It’s time for round six of Chicago Ideas Week (CIW), one of the largest festivals our fantastic city has to offer. Between Oct. 17 and 23, you can attend talks, conversations and labs on a wealth of, well, ideas — from journalism to entrepreneurship to politics. With speakers this year including entertainment exec Ariel Emanuel, FIFA World Cup Champion Abby Wambach and Skinnygirl cocktail creator (slash ex-Real Housewife) Bethenny Frankel, there’s something for every Chicagoan with an idea.
Tickets for members and general admission tickets are now available at ChicagoIdeas.com, and most tickets cost as little as $15. Here are seven events you absolutely must attend.
Oct. 17: How to Close the Gap
Women in business have a tough go of it — between the pay gap and the deeply entrenched misogyny of the business world, it can be hard to make it … no matter how far you lean in. Join CIW at the Blue1647 Technology Innovation Center in Pilsen for a Conversation with a group of women business and community leaders about overcoming underrepresentation in the business world. Attendees will attempt to “unlock solutions for the problems high-impact organizations face, participate in an interactive brainstorming exercise and gain exposure to leaders and minority-owned brands … active across the nation.”
Oct. 18: Pie Making 101 With Bang Bang Pie Shop
If you aren’t already well acquainted with Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, then I don’t know what to tell you. Between pies like malted milk chocolate and honey as well as a serious selection of ultra-decadent biscuits (the brisket version comes with stone fruit BBQ sauce and house-made coleslaw on top of a pile of smoked meat), Bang Bang is arguably one of the finest eateries in Chicago. And now, you can learn ALL OF THEIR SECRETS. Not only do you get to bake your own pie, you’ll also get a history of the shop courtesy of founder Michael Ciapciak. Plus coffee and wine, of course.
Notes: Must be 21+ to attend. Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and pull back your hair.
Oct. 19: Chicago: Where Diversity Meets Segregation
It’s no secret that Chicago is having a rough go of it lately. Between our beleaguered public schools and skyrocketing gun violence, there are deep-seated issues our city needs to address. Join Bridget Gainer, the Cook County commissioner for the 10th Ward, Natalie Moore from WBEZ, Rami Nashashibi, the executive director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network, and Sheldon Smith, the executive director and founder of The Dovetail Project, for a Conversation about Chicago’s structural racism and a discussion about creative solutions for “bridging the gap between the ‘two Chicagos.’”
Oct. 20: Take a Stand: A Sneak Preview of the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s Groundbreaking New Exhibit
This is your first opportunity to take a look into the newest exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, called the Take A Stand Center. Using groundbreaking technology that allowed survivors to share stories, respond to questions and engage in conversation with a live audience, the exhibit is truly one of a kind. Attendees will be able to experience the technology firsthand by asking questions to a life-size video projection of Pinchus Gutter, a Holocaust survivor, in what is sure to be a memorable and moving lab.
Notes: Due to sensitive content, attendees must be 14 years of age and older.
Oct. 21: Exploring the New World of Travel
Everyone loves a good vacation — whether it’s a white sand beach or a European art museum. In this Conversation, you’ll join CIW and some of the “leading faces in the travel industry” to learn about making the most of your next adventure. Bon voyage!
Oct. 22: Yes, YOU Can Meditate
If you haven’t already tried meditation and would like to start, have tried to start and failed miserably (aka fell asleep) or are just interested in learning about its many healing qualities, this Lab will be perfect for you. Held at the Darshan Center, you’ll learn about the Darshan Method from creator Jim Kulackoski and its roots in Vedic yoga teachings. You’ll be led through healing poses and have a lesson on dietary cleansing practices and remedies.
Notes: Wear comfortable clothes for stretching and moving.
Oct. 23: Hives That Thrive With the Westside Bee Boyz
Join Chicago’s Urban Beekeepers in their efforts to save the bees and keep our world afloat (no big deal). The founders, who have more than 50 years of combined beekeeping experience, will be leading a hands-on inspection of the hives. Participants at the Lab will gain a better understanding of why Chicago is a great city for beekeeping and what exactly goes into making a healthy hive.
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