WRAL TechWire keeps tabs on the latest and greatest meetups, panels, workshops, conferences, application deadlines and all things happening in the North Carolina startup/tech world. “The Headliners” is a multi-part weekly roundup of upcoming events to add to your calendar.
Following is a list of March events in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the greater Triangle area. To find out what’s happening this month in cities outside of the Triangle, check out part two of the “Headliners” column. Another post highlights events coming up in April.
If you’d like your event to be included, feel free to send me an email.
Also, check out a full range of events on TechWire’s interactive calendar, along with our comprehensive resource guide for startups in the Triangle.
Note: The following list is our lineup of Triangle events through the end of March—most have been switched to a virtual format due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
On the Menu: Zoom Like an Actor
March 8, 12-1 p.m. (online)
In this month’s On the Menu workshop, attendees will learn how to build authentic connections through Zoom. They’ll also participate in mock interviews to practice what they learned.
2021 RTP’s Women in Leadership
March 8, 2-3 p.m. (online)
The Research Triangle Foundation is celebrating International Women’s Day with a virtual panel of local women leaders discussing their proudest moments, working in the Triangle, COVID-19 challenges and succeeding in a virtual format.
RIoT Your Reality Challenge Kickoff Event
March 8, 1-2:30 p.m. (online)
Join this virtual event to learn how you can win up to $40,000 in prizes and a place in the RIoT Accelerator Program by solving real-world problems while creating a sustainable business using augmented reality. RIoT Your Reality Challenge applications are due on March 31.
Raleigh Chamber We Connect
March 8, 5:30-7 p.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber’s next We Connect event will discuss Asian-American owned businesses in the Triangle and the critical role they play in contributing to the local economy.
Talent Network: Unique Ways to Fill Your Talent Pipeline
March 9, 9-10 a.m. (online)
NC TECH is hosting a panel discussion covering the many resources and ideas local organizations are exploring to fill their talent pipeline.
8(a) Business Development Program
March 9, 9-11 a.m. (online)
The North Carolina District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a webinar on how local businesses can use the 8(a) certification to enter the government contracting arena.
Raleigh Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon
March 9, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber’s next Professional Women’s Luncheon will feature a panel of business leaders sharing their leadership journeys and achievements, and discussing the importance of empowerment and advancement for all women.
Talking Shop with Ricky Spero from Redbud Labs
March 9, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (online)
For its next Talking Shop episode, Hangar6 will feature Redbud Labs Co-Founder and CEO Ricky Spero of Redbud Labs, who will share his story of how he turned Redbud Labs from an idea into a corporation.
Launch & Learn: Developing a Minimum Viable Product
March 9, 12-1 p.m. (online)
The Small Business & Technology Development Center’s Business Launch initiative helps entrepreneurs to evaluate their idea, create a business model around it and launch a business. Learn more in this webinar.
Cary Chamber 101
March 9, 12-1 p.m. (online)
Join this free virtual event to learn about the Cary Chamber of Commerce’s membership offerings, events and other resources.
A Seat At The Table with Lenovo
March 9, 1-3:30 p.m. (online)
Lenovo and the Female Quotient are hosting a virtual event to celebrate the role of women in technology and explore ways they can make their voices heard in the professional technology space.
Exploring the Foundations: Basics of Science, Technology & Innovation Policy
March 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (online)
Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions and Initiative for Science & Society are hosting a webinar featuring Bill Bonvillian, a lecturer at MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab, who will share the public policy behind, and the government’s role in, the innovation ecosystem.
How To Make a Career Change 100% Remotely
March 9, 6-7 p.m. (online)
This virtual event will feature tips, tools and advice from Momentum graduates who successfully changed careers in 2020. Join to learn best-practices for standing out in the remote hiring process.
Triangle Biotech Tuesday
March 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
Triangle Biotech Tuesday is a monthly meetup that connects scientific professionals across the RTP/greater Triangle area. Join for food, drinks and networking with professionals from different industries. The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month.
