We're Back.
For the fourth consecutive year, World Business Chicago is back at SXSW to represent Chicago and show how our city is “MADE FOR (Y’)ALL”.
What’s New:
In the past, we’ve kept all Chicago programming in one packed day. This year, we’re adding a second day of Chicago Day content! Each day is in a different, but equally incredible location. You won’t want to miss it!
Activations include:
- Sneak preview of the Obama Presidential Center, opening this June
- Reception to meet Chicagoland creatives, founders, and investors
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Chicago Sports
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Insights into Chicago’s Food Industry
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Climate-tech and green energy
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Demos from Chicago Startups, and a Chicago startup pitch
competition from TechRise!
Our Partners
Midwest House
Lead partner and host platform for Chicago Day programming and activations at SXSW.
Obama Foundation
Programming and activation partner supporting keynotes, cultural moments, and community-focused experiences.
Midwest House Obama Foundation
Cool Ass Midwest Food Fair
12:00 PM — 3:00 PM
Who’s hungry? During our Friday activations, we’re hosting food demoing & samples — so feel free to grab a few bites and say hi to local favorites from Noon ’til 3! Presented by Here Here Market.
Featured businesses:
- Soul and Smoke
- Five Corners Beverage Co
- Pink Salt Kitchen
- Tripping Billy / Caruso’s
The Business of Belonging: From Pop-Up to Powerhouse
1:00 PM — 1:30 PM
Disha Gulati (Moderator)
CEO & Founder, Here Here Market
- Tripping Billy
Popup Chef, Creator, and Muscular Dystrophy Advocate
- Anthony Ivy
Founder, Uncle May’s Produce - Palita Sriratana
Founder, Pink Salt
The Informed Cart: How Data is Changing Purchase Decisions at the Grocery Store
1:30 PM — 1:55 PM
- Rachel Stinebaugh
Investor, Supply Change Capital - Jaime Wells
Sr. Group Product Manager, Digital Shopping, H.E.B. - Disha Gulati
CEO & Founder, Here Here Market
Yes, Chef: Building Community Through Food
2:00 PM — 2:25 PM
Nirali Shah (Moderator)
Senior Director of Procurement and Culture, Impact and Opportunity, Obama Foundation
- Cliff Rome
Chef, Owner of Peach’s Restaurant - CJ Jacobson
Chef Partner, Aba & Ema – Lettuce Entertain You
Amplifying Our Community Impact
2:30 PM — 2:55 PM
Alice McLean (Moderator)
Director of Tourism and Community Impact, Obama Foundation
- Ghian Foreman
President & CEO, Emerald South Economic Development Collective
The Power of Sports Leadership
3:00 PM — 3:25 PM
- Joe Kennedy
Director of Athletics & Sports Leadership, Obama Foundation - Stefen Welch
Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Detroit Pistons
Hope has a Home: Spotlighting the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side
3:30 PM — 3:55 PM
Caroline Dettman (Moderator)
Chief Marketing Officer, World Business Chicago
- Joshua Harris
Vice President of Public Engagement, Obama Foundation
Good Chaos & Chicago: Where Vibrancy is more than a vibe. It's a growth strategy.
4:00 PM — 4:30 PM
Caroline Dettman (Moderator)
Chief Marketing Officer, World Business Chicago
- Deputy Mayor Kenya Merritt
Deputy Mayor, Chicago
Acting Commissioner, Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events - Himal Agarwal
Managing Director, Good Chaos
Chicago is Made for Y'All: Reception
4:30 PM — 6:00 PM
- Music performance from Reilly Downes
- Activations from Malort, Local Style Chips, and Chicago cocktails
313 Day Party
6:00 PM — 8:00 PM
Chicago faces off against Detroit in a heated rivalry featuring Chicago house music, Detroit techno, and pizza from both cities!
Home Field Advantage: Why Cities Invest in Sports Infrastructure
10:00 AM — 10:45 AM
Abin Kuriakose (Moderator)
Chief Innovation Officer, World Business Chicago
- Joe Kennedy
Director of Athletics & Sports Leadership, Obama Foundation - Nate Engel
Chief of Staff & Vice President of Strategy, Chicago Fire Football Club - Cate McManmon
Chief Strategy & Finance Officer, Chicago Stars Football Club
Freshwater > Seawater: How the Midwest is Winning the Blue Economy
2:00 PM — 3:00 PM
Ella McCann (Moderator)
Head of Partner Activation, The Executives’ Club of Chicago
- Alaina Harkness
CEO, Current & Great Lakes reNEW - Michelle Carr
CEO, Evergreen Climate Innovations - Samantha Schwartz
Community & Ecosystem Development Manager, Gener8tor’s CleanTech Accelerator
TechRise Emerging Tech Competition
4:00 PM — 6:00 PM
Tune in for a captivating pitch competition from some of the Midwest’s up and coming startups, organized by TechRise and P33.
