Calendar: Not-to-Miss Events for Innovators in Dallas-Fort Worth

Here are our editors' picks. Plus, you'll find selections to "save the date."

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.

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, March 19

Branding + Biotech: Your Brand Makes the First Impression

Hosted by BioLabs Pegasus Park
3060 Pegasus Park Dr., Dallas
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join BioNTX to hear a panel discussion led by healthcare branding experts and investors, followed by one-on-one sessions to get real time, personalized feedback on your pitch deck and overall company branding. Discover how to leverage branding, naming, and design to fuel business growth and secure fundraising.

Learn more and register here.

Small Business Summit Series: Engage with Enterprise

Hosted by Hello Alice
Insite, 208 N. Market St., Suite 175, Dallas
noon to 6:30 p.m.

Looking to level-up your business? Come to Engage with Enterprise, an in-person, dynamic event aiming to connect small business owners with the powerhouse procurement and supplier diversity teams of major corporations. Gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of corporate procurement processes, the importance of supplier diversity, and how to leverage these to grow your business. Plus, forge connections with corporate teams, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. Hello Alice, the fintech providing capital access and connections to over 1 million small business owners, began this summit series to bring valuable insights and opportunities to their small business community and reveal data and trends they’re seeing across multiple topics. Engage with Enterprise will bridge the gap between Hello Alice small business owners and powerhouse procurement and supplier diversity teams of major corporations.

Learn more and get tickets here.


Wednesday, March 20

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.

Find your community here.


Thursday, March 21

Women in Venture Capital

Presented by The SMU Cox Southwest Venture Forum
Park City Club, 5956 Sherry Ln., Dallas
7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The SMU Cox Southwest Venture Forum (@smucoxswvf) is a public bi-monthly breakfast meeting where the Dallas venture community comes together to network and gain insights into different venture financing topics that are timely and relevant to the management of their portfolio of investments and fund strategy and operations. This session’s topic is women in venture capital and features speakers Jesse Draper, co-founder of Halogen Ventures, and Kelly Ann Winget of Alternative Wealth Partners. Moderators are Laura Baldwin, managing director of Golden Seeds and president of Waco Bend Asset Management; and Jennifer Oneal, VP of EPIQ Capital Group. Check-in/coffee/networking begins at 7, with breakfast at 7:30 and the program from 8 to 9 a.m.

Learn more here.


Thursday, March 21 through Saturday, March 23

International Leadership Summit 

Hosted by T.D. Jakes Foundation
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas
8 a,m, to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Timing is everything: Join T. D. Jakes, who asks, “Could your past failure simply have been the right idea at the wrong time? Are there opportunities for you now that were once out of reach?” Come to the 2024 International Leadership Summit and learn to harness the power of timing. Timing is the usher of destiny. It’s not just your turn; it’s your time! Featured speakers include T.D. Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter’s House; former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young; Dallas Mavericks President and CEO Cynt Marshall; Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide; and Aisha Bowe, CEO of Stemboard and future Blue Origin astronaut. Sessions cover a variety of leadership topics, from the impact of AI on communities and businesses and avoiding barriers to financial inclusion to harnessing time for entrepreneurs and a new perspective on DEI.

Learn more here.


Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24

HACKTHECHAINS

Hosted by the SMU Blockchain Club
Hughes-Trigg Student Center at Southern Methodist University, Dallas
From check-in at 5 p.m. Friday to closing ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Sunday

HacktheChains is a blockchain-focused hackathon taking place at the Hughes Trigg Student Center at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. This event brings together developers, designers, and entrepreneurs to build new applications and prototypes leveraging blockchain technology. During the event, teams will come together to conceptualize and build game-changing decentralized applications leveraging blockchain technology. Hackers will receive mentorship from industry experts, collaborate with peers, and have the chance to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes.

The schedule includes:
– Networking Kickoff Event: Connect with sponsors and mentors on March 22nd.
– 36-Hour Hackathon: Form teams on March 23-24 to brainstorm, code and build your projects.
– Pitch Competition: Present your final project on March 24th for a chance at grand prizes!

Learn more and register here.


