IdeaMensch Minneapolis: August 13

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 Minneapolis. 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:

Joule
1200 S Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(651) 492-8761

Speakers include:

Jody Ross
The Laughter Center

Jody Ross is a laughter yoga teacher, life coach and the director of the Laughter Center. A frequent presenter on the medical, psychosocial, and workplace benefits of laughter, she has been a featured speaker at General Mills, Hennepin County Government Center, Hennepin County Medical Center, as well as the Minnesota Air National Guard Medical Corps, Minnesota State Capitol, and annual Society for Arts in Healthcare and Footprints of Disaster Conferences.

Sid Tincher
SwirlyGig Industries

Sid Tincher started SwirlyGig Industries in 2004 when he came up with the design for a drink holder that fits on microphone stands. The SwirlyGig drink holder is now for sale in roughly 500 stores nationwide with a smattering of sales internationally as well. As sales continue to grow, they are moving into the boating, outdoor recreation and medical markets with plans to expand and improve the product line.

Emily Torgrimson
Eat for Equity

Emily Torgrimson is the co-founder and executive director of Eat for Equity, a nonprofit that organizes community feasts for nonprofit causes. With a background in public radio, Torgrimson also has a Masters in Public Health from the University of Minnesota, and is currently planning a cross-country kitchen tour with Eat for Equity.

Dana Severson
Wahooly

Dana Severson is the co-founder and CEO of Wahooly, a company making it possible for online influencers to invest in emerging businesses with social capital. He has worked as an Advertising Director, writes for Fastcompany.com, Adage.com and TCBmag.com, and drinks three-shot espressos.

Sarah Young
Rock Your Block

Sarah is the co-founder and CEO behind Rock Your Block. She is extremely involved in both the entrepreneurial and technology community of the Twin Cities, and she has served on the boards for BizLounge and Project Skyway. Her experience in the technology industry includes specialization in SaaS applications, M2M solutions, and marketing and channel management for technology products. She graduated from the Carlson School of Management in 2010.

 

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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?