Featured Events

Explore some of our Talks (direct addresses), Conversations (panel discussions), and Labs (hands-on experiences) from the 2017 festival.

See the full schedule

Talk

$15.00, October 19, 12:00pm
Hacking our Defenses: The Future of Cybersecurity

Natalie Vanatta Assistant Professor, Army Cyber Institute, United States Military Academy (West Point)

Edison Talks

$189.00, October 20, 10:00am
Edison Talks: the Uncharted

Jennifer Garner Actress & Philanthropist

Talk

October 19, 7:00pm
The New Sound of Music: When Producers Step into the Spotlight

No I.D. Producer; Executive Vice President, Capitol Music Group; President, ARTium Recordings

Conversation

$15.00, October 18, 5:30pm
The Fight for a Black Middle Class

Bob Herbert Director, Against All Odds: The Fight for a Black Middle Class

Conversation

$15.00, October 19, 8:00am
Is China the New World Superpower?

David Rank Former Chargé d'Affaires (Acting Ambassador), US Embassy, Beijing

Conversation

$15.00, October 21, 1:00pm
Una guía ciudadana para crear cambios en su comunidad

Father Manuel Dorantes Pastor, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church; Assistant to the Director, Holy See Press Office

New Speakers

We're thrilled to bring these industry disruptors to the stage this October.

See the full schedule

Aasif Mandvi

Actor, Writer & Comedian

Elaine Welteroth

Editor-in-Chief, Teen Vogue

Kamau Murray

Founder, XS Tennis and Education Foundation

Chicago Ideas Week is October 16-22

Explore our most diverse and provocative program yet. Check back, as speakers and events are being added weekly.

See the schedule Sign up for updates

On Sale Now: Public Tickets for Chicago Ideas Week

Across dozens of disciplines and topics, experts in their fields are coming to Chicago Ideas Week, ready to share ideas that could change your world. Stay tuned for new speakers being added weekly.

See the full schedule

Bobbi Brown

Founder & CEO, Beauty Evolution; Founder, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

John Mackey

Co-Founder & CEO, Whole Foods Market

Bozoma Saint John

Chief Brand Officer, Uber

Eli Pariser

President, GOOD Worldwide; President, Upworthy

Rachel Roy

Founder, Rachel Roy

Zac Posen

Fashion Designer, Television Personality, Entrepreneur, Author

David Korins

Emmy Award–Winning Creative Director & Designer, David Korins Design

Dapper Dan

Fashion Innovator

5 Social Entrepreneurs You Should Know

We are pleased to announce the 2017 Bluhm/Helfand Social Innovation Fellows. See them on stage at Chicago Ideas Week, October 16-22, 2017.

Meet the 2017 Fellows

Ideas Day gives students the power to create change in their schools

This year marks the inaugural Ideas Day, a new initiative which brings Chicago Ideas-style events into schools throughout Chicago

Learn More

Latest Blog Posts

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Ideas, Etc.

Going for the Gut: MillerCoors Is Perfecting “HX”

Features

Going Beyond a Mission Statement: Ernst & Young on Why Businesses Need to Be Purpose-Driven to Survive

Features

Six Reasons You Need to Take the Day Off to Attend Edison Talks

Join today and experience Chicago Ideas year round

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Make an impact

Find out how we are inspiring action and affecting change in our community.

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Connecting, inspiring and empowering Chicago's future leaders

Learn more about our youth program

Chicago Ideas has become an integral part of the fabric of our city. By bringing together thought leaders from across the globe, it helps establish Chicago as a hub for cutting-edge ideas and innovation.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel

Co-Chairman, Chicago Ideas; Mayor, City of Chicago

Meet the people behind Chicago Ideas

Meet social entrepreneurs who are changing the world

Learn more about the Bluhm/Helfand Social Innovation Fellowship

It's a new-age networking group with one goal in mind: bringing together action-minded individuals ready to make connections and drive meaningful change.