Tuesday, March 26

Plug and Play Frisco and McKinney Launch

Hosted by Plug and Play
The McKinney Cotton Mill from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and
National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco from 2 to 5 p.m.

This joint event highlights the launch of Plug and Play Frisco and Plug and Play McKinney. Each city will provide new meaning to the term, “open innovation,” Plug and Play said. Entrepreneurs, corporate executives, local government and venture capitalists from three unique verticals will be present sharing their revolutionary technologies. Join Plug and Play for a day of ribbon cuttings with each city’s respective Mayor, startup pitches, keynotes and networking.
All interested parties who share a passion for innovation are invited to attend. Featured speakers include Saeed Amidi, founder and CEO of Plug and Play Tech Center, George Fuller, mayor of McKinney, and Jeff Cheney, mayor of Frisco. The focus of the McKinney site is Enterprise & AI/Fintech while Frisco will target Sportstech.

The events are free, but RSVP is requested by Friday, March 15 to confirm your attendance.

Learn more and register for McKinney here, and for Frisco here.

Women in AI

Hosted by Dallas AI
The Towers at Williams Square, 5205 N. O’Connor Blvd., Irving
6 to 8 p.m.

Join Dallas AI to celebrate Women History Month with an insightful panel on Women in AI. The panel features four women leaders from Dallas: Valerie Freeman, CEO of BravoTECH (moderator); Kelle Fontenot, Chief Digital Officer at KPMG; Margot Carter, Co-Founder of Cien; and Vidhya Seran, AI and Computer Vision Solutions Lead at Verizon. Despite all the efforts, the tech industry, especially AI, still struggles with reaching a gender balance. Why? What can we do improve? This is your chance to hear why and be part of a candid conversation. The evening kicks off with networking and food, followed by the panel discussion, and ending with a wrap up and post-event networking.

Learn more and register here.


Wednesday, March 27

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.

Find your community here.


Wednesday, March 27 and Thursday, March 28

Samsung Galaxy Creator Collective

Hosted by Dude Perfect
Hybrid event, livestreamed and in-person by invitation only at Dude Perfect HQ, Frisco
Starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday

The Samsung Galaxy Creator Collective is back for its third year and will be hosted March 27-28 at the Dude Perfect headquarters in Frisco. The on-site HQ event is by invitation only, but everything can be streamed on Samsung’s Twitch and YouTube channels starting at 7 p.m. on March 27. Organizers said the two-day event will feature Samsung’s #TeamGalaxy members, the dudes from Dude Perfect, keynote speaker MrBeast, and speakers from such top creator platforms as Meta, Reddit, Rolling Stone, Snap, and Spotter. Samsung said that regardless of whether you’re an established creator or someone looking for inspiration and guidance to get started, this year’s event is designed to help you get the inside scoop from top creators and social platforms and uncover the secrets for success.

Learn more here.


Thursday, March 28

Tech TogetHER Networking and Fireside Chat

Hosted by TechFW
LaunchBox Collective, 2726 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth
5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

In honor of Women’s History Month, TechFW invites ALL members of their community to a happy hour event designed to support and connect the innovative women in their entrepreneurial ecosystem! Join TechFW for an evening networking with entrepreneurial women in varying technology industries, pitch speed dating, and a special fireside chat with the creator and founder of Hangio, Ayodele Aigbe, and Kat Weaver of Power to Pitch. Aigbe recently placed at the annual Eosera, Inc. EmpowHERment Pitch Competition last fall for her invention of the world’s first premium bendable hanger. She will be joined by Kat Weaver, co-founder of Power to Pitch, in a discussion aimed at sparking many more. Weaver was able to scale and sell her first company she started out of her college dorm room. After winning 22 of 23 pitches she entered, she founded Power To Pitch to help founders build a winning pitch, deck & fundraising strategy to help them increase their chances of getting funded faster. 

Learn more and register here.

