MidwestCon 2025 Recap: Highlights, Insights & Thank‐Yous

Hello MidwestCon Community,

What an incredible three days! From September 9 to 11, MidwestCon 2025 brought together innovators, creators, thinkers, and doers. United by a shared passion for tech, culture, and community. We’re still buzzing from the energy, insights, and connections. Here’s a look back at what made it unforgettable.

🎯 Top Highlights

Powerhouse Keynotes & Panels
From startup scaling to social impact, our speakers delivered unforgettable sessions. Attendees were especially moved by talks on inclusive tech, ethical AI, and sustainability.

Hands‑on Workshops
Participants delved deeply into practical workshops, emerging with new tools, strategies, and perspectives to apply in their work and communities.

Connections Built
Between networking lunches, evening receptions, and pop‑up meetups, people made real, lasting connections. Many started collaboration conversations—some even kick‑started projects together.

Showcase of Innovation
The Expo Hall was buzzing with booths and ideas in action. From social impact startups to design experiments, attendees got a first‑hand look at what’s evolving at the edge of innovation.

Community & Culture in Full Force
Key cultural moments—open mic, art installations, local food experiences—reminded us why MidwestCon is more than just a tech conference. It’s a gathering of identity, purpose, and celebration.

🌟 Special Spotlight: AI Innovation Vibe‑A‑Thon

Day 0 (Sept 9) kicked off with an electric start: Noelle Russell’s “AI Innovation Vibe‑A‑Thon.”
This pre‑conference session was a hands‑on, high‑energy dive into ethical AI and creative prototyping. Attendees collaborated across industries, explored emerging tools, and left with new ideas—and new allies.

🏛️ Policy Meets Innovation

On Day 3, we were honored to host a Policy Innovation Lunch featuring Senator Bernie Moreno and Vice Mayor Jan‑Michele Kearney, who joined local leaders and attendees for a critical conversation about innovation, infrastructure, and inclusion.

Their presence reminded us that the future of tech must be shaped by everyone—from city halls to community hubs.

📸 Captured Moments

We’ve collected amazing photos & stories from the event:

Whova Gallery Highlights
Check out images of lively panels, audience engagement, and backstage captures—those spontaneous moments that don’t happen on schedule but make the event real.

Social Media Buzz
The LinkedIn feed was full of takeaways, shout‑outs, and recaps from attendees and speakers. On Instagram, stories captured the energy between sessions, candid conversations, and the joy of being together.

💡 What We Learned

• Attendees want more interactive sessions that allow deeper dialogue and hands‑on work rather than just listening.

• Themes of ethical innovation, diversity & inclusion, and sustainable design struck a chord and should be at the backbone of future programming.

• Smaller, informal networking events were among the most appreciated—people value time to connect outside of formal schedules.

🙏 Thanks to Everyone

A huge thank‑you to:

• Our speakers for sharing wisdom and passion

• Sponsors & partners who made the experience possible

• Volunteers & organizers working behind the scenes

• And most of all—you, the attendees. Your energy, feedback, and ideas are what make MidwestCon so special.

🔜 What’s Next

• Save the Date: MidwestCon 2026 (September 8-11, 2026)

• Speaker & Partner Opportunities: Call for proposals opens in early 2026

• Stay Connected: We’ll be sharing recordings, slide decks, and extra materials over the next few weeks

Let’s keep this momentum going.
If you have feedback or stories you want to share, reply to this email or connect with us on social media.

Let’s build together,
— The MidwestCon Team