Ion District

For the Love of Reading: An Elissa Discovers™ Valentine Family Celebration ❤️
2025-02-15 11:15 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | TX
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/for-the-love-of-reading-an-elissa-discoverstm-valentine-family-celebration-tickets-1100684600269
Celebrate the love of books, stories, and imagination with your family the day after Valentine’s Day!
After the success of Elissa Discovers™ first event, they’re excited to invite you to their second Elissa Discovers™ Family Celebration. This time, they’re honoring the joy of reading and launching the highly anticipated 5th book in the Elissa Discovers™ series!
💖 What’s waiting for you?

📖 Exclusive Book Launch: Fall in love with Elissa’s newest adventure and its inspiring story.
🎨 Fun Activities for Kids: Engaging storytelling, hands-on crafts, and games that light up little imaginations.
🎤 Inspiring Guest Speakers: Hear from amazing voices who share their passion for literacy and discovery.
🍴 Delicious Lunch & Snacks: Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired lunch and treats to fuel your day.
🎁 Goodies & Merchandise: Take home giveaways and exclusive Elissa Discovers™ merchandise.
📸 Photo Opportunities: Capture beautiful memories with themed photo setups for the whole family!

This event is perfect for families, book lovers, and anyone who cherishes the magic of storytelling. Whether you’re just discovering the Elissa Discovers™ series or have been following Elissa’s journey, this is your chance to connect with a community that loves reading as much as you do.
📅 Mark your calendar! Spots are limited, so register early to join in the fun.
🎟️ Registration Information:

Adult Ticket ($25): Includes event access, lunch, a copy of the latest book, and exclusive merchandise.
Kids Ticket ($10): Includes event access, lunch, and exclusive merchandise.

✨ Let’s come together to celebrate the love of reading, storytelling, and family. They can’t wait to share this magical day with you!
Register now and join the adventure!
P.S. Follow Elissa Discovers™ on Instagram @elissadiscovers for updates and sneak peeks leading up to the event. 🌟

IPL Learning: 3D CAD with Fusion360
2025-02-15 11:00 - 14:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Learn the basics of 3D CAD design with Fusion360 at the Ion Prototyping Lab.
Through hands-on projects, students in this workshop will be guided through Autodesk Fusion 360’s Cloud-Based, parametric modeling tools. This is an introductory class geared toward anyone looking to build projects using 3D Computer Aided Drawing. No prior CAD experience is necessary!
Note: We encourage participants to bring their own laptops for a more personalized experience. All necessary materials, resources, and software information will be provided upon registration.
Class participants will be able to audit the class to reinforce / refresh their knowledge for 6 months after completing the class at no additional charge. In addition, they can come to the Ion Prototype Lab during Office Hours for general assistance with their designs.

Ion Family Tech Day: Youth Entrepreneurship with Lemonade Day University
2025-02-15 10:00 - 12:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join the Lemonade Day team for a hands-on family-friendly entrepreneurial workshop. In this lesson, kids will be taught how to set goals, develop a business plan and budget, and create a brand and marketing plan. They will learn about safe site location, health sanitation, and customer service to maximize profit. Kids will pitch their plan to have a chance to win free supplies and materials to help put their plan in action to achieve their dreams. Trained instructors will coach youth on how to spend some of their hard-earned money on themselves; save some and invest in their futures by opening a bank account and share some with a charity of their choice. Graduates of Lemonade Day University (LemonU) will leave the workshop armed and ready to launch their business and have a public selling experience – on a day(s) of their family’s choosing.
Lemonade stands teach kids more in one sunny afternoon than any textbook, video, or app ever could. Whether they’re saving for Taylor Swift tickets, raising money for charity, or gearing up to avoid future student loans, a lemonade stand is the perfect launchpad. But, tossing them at a folding table with a pitcher of lemonade won’t teach them much more than resilience. Imagine how much more they’d learn with a little preparation. LemonU isn’t just about making lemonade—it’s about making your
child’s first business a true success. This one-day training camp equips kids with the skills, confidence, and know-how to turn their stand into something bigger: a thriving mini-business that builds their creativity, independence, and financial smarts.
Why Attend?
– Real Money, Real Pros: Kids are learning how to make money from professional entrepreneurs
– Learn by Doing: Kids get the real-world skills to run a business—budgeting, branding, customer service, and more.
– Get Free Stuff: Backpack, My Lemonade Day App free curriculum access, and a parent guidebook to keep the learning going at home.
– Launch Ready: Your child will leave with confidence, a plan, and even a chance to win all the supplies they need to start their stand!
Special Guest Speaker: Prince Michael Jett
Prince Michael Jett is the former Kroger Enterprise Produce Ad Planning Analyst and Multicultural Category Management Liaison for Kroger’s “Go Fresh and Local Supplier Accelerator”. Currently, the Chairman of “Yack Shack” A Ecosystem Development And Supply Chain Think Tank. He’s also a Prince of a Kingdom in Ghana. As Prince, his Royal title is Guardian of Supply Chain. Michael Think Tanks with public and private sector stakeholders that supports domestic and international supply chain infrastructure zones. To better support small businesses and nonprofits, he offers Fractional Advisory Service, road mapping business owners according to their respective goals and meeting bi-weekly to serve as a thought partner to leadership. As The National Ambassador for Autism in The Workplace, Jett, think tanks with policy drivers, workforce development agencies & corporate partners to reimagine what autism looks like within executive and corporate roles.
This event will be tailored for 7-13 year-olds and their families for a fun ENTREPRENEURSHIP experience! We look forward to building and learning with you!

