NC event headliners: Fintech VC, ReCONNECT, UNCW Innovation & more

Here’s our latest wrapup of upcoming conferences, contests, workshops, application deadlines and socials happening across North Carolina through the end of November.

Included are upcoming meetups, conferences, workshops, socials and networking events happening in Asheville, Charlotte, the Piedmont Triad, Wilmington and other areas throughout North Carolina.

To find out what’s happening this month in the Triangle, check out part one of this week’s column.

Another post previews events coming in December. Recurring monthly meetups 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.

Investing in Cannabis (Legally)

November 12, 5:30-8 p.m. @HQ Greensboro

Investment analyst Charles Freeman will share insights on the investment opportunities and regulatory considerations in the legal cannabis industry.

ABD Society + UNCC Present: Data Analytics Speaker Series

November 12, 6-7 p.m. @UNC Charlotte Center City

Analytics and Big Data Society and UNC Charlotte’s Data Science Initiative are co-hosting a discussion on how blockchain technology can be used for social impact, featuring Blockchain CLT Founder and CEO Ricardo G. Diaz.

How to Start a Startup (Davidson)

November 12, 6-8 p.m. @Flywheel – Davidson

Flywheel Coworking is offering a weekly course on startup business development, covering lean startup methods, best-practices, validation, business models, and more. The curriculum is developed by experts from Stanford University and Y Combinator.

Application Deadline: UNCW Innovation Concept Pitch Competition

November 12

The fourth annual Innovation Concept Pitch Competition (held November 26 at the Cameron Hall Auditorium) features a series of five-minute business concept pitches by six UNC Wilmington students. A prize of $500 will be awarded to the winner. Second and third place winners will get $250 and $150, respectively. Applications are due November 12 at 11:59 p.m.

2018 Start. Grow. Thrive. Conference

November 13, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. @A-B Tech/ Mission Health Conference Center

Now in its second year, this conference aims to advance and celebrate entrepreneurship across Western North Carolina. This is the region’s feature event for Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Think Tank

November 13, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. @National Gypsum Technology Innovation Center

Join a small group of innovators to discuss how their organizations are working to recruit, engage and retain the next generation of workers. Agenda, details and prices here.

Charlotte IoT Lunch & Learn: A Designer’s Perspective—How to Focus Your Brand’s Story

November 13, 12-1 p.m. @Advent Coworking Space

Nathan Wills, senior industrial designer at Laut Design, will lead a workshop on brand storytelling through visuals, standards and language.

The Triad’s Fundraising Landscape, with Lou Anne Flanders-Stec

November 13, 12-1 p.m. @Winston Starts

For the next installment of Winston Starts’ Inform Speaker Series, Launch Greensboro EVP of Entrepreneurship Lou Anne Flanders-Stec will discuss First Launch Capital Fund’s new $2.5 million program that invests in pre-seed/seed-stage startups in the Piedmont Triad region.

Your City Your Future: Focus Session 1

November 13, 12-1:30 p.m. @HQ Greensboro

The City of Greensboro will present an overview of its Comprehensive Plan, collecting participants’ feedback in the process. Lunch provided.

Online Info Session: Innovate Charlotte Mentorship Program

November 13, 3:30 p.m.

Join this online information session to learn more about Innovate Charlotte’s mentorship program for startup teams.

Your City Your Future: Focus Session 2

November 13, 5:30-7 p.m. @Action Greensboro

The City of Greensboro will present an overview of its Comprehensive Plan, collecting participants’ feedback in the process.

Introduction to the Charlotte Startup Community

November 13, 5:30-7 p.m. @BLKTECHCLT

Those unacquainted with the Queen City startup scene are invited to attend a free orientation to the community presented by StartCharlotte. The event will offer attendees introductions and networking, along with connections to local resources, events, companies, programs, investors, and more. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Flywheel Idea Tap

November 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking

Idea Tap is an opportunity for local startups to present their products/services to an audience and receive feedback on how to refine their pitches. The format involves: a five-minute pitch, a five-minute Q&A and five minutes of audience feedback. This monthly event is always free.

IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE): Interest and Social Meeting

November 13, 6-7 p.m. @UNC Charlotte, EPIC Building

Come and meet new officers and members in the IEEE Women in Engineering afinity group. Light refreshments will be provided.

Ruby on Rails Workshop: Build Your First App

November 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @Advent Coworking

This workshop will guide participants through the fundamentals of Ruby programming in app development.

SEBIO Investor and Partnering Forum in Atlanta

November 13-14 @Loews Atlanta Hotel

The Southeast BIO Investor & Partnering Forum, now in its 20th year, brings together leaders and investors throughout the United States for two days of networking, thought leadership, panel discussions and more.

