Executives and leaders from various leading Chicago tech companies and civic organizations travelled to Barcelona recently to represent Chicago at the 2019 IoT Solutions World Congress. Chicago, home to one of the largest venture capital (VC) ecosystems and tech talent pools in the United States, was well-represented at the IoT Solutions World Congress.

“With one of the most diversified economies in the United States and thriving IoT ecosystem, Chicago continues to lead as a global technology and innovation hub” said Andrea Zopp, President and CEO of World Business Chicago, the city’s economic development agency chaired by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “The Chicago delegation demonstrated our unique strengths as a world-class tech community.”

Organized by Fira Barcelona, the IoT Solutions World Congress is the largest IoT event in the world to get inspired with new ideas, solutions and people. Held annually in Barcelona, this unique event is dedicated to connecting IoT providers with industry leaders in order to help increase productivity in this disruptive technology. Since its inaugural event in 2015, the summit has grown to become the global reference for industrial IoT, and the annual meeting for industry stakeholders to establish new partnerships.

“It was great to see the best of Chicago’s tech and innovation community on a global platform for industry innovation,” said Mark Tebbe, chair of ChicagoNEXT. “Chicago was well-represented by a stellar delegation of Chicago tech leaders.”

Chicago’s delegation at the IoT Solutions World Congress included:

  • 1871 – Adam Arcus, Vice President of Creative
  • Choose Chicago – Marc Anderson, COO
  • mHUB – Haven Allen, CEO & CoFounder
  • P33 – Dea Meyer, Executive Vice President at the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago
  • Richardson RFPD – Rafael Salmi PhD, Global President (Member, MidwestIoT Council)
  • Rocket Wagon – Don DeLoach, CEO & CoFounder (Member, MidwestIoT Council)
  • World Business Chicago – Abin Kuriakose, Director of ChicagoNEXT

“Chicago and the Midwest are in a unique position to grow as a global leader in the Internet of Things evolution,” said Rafael Salmi, PhD, Global President (Board Member, Midwest IoT Council, Advisory Board Member, IoT Solutions World Congress). “The Midwest IoT Council is driven by the notion that we have all the pieces right here in the Midwest and we’re excited to be represented in Barcelona”

This year’s IoT World Solutions Congress welcomed 18,000 visitors from across the world. Fira Barcelona has positioned this event as the flagship for digital transformation of industry, creating an unrivalled framework for alliances and networking opportunities are built.

The 2019 IoT Solutions World Congress featured a number of workshops and breakout sessions, including a “Women and Diversity in the Industry” initiative that convened leaders to share valuable lessons and best practices when it comes to empowering women within the IoT industry.   Innovators and industry professionals

“We were thrilled to have P33 represented as part of the Chicago Delegation in Barcelona. The Delegation had the opportunity to meet with numerous companies to tell Chicago’s story and commitment to tech. Our diverse economy, growing startup ecosystem and strong universities and research centers are just some of the reasons we are becoming one of the strongest technology hubs in the world,” said Brad Henderson, CEO of P33.

The consortium of tech and civic organizations represented by the Chicago delegation represented the city’s interests in economic development, tourism, tech and innovation, manufacturing, inclusive growth and diversity.

“Our collective representation in Barcelona highlights our engagement with the world to partner with Chicago when it comes to technology and innovation,” said Marc Anderson, COO of Choose Chicago. In addition, being in Barcelona at this global technology conference assisted us in uncovering new technology-focused meetings and conventions for our city.”

“mHUB was excited to join the Chicago delegation to represent our dynamic innovation ecosystem,” said Haven Allen, CEO and CoFounder of mHUB. “I enjoyed connecting with IoT industry leaders from around the world and strengthening the global ecosystem around product innovation.”

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