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2025-02-14 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-02-07 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-31 10:00 - 14:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the Ion Prototyping Lab (IPL)?
The Ion Prototyping Lab is where your ideas meet the designers, engineers, and fabricators that can make them a reality. Located at The Ion, the intersection of Houston’s culture, creativity, and innovation. Our 6,500-square-foot site offers access to equipment, engineers, and technical training–a must for every inventor, innovator, and creator.
The Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours offer entrepreneurs a chance to engage an expert one-on-one and explore options for building or producing their devices. Everyone from seasoned entrepreneurs to educators or “just a person with an idea” is welcome. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
The initial discussion is at no cost, but subsequent meetings may require a consultation fee.
For more information about the IPL – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! The IPL offers various classes/workshops throughout the month – be sure to check out their calendar to register.
Interested in signing up for a membership? Click here

Rice Innovation 2025 Outlook and Rice Nexus Grand Opening
2025-02-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://lu.ma/glixb2v2?tk=WJQNKw.
Rice Innovation cordially invites you to an event celebrating the grand opening of the Rice Nexus—their flagship Innovation Factory at the Ion designed for Rice faculty and students interested in launching companies and collaborating with industry leaders in the Innovation District!
​Join Rice Innovation at the Ion Forum Stairs for the “Rice Innovation 2025 Outlook”—with special remarks by Rice University President DesRoches, Paul Cherukuri, Bobby Tudor (Chairman of Greentown Labs), Tim Crain (CTO of Intuitive Machines), and the new Executive Director of the Rice Nexus, Sanjoy Paul.
​After the program, enjoy networking in the Nexus Showroom, featuring cutting-edge technology and prototypes from Rice faculty labs and startups.
​Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with Rice’s innovation ecosystem and celebrate the future of innovation and entrepreneurship.

CANCELLED: Ion Networking with Cup of Joey + SCORE Office Hours
2025-02-14 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
This event is cancelled. Please join us for the Rice Innovation 2025 Outlook and Grand Opening!
What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks, talk about tech, inspire innovation, and create community.
So, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it!
At the Ion, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So, show up, be friendly, and make new connections. Know your why, and we will get to the future together.
The future is only a cup away.
Register Here: https://www.cupofjoey.org/

Data-Driven Insights to Capture Your Customers’ Loyalty
2025-02-14 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/data-driven-insights-to-capture-your-customers-loyalty-tickets-1223675689929?aff=erelexpmlt.
Love is in the air, and so are customer insights!
This Valentine’s Day, join Social Media Breakfast at the Ion to learn how to truly listen to your customers and create content that sparks loyalty. Sherry Thomas, a digital anthropologist and founder of HXA Consulting, will guide you through uncovering what your audience really wants—using the data you already have.
Key Takeaways:

Leverage Existing Data: Learn how to analyze your current social media comments, customer reviews, and interactions to uncover valuable insights.
Sentiment Analysis Made Easy: Discover how to identify emotional drivers behind customer decisions and use them to craft resonant content.
DIY Tools & Techniques: Explore accessible tools and hands-on strategies to analyze and organize customer input effectively.
Master the AIM Framework: Gain step-by-step guidance on how to Analyze, Implement, and Measure what your ideal audience wants for continuous improvement
Implement, and Measure content performance for continuous improvement.
Turn Insights into Action: Leave with actionable steps to refine your messaging, engage your audience, and drive stronger customer relationships.

