Across the country, big cities are investing in technology to connect people, improve cities and make government more effective. Cities, including Seattle, are hosting hackathons, developing technology plans and innovating alongside entrepreneurs and startups. What makes Seattle unique in civic tech and what can we learn from other cities? Microsoft’s directors of technology and civic engagement/innovation in Boston, Cathy Wissink, and Chicago, Adam Hecktman, will join Rebecca Lovell, the city of Seattle’s startup liaison, to discuss how technology can power civic engagement and innovation.
May’s Civic Cocktail is a double feature. The second half is a one-on-one conversation with Seattle International Film Festival’s Artistic Director Carl Spence one week before SIFF kicks off. Spence will talk to host Joni Balter about the popular film festival and what to expect this year. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in North America, the Seattle International Film Festival (May 14 – June 7, 2015) is the largest, most highly attended film festival in the United States reaching more than 150,000 annually.
A panel of journalists will join the discussion: Crosscut’s Drew Atkins and Florangela Davila, Geekwire’s Monica Guzman, The Stranger’s Charles Mudede, Puget Sound Business Journal’s Emily Parkhurst and KIRO radio’s Tom Tangney.
Civic Cocktail – presented by Seattle Channel, Seattle CityClub and Crosscut – offers a night of networking, civic conversation, Tom Douglas appetizers and a no-host bar.
If you can’t make it, you can watch the Civic Cocktail panels the day after on the Seattle Chanel. Watch past Civic Cocktails here.