Southeast Fintech Venture Conference 2018

November 14 @Barings Global Headquarters

This is a full-day event showcasing the top fintech companies in the Southeast. More coverage here.

Charlotte PitchBreakfast: Quarterly IDEA Fund Pitch

November 14, 8-11 a.m. @The Garage at Packard Place

Every month, a handful of Queen City-based companies headline Charlotte PitchBreakfast, pitching their products and services for a total of five minutes, after which they will answer questions from the audience and a panel of entrepreneurs and experts.

Winston-Salem Chamber 2018 Tech Briefing

November 14, 8-10 a.m.

Winston Salem Chamber’s annual Tech Briefing features 10 presenters who each speak for five minutes about their innovative technologies, designs and products. See clips from last year’s program here.

Charlotte Chamber Young Professionals Luncheon: Art in the QC

November 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @Fairfield Inn & Suites, Marriott Charlotte Uptown

This event focuses on Charlotte’s art scene and its impact on the city’s economic development efforts. Panelists include UNCC Adjunct Professor and Rowe Galleries Coordinator Sharon Dowell, Charlotte Ballet Corporate Relations Manager Roslyn Jones, Charlotte Regional Partnership Director of Business Development Steven Pearce and Arts and Science Council Senior VP of Community Investment Katherine Mooring (moderator).

Asheville Chamber Smart Series

November 14, 12-1 p.m. @Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

At the next Asheville Chamber Smart Series event, Aloft Hotel Asheville Downtown General Manager David McCartney will present customer service takeaways that business owners can adopt and apply.

How to Start a Startup (W-S)

November 14, 6-8 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking

Carolina Small Business Development Fund: Veterans Entrepreneurship Opportunities

November 14, 6-9 p.m. @Craven Community College, Bosch AMC Building

Join the Carolina Small Business Development Fund for a discussion about access to capital and resources to start or expand your business.

Charlotte Chamber North Chapter Luncheon: Disruptive Innovation

November 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @NorthStone Country Club

Join the North Chapter of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce in discussing how entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers are changing the business landscape. Speakers include City Startup Labs Founder and Director Henry Rock and Skipper Co-Founder and COO Sebastian Williams.

EY’s 8th Annual Southeast Alternative Funds Symposium in Charlotte

November 15, 4-7 p.m. @Triple C Brewing Co.

Part of a global series in 18 cities worldwide, Ernst & Young’s annual Southeast Alternative Fund Symposium in Charlotte will offer insights from industry and EY leaders about topics concerning innovation and disruption in asset management and other industry segments. Details here.

Venture Café Thursday Gathering

November 15, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem

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: British After Hours Pub Night

November 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @The Suffolk Punch

For its last social of the year, British American Business Council Charlotte is hosting an evening of networking with the Charlotte business community at The Suffolk Punch. This event is free and open to the public.

Silicon Hollar November Startup Social

November 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. @Ransom Boone

Silicon Hollar Startup Social provides casual space to connect with others in the Boone area who are interested in technology and entrepreneurship.

Blockchain LKN Labs: Weekly Crypto Talks Thursdays

November 15, 6-9 p.m. @Jay Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

This weekly meetup is an opportunity for fellow blockchain enthusiasts in the Lake Norman area to join together for beer, coffee, tea or food to discuss all-things-blockchain. Topics rotate every week.

2018 Salem College Women’s Conference: Nurturing Your Personal Ecosystem

November 16, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. @Wake Forest Biotech Place, Atrium (Innovation Quarter)

Salem College Center for Women in Business is hosting a full-day professional and personal development event for women, featuring expert speakers, panel discussions and learning seminars. More details here.

PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour

November 16, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider

The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.

Science Pub

November 16, 5:30-7 p.m. @The Collider

The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) and The Collider are co-hosting a free guest speaker series, Science Pub. Enjoy a night of science over light snacks and refreshments.

Triad Startup Weekend

November 16-18 @Flywheel Coworking

At Techstars Startup Weekend, participants will get to team up, create their own prototypes, understand their target customer, get feedback and iterate accordingly—all in one weekend.

LaunchROCKY MOUNT Info Session

November 17, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. @Station Square

The Helius Foundation has partnered with the World Food Policy Center, The Conetoe Family Center, LaunchRALEIGH and LaunchDURHAM to jumpstart a 10-week training program for startups and small business owners in Rocky Mount. Come to this info session to find out more. Applications are due November 17.

Application Deadline: LaunchROCKY MOUNT

November 17

How to Start a Startup (Davidson)

November 19, 6-8 p.m. @Flywheel – Davidson

Info Session: CMPL Coding Scholarship

November 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. @Packard Place

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Tech Talent South are teaming up to offer a full scholarship of TTS’ eight-week Code Immersion Program. Join this info session to find out more.

