October 17th at Capital Factory
Ideas by themselves are of little value. Whether your idea is an app, a nonprofit, a book, a website or an invention – what matters is how you bring it to life. And really it doesn’t matter whether the idea you’re bringing to life is a business, a project or a cause – the one thing that connects all people with ideas are our passions, struggles and ways we go about bringing our ideas to life.
Our mission is to help people bring their ideas to life. That’s what we try to do through our daily interviews with folks ranging from Seth Godin to Tony Hsieh to Craig Newmark, and that’s what we’re trying to do with our 48-state road trip across America.
And that’s what we’re going to do with our event in Austin. At every event, we we bring in a wide range of awesome speakers who then spend 10 minutes talking about an idea they brought (or are bringing to life), how they did and what you can learn from it. And then you’ll have 10 minutes to ask them questions and continue the conversation. We try to create an intimate setting that allows for the audience to really engage with our speakers.
We promise you’re going to walk away with at least five super valuable nuggets of information to put to use for your own idea. This isn’t a networking event, but you’re sure to meet some fascinating people.
The event will start at 6pm and go until about 9pm.
The event will be held at:
Capital Factory
701 Brazos Street
Suite 1601
Austin, TX 78701
Speakers include:
Michael Portman is the Founder of Birds Barber Shop, a reinterpretation of the old school barbershop for a new generation that would pay for quality if it only cost less, Birds also provides free Shiner Beer with every cut.
Jason Cohen is the Co-Founder and CEO of WP Engine, the premier managed WordPress hosting company. He previously founded Smart Bear Software and co-founded ITWatchdogs, both of which were bootstrapped to profitability, grew to millions in revenue, and were sold.
Silona Bonewald is the Co-Founder of Tune Hopper, an arcade-style music game designed to train the ear to hear musical intervals, patterns, and chords.
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David Lowe is the Founder of Uberpong, a company that adds customization to the second most played sport in the word by combining ping pong with great graphic design.
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Will Davis is the Co-Founder of Outbox, an innovative service that makes all of your postal mail digital – so you get rid of junk mail, keep important things organized, and never have to go to your mailbox again.
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What People Say About Our Events
“I had the opportunity to attend the IM48 event in Missoula, MT and left inspired and energized. Mario and crew are the type of people who are pushing our society forward. The events they are coordinating are far more than opportunities to hear from successful entrepreneurs. Instead, it is my view the IM48 events encapsulate the powerful transformations that our occurring in 21st century economic life. These include the resurgence of the entrepreneur, ubiquitous technology, networking and the power of community. I believe our countries best days are ahead for a variety of reasons. For those who question my optimism I simply point you to any IM48 event and you will understand my position! You will meet people who are inventing, creating and connecting for the purpose of making their businesses, non-profits and communities better places. Simply put, I believe in them.” Cameron Lawrence, Missoula
I came into the event not expecting much as it sounded kind of like a me too event (see: TEDx, Ignite, etc), but I’m so glad that I went. IM48 completely blew my mind. The organizers are so great. The pure, concentrated hustle that they bring to the table made the Omaha event I went to beyond amazing, and I heard the Des Moines event was equally as awesome. It’s so surreal that it was organized on the fly, on the road. If they stop in your city — go. It’ll be a great time. And you’ll definitely learn something. Brett Neese, Des Moines
“If you’re hoping for a non-pretentious, inspiring environment to connect with great people and empower your ideas, do not miss IdeaMensch. These are the most genuine, good-natured people you’ll get to connect with, and they might even share a beer with you. Whereas TED seems to showcase extraordinary people, IM showcases and empowers ordinary people doing the extraordinary.” Thomas Bush, Los Angeles
The #IM48 stop in Seattle brought out a great mix of entrepreneurs, creatives, execs and technologists. It’s an event where you can show up not thinking you’ll know anyone, and end up having 10 inspiring conversations. Andy Boyer, Seattle
I was at the Portland event tonight. SO SO SO inspiring. I own and run my own medical practice, in addition to being a single parent of three, so my time is precious. The three hours I spent this evening at Instrument were just what I needed: inspiring, thought-provoking, engaging…and all with a nice cold beer 🙂 Great way to top off a long Monday! Juniper Martin, Portland
Talks From Past Events
Why Are We Doing This?