Ann Arbor SPARK is headed to the Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals in Austin, Texas, on March 11 to show off the green and sustainable technology and entrepreneur spirit in Washtenaw County.
The Ann Arbor organization is a co-sponsor of Michigan Day at Midwest House during the event and will collaborate with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Grand Rapids SmartZone and other regional partners.
Situated in the heart of SXSW’s bustling activity, the Midwest House platform will help SPARK highlight technological and creative advancements to a global audience.
The event platform offers a unique opportunity at Half Step Bar in Austin, Texas, for thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from the Midwest to connect, share ideas, and forge partnerships.
SPARK will present a panel discussion -- Green Horizons: Nurturing Sustainable Innovation -- from 3-4 p.m. CST on Monday, March 11. The session aims to tackle the pressing need for innovation that not only propels businesses into the future but does so with a keen eye on environmental sustainability.
Panelists include a diverse group of thought leaders and innovators from the fields of renewable energy, green technology, and sustainable business practices. Among those are:
- City of Ann Arbor sustainability and innovations director Missy Stults.
- Dynamic Energy Group senior economist and Venue by 4M owner Heidi Poscher.
- RRS / NextCycle consultant Yahang Zhang.
- EAVX Communications, Marketing and Public relations Praveena Ramaswami.
The discussion will be moderated by Ann Arbor SPARK vice president of entrepreneurial services Margarita Hernandez. She will guide the conversation through a range of topics, including the latest trends in green technology, the role of startups and established companies in environmental stewardship, and the impact of sustainable innovations on global markets.
“Midwest House at SXSW provides an exceptional venue for us to share the groundbreaking work happening in the Ann Arbor region with a global audience. Our focus on green tech efforts underlines our commitment to driving innovation that not only answers today’s challenges but does so responsibly and sustainably,” said SPARK marketing, communications, and events senior vice president Jenn Hayman in a release.
SXSW’s Michigan Day will feature a rich lineup of programming designed to celebrate and spotlight the diverse talent and innovation stemming from the state. The day kicks off with the Black and Brown Founder Lunch sponsored by Plain Sight and The Academy, which is dedicated to supporting and connecting minority entrepreneurs.
Attendees will also have the exclusive opportunity to attend the premiere of “Sure As Wind,” a compelling film that highlights the journey of Michigan-based startup JustAir.
Michigan DAY is sponsored by MEDC, and includes a fireside chat with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, techno pioneer Juan Atkins, and entrepreneur Dre Wallace, discussing the intersection of innovation, culture, and community.
For more information about Ann Arbor SPARK’s activities at SXSW, please visit AnnArborUSA.org, and follow SPARK at Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.