where to be
10+ can't-miss Houston business and innovation events for May
It's time to look at what's on the agenda for May for Houston innovators — from pitch competitions to networking events.
Here's a roundup of events not to miss this month. Mark your calendars and register accordingly.
Note: This post might be updated to add more events.
May 1-4 — Offshore Technology Conference
Since 1969, OTC has served as a central hub convening the best and brightest minds in the world to share ideas, and innovations and discuss, debate, and build consensus around the most pressing topics facing the offshore energy sector.
The event is Monday, May 1, to Thursday, May 4, at NRG Park. Click here to register.
May 2 — EDGE Technology Showcase 2023: Delivering the Future
Oceanit’s 2023 EDGE Technology Showcase will run alongside Houston's Offshore Technology Conference, the Oceanit EDGE Technology Showcase event will feature technologies that are delivering the future, from deep sea to deep space — from disruptive innovations to scalable turnkey solutions.
The event is Tuesday, May 2, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, at 1940 Air Terminal Museum. Click here to register.
May 3 — Women, Wine & Web Design - Houston
Create a web page, enjoy some wine, and network with like-minded Houston area women.
The event is Wednesday, May 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, at Improving (10111 Richmond Ave.). Click here to register.
May 10 — Energy 2.0 UN-Conference - NetZero: A Race We Can All Win
Energy 2.0 is the UNconference where we celebrate diverse perspectives, technologies, and people driving the energy transition forward.
The event is Wednesday, May 10, from 8 am to 5 pm, at Woodside Energy (1500 Post Oak Blvd.). Click here to register.
May 11 — Investor Studio Series Dream Big Ventures x Ion
Hear from experts Staci Latoison, founder of Dream Big Ventures; Ramona Ortega, founder and CEO of WealthBuild.ai; and Nan Almodovar, CEO & broker.
The event is Thursday, May 11, from 5 to 7 pm, at the Ion. Click here to register.
May 11-13 — Rice Business Plan Competition
With access to mentors, real-world experience and investment opportunities, the Rice Business Plan Competition helps student founders stay on target and realize their potential. Click here to see the 2023 teams.
The event is Thursday, May 11, to Saturday, May 13, at Rice University. Click here to register.
May 12 — Linkedin Profile Refresh Workshop
This event is not just about learning new tips and tricks; it's about putting them into practice right then and there.
During the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to work on your LinkedIn profile in real-time, making changes and optimizing it for more visibility and opportunities.
The event is Friday, May 12, from 8:30 to 10:30 am, at the Ion. Click here to register.
May 17 — Engage VC: Scale Venture Partners
Alex Niehenke, Partner at Scale Venture Partners is coming to Houston and will be featured in our fireside chat moderated by Emily Hak, Managing Director, Private Capital Markets at Insperity.
The event is Wednesday, May 17, from 8:30 to 10:30 am, at the Ion. Click here to register.
May 17-19: Ion Activation Festival
Ion District is celebrating its second annual festival of innovation in Houston, known as Activation Festival which will feature:
- A multi-day showcase of Ion District + Ion and its innovation ecosystem partners
- An array of futuristic activations and programs alongside a lineup of engaging keynote speakers and experiences
- A community-wide block party Friday to celebrate the heart of Houston's new innovation district
The event is Wednesday, May 17, to Friday, May 19, at The Ion. Click here to register.
May 18 — Softeq Venture Studio Houston Investor Demo Day: H1 2023 Cohort
At the Houston Investor Demo Day, founders will give their 3-minute pitch, followed by a networking session where you may get a demo of their product and ask any questions. We need you there to evaluate them for investment and give them feedback! Afterward, happy hour and dinner.
The event is Thursday, May 18, from 3 to 7 pm, at Fleming's Steakhouse (CityCentre). Click here to register.
May 23 — Houston Veterans In Residence Showcase
Bunker Labs’ Veterans in Residence Showcase is a nationwide event, celebrating our program participants as they have completed Bunker Labs' six month Veterans in Residence Program.
The event is Tuesday, May 23, from 6 to 8 pm, at Impact Hub Houston. Click here to register.
May 25 — Greentown Houston + BCG X Pitch Day
Join Greentown Houston and BCG X for a pitch competition featuring Greentown startups that are raising their pre-seed and seed rounds to grow their networks and scale their cutting-edge climatetech solutions. The winners will walk away with a total of $10,000 in cash prizes and services support from BCG X. We will also have a Fan Favorite prize, sponsored by O'Melveny who will provide in-kind service in the form of 5 hours of virtual 1:1 office consult on general corporate matters.
The event is Thursday, May 25, from 3:30 to 7:30 pm, at Greentown Houston. Click here to register.
May 30-31 — Women in Tech Texas
Discover the technologies in today's quickly changing world and learn new forward-thinking concepts in business and the workforce that will radically change our future. Join over 1,000 leading women in technology and diversity champions driving the innovation revolution to pioneer the future of technology and business.
The event is Tuesday, May 30, to Wednesday, May 31, at the Hyatt Regency. Click here to register.
May 31 — Demystifying Startup Impact Investing: SWAN Impact Network
SWAN Impact Network is joining the startup ecosystem in Houston. Join the organization for a panel with local thought leaders on "Demystifying Startup Impact Investing” and a time for networking over light bites and drinks. SWAN is an angel network whose members put their money to work to make a difference by enabling creative entrepreneurs with solid plans for financial success to address the world’s most pressing problems.
The event is Wednesday, May 31, from 6 to 7:30 pm, at Ion Houston. Click here to register.
The leader of the Skin of Color Clinic is assistant professor of dermatology, Oyetewa Oyerinde. Photo via bcm.edu