Don’t miss this engaging session at the Ion. Complimentary breakfast included!
SPEAKER
Sherry Thomas, Founder, HXA Consulting
Sherry Thomas is a self-proclaimed “digital anthropologist,” blending her expertise in cultural research and technology to decode what drives customer behavior. From consulting for Nike during the pandemic to helping businesses tap into social intelligence, she’s passionate about turning customer insights into meaningful action.
Website
Instagram

Houston-AI Launch: Transforming Tomorrow, Today
2025-02-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Unlocking AI’s Potential Across Energy, Health, and Space.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-ai-launch-transforming-tomorrow-today-tickets-1203575028309

TECHnique: The Unique Perspectives of Leaders in the Tech Ecosystem
2025-02-12 11:00 - 13:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
An engaging discussion featuring leaders from Per Scholas, J.P. Morgan Chase, Microsoft, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the perspectives shaping today’s tech workforce. Panelists will discuss: current challenges and opportunities in technology development, industry needs, tech training opportunities available within the Houston community, and valuable insights into how these organizations collaborate to strengthen the tech ecosystem. Whether you’re a community leader, industry professional, or policymaker — this panel is for you.

Panelists:

Plinio Ayala, Per Scholas
Peter Beard, United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Robert Schapiro, Microsoft
Karthigeyan Kuppan, J.P Morgan Chase

How to Start a Startup
2025-02-11 17:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
You have an idea…now what? Before you start looking for funding, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it, investors won’t be interested anyway.
Join us after the session, hosted by Heath Butler, for a networking happy hour!
Target Audience:

Startups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot
Community Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next, small business owners
Corporate Innovators: intrapreneurs, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change
Academic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup

About the Speakers:
Heath Butler, Mercury Fund
Heath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform, including corporate, service provider, and startup community relationships.
Prior to joining Mercury, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP), the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com, founded a fin-tech startup, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS.
Outside of Mercury, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active start-up mentor, including the Houston innovation community, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read, golf, cycle, and is an avid poker player.

Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours
2025-02-11 13:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-04 13:00 - 17:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
What is the Ion Prototyping Lab (IPL)?
The Ion Prototyping Lab is where your ideas meet the designers, engineers, and fabricators that can make them a reality. Located at The Ion, the intersection of Houston’s culture, creativity, and innovation. Our 6,500-square-foot site offers access to equipment, engineers, and technical training–a must for every inventor, innovator, and creator.
The Ion Prototyping Lab Office Hours offer entrepreneurs a chance to engage an expert one-on-one and explore options for building or producing their devices. Everyone from seasoned entrepreneurs to educators or “just a person with an idea” is welcome. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
The initial discussion is free, but subsequent meetings may require a consultation fee.
For more information about the IPL – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! The IPL offers various classes/workshops throughout the month – be sure to check out their calendar to register.
Interested in signing up for a membership? Click here

Texas Business Hall of Fame x Ion: Creators Series with Founders Janet Gurwitch (Laura Mercier) and Tiffany Masterson (Drunk Elephant)
2025-02-11 08:00 - 10:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
TBHF is proud to announce the launch of Creators 2025, a new speaker series kicking off with an exclusive event in partnership with the Ion on February 11. Join beauty industry icons Janet Gurwitch and Tiffany Masterson for an intimate conversation on building iconic brands and driving innovation in a competitive market.

About the Speaker
Janet Gurwitch, founder of Laura Mercier, created one of the most iconic and enduring makeup brands of the last 25 years. The brand helped pioneer a new segment in the beauty industry with the “no-makeup makeup” look, influencing countless other best-selling brands in the marketplace today.

