Here’s our exclusive wrapup of upcoming conferences, contests, workshops, application deadlines and socials happening across North Carolina in May.
Included are upcoming meetups, conferences, workshops, socials and networking events happening in Asheville, Charlotte, the Triad, Wilmington and other areas across North Carolina.
This post is part of our weekly column of upcoming events. To find out what’s happening this month in the Triangle specifically, check out part one of this week’s column.
Another post previews events coming in June. Recurring monthly meetups in the Triangle are listed here.
These columns are an extension of our interactive calendar of tech and startup events. If you’d like to suggest an event to be added to the calendar, feel free to send me an email.
LaunchLab Growth Demo Day
May 13, 5-7:30 p.m. @Co//ab
Hear about the latest innovations in the Triad at this pitch and demo event featuring Launch Lab Growth’s latest cohort.
IGNITE Innovation Week 2019
May 13-18, Lake Norman
This week-long innovation celebration is presented in partnership with the Town of Cornelius, Launch Lake Norman and the local business community. More details here.
Velocity Creative Accelerator Info Session (Asheville)
May 14, 12-1 p.m. @Venture Asheville
Velocity, a new 9-week accelerator from the Center for Creative Economy in Winston-Salem, delivers one-on-one online and in-person programming with mentors. Join this brief info session to learn more about the program and how to apply. Applications are due June 2.
Winston Starts SPARK Series: Michael Tiemann
May 14, 12-1:30 p.m. @Winston Starts
Winston Starts is hosting Michael Tiemann, vice president of Open Source Affairs at Red Hat, for a free lunch and learn session on management strategies and leadership.
VentureSouth Piedmont: Intro to Convertible Notes
May 14, 2:30-3:30 p.m. @Charles Aris Inc.
This workshop will show participants how to invest in a convertible note or use it to fund a startup. Tickets are free for VentureSouth members; $20 for guests.
RIoT XXXVI: IoT, Energy & Cleantech
May 14, 6-8 p.m. @Levine Museum of the New South
RIoT and Charlotte IoT are hosting a free event covering the latest projects, organizations and companies that are leading IoT’s expansion into the energy/cleantech sector.
RxIQ: Idea-a-Thon to Hack Healthcare
May 14, 6-8 p.m. @Hurt Hub@Davidson
Part of IGNITE Innovation Week, this free hackathon explorers the future of healthcare, giving participants a space to brainstorm solutions to problems in the healthcare space using machine learning, privacy-preservation technologies and other data-focused applications. No experience is necessary to participate.
VR Party
May 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Join this event to explore VR tech hands-on—learn how it works, what it can do, and try it out for yourself.
Reach Your Customers Online with Google
May 15, 8:30-10:30 a.m. @Western Carolina University at Biltmore Park
Google’s Get Your Business Online program covers search engine optimization, online advertising, Google Analytics and Google Trends, among other important topics business owners need to know when advertising their brand online. This event is presented by the Small Business & Technology Development Center at Western Carolina University, Asheville Chamber of Commerce and Venture Asheville.
1 Million Cups Asheville
May 15, 9-10 a.m. @RISC Networks
Asheville’s entrepreneurial community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Indeavor Club Lunch
May 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking, Davidson
Indeavor, a networking club offered to Flywheel Coworking members, is an opportunity to get to know fellow entrepreneurs in the Lake Norman area and swap helpful resources with one another. The lunches are held on the third Wednesday of every month.
Velocity Creative Accelerator Info Session (Greensboro)
May 15, 12-1 p.m. @Launch Greensboro
Velocity, a new 9-week accelerator from the Center for Creative Economy in Winston-Salem, delivers one-on-one online and in-person programming with mentors. Join this brief info session to learn more about the program and how to apply. Applications are due June 2.
Packard Place Public House
May 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Packard Place
On the third Wednesday of every month, the Queen City’s entrepreneurial community joins together for an evening of networking and connections over drinks.
HQ Greensboro Blockchain Workshop
May 16, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. @HQ Greensboro
Insureblocks Founder Walid Al Saqqaf, will lead a workshop on blockchain and how to apply it in any industry.
Spring Cleaning for Startups: Fireside Chat w/ 2ULaundry
May 16, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Hurt Hub @Davidson
Startup Grind Davidson is hosting a fireside chat with Alex Smereczniak, CEO and co-founder of 2ULaundry, who will share his entrepreneurial journey, his experience in Techstars Atlanta and Wake Forest University’s entrepreneurship program, and lessons learned along the way.
Carolina Fintech Hub Monthly Meetup
May 16, 4-5 p.m. @Packard Place
The discussion theme for this month’s Carolina Fintech Hub meetup is on 5G. The event also features a live recording of the Fintech Moshpit.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
May 16, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
Founders & Funders Happy Hour
May 16, 6-8 p.m. @204 North Kitchen and Cocktails
StartCharlotte is hosting an informal networking event for startup founders, investors and partners. Free beverages and hors d’oeuvres provided.
Women in Tech: Charlotte
May 17, 8:30-10:30 a.m. @Wells Fargo Auditorium at Knight Theater
NC TECH is hosting a panel discussion on how the tech sector can expand its female workforce.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
May 17, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Application Deadline: Launch Greensboro LaunchLab 101
May 17
This five-week accelerator program, hosted by Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, is an opportunity for startup teams and founders to develop their customer base, form a market strategy, learn financial skills and how to pitch to investors. Sessions begin in June. Applications are due at 5 p.m.
LaunchCamp Tech
May 18-19
LaunchCamp Tech, sponsored by NC IDEA, is a weekend workshop covering business model frameworks, funnel-building strategies, design methods, and more related concepts.
