region.
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You'll find deadlines coming up for a new accelerator program; and many more opportunities.
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You’ve found Dallas Innovates’ archive of news briefs from July to September 2021.
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Nonprofit BUiLT is hosting the event to highlight the success and possibilities of Black tech talent in the region. “There is no talent pipeline problem,” says Peter Beasley, co-founder of the Blacks United in Leading Technology International. “Black tech talent is widely available, especially in North Texas.”
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With Dallas ranked as one of the top cities in America for tech pros, UT Dallas and Fullstack have launched four skills training bootcamps focused on coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, and DevOps. The online bootcamps begin in November with tuition at $11,995 each.
