AGENDA

A.C.E. Conference & Expo - 2:00PM

Featuring educational sessions for aspiring business owners. An Expo will precede the Awards Ceremony, highlighting the entrepreneurial support organizations, inventors, and sponsors instrumental in the region's innovation landscape. 

For more information and speakers lineup: https://www.theaceevent.com/

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Nominee Appreciation Dinner - 5:00 pm

A limited number of seats are also available for the 5:00 pm Nominee Appreciation Dinner at the Embassy Suites. This ticket upgrade includes a chef-prepared banquet-style meal, showing thanks to our nominees for contributing to innovation in our community.

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Awards Ceremony - 6:30 pm

Our premier event will follow the A.C.E. Conference & Nominee Appreciation Dinner, the 815 Innovation Awards Ceremony, starting at 6:30 pm.

This event will honor the exceptional minds and organizations shaping our community's future through innovation. 

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The 815 Innovation Awards and ACE Entrepreneurship Conference & Expo are a beacon of innovation in Winnebago County, celebrating the visionary work that shapes our economic and community landscape. This signature event, commemorating EIGERLab's 20th anniversary, honors the achievements of our brightest innovators—the individuals and companies whose creative solutions have been foundational to our regional growth. On May 23rd at the Embassy Suites Rockford Conference Center, we unite to celebrate the inventive spirit that drives progress, wrapping up the day with an evening awards ceremony showcasing our local pioneers' inspirational stories.

This landmark celebration of two decades of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the EIGERLab, in collaboration with Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph Chiarelli, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, and former Congressman Don Manzullo, is thrilled to announce the first annual 815 Innovation Awards featuring the A.C.E. Entrepreneurship Conference and Expo. This prestigious event is set to take place on May 23 at the Embassy Suites Rockford Conference Center, located at 402 S. Main Street in Rockford.

The event, hosted by EIGERLab and its A.C.E. (Accelerating Creatives and Entrepreneurs) partners, will commence in the afternoon with the Annual A.C.E. Conference for Entrepreneurs. It will feature an Expo showcasing A.C.E. Partners and regional innovators, culminating in the 815 Innovation Awards Ceremony at 6:30 pm The awards will honor outstanding achievements in various fields, including Aerospace, Robotics and Automation, New Product Design, Innovative Technology/Software Solutions, Healthcare, Education, Arts and Design, Architecture, Community Development, Young Innovators and the A.C.E. Emerging Small Business Innovator Award, along with a special accolade for the John Lundin for Community Organizations.

About EIGERLab

EIGERLab has been at the forefront of innovation in our region since 2004, providing resources, support, and mentorship to entrepreneurs and innovators. As a hub of creativity and technological advancement, EIGERLab has nurtured groundbreaking ideas that have transformed our local industries and community projects. Our mission is to elevate the dreamers and the doers, fostering a culture where innovation can thrive. The 815 Innovation Awards, created to highlight this legacy, serve as a platform to acknowledge past achievements and inspire a prosperous future with pioneering endeavors and collaborative success.

Your Support Counts!

In 2024, embracing a new vision of innovation and support, we are thrilled to announce an expansion of our services tailored to the ambitious innovators of our community. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by those moving into manufacturing and innovation, we are committed to making our resources more accessible than ever. The goal of 815 Innovations will be to inspire innovation and raise funding for these enhanced services entirely free. This initiative reflects our dedication to not only meet but exceed the needs of our community, ensuring that cost is no barrier to the aspirations of those we serve. Your support will allow for a future where innovators in Winnebago County have the support they need to thrive.

DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

Tickets are limited. Upscale attire is highly suggested.