2017 is here and we’re ready to dive head-first back into civic tech. Join us as we work toward another incredible year, starting with these top picks for events in January:
January 4
Chicago City Data User Group: Data and the Environmental Defense Fund
6:00pm-7:30pm
Microsoft Technology Center Chicago | Aon Center 200 E. Randolph Ste 200, Chicago
The mission of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is quite simple: We work to preserve the natural systems on which all life depends. Climate, energy, oceans, human health, and the policy that impacts it all – all within the scope of the research and advocacy of the EDF. EDF has a special take on environmental issues – they are interested in creating solutions that also carry economic benefits.
Of course, all of this requires data. And ideally, it contributes new data and insights. Come hear Ellen Bell discuss the work of the EDF. Ellen manages the Redefining Energy Efficiency Project.
January 10
DePaul’s Employer Workshop Series: Leveraging Alumni for Recruitment
The Employer Workshop Series is brought to you by DePaul’s Employer and Internship Development Team. This free series of events offers our employer partners the opportunity to think strategically about their recruiting and hiring processes, learn new ways to enhance their recruiting efforts and network and exchange ideas with other organizations.
Chi Hack Night
6:00pm-10:00pm
Braintree office 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza 8th Floor, Chicago
The Chi Hack Night is a free, weekly event in Chicago to build, share and learn about civic tech and tools to create, support, or serve public good.
Join us every Tuesday from 6-10pm on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart to hear from interesting speakers, learn from each other and work on civic projects. Non-techies are very welcome!
January 12
ThoughtWorks Chicago: Build Your Own Radar
6:00pm-9:00pm
ThoughtWorks 200 East Randolph St. 25th Floor, Chicago
Chef or Ansible? Learn React Native or jump into Swift? Which techniques are hot and which are not?
Join ThoughtWorks for a night of food, drink, and mingling as we explore how technologists can grapple with these questions and make smart choices about the tools, techniques, frameworks, and languages they use in their projects.
Our speakers will talk about the themes behind the ThoughtWorks Technology Radar, which compiles years of experience across different domains to provide well thought-out opinions on many of the trends that are coming and going today. You’ll finish off the night by learning how to build your own radar and how to use it as a tool to help you and your projects.
January 17
HackChicago
7:00am-3:00pm
Blue 1647 1647 S. Blue Island, Chicago
Are you a veteran or college student? Maybe a high school junior or senior with an interest in a future in computer technology? Compete in a day-long hackathon to win prizes – no experience necessary. Also, learn about cybersecurity jobs in the Chicago area and new cyber programs at City Colleges of Chicago.
Chi Hack Night
6:00pm-10:00pm
Braintree office 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza 8th Floor, Chicago
The Chi Hack Night is a free, weekly event in Chicago to build, share and learn about civic tech and tools to create, support, or serve public good.
Join us every Tuesday from 6-10pm on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart to hear from interesting speakers, learn from each other and work on civic projects. Non-techies are very welcome!
January 24
Illinois Campaign Contributions: Is the Sky the Limit?
12:00pm-2:00pm
The Flats at East-West University 829 South Wabash Avenue 4th Floor Auditorium, Chicago
Please join ICPR for an open discussion with experts on 2016 campaign spending in Illinois and how it compares to other states.
Chi Hack Night
6:00pm-10:00pm
Braintree office 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza 8th Floor, Chicago
The Chi Hack Night is a free, weekly event in Chicago to build, share and learn about civic tech and tools to create, support, or serve public good.
Join us every Tuesday from 6-10pm on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart to hear from interesting speakers, learn from each other and work on civic projects. Non-techies are very welcome!
Adler Planetarium: Behind the scenes
11:00am-12:00pm
Adler Planetarium 1300 S Lake Shore Dr Chicago
Curators and educators at Adler Planetarium take us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the cosmology museum and the Webster Institute for the History of Astronomy.
Head Curator Pedro Raposo and staff will present some of the rare artifacts that are kept in museum’s collections and discuss the history and care of artifacts. The remainder of the session will develop as a conversation between science writers and curators about the stories that may be told.
January 31
Chi Hack Night
6:00pm-10:00pm
Braintree office 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza 8th Floor, Chicago
The Chi Hack Night is a free, weekly event in Chicago to build, share and learn about civic tech and tools to create, support, or serve public good.
Join us every Tuesday from 6-10pm on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart to hear from interesting speakers, learn from each other and work on civic projects. Non-techies are very welcome!