From the Thinc Iowa Opening Party on October 20 to the closing party the next evening, we’ve chosen five local, downtown Des Moines venues showcasing the vibrance and culture of Iowa’s capitol city. (See photo credits below.)
Update: We’ve published a Google Map with all the locations pinned: “Thinc Iowa 2011 Map“
As we near the date of the inaugural Thinc Iowa, an event we’re producing to explore the common ground between startups and established corporations, we’ve been thrilled to announce our first wave of speakers and sponsors. Today, we’re excited to reveal another important part of the day and a half event: the venues all those speakers, sponsors and attendees will gather.
Thanks to our sponsor
For Thinc Iowa and Big Omaha, our two major events, our mission is to deliver attendees a complete experience, from badge pick-up to last call at our closing party. As an attendee, you can expect an all-inclusive experience – as in, we just about wipe your chin after lunch all-inclusive – with drinks provided at the opening party, breakfast the morning of the conference, lunch, happy hour drinks and drinks at the closing party (OK, no dinner, but that’s for the deep networking!).
We’re especially excited about our venue lineup as they’re all located in beautiful downtown Des Moines, with a majority of them located on or near the fantastic John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. We’re proud of the downtown area and we can’t wait to showcase it through Thinc Iowa.
So, without further ado, here’s our lineup of venues where the magic will happen:
Opening Party – Des Moines Social Club
400 Walnut St | desmoinessocialclub.com
On Thursday, October 20, Thinc Iowa kicks off with the opening party at the Des Moines Social Club in the lobby of the historic Kirkwood Hotel. Not a club in a traditional sense, the DMSC is a home for art and culture in downtown Des Moines and everyone is welcome. Party open to the public. (Screenshot from desmoinessocialclub.com)
The Main Event – Temple for Performing Arts
1011 Locust St | templeforperformingarts.com
Doors will open Friday, October 21 at 8 a.m. in the ballroom at the top of the Temple for Performing Arts. Much like the Thinc Iowa theme of “the common ground between startups and coporations” this nearly 100 year old building, originally a Masonic Temple, will be an intersection between historic materials like marble and wood and contemporary technology, art and culture. Conference limited to Thinc Iowa badge holders. (Photo from templeforperformingarts.com)
Lunch – Des Moines Public Library
Located next door to the historic Temple is the beautiful central Des Moines Public Library. This modern building, an innovative design by British architect David Chipperfield, has an eye-catching glass and copper metal skin wrapping each of its walls and an active organic green roof, which is a perfect fit for its setting amidst the surrounding Western Gateway Park. Lunch limited to Thinc Iowa badge holders. (Photo Byran Norwood via Flickr)
Happy Hour – Raccoon River Brewing Company
After the main event comes to a close, all badge holders are invited to a complimentary happy hour a few blocks down at Raccoon River Brewing Company. Named for one of the rivers that traverses Des Moines, this brewpub is one of Des Moines’ most active. Join us for drinks, chat and billiards. Happy Hour limited to Thinc Iowa badge holders. (Photo from raccoonbrew.com)
Closing Party – Americana
1312 Locust St | americanadsm.com
Thinc Iowa will close with a party at one of downtown’s newest venues, Americana. Recently the site of an at capacity meetup for Des Moines-based startup Dwolla, Americana features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on Des Moines’ 4.4 acre Pappajohn Sculpture Park, home to 27 works reportedly valued at more than $40 million. The park’s namesake, John Pappajohn, is one of the cities most visible venture capitalists. Closing Party open to the public. (Photo by Geoff Wood)
Thinc Iowa will be held next door to the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a park showcasing a collection of sculptures worth an estimated $40 million. Photo by Angelo Mercado via Flickr.
Hotels
If you’re joining us from out of town or would just like to stay a little closer to the event venues, we’ve selected three hotels in the heart of city. When booking, mention “Thinc Iowa” for a group discount rate:
- Hyatt Place (418 6th Avenue)
- Renaissance Savery Hotel (401 Locust Street)
- Hotel Fort Des Moines (1000 Walnut Street)
Tickets
A limited number of early bird tickets still remain but not for long. Pick up your ticket today at eventbrite.com.
More
To learn about the speakers, sponsors and more, visit thinciowa.com. Also, stay tuned to Silicon Prairie News for more Thinc Iowa announcements in the coming weeks.
