Best of Chicago Ideas Week 2012

Chicago Ideas Week brings together passionate artists, engineers, technologists, inventors, musicians and explorers for a week of sharing ideas, inspiring action and igniting change. With more than 80 events taking place from Monday, October 8th to Sunday the 14th, Chicago Ideas Week is a platform where big things happen. 

This year we got in on the fun and are hosting our first Chicago Ideas Week event. During Walk the Block with Doejo, a walking tour of Lakeview, we will share behind-the-scenes stories about local projects Doejo has helped launch. The tour includes visits to and surprises from our coffee roaster Bow Truss as well as the Doejo offices and a few local clients. Walk the Block with Doejo will take place on Thursday, October 11th from 3 to 5 p.m.

Overwhelmed with all the goings-on in town? Here are five events that we will be attending during the jam-packed week: 

Built in Chicago: Design as a competitive advantage in building digital companies
Design is an important part of launching any new business. Because good design can set you ahead of your competitors in the mind of the consumer, it is frequently referred to as an “unfair competitive advantage.” Here, you can learn how to make a good first impression and incorporate design into all aspects of business, including usability, communication and branding. Hosted by Built in Chicago, this lab will have a special focus on incorporating design on a budget, perfect for those using the lean startup method or minimum viable product strategy.

Monday, October 8, 9-10:30 a.m.
Built in Chicago, 222 W. Hubbard St., 2nd Floor

Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy: Social Media: The business of word of mouth
Learn how to successfully leverage social technology to make your business more socially savvy. Howard A. Tullman, President and CEO of Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy and accomplished entrepreneur, will lead the audience through this crash course that explores how social media and new technologies are shaping the business world.

Tuesday, October 9, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy, 28 N. Clark St., Suite 500

37signals: Tour and discussion with co-founder and President Jason Fried
37signals has transformed the world of software and tech by keeping business as simple as possible. Their unique approach to business, which includes a mostly remote workforce and an innovative office design, has helped make 37signals the successfully company they are today. This tour of their office, led by co-founder and President Jason Fried, will be supplemented with a discussion on their unique approach to business.

Tuesday, October 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
37signals Office, 30 N. Racine Ave., #200

Google: The Power of Transparency
More information means more choice, freedom and power for the individual. This discussion, held at Google’s Chicago offices, looks at the importance of data transparency. Learn why Google is dedicated to maximizing transparency around the flow of information related to their services and how transparency as a core company value has shaped the powerhouse.

Wednesday, October 10,. 5:30-7 p.m.
Google Chicago, 20 W. Kinzie St.

Work: No longer business as usual
An influx of start-ups, rapidly changing technology and the current economy make for an ever-evolving job landscape, causing the true meaning of a ‘career’ to shift. Come see academics, CEO’s and entrepreneurs—including Tim Ferriss, author of the “4-Hour Work Week”—speak on the future of the workplace.

Thursday, October 11, 4:30-6 p.m.
Albert Theatre @ Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.