TechForge: Fort Worth’s Hub for Coders & Innovators

Hosted by Fort Worth Innovators Forum
Tommy’s Hamburger Grill & Patio, 2455 Forest Park Blvd., Fort Worth
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

TechForge aims to gather talented coders, tech innovators, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, collaborate on groundbreaking projects, and shape the future of technology. Attend this free, inclusive event to expand your network, discover new opportunities, and fuel your passion for innovation. Innovator Evenings will provide opportunities for networking, showcasing projects, and fostering collaborations among attendees. It will be a recurring event once a month on the 4th Thursday.

Learn more and RSVP here.

March Coffee with the Council

Hosted by the Women’s Business Council – Southwest
WBCS Offices, 5605 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

This open networking event is focused on bringing together current and prospective members, local businesses, and corporations to develop professional relationships over coffee and recognize members who have joined within the last quarter. All are welcome to attend. This event will be held on Thursday, March 28 from 9:00 – 10:00am in third floor conference room of the WBCS Office Building. Parking is complimentary.

Learn more and register here. 


Tuesday, April 2

15th Annual Dallas C-Level Technology Leadership Summit

Hosted by HMG Strategy
Stonebriar Country Club, 5050 Country Club Dr., Frisco
7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The summit, with its theme of “Visionary Global Leadership: Thriving Securely in the Age of Accelerated Innovation,” brings together top technology executives and C-suite members.

As inflationary pressures and other macro-economic challenges create headwinds for businesses through 2024, technology leaders are being called upon to draw on their authentic and inclusive leadership skills to inspire their teams and execute strategic goals in a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape, according to the organization. Global economic challenges present unique opportunities for business technology executives to foster collaborative cultures, embrace innovative approaches, and develop strong partnerships to leverage cutting-edge technologies such as AI, ChatGPT, cloud platforms, and cyber technologies to securely drive business growth and success in tumultuous times.

The event kicks off with breakfast and networking, followed by a welcome address at 8:30 a.m. and the first executive panel of the day. Featured speakers include Todd Kackley, VP & CIO at Textron; Andy Laudato, COO of The Vitamin Shoppe; Jeevan Bobbili, Global Head, Intelligent Automation & Customization, Alcon; and Patrick Benoit, Global Chief Information Security Officer at Brinks.

Learn more and register here.


Tuesday, April 2 through Wednesday, April 3

2024 Texas ACG Capital Connection (TACC)

Hosted by ACG Dallas/Fort Worth
Hyatt Regency Hotel – Downtown Dallas
7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday

TACC brings more than 100 of the nation’s leading private equity and mezzanine firms to Texas representing more than $100 billion of capital available for investment. TACC creates an outstanding networking opportunity among merger and acquisition professionals, business owners and executives serving the middle market. More than 1,200 attendees are expected, including hundreds of owners, buyers, and sellers of middle market businesses, along with intermediary and service providers like investment bankers, business brokers, development officers, and more.

Learn more here.


Wednesday, April 3

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.

Find your community here.


Thursday, April 4

1st Thursday IoT Happy Hour

Hosted by IoT Texas
Hybrid event, online and in-person at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Dallas Richardson/University Area, 18180 Highland Springs, Dallas
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

These are hybrid and free events. For those that can attend in person, it allows us to come together and network with other IoT professionals, technologists, business execs and help find resources, talent, and solutions to our issues, and learn about new trends and tech in the industry. The folks that attend have technical and business expertise in many varied segments of the IoT industry, from end device/sensor/actuator builders, to connectivity gurus (wired and wireless), to backend computer systems/platforms and analytic tools specialists, and even edge computing/processing, security and AI/ML/ChatGPT experts.

Come early and stay late if you can (bar opens at 5 pm. – self paid. Leave whenever you like… or when the bar closes).

Learn more and RSVP here.


Thursday, April 4 through Sunday, April 7

Dallas Art Fair

Hosted by Dallas Art Fair Foundation
Fashion Industry Gallery, 1807 Ross Ave., Dallas
VIP Preview 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

The highly anticipated Dallas Art Fair returns to the Fashion Industry Gallery in the downtown arts district for the 16th year, offering collectors, arts professionals, and the public a place for discovering new talent, engaging with established artists, and fostering meaningful connections within the global art community.