At this event, Janet will join Tiffany Masterson, founder of Drunk Elephant, to share lessons from building one of the top-ranked skincare brands across major global retail partners —both of which had successful exits!
Don’t miss this intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of innovative and enduring brands.

IPL Learning: Intro to Laser Cutting
2025-02-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Learn the basics of 2D Fabrication at the Ion Prototyping Lab’s Intro to Laser Cutting workshop.
Discover the versatility of laser cutting and its role in rapid prototyping and fabricating. In this 3-hour workshop, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Subtractive Manufacturing technology and the operation of an industrial laser cutter.
Material Compatibility: Learn about the materials that work best with laser cutting and those to avoid.
Design for 2D laser cutting: Explore how to optimize and prepare your digital files for successful, high-quality cuts.
Laser Cutting Software: Understand the basics of laser cutting software, covering topics such as kerf offsets, power settings, and more to optimize your cuts.
Hands-On Machine Operation: By the end of the workshop, you’ll have designed and created a unique keychain, gaining practical experience in laser cutter operation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your prototyping skills with laser cutting. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Note: Experience with 2D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or vector graphics software is helpful but not required. We encourage participants to bring their own laptop and mouse as we have a limited amount available for use during the class. All necessary materials, resources, and software information will be provided upon registration.
Class participants will be able to audit the class to reinforce / refresh their knowledge for 6 months after completing the class at no additional charge. In addition, they can come to the Ion Prototype Lab during Office Hours for general assistance with their designs.

SCORE + LSA Global Office Hours
2025-02-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow, or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources, and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
Office Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays)

Going Global With Vesti
2025-02-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Ion – Conference Room 031, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://lu.ma/o5a2o9bt.
Join Vesti at this gathering of professionals and innovators to discuss the numerous opportunities in going global.

Ion Networking with Cup of Joey
2025-02-07 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-01-31 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks, talk about tech, inspire innovation, and create community.
So, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it!
At the Ion, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So, show up, be friendly, and make new connections. Know your why, and we will get to the future together.
The future is only a cup away.
Register Here: https://www.cupofjoey.org/

Houston Hardware Meetup at the Ion Prototyping Lab
2025-02-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Come join us for another Houston Hardware Meetup with some inspiring guest speakers lined up, as well refreshments provided by sponsors. There will be opportunities to make connections, see demos from the community, and trade expertise.
Houston Hardware Meetup is bringing professionals who build physical products together to foster ideas, enthusiasm, and solutions. They believe when related talent across unrelated fields collides, innovation is catalyzed and tough problems are solved faster.
Hosted by The Ion Prototyping Lab, a shared innovation and collaboration space with access to equipment, expertise, and technical training. It is located inside The Ion, the intersection of Houston’s culture, creativity, and innovation.
Hardware Meetups happen across over 30 cities around the world every month, helping bring together founders, engineers, and other hardware professionals to networks, share insights, and collaborate with one another.

Agenda
6:00-6:30pm Arrival, mingle, grab refreshments
6:30-6:35pm Welcome and introduction
6:35-7:30pm Guest talks + audience Q&A
7:30-8:00pm Community open mic +
8:00-9:00pm Mix + mingle, pints at Second Draught
9:00pm Depart
+ Anyone will have the chance for a 1 minute pitch to talk about what they are working on. Bring a demo and get double time!

Sponsors
informal is a freelance collective for the most talented independent professionals in the hardware ecosystem. With expertise in a diverse range of industries from consumer electronics to automotive, climate tech to medical devices, informal members work with clients at every stage to design, manufacture, and scale top-quality physical products. Whether you’re looking for a single contractor, a full-time employee, or an entire team of professionals to work on everything from product development to go-to-market strategy, the informal collective has the perfect collection of people for the job.
TheJigsApp provides made-to-measure electronic test jigs. With a fully parameterized system that fits into board designers existing workflow, TheJigsApp is the fastest and most efficient method to instrument your design with a bed-of-nails test fixture.
The Ion Prototyping Lab is where your ideas meet the designers, engineers, and fabricators that can make it a reality. Located at The Ion, our 6500 sqft site offers access to equipment, expertise, and technical training–a must for every inventor, innovator, and creator.
Interested in speaking at, hosting, or sponsoring a Hardware Meetup event? Fill out the involvement form.

