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Conversations That Connect Vision to Venture

From venture connections and startup pitches to keynotes and networking events, discover the people and ideas shaping the future of innovation.

2026 Event Agenda*

Plan ahead to make the most of your VC Fest experience. Designed to bring founders, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers together, the agenda features scheduled 1:1 venture meetings, on-stage startup pitches, panel discussions, and networking events. Explore the conversations, connections, and opportunities driving innovation across the Midwest.

*Indicative agenda, subject to change.

Day 1

September 29th

9:00-11:00am

Level 1 | Atrium ballroom

Registrations + Demo zone + Sponsor Walkthrough 

11:00-11:45am

Level 1 | Atrium ballroom

Welcome + Keynote

12:00-1:30pm

Level 1 | Atrium ballroom

Startup Pitches X 10 | Lunch

1:30-2:00pm

Level 1 | Venture Connections Zone

Venture Connections 

3:15-4:00pm

Level 1 | Venture Connections Zone

Venture Connections

Level 1 | Atrium ballroom

Panel – TBD

4:00-5:00pm

Level 1 | Venture Connections Zone

Investor Connections Corporate Connections

Level 1 | Atrium ballroom

Panel – TBD

5:00-6:30pm

Level 2 | Patio Rooftop

Networking Reception

6:00-7:30pm

OFFSITE

Investor Happy Hour | Curated Paid Dinners 

Day 2

September 30th

8:30-9:30am

Level 2 | Suite 201

Women in Tech breakfast

9:30-10:00am

Level 1 | Atrium ballroom

Report Presentation

10:00-11:00am

Level 1 | Venture Connections Zone

Venture Connections

Level 1 | Atrium Ballroom

Panel – TBD

11:00am-12:00pm

Level 1 | Venture Connections Zone

Venture Connections 

Level 1 | Atrium Ballroom

Panel – TBD

12:00-1:30pm

Level 1 | Atrium Ballroom

Startup Pitches X 10 | Lunch

2:30-3:30pm

Level 1 | Venture Connections Zone

Investor Connections

Level 1 | Atrium Ballroom

Panel – TBD

3:30-4:30pm

Level 1 | Atrium Ballroom

Keynote

4:30pm

Level 1 | Atrium Ballroom

Event Concludes