For many of us, life in the city can be hard. But what if there was a future where life in the city is not as hard?
That’s what FUTUREDUDE is all about.
CO-LAB-OR-8 is bringing together futurists, artists, doers, visionaries, and entrepreneurs with a passion for creative placemaking and experience curation for a daylong discussion of all the ways we can make our current place a future place.
FUTUREDUDE is all about reimagining the urban experience for a new generation of humans. You’ll hear from keen observers and creative minds who will share insights and inspiration from their lives and work. Our speakers offer diverse approaches to tackling some tough problems, but one thing they all have in common is a deep passion for making a difference.
Meet the Speakers
Chip Dinkenmeyer, CEO PlaceMååk: Chip wanted to do something unexpected. Instead of joining the family firm like his father and brothers, he wanted to find real ways to make life better for people in and around the city. He founded PlaceMååk as a way to give back. Through Chip’s visionary leadership, a once blighted city parking lot has been transformed into a colorful oasis for visitors, commuters, and residents alike. And he’s just getting started.
Korey Schmid, AirBNB owner: As an entrepreneur in the urban housing space, Korey knows about housing challenges the city is facing firsthand. He’ll share strategies for overcoming hardships like speaking with neighbors, and why branching out from mid-century modern aesthetics is essential for sustainable success.
Tim Todd, Creative: Tim Todd is the award-winning creative mind behind some of the region’s most memorable activations including “Biscuit City Bingo” and the “Hey, It’s Me, Casey” ad which airs on the big screen at amateur sports arenas in the tri-state area. Tim Todd will share his perspectives on developing leading-edge campaigns that highlight the intersection between brands and the heart and soul of a city.
Alan Chuntz, Founder R-Twn AI: A lifelong lover of all things tech, Alan is responsible for one of the city’s hottest new start-ups: Bite. The vegan restaurant is a passion project for the animal lover who wanted to create “the most humane restaurant ever.” Staffed entirely by robots, Bite’s hyperlocal menu is powered by artificial intelligence developed by R-Twn AI.
“Double” Patty Berger, Local Foodivore: You may know him as P-Dubs thanks to his locally viral video series, now in its tenth season. Patty loves food, and he loves sharing his big heart, and passion for good, honest cooking with others. He’ll give away a few of his secrets for finding amazing eats anywhere you go, and might give us taste of what season 11 has in store. Like Patty says, “Make mine a double!”
Shia Dobbs Entrepreneur, Urbanist, Storyteller, Connector: Shia relocated to the city seven years ago and immediately saw opportunity. As a multi-hyphenate talent, he’s a natural connecter moving deftly between different spheres of influence. He created CO-LAB-OR-8 to bring together the brightest minds he could find to “solve for hope,” and deliver innovative solutions for urban challenges. His most recent project is developing a set of custom emojis for the mayor.
The Deets
The FUTUREDUDE microconference experience will be held at Woven. The former sock factory and yarn warehouse has been stunningly reimagined as an upscale mixed-use development. Exposed brick and time-worn details from its factory days co-mingle with ultra-modern touches, including a plant wall that pays tribute to the victims of the Great Entanglement Tragedy of 1913 in which 28 workers perished.
Refreshments will be available to attendees courtesy of Bite. Plus, Hydr8 will be on hand with a selection of bespoke water from their rotating menu of more than 30 different craft waters from around the world.
Claim your place at the FUTUREDUDE miniconference experience and be ready to leave energized, empowered, and excited for what’s next!
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