18th Annual Wilson Online Caregiver Conference
March 9 (online)
This online conference will explore how dementia care partnering has been impacted by the pandemic and lessons learned in the process.
2021 NC Main Street Virtual Conference
March 9-11 (online)
The 20th annual NC Main Street Conference, presented virtually this year, will cover the future of North Carolina downtowns, marketing efforts, events, community-building, and more, in 2021.
1 Million Cups RTP
March 10, 9-10 a.m. (online)
1 Million Cups, presented by Kauffman, is a weekly informal pitch event for the startup community. Join for free coffee and entrepreneurial support as local startups deliver their presentations.
CASE Executive Speaker Series: Safeena Husain of Educate Girls
March 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (online)
Duke’s Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship is hosting a fireside chat with Educate Girls Founder and Executive Director Safeena Husain, who will discuss using technology and data analytics to drive scale, innovative financing models, managing through COVID-19, and overcoming cultural barriers to create equitable outcomes for all girls in India.
Contracting 101: Selling Your Products & Services To the Government
March 10, 10-11 a.m. (online)
This webinar will cover the basics of government contracting, how to market your business to the government and how to improve your business’s chance of success.
RIoT & IIC: Virtual IoT Fast Pitch
March 10, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (online)
The Industrial Internet Consortium’s Innovation Task Group and RIoT are hosting a pitch competition featuring emerging IoT startups and their technologies.
Virtual Lunch & Learn: The Evolution of IoT
March 10, 1-2 p.m. (online)
This virtual lunch and learn will cover how IoT has evolved over the last decade, and the pros and cons of the latest platforms and technologies.
Preparing an Effective Capability Statement
March 10, 3 p.m. (online)
The NC Procurement Technical Assistance Center is hosting a webinar covering how small businesses can create a strong capability statement for government contracting solicitations.
Fidelity 5 Money Musts for Soon-to-Be College Grads & Young Professionals
March 10, 6-7 p.m. (online)
Triangle Women in STEM is hosting a webinar offering financial strategies from Fidelity experts. The session will cover budget, credit, debt, investing and retirement.
Learn Python Skills for Beginners
March 10, 6-7:30 p.m. (online)
Momentum is hosting a virtual Python crash course for people interested in learning the coding language and exploring a new career in coding.
Application Deadline: 1789 Venture Fund + Launch Summer Accelerator
March 10
UNC student entrepreneurs are welcome to apply to the new joint 1789 Student Venture Fund + Launch Chapel Hill accelerator summer program. Applications open on March 2.
Application Deadline: NCBiotech Flash Grant Proposals (Cycle 3)
March 10
The North Carolina Biotechnology Center is accepting proposals for the next round of its Flash Grant program, which funds innovative research ideas in life science. Up to $20,000 may be requested for short, highly focused projects.
Duke I&E Academy Research Translation & Commercialization Series
March 11, 12 p.m. (online)
Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship’s multi-part Research Translation & Commercialization Workshop Series will cover strategy and business plan development, venture deals, managing a team and launching a venture.
Genius Makers Launch Event: With Cade Metz of the NYT & Jes Lipson
March 11, 12-1 p.m. (online)
In this webinar, Raleigh Founded Co-Founder Jes Lipson and New York Times technology correspondent Cade Metz will discuss Metz’s new book, Genius Makers.
Fireside Chat with AMA Triangle: Olympia & Jasmine
March 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (online)
AMA Triangle is hosting a virtual networking meetup led by two AMA Triangle board members. Participation will be capped at 10 total.
AITP-RTP Meeting: How to Build Your Professional Brand
March 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (online)
AITP-RTP’s next meeting will feature a talk from speaker, investor, advisor and coach Steve Hunt, who will discuss how to build your professional brand to earn money, respect and influence in 2021.
Triangle Tech Net
March 12, 11:30 a.m. (online)
This free bi-monthly event offers a space for local tech professionals to build connections and find potential job opportunities.
