Editor's note: March is here, and that means the return of some of Houston’s signature innovation events, as well as insightful talks and a Mardi Gras block party. Here are the Houston business and innovation events you can't miss in March and how to register. Please note: this article might be updated to add more events.
March 5 – SheSpace Women’s Day Open House
Connect with like-minded women during a free day of coworking at SheSpace. And while you're there, take a break and enjoy a floral arranging class, complimentary breakfast, pop-up shops, happy hour and raffle prizes. Space is limited.
The event is Wednesday, March 5, from 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Click here to register.
March 5 — Science and the American Presidency
Hear from former presidential science advisors—Kelvin Droegemeier who served under President Trump, Neal Lane who served under President Clinton and Alondra Nelson who served under President Biden—as they discuss their experiences leading the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and how science is used to address issues from climate change and public health to national security and economic competitiveness. An exhibit inside Baker Hall will complement the event. The Baker Institute Science and Technology Policy Program and Rice Innovation will host the talk.
This event is Wednesday, March 5, from 5:30–8 p.m. at James A. Baker Hall. Click here to register.
March 6 — Ion Block Party - Mardi Gras Edition
Let the good times roll this week while networking with potential collaborators, mentors and investors at the Ion. Food and drink will be available while supplies last and the Ion will provide drink tickets for one free drink at Second Draught upon check-in.
This event is Thursday, March 6, from 4–7 p.m. at the Ion. Click here to register.
March 10-14 — CERAWeek 2025
The foremost annual gathering in the energy sector returns to Houston March 10-14, 2025. Themed "Moving Ahead: Energy strategies for a complex world," CERAWeek 2025 will focus on the challenges ahead for energy security, supply, and climate ambitions. More than 10,000 participants from over 2,050 companies across 80 countries will convene in Houston for this ambitious event. CERAWeek comprises three platforms: the Executive Conference, the Innovation Agora, and Partner Programs. We'll dive into comprehensive CERAWeek recommendations in future articles.
This event begins Monday, March 10. Click here to register.
March 11 — Energy Venture Day at the Ion
Preview pitches from 40-plus energy ventures competing at CERAWeek's Energy Venture Day and Pitch Competition, co-hosted by the Rice Alliance, Ion, HETI, and TEX-E. This free, fast-paced pitch event offers an alternative to the CERAWeek event, which requires an Agora pass.
This event is Tuesday, March 11, from 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Click here to register.
March 13 — Code4Y'allMeetup
Connect with fellow coders at Code4Y’all's meetup at the Ion. Andrew Baines, Founder of No Experience Jobs, will present "How I Built a Job Board to Help Entry-Level Tech Talent (And What I Learned)." Hear from Baines and learn lessons from job seekers.
This event is Thursday, March 13, from 6–7 p.m. Click here to register.
March 13-14 — Veterans Business Battle
Hear pitches from veterans and entrepreneurs as they compete for $5 million in investments at Rice Businesses' 11th annual Veterans Business Battle. This year, the two-day event will also feature a Small Business Expo which invites Houston-based, veteran-owned businesses to participate in education, networking, and the opportunity to showcase their business.
This event begins Thursday, March 13, at 11:30 a.m. at McNair Hall on Rice's campus. Click here to register.
March 17 — Women in Innovation
Celebrate Women's History Month with an engaging panel discussion hosted by the University of Houston's Division of Energy and Innovation. UH's Tanu Chatterji, Stacey Gorniak and Chrysa Latrick will discuss the achievements of trailblazing women across various industries, as well as share challenges and experiences. Lunch will be provided.
This event is Monday, March 17, from noon–1 p.m. at UH's Faculty Cafe. Find more information here.
March 24-28 — H-Town Roundup 2025
Celebrate innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration this month during Houston Exponential's H-Town Roundup. During the fifth-annual free event series, previously known as Houston Tech Rodeo, attendees can expect insightful talks, workshops and networking events at venues across the city like the Ion, Greentown Labs, University of Houston and more.
This event begins Monday, March 24. See the full schedule of events here.
March 27 — NASA Tech Talks
Every fourth Thursday of the month, NASA experts, including longtime engineer Montgomery Goforth, present on technology development challenges NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the larger aerospace community are facing and how they can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. Stick around after for drinks and networking at Second Draught.
This event is Thursday, March 27, from 6-7 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.
Apple doubles down on Houston with new production facility, training center Photo courtesy Apple.