Application Deadline: Fish 2.0 South Atlantic Track
May 19
Fish 2.0’s South Atlantic track provides seafood businesses with the opportunity to meet new investors and trade partners in the industry.
Lunch & Learn: Instagram for Your Business
May 20, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Greensboro
In this free workshop, participants will learn how to curate engaging content for their Instagram business account, and understand insights and analytics to run targeted ads on the platform. The session will be led by Ranata Reeder, owner of Reeder Communications, LLC.
Energy Technology Series Featuring Cellwatch
May 20, 4:30-6 p.m. @UNC Charlotte – EPIC
Join energy professionals for a presentation on emerging energy technology from Cellwatch Frontier, a solution for rail, telecom and power utilities.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Investor Reception
May 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance investor members/representatives are invited to attend this exclusive evening reception.
Application Deadline: NC IDEA LABS
May 20
NC IDEA LABS is a four-week program that helps early-stage entrepreneurs with customer discovery, validation, decision-making and growth planning. Subsequent mentorship and resources are offered to participants who achieve significant progress in the program. Applications close at 5 p.m. May 20.
Asheville Chamber Business Before Hours
May 21, 8-9 a.m. @IFB Solutions
This month, Asheville Chamber’s “Business Before Hours” event will be hosted by IFB Solutions.
Impactful Community Connections
May 21, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Hilton Charlotte University
The north chapter of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is hosting a panel focused on public-private partnerships, featuring leaders from Carolina Raptor Center, Duke Energy Foundation, Out Teach, SHARE Charlotte and TIAA.
Lunch & Learn: Demystifying the Patent Process
May 21, 12-1 p.m. @The Launch Factory
At this lunch and learn, SotoIP Co-Founder and Patent Attorney John Sotomayor covers everything from patent type definitions and qualifications, to the application process, to building an IP portfolio.
2019 TECH CEO Online Auction
May 21-23
Register as a bidder for the NC TECH Association’s exclusive online auction, which offers the opportunity to win one-on-one meetings with executives at North Carolina tech companies. The auction supports NC TECH’s programming and founder’s scholarship.
2019 Coastal Entrepreneur Awards
May 22, 7:30-10 a.m. @UNCW Burney Center
UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal are co-hosting an awards program to spotlight the latest leaders and entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region’s business community. (More coverage here.)
Breakfast w/ the New CEO of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
May 22, 8:30-10:30 a.m. @The Employers Association
Leadership North Carolina is hosting a breakfast discussion with Janet LaBar, president and CEO of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. Come to network and learn more about the Alliance’s programs in Charlotte.
1 Million Cups Asheville
May 22, 9-10 a.m. @RISC Networks
Asheville’s entrepreneurial community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Young Professionals Mixer
May 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Bulla Gastrobar
Join the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance for the next YP networking event. Registration is $5 in advance or $10 at the door.
Lunch & Learn: Marketing with Science
May 23, 12-1 p.m. @HQ Greensboro
Learn the science and strategy behind viral marketing from Courtney Gatter, founder of Marketing with Science.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
May 23, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
British American Business Council Charlotte After Hours
May 23, 5:30-7 p.m. @Big Ben Pub
British American Business Council-Charlotte is hosting an evening of networking with the Charlotte business community. Registration is free.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
May 24, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance: Workforce Development & Education Committee
May 28, 8:30-10 a.m. @Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center
For this meeting, the Workforce Development and Education Committee will discuss local partnerships between the Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Central Piedmont Community College and The ROC, Inc.
Cape Fear Women in Tech Meetup
May 28, 5:30-7 p.m. @tekMountain
Cape Fear Women in Tech’s next meetup features a talk with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Executive and Vice Chair of U.S. Women in Nuclear Jhansi Kandasamy.
1 Million Cups Asheville
May 29, 9-10 a.m. @RISC Networks
Asheville’s entrepreneurial community meets weekly to hear presentations and support one another in continuing to grow.
Behind the Scenes: Silicon Valley, USA
May 29, 5-7:30 p.m. @Hurt Hub @Davidson
LaunchLKN is hosting a talk with entrepreneur John East, previously of Fairchild Semiconductor and Actel. He’ll share his perspective on watching Silicon Valley grow to the status it has reached today.
Technical Resume Writing Workshop
May 29, 7-8:30 p.m.
Tech Talent South is hosting a free resume writing workshop where a seasoned IT professional will provide tips for success.
Skookum Volcano Tour
May 30, 12-1 p.m. @Skookum Charlotte
Join an open tour of the Skookum office to get an introduction to the tech and ideas powering the community. The Skookum team will be available for any questions or comments participants may have. Lunch will be provided.
NEWilm Event, Featuring Bronto Software Co-Founder Joe Colopy
May 30, 4-7 p.m. @Ironclad Brewery
For its next event, Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington will host a conversation with Joe Colopy, co-founder of Bronto Software, who will share his entrepreneurial journey and latest work as the founder of GrepBeat.
Venture Café Thursday Gathering
May 30, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant
Held on a weekly basis, this Venture Café event series provides all sorts of programming for Piedmont Triad entrepreneurs and innovators. Every Thursday evening, the community gathers for networking, panel talks, workshops, presentations, product demos, interviews, and more.
PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour
May 31, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider
The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.
Application Deadline: NC TECH Betsy Y. Justus Founders Scholarship
May 31
Established in memory of the founding CEO of the NC TECH Association, the Betsy Y. Justus Founders Scholarship supports young women who are pursuing an academic and career path in technology and engineering. The scholarship is offered on an annual basis. Two selected students will receive $4,000 and a Lenovo computer.