October 19, 7:00pm
A Seat at the Table: Finding Equal Footing through Storytelling
Congratulations to 2017 Chicago Ideas Week speaker Lena Waithe for her historic Emmy win! See her speak on October 19 along with revolutionary Teen Vogue Editor-in-Chief Elaine Welteroth and new Uber Chief Brand Officer Bozoma Saint John
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Just added: New Speakers
We're thrilled to bring these industry disruptors to the stage this October.
Featured Events
Explore some of our Talks (direct addresses), Conversations (panel discussions), and Labs (hands-on experiences) from the 2017 festival.
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.
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.
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.
Volunteer with Chicago Ideas
Beyond Membership, you can also get involve with Chicago Ideas Week by becoming a volunteer.
Unique Experiences
Volunteers often get to sit or stand in on the program they volunteer for. They also get to meet new people as members of our team, and are invited to the end-of-season Volunteer Soiree.
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Ticket Discounts
Volunteers get a discount code for public Talks, Conversations and Labs during Chicago Ideas Week.
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Support Chicago Ideas
Chicago Ideas is a nonprofit organization. We rely on the support of our volunteers to make ideas accessible to everyone.
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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
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Find out how we are inspiring action and affecting change in our community.
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
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Cornerstone Partners
Our top-tier partners enable Chicago Ideas to offer world-class programming at an affordable price point.
Chicago Ideas Sponsors
Chicago Ideas is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, who ensure that ideas truly are for everyone.
Restaurant Partners
Thanks to our Restaurant Partners, who host social events and special programs like Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.
Venue Partners
Special thanks to our Venue Partners who host Chicago Ideas Week programs.