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 Chicago. 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 and will be held at:
1871
222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, 12th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Here are our speakers and talks for this evening.
- Ethan Austin will talk about why and how he started the fundraising site GiveForward.
- Mark Moll , an SVP-CD at local ad agency talks about his efforts to stop dogs from dying in hot cars.
- Mike McGee will share with us his experiences of helping start CodeAcademy in downtown Chicago.
- Saya Hillman will tell us why she choses to live a life of “yes” every day and how she helps others do the same with Mac ‘n Cheese Productions.
- After 26 year old Egyptian-American Victor Saad realized that 2012 was a leap year, he partnered up with a few friends to invite others to take their own leaps. He will share with us his experiences of getting The Leapyear Project off the ground.
- Last but not least, Phil Nevels, the co-founder of Power2Switch is going to explore the why and the how behind starting the popular site which allows consumers to comparison shop their electricity providers.
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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
“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?