Editor’s note: Houston is living up to its nicknames as Space City and the Energy Capital of the World this month with a lineup of insightful talks, pitch days and industry conferences. Plus, there are opportunities to network over crawfish, learn about brain health and more. Here’s what not to miss and how to register. Please note: this article may be updated to add more events.
May 7 – Ion Block Party and Crawfish Boil
Head to this special edition Block Party, featuring a crawfish cook-off competition among the Ion’s businesses. Competing teams include Transwestern, Microsoft, Rice Alliance, Rice Nexus, South Main Baptist, Per Scholas, Industrious and many others. Taste test crawfish while supplies last, and sip a complimentary drink from Second Draught.
This event is Thursday, May 7, from 4-7 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.
May 12 – Why the Next Decade of Breakthrough Brain Tech Matters For You, and What to Do About It
Hear from Matias Serebrinsky, co-founder and general partner of San Francisco-based PsyMed Ventures, at this talk presented by EO Houston. Serebrinsky will discuss why founders are disproportionately affected by brain health issues and look at breakthrough brain and mental health tech.
This event is Tuesday, May 12, from 11:20 a.m.-1 p.m. at Tony's on Richmond Avenue. Register here.
May 18-19 — Geothermal Transition Summit North America
This two-day summit serves as the meeting point for the geothermal and oil and gas industries and will focus on geothermal energy, including scaling plants and navigating state regulations. The event promises 40 expert speakers, 15 exhibition spaces, and networking opportunities with 250 industry decision makers.
This event begins May 18 at Norris Conference Center. Register here.
May 19 – IOT Innovation Day
IoT Innovation Day will present a series of fast‑paced, 15‑minute tech talks focused on the future of connected devices. These sessions feature insights from founders, engineers, product innovators and industry leaders. Attendees are also invited to sign up to present their own tech talk showcasing their expertise, startup or solution.
This event is Tuesday, May 19, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Register here.
May 20-21 — ESF North America
ESF North America returns for its 5th edition, under the theme of “innovation and adaptation.” Attendees will explore how technology, innovation, and collaboration can drive a resilient, competitive refining and chemicals industry.
This event begins May 20 at The Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria. Register here.
May 21 – AI + Energy Sector Pitch Day
Hear from startups powering the AI boom or using AI to support the energy transition at Greentown's latest installment of its Sector Pitch Day series. Brian Walker, program manager for emerging technologies in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office, will present the keynote address. Six Greentown startups will present pitches, as well as others from IMPEL, a DOE tech-to-market program, and more. Stick around for a networking happy hour.
This event is Thursday, May 21, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.
May 28 – NASA Stories at the Ion: A Conversation with NASA’s Artemis II Orion Vehicle Manager Branelle Rodriguez
NASA’s Artemis II Orion Vehicle Manager Branelle Rodriguez will discuss what it took to ready the spacecraft for its mission and return to Earth at this special installment of NASA Stories. Rodriguez will share insights on Orion’s high-speed reentry, the views of the Moon and Earth witnessed by the crew, and what’s next for Orion on NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions in 2027 and 2028. Complimentary breakfast and networking take place before each talk.
This event Thursday, May 28, from 8:30-10 a.m. at the Ion. Register here.
May 28 – NASA Tech Talks: Texas-France Space Hub Business Accelerator Initiative
NASA Tech Talks is partnering with the Rice Space Institute (RSI) this month to host the second cohort of the Texas-France Space Hub in Houston. The hub aims to unite academic institutions and private enterprises to expand commercial space presence in both countries. Startups from the hub will present during the event, followed by drinks and networking at Second Draught.
This event Thursday, May 28, from 6-7 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.
