CHICAGO AI & STARTUP EXCHANGE

Chicago AI & Startup Exchange brings together professionals working across artificial intelligence, technology, startups, entrepreneurship, innovation and investment for an evening designed around genuine face-to-face connections. Whether you're building a startup, working in technology, exploring AI, investing in new opportunities, looking for collaborators or simply interested in meeting ambitious people across Chicago's innovation ecosystem, this event provides a relaxed environment to expand your professional network. This isn't a conference or a speaker-heavy event. There are no long presentations or panels. The focus is on meeting people, exchanging ideas and creating useful professional connections. Who You'll Meet Expect to connect with people across: AI & Machine Learning Technology Startups Entrepreneurship Investment Product & Innovation Software & Development Business Ownership Consulting Marketing & Growth Emerging Technology You don't need to own a startup or work directly in AI to attend. If you're interested in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship or expanding your professional network, you're welcome. What to Expect Meet & Greet Arrive, check in, grab a drink and start meeting other attendees in a relaxed environment. Mix & Mingle Open networking gives you time to introduce yourself, discover what other attendees are working on and connect with people who share similar professional interests. Elevator Pitch Session Attendees will have an opportunity to briefly introduce themselves, their startup, project, business or professional interests. Premium Pitch Ticket holders receive priority access to the first pitch block and up to 3 minutes to pitch. For General Admission and other standard ticket holders, pitch opportunities are limited and are prioritized in the order attendees register at the check-in desk, subject to the time available during the session. A pitch slot is not guaranteed. Open Networking After the pitch session, the room returns to open networking so attendees can continue conversations, reconnect with people they've just discovered and explore potential collaborations. Why Attend? CONNECT Expand your Chicago professional network beyond your existing circle. DISCOVER Find out what local professionals, entrepreneurs and technology teams are building. COLLABORATE Meet potential collaborators, business partners, clients, talent and professional connections. PITCH Introduce your startup, project, service or idea to an engaged professional audience. Standard pitch opportunities are subject to available time and are prioritized by check-in order. EXCHANGE IDEAS Have real conversations about AI, technology, startups, investment and emerging business opportunities. Who Should Attend? This event is particularly relevant for: AI professionals Tech professionals Startup teams Entrepreneurs Investors Developers & engineers Product professionals Consultants Business owners Marketing & growth professionals Professionals exploring AI People looking for new business connections You are welcome to attend even if you're simply curious about Chicago's technology and startup community. Prepare for the Evening Bring business cards if you use them, or have your LinkedIn QR code ready on your phone. If you'd like to pitch, prepare a concise introduction covering: Who you are → What you're working on → What you're looking for. Food and beverages are not included with admission. This is a pay-your-own-way networking event. Guests are kindly asked to order drinks directly from the bar to support the venue that has provided space for the event"