Asheville Chamber November Business Before Hours

November 20, 8-9 a.m. @Marthaler Jewelers

This month’s Business Before Hours hosted by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce will be held at Marthaler Jewelers, a local independently owned jewelry store. Come enjoy refreshments and networking with fellow members of the business community.

Lunch & Learn: Adaptable Communication with Katie Marshall

November 20, 12-1 p.m. @Action Greensboro

Join synerG and the Greensboro Jaycees for a lunch & learn on effective communication and leadership, taught by Katie Marshall of Creative Machine Consulting.

Flywheel Coworking Indeavor Club Lunch

November 20, 12-1:30 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking

Indeavor, a networking club offered to all Flywheel Coworking members, is an opportunity to get to know fellow entrepreneurs and swap helpful resources with one another. The lunches are held on the third Tuesday of every month.

Launch Greensboro IdeaLaunch

November 21, 7:45-9 a.m. @Co//ab

The Triad startup community is invited to attend Launch Greensboro’s monthly IdeaLaunch program. It includes a series of four-minute pitches from local startups, along with opportunities to network with fellow entrepreneurs and innovators in Greensboro. This event is free.

Indeavor Club Lunch – Lake Norman

November 21, 12-1:30 p.m. Flywheel Coworking – The Hurt Hub@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.

Packard Place Public House

November 21, 5:30-8 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 free beer and snacks.

How to Start a Startup (Winston)

November 21, 6-8 p.m. @Flywheel Coworking

Venture Café Thursday Gathering

November 22, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem

Blockchain LKN Labs: Weekly Crypto Talks Thursdays

November 22, 6-9 p.m. @Jay Hurt Hub for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

PercCollider Climate Coffee Hour

November 23, 4-5 p.m. @The Collider

The weekly PercCollider event convenes Collider members for networking and collaboration over drinks.

How to Start a Startup (Davidson)

November 26, 6-8 p.m. @Flywheel – Davidson

UNCW Innovation Concept Pitch Competition

November 26, 6-8 p.m. @UNCW, Cameron Hall Auditorium

The fourth annual Innovation Concept Pitch Competition features a series of five-minute business concept pitches by six UNC Wilmington students. A prize of $500 will be awarded to the winner. Second and third place winners will get $250 and $150, respectively. Applications are due November 12 at 11:59 p.m.

ReCONNECT to Community Forum

November 27 @Renaissance Asheville Hotel

The theme for the next Emerging Issues Forum is “ReCONNECT to Community: Increasing Civic Engagement and Dialogue.” It will highlight the different strategies that can be used to engage and connect citizens across the state. (More coverage here.)

Charlotte Chamber Annual Meeting 2018

November 27, 5:45-9:30 p.m. @NASCAR Hall of Fame, Crown Ballroom

This annual event brings together around 2,000 members of the Charlotte business community for an evening of networking, celebrating the year’s accomplishments and looking forward to the future.

Intro to Programming for Business People: Part 1

November 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. @Advent Coworking

Learn the jargon, functions and tools of programming in this two-part course hosted by Tech Talent South Charlotte. Part two of the program is on December 4.

SBIR/STTR Educational Seminar for Science & Tech Startups

November 28, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @Winston Starts

Hosted by First Flight Venture Center’s LiftOff program, this event is part of a series of upcoming training sessions covering SBIR/STTR grant programs for entrepreneurs.

Behind the Scenes: Powering AI/ML and Blockchain in Lake Norman

November 28, 5-7:30 p.m. @The Hurt Hub@Davidson

Go behind the scenes with LaunchLKN’s blockchain interest group as they work to creative innovative solutions to both local and global problems.

Skookum Volcano Tour

November 29, 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.

How Wilmington Entrepreneurs Can Better Use the Available Resources of NC Ecosystem

November 29, 4-6:30 p.m. @Ironclad Brewery

NEW (Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington) invites local entrepreneurs to join for an evening of discussion on the several types of resources offered to accelerate businesses in North Carolina. Speakers include Mesur.io CEO Tom Rump, East Carolina University Innovation and New Ventures Director Mark Wdowik and NC IDEA Senior Director John Austin.

Venture Café Thursday Gathering

November 29, 5-8 p.m. @Bailey Power Plant in Winston-Salem

Venture Cafe ‘Pitch, Please’ Competition

November 29, 6-8 p.m. @Wake Forest Biotech Place

This annual competition features a selection of five of Winston-Salem’s top emerging ventures. Entrepreneurs/teams will present their startups in front of a panel of five judges (local business and startup professionals).