1. Party

Thanks to Daniel Shipton, Impromptu Studio, and 18 local sponsors - Movement Bash is a party/networking event on Thursday night before HMDM...

The event is intended to be casual with a promise from Shipton of “no presentations, just conversations.” Participants will be treated to free food, free beverages, and free entertainment throughout the evening. “Our goal is to have every single person at the Movement Bash make deeper, more meaningful connections by encouraging participants to have interactions based around different activities.”

via SPN

Thursday, October 22nd

Details. Register.

2. Killer Presentations

See lineup here. The presentations last year were awesome and weren't your typical boring slideshows. These are engaging entrepreneurs talking about topics they are passionate about - from technology to social media to web applications. You will learn a lot - not only about new stuff but about you will learn about all the kick ass developments going on in your backyard.

"Through Highlight Midwest we are creating a platform for business owners to talk about their business and services, what they are developing and how they are doing it. The presentations are aimed to be part business awareness and a part education. Sessions are scheduled to be 45 minutes in length which includes time to setup, tear down and questions/answers."

via highlightmidwest.org

3. Keynote Presentations

Each city (KC, DM, Omaha) has nominated a keynote speaker to talk about their respective cities and how they foster entrepreneurship and community. Learn what your neighbors are doing and get a feel of how we are trying to change the Midwest.

4. Get Interviewed

The Silicon Prairie News team will be onsite - as will Doug and myself for our internet business podcast. We are all looking to spread your ideas and insight to our audiences and reach beyond the Midwest. We want to talk to you - what are you doing, how you are doing it, and get your thoughts on what being an entrepreneur in the Midwest means to you.

5. Meet People

This really is the meat and potatoes of the event. If you come to Highlight Midwest I guarantee you will not only meet people - you will make meaningful connections that will create friendship and business relationships. Entrepreneurs in the Midwest are doing amazing things. Meet them. Find out what they are doing. Help spread their message. This is about collectively igniting the Midwest to take us to the next level - and it all starts with people and relationships.

Will I see you there?

Highlight Midwest Des Moines will take place on Friday, October 23th (this coming Friday) with Movement Bash taking place the night before - Thursday, October 22nd.

For more details, visit http://highlightmidwest.org/

To register, go to http://highlightmidwest2009.eventbrite.com/