IC Jelly this Thursday

The Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD Group), in partnership with COWRK Iowa City, will host its next Iowa City Jelly on Thursday, June 16, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Adler Journalism Building on Madison Street in Room E141.

Jellys are casual drop-in cowork sessions that combine creativity and productivity.  Attendees can focus on their own projects, see what others are working on and make new connections.  There is no fee and no agenda. Coffee, wireless internet and electrical outlets are provided free of charge.

Past participants include entrepreneurs, freelancers, designers, developers, writers, and those working online.  Anyone who can work away from an office are also welcome at the Jelly for fresh ideas and for a change of pace.

Mark Nolte, ICAD Group Business Development Director, explains that the Jellys are part of a larger initiative to develop a culture of innovation.  “About this time last year, we created a concept known as iQ,” said Nolte.  “iQ was this movement or quest, with multiple components such as events and spaces, for furthering innovation in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area.”

ICAD Group is working with multiple partners throughout the region on developing the concept of “iQ.”  Work is already underway for the “iQ COLAB” coworking space, set to open late summer or early fall, as well as future “iQ Events” that will create enriching, interactive experiences.

“Our first two major iQ events in Iowa City will be Start Up Weekend on September 30 and TEDx on November 11,” added Nolte.  “Both are in the planning stages, so we can't announce much more beyond the dates, but we encourage people to keep tabs on Facebook and Twitter.”

About Jellys

Jellys started in New York City in February 2006 when two roommates, who missed the camaraderie of a traditional office, invited others to share their apartment as a workspace.  The aim was to create a creative environment that provided brainstorming, idea sharing, and conversations.  Since then, Jellys have been held throughout the US and all over the world.

For More Information

Mark Nolte, ICAD Group, (319) 354-3939,

mnolte@iowacityarea.com