Ion Block Party co-hosted by Black at Microsoft (BAM) Houston
2025-02-06 16:00 - 19:00 | Ion Plaza, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for a special edition of the Ion Block Party, co-hosted with Black at Microsoft (BAM) Houston, as we honor Black History Month with an evening full of connection, celebration and community.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, innovator or simply a supporter of Houston’s vibrant ecosystem, this event is your chance to expand your network and share ideas in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
What to Expect:

Networking with a purpose. Meet like-minded individuals, potential collaborators, and mentors from diverse industries.
A space to connect. Celebrate the Black community’s impact in tech, innovation, and beyond while building meaningful connections.
Live entertainment. Enjoy live music, delicious local brews courtesy of Second Draught, and more surprises.
Drinks and light bites on us, while supplies last! Food from Late August is first come, first served. Registered attendees will receive a drink ticket to Second Draught.

This Block Party is all about community, creativity and joy—don’t miss the chance to connect, celebrate, and make meaningful connections. See you there!

Innovation and AI Summit
2025-02-05 08:00 - 12:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://business.rice.edu/event/innovation-ai-summit
Join us for the Innovation & AI Summit on Wednesday, February 5th at the Ion for a half-day of insightful panels on corporate innovation, AI in healthcare, and strategy. This transformative event, co-sponsored by Rice Business Executive Education, Rice University Office of Innovation, Ion, Rice Alliance and Accenture, offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore the future of innovation.
Gain actionable insights into how innovation and AI are shaping the future across industries and engage with thought leaders and pioneers driving real-world change. This is a unique opportunity to build meaningful connections with professionals and experts from diverse fields, fostering collaboration and expanding your network. Whether you’re a corporate leader, startup enthusiast, or simply curious about the future, this is your chance to learn, connect, and inspire!
This complimentary event is open to the public, and breakfast will be provided. Register Today!

Software Day at the Ion: AI Proofing Your Startup
2025-02-04 15:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Welcome to “Software Day at the Ion” – a program series hosted by the Ion and Mercury, where software founders can connect with mentorship at Houston’s HQ for innovation.
Is your company ready for the age of AI? Mercury believes AI is significantly transforming how startups are built and operate. In fact, they believe leveraging AI is a “must” for all startups. Over the next 12-24 months, AI models will redefine how all company departments function, and optimize and how product teams deliver their value proposition to customers. Your prospective customers and potential investors will want to know that you understand this transformation and have a solid execution plan. In collaboration with Mercury portfolio companies, they have aligned on the best practices that should be leveraged to strategically plan and execute building the AI-infused company of tomorrow. In this session, listen to Mercury portfolio companies share their experiences and insights in pivoting their startup in the age of AI.
Panelists include:

Matt Robillard, SmartAC
Collin McLelland, Collide (Digital Wildcatters)
Jeremy Gottlieb, Veritec AI

What is it: Software Day is a monthly series driving the support, inspiration, and connections needed to help startups on their path to rapid, sustainable growth. Each month, Software Day will include office hours (by application), a keynote session, and networking.
Each month will include a new speaker and topic covering the latest trends and breakthroughs in software technology and practical advice for founders. From AI to blockchain and guidance on fundraising, explore topics that are relevant for your company’s journey.

Afterward, join us for a networking happy hour at Second Draught, brought to you by Gunderson Dettmer, where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals, forging connections that could shape the future of your venture.
Apply for Office Hours:
Prior to the fireside chat, a select group of early-stage software startups will participate in office hours. Over the course of 2-hours, first-time entrepreneurs looking for guidance or seasoned founders needing help tackling tough challenges will have access to a group of curated mentors from the Mercury network and gain insights and guidance tailored to their needs. Startups are invited to apply to participate here.

“Software Day at the Ion” isn’t just an event – it’s a catalyst for growth and collaboration. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Houston’s thriving tech ecosystem. Join us as we bring together leading mentors, promising startups, and like-minded Houstonians focused on transformative software innovations.

Have a Nice Day: Lunar New Year Market
2025-02-02 16:00 - 20:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join Have a Nice Day Market at the Ion for a free night market ringing in the Lunar New Year! Celebrate the year of the snake with 25+ food and craft vendors, an unforgettable lion dance performance, complimentary drinks, and lucky red envelope giveaway. Support Houston’s best small businesses and immerse yourself in Houston culture and fun. Free to attend on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 4-8pm. Lion dance show at 8PM!