Visitors can explore a wide array of artworks displayed in customized booths throughout the Fashion Industry Gallery’s impressive 74,000 square-foot mid-century modern building, complete with polished concrete floors, natural lighting, a spacious lobby, and an intimate lounge.

The Dallas Art Fair kicks off with an exclusive VIP Preview Benefit on Thursday, April 4. The festive fundraiser offers attendees the first chance to view works presented by over ninety participating exhibitors while enjoying Champagne Lallier, cocktails, and culinary delights from the Joule catering. The evening provides a unique opportunity to meet gallerists and mingle with fellow art enthusiasts before the fair opens to the public.

Proceeds from the VIP Preview Benefit ticket sales will support the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Dallas Contemporary.

Learn more and get tickets here.


Friday, April 5

Healthcare & Life Science Reimagined: AI, Equity and Access

Hosted by BioNTX
Pegasus Park, 3000 Pegasus Park Dr., Dallas
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Gwen Lily Foundation for a groundbreaking event where artificial intelligence meets healthcare innovation, inclusivity, and diversity. This comprehensive exploration will dive deep into the transformative power of AI in research and healthcare, with a spotlight on creating more inclusive and equitable health solutions. Tickets start at $35.

Learn more and register here. Buy tickets here.


Saturday, April 6

TEDxPlano: Together We Go

Hosted by TEDxPlano
Robinson Fine Arts Center, Plano
Lobby experience is 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., talks are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

TEDxPlano, the annual event celebrating innovation, creativity, and inspiration in the North Texas region, is set to take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Robinson Fine Arts Center in Plano. This year’s theme, “Together We Go,” will explore ideas that embrace collaboration, celebrate community, and build a shared future.

The lineup of speakers includes Ken Boone, a community planner and landscape architect; Alex Lee, president of Doosan Robotics; visual artist Magdiel Lopez; Dr. Kelli Palmer, a UTD researcher and professor of biology; singer/songwriter Maya Piata; Daymond Sands, program director for the North Texas Performing Arts Deaf Theatre; and Michael Thomas, CEO and founder of ConnectIDD and former executive director of My Possibilities.

“TEDxPlano is more than just the talks on stage,” the organizer said. “Every year, we strive to create an immersive experience that allows our audience to see, do, taste, and touch the ideas and innovations that are shaping our community.”

Attendees can engage with fellow guests and explore an interactive lobby filled with innovation, showcasing how Plano-area individuals and companies are leveraging ideas, technologies, design, and education to create a better future.

The event attracts an audience of learners, scientists, innovators, explorers, activists, visionaries, students, and the intellectually curious from across the region. Tickets for TEDxPlano 2024 range from $25 to $75 and are available for purchase.

Learn more here.


Monday, April 8

Solar Eclipse at the Trinity

Presented by Harold Simmons Park and the Trinity Park Conservancy
3118 Gulden Lane, Dallas (Ron Kirk Pedestrian Bridge & Felix Lozada Gateway)
noon to 2 p.m.

Come watch the solar eclipse at a free, fun, festive, and educational, family friendly event. Solar Eclipse at the Trinity will celebrate the Total Solar Eclipse in a fun, festive, and educational way. Experts in astronomy will be on hand to explain the colossal solar experience from a STEAM education perspective. This once-in-a-lifetime planetary event will feature fun, music, games, contests, crafts, STEAM education, and much more. The first 3,000 people will receive free solar eclipse glasses.

Learn more and reserve a spot here.


Tuesday, April 9

April Table Topics Luncheon

Hosted by Women’s Business Council – Southwest
Hybrid meeting, online and in-person at 5605 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 220, Irving
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The April Table Topics Luncheon features speaker Ashley Cash, President and Principal Consultant for Ashley Cash Coaching & Consulting. Cash will discuss how to leverage LinkedIn to attract paying customers, elevate your brand, and grow your business. Table Topics is an event on the second Tuesday of the month that features networking and a keynote speaker. Offered in person on the third floor of the WBCS office building in Irving and virtually via Zoom Meeting. For those attending in person, lunch is provided. For those attending virtually, there is an online facilitator.

