Growing Techweek gives local tech firms a boost
The third annual Techweek, set for June 27-29 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, will feature about 150 technology companies from the city and suburbs, about twice as many compared to last year.
Besides technology startups, the event will feature well-established suburban companies, including Google's Motorola Mobility in Libertyville and Chicago. Moto is a sponsor and plans to be involved in various programs and a job recruiting fair.
Other suburban companies include SWC Technology Partners in Oak Brook, Lextech Global Services in Lisle, Halock Security Labs in Schaumburg, CDW in Vernon Hills, Gogo in Itasca and others, said Sam Kennedy, Techweek's executive director.
“Techweek seeks to enable the innovation ecosystem beyond traditional tech hubs,” said Kennedy. “Today's tech businesses are not confined by a headquarters. The many suburban companies that will come to Techweek are a testament to that.”
Also, the number of participants are expected to increase to about 8,000, compared to about 5,600 last year.
The overall increases show that technology here has become a new epicenter outside of Silicon Valley.
“It shows we have hard nosed, hard working and practical companies here,” Kennedy said.
Like other trade shows, the event is expected to provide massive exhibits showing the latest innovation, keynote speakers, workshops and networking events over the three days. Something new this year will be a fashion tech show since the web has become a storefront where shoppers often go to first to buy, Kennedy said.
Also, consumers and business clients alike can expect some news to emerge from Techweek, he said.
Surfing: Skokie-based Peapod.com will add pickup locations in Lincolnshire on July 15; Schaumburg in late July; and Arlington Heights and Crystal Lake by early fall. Shoppers can order online and schedule a same-day pickup. Peapod associates will greet you at your car, collect your coupons and load groceries into your vehicle for you in about 5 minutes. The service is free and there is no order minimum order. Same-day service is available for orders placed before 10 a.m. with pick up after 4 p.m., for a $2 service fee, a company spokeswoman said.
Ÿ The Geneva Chamber of Commerce and CGTek Inc. are again offering the MyFest: Geneva Swedish Days Mobile App. MyFest is available for Android mobile devices and on Apple for iPhone and iPad. To learn more, see cgtekinc.com or genevachamber.com. The festival runs June 18-23.
Ÿ Financial Management Systems, a longtime U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid contractor in Rolling Meadows, has launched www.MyEdDebt.io to provide self-service options to defaulted student loan borrowers.
Ÿ Follow Anna Marie Kukec on LinkedIn and Facebook and as AMKukec on Twitter. Write to her at akukec@dailyherald.com.