What to See at Glendale Tech Week 2019

This September, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech fans of all stripes will once again come streaming into downtown Glendale for seven days of events, panels, and mixers for Glendale Tech Week 2019. Here at Phonexa, we couldn’t be more thrilled to help kick off this year’s Tech Week as the presenting sponsor of the Opening Day Tech Experience—and as the title sponsor for the entirety of Glendale Tech Week.

Glendale Tech Week is entering its fourth year and the region’s tech scene is as robust as ever: new startups have set up shop, known companies continue to grow, and the next generation of founders are getting a boost from a million dollar state commitment to a local tech incubator.

After playing a sponsorship role last year, it was a natural move for Phonexa to up our commitment level to be the top sponsor this year as a reflection of how Phonexa has grown significantly all while giving back to the community with volunteer days and support of the arts.

In our title sponsor role, we’ve been keeping watch as the schedule comes together with over 30 incredible events in just one week’s time. Here are a few select ones you won’t want to miss.

Pitchfest and a Week of Opportunity

One aspect of Tech Week that draws the most enthusiasm is the exciting doors that it opens for tech-minded go-getters of all levels, from newly graduated programmers to eager business leaders. These are the big moments where the virtual becomes reality.

Pitchfest and Keynote Lunch / Thursday, September 19th @ 12:00pm

Arguably the marquee event of Glendale Tech Week, Pitchfest gives hungry innovators a platform to pitch their tech ideas to industry professionals for the chance to win a startup dream prize that includes strategic advice from a VC firm, complimentary office space, thousands of dollars in video and marketing services, free legal advice, and more.

Pitchfest is also where Phonexa will be debuting a brand new web commercial that gives a clever wink and nod to the original Silicon Valley startups of the 1970s (If you haven’t seen our first commercial, The Telephone, you can check it out at the end of this article).

Career Fair / Wednesday, September 18th @ 9:00am

Job seekers of all experience levels are encouraged to turn out for the Tech Week Career Fair, hosted by the Verdugo Jobs Center. Here, candidates will have the chance to speak one-on-one with representatives from Glendale’s wide array of expanding tech firms.

Meet the Funders / Monday, September 16th@ 6:00pm

This speed-networking event seeks to connect enterprising innovators with the VC funds and guidance they need to get their business off the ground. Mentors and venture capitalists will be available to talk about the next wave of big ideas after a keynote panel.

Community Events for the Whole Family

While economic development is a driving force at Glendale Tech Week, organizers have made sure there is plenty of fun to be had even if you don’t know the difference between PHP and HTML. Here are a few activities that give everybody the chance to get in on the tech extravaganza.

Open House at Molten Metal Works / Sunday, September 15th @ 1:00pm

For all the tiny gadgets that tech puts at our fingertips it’s easy to forget that most of our favorite devices start with some serious metal craftsmanship. Molten Metal Works is giving locals the chance to get hands-on with some of their equipment. They’ll also be showing off a “giant metal-cutting robot.”

Professor Egghead’s Science Workshop / Tuesday, September 17th @ 6:00pm

In the great tradition of Bill Nye the Science Guy and Mr. Wizard comes this early evening science workshop from Professor Egghead Science Academy and Live. Love. Play. Encouraged for kids age 6-10 but welcome to the curious across all age groups, this interactive workshop and play session should have young ones zipping around like electrons outside an atom.

Glendale Techies Old School Game Night / Friday, September 20th @ 6:00pm

Take it back to your roots with this informal game night with new kid on the block PickTrace as they host a night of beer, pizza, and board games all while explaining a little more about their business and what brought them down to Glendale from the Bay Area.

Celebrating Tech

There’s clearly no shortage of terrific business opportunities, but what would a week-long city celebration of tech be without a chance to network, sample some great food and drink, and just generally connect IRL? Here are some of the best events where you can wet your whistle and boost your LinkedIn connection count.

Glendale Tech Week Awards Party / Thursday, September 19th @ 6:00pm

Tech Week’s closing night party is not to be missed—the lavish event held on the Green at the Americana on Brand brings together the many players and attendees from throughout the week to share a toast to the future of the tech industry in Glendale. Don’t miss out on this buzzy affair that features local food and drink vendors plus an awards ceremony to highlight some of the best in Glendale tech.

The Art of Gaming Mixer & Panel / Wednesday, September 18th @ 6:00pm

Plug in to the latest buzz in the gaming industry with this panel and mixer dedicated to the continually booming world of video games, esports, and more.

Mocktails and Marketing / Wednesday, September 18th @ 5:00pm

Get in tune with better marketing practices all while imbibing some delicious drinks sans booze that will let you stay sharp for any panels to follow later that evening.

See You There—and Say Hello!

As the title sponsor of this year’s Glendale Tech Week, all of us at Phonexa will be out and about at plenty of these events. We’ll have booths set up at the Opening Day Tech Experience, the Career Fair on Wednesday, and at Thursday night’s Tech Awards Party.

Plus, as mentioned, we’ll be debuting a brand new tech-centric commercial at Pitchfest on Thursday afternoon. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can view our YouTube spot from earlier this year—The Telephone—below.

Don’t forget to connect with Phonexa on Facebook and LinkedIn for new content and company updates.