Learn more and register here.


Wednesday, April 10

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.

Find your community here.


Thursday, April 11

The DEC Network @ Redbird Grand Opening 

Hosted by The DEC Network
The DEC Network @ Redbird, 3560 Camp Wisdom Rd., Dallas
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The DEC Network is opening its doors to a brand new and expanded home base. Visit the new 20,000 square foot space and enjoy tours, light bites, drinks, and a few words from the leaders and sponsors who made the move a reality. Speakers include community influencer and radio personality Lady Jade, Russell Glen CEO Terrence Maiden, and more. The DEC also will announce the winners of the Redbird Awards.

Learn more and register here.

InnoTech Dallas 2024 

Hosted by InnoTech
Irving Convention Center, 500 Las Colinas Blvd.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

InnoTech Dallas, the Technology and Security Conference, creates an environment where education, innovation, peer-to-peer networking and the latest technology and business solutions are all available specifically for IT professionals. Featured events include the Women in Tech Summit, the IT Leadership Forum, and Data Analytics and AI.

​Learn more here.

Women in Tech Summit at InnoTech Dallas 2024 

Hosted by DFW*ATW and BravoTECH
Irving Convention Center, 500 Las Colinas Blvd.
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Women in Tech Summit, brought to you by DFW*ATW and BravoTECH, is a special event designed specifically for women in technology. The conference highlights the achievements of ladies in tech and provides opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and networking. This event also includes a fireside chat, panel presentations, and lunch. The Summit is also about networking and sharing from industry thought leaders; life lessons learned and practical tips to improve your own career goals. Or sharing personal stories of how they’ve made an impact on inclusivity in their industry, passions, their journey, and advice to the next generation of tech’s women.

Learn more and register here.


Friday, April 12

The Public Purpose of the Private Sector

Presented by United to Learn Women’s Forum
The Lamplighter School, 11611 Inwood Rd., Dallas
8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Explore the collaborative possibilities between public and independent schools in creating a thriving educational ecosystem. Hear from independent and private school partners and gain insights into the importance of private partnerships for the public good of school communities through working with United to Learn. Featured speakers are Laura Day, Director of the Institute for Social Impact at The Hockaday School; Joan Buchanan Hill, Head of School at The Lamplighter School; Chaundra Macklin, principal of two Dallas ISD preK campuses; Rich Perry, director of Community Service and Social Justice at Jesuit Dallas; and Abigail Williams, director of United to Learn. Attendees will reflect on how to encourage their own communities to engage and walk alongside elementary schools in authentic and meaningful ways.

Learn more and register here.


Saturday, April 13

Changing Perspectives Block Party

Hosted by the Dallas Arts District
Sammons Park, Dallas
3 to 8 p.m.

Dallas Arts District is hosting the annual Changing Perspectives Block Party, a free family-friendly event that will feature the return of the internationally renowned BANDALOOP Vertical Dance Company, celebrating the human spirit, nature, and communities through dance that uses climbing technology to expand and challenge what is possible. The event also will feature award-winning Tejano music artist, Monica Saldivar and Band, singer songwriter and entertainer Dezi 5 Entertainment, community muralist, Ebony Lewis, Kamica King, Bruce Wood Dance, Percussion Things, and St. Philips Percussion Ensemble, among others. Also, the party will have gourmet food trucks, a community mural, and more.


Wednesday, April 17

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.

Find your community here.


Friday, April 19

Tech Titans Industry Lunch: AI’s ticking time bomb, Personal AI, and your job

Presented by Tech Titans
Prestonwood Country Club, 15909 Preston Rd., Dallas
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join Tech Titans for an exhilarating discussion on the future of AI! Moderated by Steve O’Neal, Tech Titans Artificial Intelligence Forum Tri-Chair, the panel discussion will feature industry thought leaders: Dave Copps from Worlds, Skip Howard from Spacee and Dr. Mark Austin from AT&T. Discover the impact of AI, the strategic integration of AI as infrastructure, and ethical considerations in AI development. You’ll also learn about the upcoming era of personal AI and its transformative effects on job roles within organizations. Don’t miss this chance to gain insights, engage with experts, and be part of the AI revolution. Tickets are $60 for Tech Titans members and $70 for nonmembers.

