About CIW

Chicago Ideas Week (CIW) is about the sharing of ideas, inspiring action, and igniting change to positively impact our world. People who come to CIW are artists, engineers, technologists, inventors, scientists, musicians, economists, explorers—and, well…just innately passionate.

For one week each October, CIW brings together some of the world's most outstanding speakers to present their ideas and inspire the innovations of tomorrow at 80+ sessions across the city of Chicago. CIW aims to be the platform for sharing big ideas and making big things happen.

CIW Talks - $15

CIW Talks are 90-minute sessions spread throughout the week that feature 2-5 speakers presenting on various themes. Talks take a variety of forms and may incorporate interviews, conversations or performances.

CIW Labs - $15

CIW Labs offer opportunities for participants to experience and explore the best of Chicago like never before.  Exclusive, behind-the-scenes experiences give participants a unique glimpse into the inner workings of businesses and institutions that are otherwise unavailable to the public.  Small groups will explore what it's like for business leaders in the boardroom, go behind the curtain at leading theaters and venues, and discover “how-it-works” in hands-on workshops. 

CIW Megatalks - $15

Megatalks are evening programs featuring distinguished and globally recognized speakers. These influential visionaries unite in order to share their genius and inspire Chicagoans, and the world, to see beyond today and create the best for tomorrow.

CIW Partner Programs - $15

CIW Partner Programs are official CIW events that are co-curated with our CIW Partners. All programs subscribe to the same goals of connectivity and innovation as other Chicago Ideas Week events, but provide a unique perspective based on the CIW Partner's specific area of expertise.

The Innovation Foundation, Inc.

The Innovation Foundation, Inc. (d/b/a Chicago Ideas Week and d/b/a The Edison Talks) was founded in 2010 by Brad Keywell for the purpose of creating a platform in Chicago that supports conferences, experiences, and events curated to further the culture of ideas and innovation in Chicago and in the Midwest. The vision of The Innovation Foundation is expansive, and the goal is to create both a week of celebration of ideas and innovation that is a permanent fixture on the Chicago calendar as well as a year-round presence by making content available online and producing year-round events or programs.

The Innovation Foundation is a 501(c)( 3) non-profit organization