Mayor Bowser announces DC’s version of SXSW, with a focus on inclusive innovation

Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is hosting the first WeDC Fest, a three-day conference celebrating inclusive innovation in the District. WDCEP is putting on WeDC fest in support of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s inclusive innovation agenda. The event will take place Sept. 26–28 across three venues: the National Building Museum, National Union Building and Pepco Edison Place Gallery.

“As a leader in tech and innovation, Washington, DC stands out for our diversity, our creativity, and our commitment to inclusivity,” Bowser said in a statement. “WeDC Fest is an opportunity to highlight the changemakers, entrepreneurs, and ideas that make Washington, DC the Capital of Inclusive Innovation, and we look forward to sharing our story.”

The conference will feature networking opportunities showcasing collaboration and innovation, and will provide programming focused on three tracks: tech and innovation, makers and creatives and social impact. There will be panel discussions, interview, podcasts and more.

“After launching the WeDC campaign successfully at SXSW in Austin, Texas, we thought it was time to showcase the innovation and energy in our own backyard,” Keith Sellars, president and CEO of the WDCEP, said in a statement. “Our residents and communities continue to elevate DC’s prominence as a global business destination and using forums such as WeDC Fest allows us to highlight what makes our city the Capital of Inclusive Innovation.”

As a part of WeDC fest, the conference will feature the WeDC Innovation Marketplace at the National Building Museum on Sept. 26. This part of the conference will showcase companies and their products.

Discover opportunities at the #WeDC Innovation Marketplace Sept. 26! A full-day expo @BuildingMuseum showcasing the most #innovative companies – network w/ founders, consumers, talent, investors & more #WeDCFest #District @DMPEDDC @MayorBowser @202Creates https://t.co/9GQsDxkWiq pic.twitter.com/wzTcr51mKZ

— WDCEP (@WDCEP) August 22, 2018