Wake Tech Small Business Center Pre-Launch Series
March 12, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (online)
Wake Tech’s Small Business Center is hosting a three-part virtual workshop series on how to develop a strong business plan.
Momentum Spring Student Presentation Day
March 12, 12-1 p.m. (online)
In this virtual event, Momentum’s latest cohort of software developers will showcase their final projects and take questions from a panel of industry experts.
One Year Later: Vaccine Manufacturing & Research Panel Q&A
March 12, 12-1:30 p.m. (online)
This virtual panel discussion will feature speakers in different roles of the vaccine industry as they discuss how vaccine manufacturers have been affected, what it’s like to develop and manufacture vaccines during this time, and how immunization professionals are going above and beyond.
Application Deadline: UNC Innovation Internships Program
March 12
Run by the UNC Kenan Flagler Business School’s Entrepreneurship Center, the Innovation Internships program provides UNC students with paid internships at high-growth companies. They’ll also have access to mentoring, educational programming, networking events, and more.
Application Deadline: NC State Sustainability Fund Grant
March 12
Applications are open for the next cycle of Sustainability Fund Project Grants from NC State. The program provides funds to students, faculty and staff with ideas to improve the sustainability of the university campus and community.
HackReality
March 12-19 (online)
This program is the first student-led XR-themed hackathon from UNC Chapel Hill. Attendees will participate in workshops, networking and project-building, connecting with leading XR researchers, professionals and enthusiasts in the field.
How to Effectively Manage a Team of Engineers
March 15, 1-4 p.m. (online)
Momentum is hosting a three-hour, virtual training session covering how to effectively manage a team of engineers.
Animal Health & Nutrition Forum
March 15, 4-5:30 p.m. (online)
This virtual presentation will highlight the research behind the development of lokivetmab, its performance in the field and how it has helped change the management of allergies and atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Raleigh Chamber Business After Hours
March 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (online)
In Raleigh Chamber’s virtual Business After Hours event, members will join breakout groups to discuss ther current business operations and how they’re finding success.
2021 Rural Summit
March 15-17 (online)
NC Rural Center’s 2021 Rural Summit will cover the policy issues and priorities affecting North Carolina’s rural communities, with a special focus on entrepreneurship and small business development.
Kenan-Flagler Dean’s Speaker Series: Bobby Long & Louise Brady
March 16, 12-1 p.m. (online)
This webinar, hosted by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Dean Doug Shackelford, will feature Bobby Long and Louise Brady of Piedmont Capital Partners, LLC.
Life Science Marketing Group: Thought Leadership Through Podcasting
March 16, 12-1 p.m. (online)
NCBiotech’s Life Science Marketing Group is hosting a panel of podcast experts, who will share their tips on selecting a format and planning episodes, criteria for selecting the best guests for interviews, recording and editing equipment, podcast promotion and how to avoid common pitfalls.
How We Scaled This: A Glimpse Into CASE’s Scaling Tools
March 16, 12-1 p.m. (online)
In this virtual event, Duke University’s Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) will present three business resources: CASE Scaling Readiness Diagnostic, Scaling Pathways and CASE Smart Impact Capital.
NC State Alumni Entrepreneurs Network Speaker Series
March 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (online)
NC State’s Alumni Entrepreneurs Network is hosting a virtual discussion about how to use analytics to make business decisions, featuring Jonathan Stephens of Audio Advice (moderator), JiNan Glasgow George of Magic Number and Neo IP, and DeShawn Brown of CoWorks.
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
March 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m. (online)
Code for Durham brings together technologists, designers, developers, data scientists, map makers and activists to collaborate on civic technology projects. Meetings are held every two weeks on Tuesdays.
1 Million Cups RTP
March 17, 9-10 a.m. (online)
1 Million Cups, presented by Kauffman, is a weekly informal pitch event for the startup community. Join for free coffee and entrepreneurial support as local startups deliver their presentations.