Learn more and register here.


Wednesday, April 24

Navigating the Federal R&D Funding Environment 

Hosted by BioNTX
Webinar
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join BioNTX for an engaging webinar as speakers delve into guiding organizations through the intricacies of funding agencies and crafting a funding pathway aligned with their development stage. Experts will explore strategies to progress from early, smaller nondilutive awards like SBIRs or NIH grants to securing larger awards for advanced R&D endeavors.

Learn more and register here.

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.

Find your community here.


Monday, April 22 through Friday, April 26

EarthX2024 Congress of Conferences

Hosted by EarthX
Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas

9:30 a.m. Monday, April 22, to 9 p.m. Friday, April 26

EarthX will be hosting Earthx2024, the ninth annual Congress of Conferences, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas. The event will bring together thousands of people and organizations from around the world to collaborate on actionable solutions for energy, oceans, climate, business, policy, and more. The five-day conference will feature more than 80 speakers and sessions exploring a wide range of sustainability topics. This year, each day will highlight a unique theme, including “The Future of Energy,” “Circular Economy,” “Money, Power, and Politics,” “Oceans and Philanthropy,” and “Wildlife and Ocean Conservation.” Featured speakers include EarthX founder Trammell S. Crow, Zimbabwean conservationist Ivan Carter, and Jay Faison, Executive Chairman of the 2040 Foundation, the Chairman of the American Flood Coalition, and a member of the American Energy Innovation Council. 

Learn more here.


Tuesday, April 23 through Thursday, April 25

EarthX E-Capital Summit 

Hosted by EarthX, by invitation only
1 p.m. Tuesday through 3 p.m. Thursday

The EarthX annual E-Capital Summit is an invitation-only conference that has convened, inspired, and catalyzed action from thousands of investment firms, early to late-stage innovators, global companies, industry thought leaders, policymakers, incubators and accelerators, and researchers that have had substantial, positive impacts on investments, businesses, people, and our planet. More than a dozen technology verticals are represented. The three-day event includes an investment forum; opportunities to connect with venture capital, growth equity, private equity and funds/LPs investments between vetted investors, companies and dealmakers; a highly competitive pitch competition for the EarthX Climate Tech Prize; and options for commercialization of innovations.

Learn more here.


Tuesday, April 30

Your Start Up Pitch Competition 

Hosted by The DEC Network and powered by PNC Bank
The DEC Network @ Redbird, Suite #200, Event Center, 3560 Camp Wisdom Rd., Dallas
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Come enjoy the Shark Tank-style Your Start Up Pitch Competition. Attendees can take notes on presentation skills and judge feedback, evaluate the audience, and find networking opportunities and access to entrepreneurial resources. Your Start Up is a 13-week intensive program designed to equip entrepreneurs with the resources, foundational tools, and best practices to take their business from a side hustle to a profitable future. These for-profit startups have been operating for 1-3 years, making under $50,000 annually.

Learn more and register here.

Texas Women’s Foundation Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration 

Hosted by Texas Women’s Foundation
Omni Dallas Hotel
3:30 to 8 p.m.

Join Texas Women’s Foundation to celebrate and elevate the voices of women leaders across Texas through their Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader Awards. The event kicks off with leadership forums, followed by a cocktail reception, and the leadership awards celebration. The guest moderator is Deborah Roberts, senior national affairs correspondent at ABC News and Contributing Anchor for ABC 20/20. Save the date.

Learn more here.

ONGOING

Lines Crossing: Intersections of Art and Technology

Hosted by IQ Design, a design-research center at the University of Texas at Dallas
UTD @The Richardson IQ, 3010 Collins Blvd, Richardson, TX 75631

Join IQ Design for the opening reception of its newest art exhibition exploring the intersections of art and technology.

The exhibition features two collections: CODE || ART showcasing pioneers and emerging artists working at the intersection of computers and Streams of the Past which features artists working with old media as platforms for new aesthetic experiences.


