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New event series aimed at activating tech community in city’s core

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Tech Connect Summer Socials – Downtown Edition, a series of exciting summertime networking events in collaboration with the City of Windsor, Rocket Innovation Studio, the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Science & School of Computer Science, St. Clair College’s Zekelman School of Information Technology, and the Downtown Windsor BIA.

Explore the Core this summer while you engage with the local tech community and partake in some fun “after 5” networking and unique activities.

Held throughout July and August in the heart of downtown Windsor, these events are your ticket to break free from the screen! It’s all about building connections, learning new things, sharing laughs, and supporting our beloved downtown local businesses.

Who Are These Events For?

The Tech Connect Summer Social events are open to all members of the tech community, both downtown and beyond, including students, professionals, and members and organizations of the broader tech network. Attendance is free, but space is limited.

Registration

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Downtown Art Walk | July 17 5-7pm

Wiff Alley | 176 University Ave. W., Windsor

Join us for an evening of art, innovation, and community, in partnership with DENIAL, the creative forces behind Free For All Walls. This unique after-work social is an invitation to explore our vibrant downtown murals, guided by WindsorEats.

During the tour, dive into the world of street art with a special stop at Daniel Bombardier a.k.a DENIAL’s studio, where attendees will have the unique opportunity to create their own custom stencils and gain insider knowledge about the artists and projects shaping our city’s streets. Denial, a renowned graffitist, will offer a glimpse into the colourful and compelling world of urban art.

End the evening with a delightful sampling of Southern Soul Food at The Weatherspoons, accompanied by a mid-way refreshing icy treat from Nature Smile.

Reserve Your Spot
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Tech Talk & Taps | July 31 5-7pm

Craft Heads Brewing Company | 89 University Ave. W., Windsor

Join us for an evening of insight, networking, and community at Craft Heads in downtown Windsor. This special event features a Q&A session with University of Windsor Alumni, Darrell Etherington, Network Development professional at OMERS Ventures, founder of The Angle, startup and venture advisor, and former managing editor at TechCrunch.

Engage with Darrell as they share their expertise and offer valuable advice on navigating the tech landscape, whether you’re a founder, student, professional, or tech enthusiast. This is a unique opportunity to connect with two prominent figures in the field and ask your burning questions about the tech industry, their career advancement, and advice for startups.

We’ll be hanging out at Craft Heads enjoying their finest brews, accompanied by pizza from Terra Cotta. Network with fellow tech community members, gain insider knowledge and enjoy one of the coolest spaces that downtown Windsor has to offer.

About the Speaker

Darrell Etherington is a distinguished technology journalist with an extensive background in reporting on innovative tech trends and emerging sectors. Currently, he holds the position of Head of Content at OMERS Ventures, where he leverages his deep understanding of the technology landscape to identify and support high-potential startups in the tech industry.

With a career that spans over a decade in technology journalism, primarily with TechCrunch, Darrell has covered a broad spectrum of topics from artificial intelligence and robotics to space exploration and autonomous vehicles. His reporting has consistently provided keen insights into the dynamics of technology development and its intersection with business and consumer markets.

At OMERS Ventures, Darrell’s role involves scouting for promising technology firms, conducting thorough market analyses, and helping to shape the venture firm’s investment strategies. His expertise not only aids in discerning the viability of potential investments but also supports portfolio companies in navigating the complexities of growth and innovation in the tech sector.

A graduate of the University of Windsor, where he studied English Literature, Darrell combines his passion for narrative with a rigorous understanding of tech, making him a valued member of the investment team and a respected figure in the venture capital community.

Darrell is known for his engaging communication style, making him a sought-after speaker at tech events. His insights provide significant value to audiences, ranging from industry professionals to budding entrepreneurs, eager to understand the current and future tech landscape.

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Reserve Your Spot
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AWE at Night | August 15 5-8pm

Art Windsor-Essex | 401 Riverside Drive W., Windsor

What does a downtown Windsor “Tech Hub” look like to you?

Join us at Art Windsor-Essex from 6pm till 9pm for a live, interactive art activation and brainstorming session focused on the future of tech and innovation in downtown Windsor, with a local artist, Talysha Bujold-Abu. Add your ideas to this unique sketch, which will be transformed into a digital art piece and shared with our community as a vision for what the future has in store for tech in the core.

Your free ticket includes access to the full AWE at Night event, plus a non-alcoholic drink of your choice and a hand pie from Zuleeats (meat or vegetarian options available).

About the Artist

Talysha Bujold-Abu (she/her) is an illustrator, educator, and administrator – she holds a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Windsor (2018) and is recipient of the Conundrum Press Mini-Comic Bursary for Black and Indigenous Creators (2021).

Residencies include: New Zealand Pacific Studio (2016), ArtsPond (2020-2021), Pelee Quarry – Stone & Sky Artists Residency (2020-2021), and Struts Gallery (2022).

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Reserve Your Spot

Community Partners

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