Virtual Lunch & Learn: Fun with Flood Data
March 17, 1-2 p.m. (online)
This virtual lunch and learn session will cover how Green Stream customers are collecting and consuming environmental data to make their communities flood safe.
National AgTech Forum
March 17, 4-5:30 p.m. (online)
The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, together with AgLaunch and AgStart, is hosting a series of monthly events with experts sharing their perspectives on key agtech industry topics. This month’s event will feature a discussion on soil health, data and carbon capture.
Introduction to VentureSouth
March 17, 4-6 p.m. (online)
In this webinar, VentureSouth will cover the basics of angel investing, why you should invest with an angel group and the post-pandemic investing environment.
Reinventing Yourself in 2021 w/ Deb Boulanger, Alphi Mullings-Aiken, Lisa Young
March 17, 6-7 p.m. (online)
This panel discussion will feature four women corporate leaders and business owners who have reinvented themselves and found new success.
CRO Career Conversations: Clinical Research Associate
March 17, 6-7 p.m. (online)
This series from NCBiotech covers key roles within the contract research organization industry, career pathways, day-to-day responsibilities and more from professionals in the field. This first event in the series will highlight the role of clinical research associates.
Women in Energy 2021
March 17, 6-8 p.m. (online)
This virtual event will feature a panel of energy professionals discussing what it’s like to be a woman working in the energy industry, what both men and women executives can do to boost diversity, and what skills make young professionals prepared for an energy career.
2021 FREEDM Research Symposium
March 17-18 (online)
The FREEDM Systems Center is hosting its annual research symposium this month, featuring keynote speakers, updates on FREEDM research and programs, and networking opportunities.
Raleigh Chamber YPN Program: Intentionally Indispensable
March 18, 8:30-10 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber’s next YPN program will feature Lily Scott of ettain group and Christine Peterson of Protus3 sharing how they made opportunities for themselves.
NC Chamber 79th Annual Meeting
March 18, 8:30-11:30 a.m. (online)
NC Chamber’s 79th annual meeting, held virtually, will feature a keynote speaker, live one-on-one and group networking, and a presentation of this year’s Award for Distinguished Citizenship and Award for Distinguished Service.
Cary Chamber Business of Women
March 18, 12-1 p.m.
Cary Chamber’s next Business of Women event will feature a conversation with Lynn Minges, president and CEO of NC Restaurant and Lodging Association.
UNC Institute for the Environment Cleantech Corner
March 18, 2-3 p.m. (online)
UNC’s Institute for the Environment is hosting a discussion on how climate events create economic shocks in social equity, featuring speakers from Bain, Charm Impact and UNC.
NC State Entrepreneurship’s Mentorship Meetup
March 18, 6-7 p.m. (online)
NC State’s Entrepreneurship Mentors Program is hosting a speed networking event for students interested in building their network, learning about mentorship and expanding their business ideas.
RTP180: UX
March 18, 6-7 p.m. (online)
Research Triangle Park’s next RTP180 will focus on user experience, covering how users interact with a product, system or service, and how they perceive utility, ease of use and efficiency.
Duke MEDx Entrepreneurship Workshop Series
March 18, 7-10 p.m. (online)
Duke MEDx’s free Entrepreneurship Workshop Series features interactive talks from local experts. Events will be held on select Tuesdays and Thursdays via Zoom.
Equity Matters Virtual Symposium
March 18-19 (online)
Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship, the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and NC Central’s School of Business are hosting a virtual symposium to discuss the challenges facing Black and underrepresented founders, and strategies for changing the investment landscape.
Wake Tech Small Business Center Pre-Launch Series
March 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (online)
Wake Tech’s Small Business Center is hosting a three-part virtual workshop series on how to develop a strong business plan.
Playthrough Gaming Convention
March 19-21 (Raleigh, NC)
Playthrough, North Carolina’s largest gaming convention, is returning to Raleigh this year.
