1 Million Cups: Iowa Ideas presented by The Gazette

1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids

Join The Gazette team members as they talk about the history and current plans for their signature statewide Iowa Ideas event on October 12-13, 2023. Combining innovative ways to gather people and share ideas with the classic elements of journalism have built this experience into one of the largest idea-sharing conferences in the Midwest.  Full details about the conference and free registration are available at iowaideas.com

About Iowa Ideas:
The Gazette launched Iowa Ideas in the fall of 2016 with the intent to be an inclusive gathering hub for passionate Iowans to explore and discuss issues impacting the state. The exchange of views across industries, party lines, and positions as Iowans became a quick win in both attendee experience and solutions-driven content.
In 2020, restrictions of a national pandemic, alongside a natural disaster of derecho led to a commitment to move the conference forward in 2020 as an all-virtual, all-access experience that welcomed a record 1200 attendees. The message was clear: Iowa Ideas was no longer a luxury, but a necessity to gain a greater understanding of what issues, challenges, and solutions we face as a state.

Iowa Ideas has reached a statewide footprint that features hundreds of local, state, and national speakers. The conference remains free to attend, with the support of our generous sponsors. Every track of Iowa Ideas has worked through an internal and statewide advisory council working with event organizers to identify the most current issues within the sectors of education, health care, workforce, human and social services, diversity, equity and inclusion, community development, energy and environment, and policy.
There is truly nothing like Iowa Ideas offered in our state. Who attends? Policymakers, students, seasoned leaders, small business owners, and individuals with a passion for Iowa, and beyond. If you care about Iowa, this conference-this experience-is for you.

Program Schedule

• 8:30 to 9:00 – Coffee & Conversation
• 9:00 to 9:45 – Official Program
• 9:45 to 10:00 – Q&A

Want to stay up to date on 1MC events and presenters? Or do you want to present or nominate a community member? Visit the 1 Million Cups page below to sign up for our newsletter or apply to present!

Learn more about 1 Million Cups
https://newbo.co/1mc/

About 1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids

The Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups (1MC) on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and network over a million cups of coffee. We welcome early-stage businesses and established companies facing interesting challenges to present their companies. Typically, one or several representatives present before a panel of experts. They seek advice and then engage the audience in a question-and-answer session to encourage collaborative and honest conversations. We also feature expert speakers, founder fireside interviews, and explorations of business failures and the lessons learned!

The Cedar Rapids chapter is the sixth in the U.S., and events take place almost every Wednesday. Every event is free, and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend!

Join us Wednesdays @ 8:30 a.m. at The Olympic Theater South Side (1202 3rd St SE #200, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401)! Each event features a presentation or conversation with a new founder, entrepreneur, business leader, subject matter expert, or creative. Find a list of upcoming events and presenters on our Calendar.

We update events as new information is available, so check the calendar often!