Startup Tucson will host TENWEST from March 25-30, transforming downtown Tucson into a center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. The six-day festival and three-day conference will focus on four key themes: trends, entrepreneurship, creativity, and wellness.
The annual event features a variety of speakers, workshops, networking opportunities, and interactive experiences designed to engage and educate attendees.
Event Highlights
This year’s schedule includes keynote addresses, live performances, and community-focused events. Highlights include:
- Guy Raz, host of NPR’s “How I Built This,” will deliver a keynote address, “7 Lessons I’ve Learned From the World’s Greatest Entrepreneurs,” on March 26 at Centennial Hall. Arizona-based culinary entrepreneurs Manish Shah (Maya and Transit Tea) and Lauren Bailey (Upward Projects & Postino) will open the session.
- Reggie Watts, comedian and musician, will perform on March 28 at 191 Toole.
- Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. will present a free lecture on March 28 at Centennial Hall.
- Entrepreneurs will compete in the IdeaFunding Pitch Competition, with more than 20 startups vying for over $50,000 in prizes on March 27 at the Rialto Theatre.
- Local vendors, artists, and musicians will showcase their work at the Made in Tucson Market and TENWEST Corbett’s Takeover, featuring more than 200 booths, interactive art, and networking opportunities on March 30 at 7th Street and Corbett’s.
- From Field to Glass: The Future of Regenerative Agriculture in Craft Beer will explore the collaboration between brewers and farmers, featuring experts from New Belgium, Pueblo Vida, and Proximity Malt leading the discussion on March 28.
Conference Sessions and Workshops
The conference, running from March 26-28, includes daily breakout sessions covering a range of topics such as:
- Trash to Treasure – Innovations Advancing the Circular Economy
- Innovate with AI – Redefining Roles & Boosting Productivity
- Endless Lead Generation – Podcasting & YouTube for Entrepreneurs
- Indigenous Innovation – Culture, Creativity & Technology in Business
Additionally, look forward to:
- 3 Days of Breakout Sessions covering industry trends, entrepreneurship, & creativity
- Mentor Zones offering personalized guidance
- Wellness Summit to recharge and refocus at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine
Networking & Dining Opportunities
TENWEST offers multiple networking events to facilitate connections among entrepreneurs, business leaders, and creatives, including:
- Mega Mixer Kickoff Event on March 25
- LunchLinks, sponsored by Rio Nuevo, providing structured networking opportunities during the noon-2 p.m. lunch break (March 26-28) at The National, Chela’s Latin Cuisine, and HUB, with facilitated discussions.
- 10% off at Cartel Roasting Co (Broadway) and Nookfor badge holders.
- Food trucks and carts will be activated throughout the week, culminating in a closing celebration at Corbett’s during the Made in Tucson Market.
- Daily Happy Hours at downtown venues
Venues
The conference will take place across multiple locations in downtown Tucson, including:
- The Grand (TENWEST Headquarters)
- HighWire
- BrickBox Brewery
- Playground
- AC Hotel
- Tucson Metro Chamber
- Rialto Theatre
“TENWEST is back to celebrate our 10th year in Tucson,” said Liz Pocock, CEO of Startup Tucson. “This year attendees can expect a robust conference line-up, unique experiences and to make lasting connections.”
For the full schedule and ticket information, visit TENWEST.com.