This event is public, there is no RSVP needed.

ARTIST TALK WITH KRISTIN MARIE BACHMANN
2025-02-01 15:00 - 16:00 | Ion Garage, 4111 Fannin Street, Houston, TX
Kristin Marie Bachmann will host an Artist Talk in the Ion District Garage (4111 Fannin Street, between Cleburne and Eagle) on Saturday, February 1, 3-4PM!
Kristin’s talk will focus on her background, her process, and the three-part series of solo exhibitions featuring her current body of work, At the Still Point, the third of which is currently on view at Ion District Garage.
Developed over four years and across multiple locations in Texas and New York, At the Still Point comprises over 70 sculptural works employing various weave structures. Evolving from an exploration of the canvas – a woven textile – into a study of composition with space, the work contemplates what exists between. KMB | ATSP [Part 3] at Ion District Garage features 40, a large series of woven sculptural works exploring the boundaries between drawing, painting, sculpture, and installation, and Five Basic Positions, a series of weavings reflecting on holes and the body’s experience with space.
Kristin is a sculptor and an artist focused on exploring what art is and how to create it. Her current process employs weave structures to explore space and the relationship between textiles and art history. She is a graduate of Rice University (2003), Stanford Law School (2013), and Parsons School of Design (2018).
To RSVP, please email Kristin at kmb@kristinmariebachmann.com.

IPL Learning: 2D CAD in Fusion360
2025-02-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Ion Prototyping Lab, 4201 Main St., Suite 170, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Learn the basics of 2D CAD in Fusion360 at the Ion Prototyping Lab.
Through hands-on projects, students in this workshop will be guided through Autodesk Fusion 360’s Cloud-Based, parametric modeling tools. This is an introductory class geared toward anyone looking to build projects for 2D Sketching and vector drawing. No prior CAD experience is necessary!
Note: We encourage participants to bring their own laptops for a more personalized experience. All necessary materials, resources, and software information will be provided upon registration.
Class participants will be able to audit the class to reinforce / refresh their knowledge for 6 months after completing the class at no additional charge. In addition, they can come to the Ion Prototype Lab during Office Hours for general assistance with their designs.

STEAM x Business Student Social
2025-01-31 15:00 - 18:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for the STEAM x Business Social at the Ion!
Are you a college student or young professional interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Math (STEAM) or Business? This Houston-wide event is your chance to connect, collaborate, and ignite innovation! Enjoy light refreshments and snacks, engaging conversations, and networking opportunities with peers across various disciplines. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, form study groups, or explore potential collaborations, this mixer is the perfect place to expand your academic and social network!
Attire: Casual/Business Casual

SCORE Office Hours
2025-01-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States

Perfecting Your Pitch (originally planned for Jan 22)
2025-01-30 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Conference Room 028, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a visionary startup owner, or a tech aficionado, this event is tailor-made for you. Join us and discover the indispensable value of a compelling pitch deck.
About the Speakers
Dr. Doug Franklin
“Dr. Doug” is the CEO and Co-Founder of DeckLaunch and the COO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. He has fifteen years of management, marketing, and operations experience, including opportunities with iconic firms such as Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, and RJ Reynolds. Dr. Franklin is also a leading scholar that has presented at more than a dozen conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Leadership Quarterly and The Journal of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Dr. Franklin graduated with a Doctoral Degree in Ethical Leadership from the University of St. Thomas Houston and currently teaches Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods at UST.
Derrell Noris
With more than ten years dedicated to developing business operations and software development, Noris is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Deck Launch and the CEO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. Both successful startups provide services to growing businesses looking to mobilize their outreach further.
Nicholas Mbaezue-Daniel Jr.
Nick is the founder of Egis Project Management LLC, a project management firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses for projects in the industries of Construction, Technology, and Business Enterprise. He also serves as Director of Project Management for Fresh Tech Solutionz and as Chief Operations Officer at DeckLaunch LLC. Nicholas considers himself a servant of entrepreneurship because he sees entrepreneurship as a major vehicle to uplift the community.