Through Sunday, April 7

‘Lonesome Blues’ biographical musical  

Celebrating Deep Ellum blues singer Blind Lemon Jefferson
Club Dada, 2720 Elm St., Dallas
2 p.m. on Feb. 25, March 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30, and April 6-7

The musical “Lonesome Blues” pays tribute to one of Deep Ellum’s most famous and influential songsters, Blind Lemon Jefferson. Produced by Documentary Arts in association with Central Track Productions, the show opens Sunday, February 25, and continues with weekend matinees through Sunday, April 7, at Club Dada in Deep Ellum (2720 Elm St., Dallas). Written by author/filmmaker Alan Govenar and acclaimed actor/director Akin Babatundé, the one-man musical is sponsored in part by the Deep Ellum Community Association, and presented in association with the African American Museum, Dallas, which is currently presenting two exhibitions that commemorate Deep Ellum’s 150th anniversary.

Learn more and get tickets at lonesomebluesmusical.com.


Through Saturday, April 27

The Lunar Light: Discovery  

Hosted by Back to Space
Former Valley View Mall site, 5743 LBJ Freeway, Lewisville
Various dates and times

North Texans, get ready to walk on the moon. “The Lunar Light: Discovery” transforms the former Valley View Mall into a lunar landscape. This interactive space odyssey challenges participants to solve the mystery of a blue light emanating from a recent asteroid collision on the moon — a phenomenon capable of knocking out electronics. Guests will experience state-of-the-art virtual reality, while Gaia, an all-knowing AI, explains your lunar mission. They’ll also chat with robot DG-33 and Stella in the research lab on the quest to solve the mystery of The Lunar Light.

Attendees can contribute to the Aldrin Family Foundation, run by the family of Apollo 11 Astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, to help foster the next wave of space explorers by providing educational resources for high school students passionate about space.

Get tickets here.


Through May 30

Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors

Hosted by Fort Worth Botanic Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76107
Regular garden hours

Travel back to a prehistoric world right in the heart of Fort Worth at the Botanic Garden’s latest exhibit, “Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors,” available from January 26 through May 30. The unique outdoor experience, created in collaboration with renowned dinosaur paleontologist Gregory M. Erickson, showcases advanced animatronic dinosaurs from every continent. Embark on a journey through the Age of Reptiles and discover a narrative enriched with the latest research.

Get ready to have your ‘Passport to Pangea’ stamped as you encounter these awe-inspiring animatronic dinosaurs in their naturalistic outdoor settings. This exhibit educates and entertains, offering a perfect blend of adventure and learning for visitors of all ages.

Go here for admission and more information.


Through July 14

Walk this Way: Footwear from the Stuart Weitzman Collection of Historic Shoes

Presented by the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, with supporting sponsor Neiman Marcus
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, 300 N. Houston, Dallas
Timed entry tickets available. Museum hours: 10 am. to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and on Easter, March 31

From silk boudoir shoes created for the 1867 Paris Exposition to leather spectator pumps signed by the 1941 New York Yankees, Walk this Way features more than 100 striking pairs of shoes. This exhibition presents footwear – spanning nearly 200 years – from the collection of iconic shoe designer Stuart Weitzman, and businesswoman and philanthropist Jane Gershon Weitzman. An integral part of our everyday lives, shoes not only protect our feet, but tell stories centered around women’s labor activism, the fight for suffrage and equal rights, the sexual revolution, and more.

Several special programs will be offered during the exhibition’s run:

  • From Heel to Toe: Behind Walk This Way (March 19) – A panel with a look behind the exhibit, featuring Valerie Paley, Walk this Way exhibition curator, and Edward Maeder, author of the exhibition’s catalog.
  • 9to5: The Story of a Movement (May 23) – A special documentary screening of the previously untold story of the fight that inspired a hit and changed the American workplace, featuring interviews with 9to5’s founders and actor and activist Jane Fonda.
  • Immigrants, Innovators, and Icons: Jewish Americans and the Fashion Industry (July 11) – Annette Becker, curator and director of the University of North Texas’s Texas Fashion Collection, will share stories of Jewish change-makers in twentieth-century dress history.

