About this Event
Connect with Chicago's AI, tech, startup and investment community in one energetic evening of conversations, introductions and opportunities.
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"
Event venue & nearby stays
Theory, 9 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.