There is a really great event on Wednesday night at Seven Peaks School that you don’t want to miss. Bryce Johnson, Microsoft’s inclusive lead for product research and accessibility, will be discussing inclusive design and how the company created the Xbox Adaptive Controller. This new controller will make gaming accessible to people with a broad range of disabilities.
Opportunity Knocks is organizing a one-day leadership seminar taught by Rod Ray, former CEO of Bend Research. Rod helped build and grow Bend Research before it was acquired by Capsugel in 2013 (Capsugel was later acquired by Lonza).
The local Technology Association of Oregon STEAM group is hosting a casual mixer this coming Wednesday. Head over to meet some awesome women and hear a presentation by Rita Hansen, CEO of Onboard Dynamics, who will discuss her experience with the STEAM mentorship program.
The Bend Venture Conference happened for the 15th year in a row. To be sure, at this point the event happens – it’s a thing – and yet I find myself always somewhat amazed that so many investors, entrepreneurs, and startup supporters come to Bend, millions of dollars are doled out to promising companies, and respected keynote speakers have inspiring conversations on stage.
By Sean Leslie
Founder, Cascade Cadence
If you’re looking for a reason to be optimistic, then yesterday’s BendTECH’s unConference is a great place to start. The first-come, first-serve group of entrepreneurs was certainly one of the strongest cohorts we’ve seen pitch at the event. The pitches were polished and in most cases, the founders had already launched.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the BendTECH unConference tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the 1001 Tech Center. This year promises to be a fun-filled event with cash prizes for winning founders, and free drinks and fun for everyone else. Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect:
Last night the first cohort of the BendX Women’s Entrepreneurial Bootcamp pitched their startup ideas to a packed room at the Deschutes Brewery. The evening represented the culmination of eight classes that advised 15 early stage entrepreneurs on the first steps needed to transform their ideas into a tangible endeavor.