Tickets are timed entry. Learn more and get tickets here.


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.

Learn more here.

 


SAVE THE DATE

Reminder Calendar

Save the Date image: istockphoto


Wednesday, May 1*

Moody Foundation M-Pact Fund Cycle 2 webinar

Hosted by Moody Foundation
Online via Zoom
Save the date

The Moody Foundation is offering grants of $1B over 20 years to support Texas education through nonprofits and public entities that address Early Learning or Postsecondary Success. With benefits extending beyond grant funding, the Education M-Pact Fund will cultivate a comprehensive network of grantees who are fueling student success in areas of deepest impact and greatest need. This webinar will provide an overview of the Education M-Pact Fund Cycle 1 RFP. All those who are interested in submitting an application are strongly encouraged to attend and submit questions in advance. Applications open April. 15 and close June 14.*

*Dates for Cycle 2 are approximate

Learn more about the fund here


Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5

Impact Ventures Inclusive Capital Summit

Watch for the date

Impact Ventures just wrapped up its inaugural Inclusive Capital Summit, which brought together local, regional, and national leaders to discuss innovative solutions to bridge the gap in access and opportunity for historically underestimated communities.

After the event, Impact Ventures CEO Benjamin J. Vann wrote to email subscribers, “Hanging tightly to this momentum, we are already gearing up for the next one… stay tuned for Impact Ventures’ Inclusive Capital 2024! As Fawn Weaver said during our Keynote Fireside Chat, ‘I don’t focus on the problem ever. Just like I don’t focus on weaknesses, I only focus on making strengths stronger. I don’t focus on problems because every problem has a solution.’ We believe there is a solution to making capital more inclusive and it takes all of our communities and all of our knowledge capital, together.”

Want to get involved as a sponsor, partner, or volunteer? Sign up to learn more here.


Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10

Conscious Capitalism Conference

Presented by Conscious Capitalism Dallas Chapter
Fairmont Dallas, 1717 N. Akard St., Dallas

Thursday at 1 p.m. through Friday at noon, Save the date

Whether you are an CEO wanting to take your team to the next level, a professional early in your career, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a student wanting to use your career as a force for good — this is your opportunity to join the conversations that shape the future of business, Conscious Capitalism Chapter members say. You’ll find tools to help empower your team to integrate conscious principles into their daily work, connect and collaborate with like-minded leaders, and be inspired with actionable strategies to help you use business as a force for good. Featured speakers include Miki Agrawal, Founder of TUSHY, Wild, and THINX; Sam Horn, Founder and CEO of The Intrigue Agency; John Mackey, Co-Founder and Former CEO of Whole Foods Market; and Neha Sangwan, CEO and Founder of Intuitive Intelligence.

Learn more here.


Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15

BioBasics 101: The Biology of Biotech for the Non-Scientist

Hosted by biotech Primer in partnership with BioNTX
DFW Airport Headquarters, 2400 Aviation Dr., Irving

Save the date

BioBasics 101: The Biology of Biotech for the Non-Scientist offers an exploration of the fundamental scientific principles that underpin the life sciences. It delves into the crucial roles of the FDA, NIH, academia, and drug sponsors and how they interact to promote scientific breakthroughs. It thoroughly explains the biological foundation of cells, DNA, RNA, and proteins, uncovering their applications in biopharmaceuticals. Building on this foundational knowledge, BioBasics 101 details the genetic basis of diseases, highlighting the devastation of mutations and the impact of genomics and proteomics on personalized medicine. This course culminates in genetic engineering and biomanufacturing, where all the essential biology principles learned are applied. Reduced rate for registration before March 15 and for BioNTX members.

Learn more here.


June 13-15

Good Soil 2024 

Hosted by the Good Soil Movement and the T.D. Jakes Foundation
AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas
Save the date

Good Soil plans to increase generational wealth and employment by supporting and nurturing under-resourced entrepreneurs. The organization aims to lead partners in the creation and retention of one million entrepreneurs over the next decade.

Learn more here.


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.

Learn more here.

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