Iowa conferences to offer network opportunities for tech community

Two upcoming events want to engage the technology community and offer inspiration to individuals interested in startups.

The second annual I/OWA Conference will be held Oct. 16 and 17, but preceding that will be the first ever Des Moines Tech Week running from Oct. 8 to 17.

'It's to kind of inform and give people knowledge and confidence,” said Adam Feller, one of several organizers of the events. 'It's more of a celebration of our community, of the tech community.”

Many details for the Des Moines Tech Week as well as the I/OWA Conference event remain to be set. Organizers are asking interested individuals to create their own technology-related session and then inform organizers so they can add it into the overall Des Moines Tech Week event. Organizers are also working to finalize speakers for the second day of the I/OWA Conference.

'We want to open it up to the entire public,” Feller said. 'We're trying to grow (the event), and we feel like we need to give (event participants) a good reason to come to Des Moines.”

Feller described the events as opportunities for individuals to network, share ideas and talk with others who are going through similar experiences in the tech industry or creating a startup of their own.

'What makes it different from other events is it's not just a few days of keynote speakers,” said Feller, who said the first day of the I/OWA Conference will include open 'co-working” time and breakout sessions. 'People will share their ideas and their knowledge,” he said. 'Hearing others experiences can be motivating.”

Tickets for the I/OWA Conference are on sale now for $99.