Raleigh Chamber Coffee with Sam Ratto
March 23, 9-10 a.m. (online)
Raleigh Chamber is hosting a virtual conversation with Sam Ratto, co-founder of Raleigh’s Videri Chocolate Factory.
Secrets & Struggles of a Successful Product Launch
March 23, 12-1 p.m. (online)
This free virtual event, hosted by UNC’s Entrepreneurship Center, will focus on factors that make a product launch successful, common pitfalls and the solutions for them, and more.
Venture Connect Online 2021
March 23-25 (online)
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development’s Venture Connect Online event will feature an on-demand lineup of the region’s most promising early-stage tech and life science companies. More TechWire coverage here.
Cary Chamber Eye Opener Series
March 24, 8 a.m. (online)
Cary Chamber of Commerce’s next virtual Eye Opener Series event will feature U.S. Olympian Katie Zaferes.
1 Million Cups RTP
March 24, 9-10 a.m. (online)
1 Million Cups, presented by Kauffman, is a weekly informal pitch event for the startup community. Join for free coffee and entrepreneurial support as local startups deliver their presentations.
Virtual Lunch & Learn: Google Fiber Approach to Innovation
March 24, 1-2 p.m. (online)
This virtual lunch and learn will feature Joe Kunz and John Hogie of Google Inc., who will share Google Fiber’s experience with hardscape trenching deployment across multiple metros.
NC TECH Diversity + Inclusion in Tech Summit
March 24-25 (online)
NC TECH’s Diversity + Inclusion in Tech Summit will feature strategies companies can use to create an environment that drives innovation and improves their bottom line.
Virtual NC HUB & NC DBE Certification Info Session
March 25, 2:30-4 p.m. (online)
The City of Raleigh is hosting monthly virtual workshops on the benefits of the HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certification programs.
Jenkins MBA Innovative Women’s Conference
March 26, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (online)
NC State’s Jenkins MBA Women’s Club is hosting its seventh annual Innovative Women’s Conference, bringing together graduate students, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and other women in the Triangle area to discuss business, innovation, science, technology and entrepreneurship.
Triangle Tech Net
March 26, 11:30 a.m. (online)
This free bi-monthly event offers a space for local tech professionals to build connections and find potential job opportunities.
NC State Poole College of Management Small Business Internship Fair
March 26, 1-4 p.m. (online)
This virtual event will connect business students to small businesses, startups and nonprofit organizations that are seeking talent for summer internships and projects.
Application Deadline: TriWiSTEM Launch Award
March 26
Triangle Women in STEM’s new Launch Scholarship program will provide a one-time cash award of $2,500 to help a graduating college woman transition into her career at an RTP-based company or research institution.
Code for Durham: Civic Hacking Session
March 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m. (online)
Code for Durham brings together technologists, designers, developers, data scientists, map makers and activists to collaborate on civic technology projects. Meetings are held every two weeks on Tuesdays.
UNC Institute for the Environment Career Development Series
March 30, 6-7 p.m. (online)
UNC’s Institute for the Environment is hosting a webinar covering diversity in clear energy and environmental economies, featuring Miles Braxton of Black Oak Collective.
Downtown Techies Happy Hours @Midtown
March 30, 7-9 p.m. @Fox and Hound
Bring your ideas and opinions to the next Midtown Techies meetup. Events are held on the last Tuesday of every month.
Open Source 101 2021
March 30 (online)
All Things Open’s virtual Open Source 101 event will cover the processes and tools that are key to open source, open tech and open web applications.
1 Million Cups RTP
March 31, 9-10 a.m. (online)
1 Million Cups, presented by Kauffman, is a weekly informal pitch event for the startup community. Join for free coffee and entrepreneurial support as local startups deliver their presentations.
Application Deadline: RIoT Your Reality Challenge
March 31
The new RIoT Your Reality AR Challenge calls all innovators, thinkers, entrepreneurs and other solution-builders to apply to win a cash prize and a spot in the next RIoT Accelerator Program cohort.
