{"id":108265,"date":"2026-01-07T05:00:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T11:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.dallasinnovates.com\/?p=108265"},"modified":"2026-01-07T14:31:48","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T20:31:48","slug":"calendar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/calendar\/","title":{"rendered":"Calendar: Not-to-Miss Events for Innovators in Dallas-Fort Worth"},"content":{"rendered":"

North Texas is\u00a0a big place,\u00a0with plenty to do, see, hear, and watch.\u00a0<\/strong>We scour the internet every week to find events and activities for you. As always, things may change at any time, so be sure to check the official website or registration page for the latest details. For ongoing events, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don’t miss anything: Get Dallas Innovates Every Day<\/a>. And, if you know of a great\u00a0event, tell us about it<\/a>. <\/em>Event details courtesy of organizers.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Thursday, January 8, 2026<\/h2>\n

Pre-Gala in Advance of the Parade of Stars Gala<\/h2>\n

Hosted by the Women’s Business Council – Southwest
\nMadam Pearl’s Dancehall & Saloon – 302 West Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth<\/em>
\n4:30 to 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Join the Women’s Business Council-Southwest on January 8th for an evening of connection, excitement, and live music as they come together to toast trailblazers of the southwest before the main event, the Jan. 30 Parade of Stars Gala, begins. Complimentary to attend; cash bar available; all are welcome.<\/p>\n

Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

IoT Texas Happy Hour – Victor Fishman: The TX Quantum Initiative<\/h2>\n

Hosted by IoT Texas
\nSpringHill Suites Richardson\/Plano\/N. Garland, 3251 E. Pres. George Bush Trnpk, Richardson<\/em>
\n7:15 to 8:45 p.m.<\/p>\n

NOTE THE LATER TIME FOR THIS MONTH’S HAPPY HOUR. The program focuses on how the Texas Quantum Initiative (TQI), established by House Bill 4751, aims to position Texas as a leader in quantum computing, networking, and sensing through an advisory committee, dedicated funding, and industry partnerships.<\/p>\n

The initiative focuses on accelerating technology adoption, workforce development, and research across universities statewide, including North Texas.<\/p>\n

Victor Fishman supports the North Texas Quantum Economy\u00a0(TQE) team which also includes Rashmi Varma, venture capitalist and successful entrepreneur and Joel Buys, senior executive with industry program and partnership building experience.<\/p>\n

Feel free to come early and network with other like-minded technologists, business execs and entrepreneurs, etc. Bar opens at 5 pm (self paid). Stay as late as you like.<\/p>\n

Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Thursday, January 15, 2026<\/h2>\n

The IQ Brew – BLAST Breakthroughs: What Really Happens in a Wind Tunnel<\/h2>\n

Hosted by the Richardson IQHQ
\nIQHQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd., Richardson<\/em>
\n8:30 to 10 a.m.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n
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Ever wondered what really happens inside a wind tunnel? Join The IQ Brew for an engaging talk featuring Giacomo V. Iungo, Wind Tunnel Director, and Wasi Uddin Ahmed, Wind Tunnel Engineer from the University of Texas at Dallas, who will take us behind the scenes of BLAST, the Boundary Layer and Subsonic Wind Tunnel facility that powers some of the university’s most innovative aerodynamic research. BLAST is a dual-section, closed-circuit wind tunnel capable of everything from whisper-smooth breezes to more than 100 mph winds. It’s used to study how air flows around building, aircraft wings, wind turbines, sports equipment, and entire wind farms.<\/p>\n

Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Generative AI for Business Leaders: Connectors – Stop Copying, Start Delegating<\/h2>\n

Hosted by Mind & Machine DFW
\nII Brothers Grill & Bar, 8308 Preston Rd., #198, Plano<\/em>
\n4:30 to 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Most AI frustration comes from context switching, not prompts. In this session, Kellye Kamp, founder and CEO of SourceKamp Labs, a firm dedicated to equipping businesses and professionals with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in the era of Generative AI, shows how Connectors<\/strong>\u00a0let AI work\u00a0inside<\/em> your existing tools\u2014email, calendar, documents, and design\u2014without rebuilding workflows. The focus is practical: reducing repetition, lowering decision load, and delegating work you shouldn\u2019t be doing anymore.<\/p>\n

Mind & Machine DFW unites Dallas leaders monthly to demystify generative AI through practical education, use cases, and ethical discussions.<\/p>\n

Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Tuesday, January 27, 2026<\/h2>\n

DRC Annual Meeting: Bold Bets, Big Futures<\/h2>\n

Hosted by the Dallas Regional Chamber
\nMorton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas<\/em>
\n3 to 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s program features Ross Perot Jr., Chairman of The Perot Companies and Hillwood, whose forward-thinking approach to business development and infrastructure has helped shape the future of our region\u2014and the nation. From developing the country\u2019s first industrial airport to serving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Perot\u2019s perspective on growth, innovation, and opportunity offers a powerful message for business leaders at every level.<\/p>\n

The event also marks a significant milestone as DRC officially welcomes Brad Cheves as the new President & CEO, ushering in an exciting next chapter of collaboration and impact. Join more than 1,000 business, civic, and community leaders as they honor the achievements that brought us here\u2014and look ahead to the bold ideas that will drive our shared future.<\/p>\n

Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Thursday, January 29, 2026<\/h2>\n

The DEC Network’s 11th Annual State of Entrepreneurship<\/h2>\n

Hosted by DEC Network and presented by Bank of America
\nCollins Executive Education Center, 3150 Brinkley Ave., Dallas<\/em>
\n6 to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Join DEC Network for the 11th anniversary of one of the most energizing celebrations in the North Texas startup ecosystem\u2014the Annual State of Entrepreneurship. Each year, this event brings together founders, investors, corporate leaders, resource partners, and community champions to honor the momentum, milestones, and people shaping entrepreneurship across our region.
\nThis is not a conference session\u2014it’s a party and a celebration of everything the entrepreneurial community has built over the past year. They\u2019ll shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, organizations, and institutions driving innovation, creating jobs, expanding access, and fueling a more equitable and forward-thinking startup landscape.<\/p>\n

Expect an evening filled with recognition, connection, and big energy. Enjoy an awards ceremony highlighting standout achievements, alongside music, networking, and a room packed with the people who make North Texas one of the most vibrant startup communities in the country.<\/p>\n

This 11th anniversary celebration also serves as the official kick-off to DFW Startup Week, setting the tone for a powerful week of collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Come ready to celebrate the wins\u2014and the people\u2014who are building the future of our region.<\/p>\n

Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Friday, January 30, 2026<\/h2>\n

Parade of Stars Gala<\/h2>\n

Hosted by the Women’s Business Council – Southwest
\nRiver Ranch Stockyards, 500 NE 23rd St., Fort Worth<\/em>
\n5:30 to 10:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

This awards gala is time to honor women-owned businesses and advocates. The trailblazers-of-the-southwest themed event features a cocktail reception, dinner, awards, live band with dancing, country line dance instruction, a longhorn photo opportunity, and fundraisers.<\/p>\n

The evening’s agenda is from 5:30 – 7:00: Cocktail Reception, Longhorn Photo Opportunity, and Fundraisers; 7:00 – 8:00: Dinner, Awards, and Live Auction; 8:00 – 10:30: Live Band with Dancing, Line Dance Instruction, and Fundraisers.<\/p>\n

Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Thursday, February 19, 2026<\/h2>\n

Unicorns & Underdogs: High-Growth Founders Summit<\/h2>\n

Hosted by North Texas Angel Network & The DEC Network
\nCreateFW, 600 Bryan Ave., Suite 200, Fort Worth<\/em>
\n6 to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Unicorns & Underdogs: High-Growth Founder Summit brings together bold founders, operators, and investors for a high-impact day focused on scaling fast and building resilient companies. Hear real growth stories, gain actionable insights on fundraising and leadership, and connect with peers who are pushing boundaries\u2014from scrappy underdogs to unicorn-level visionaries.<\/p>\n

Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n<\/a>SAVE THE DATE<\/span><\/p>\n

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Wednesday, March 4, 2026, through Thursday, March 5, 2026<\/h2>\n

Texas ACG Capital Connection<\/h2>\n

Hosted by TAAC
\nThe Star in Frisco<\/em>
\nSave the date<\/p>\n

Early bird pricing ends on December 15, so now is the time to secure your spot at the <\/span>Texas ACG Capital Connection (TACC)<\/u>. For more than two decades, TACC has been the premier meeting place where capital, opportunity, and leadership converge\u2014powering the deals and relationships that drive the middle market. Recognized as the most significant private equity and debt capital event in\u00a0Texas and the South, TACC is also among the\u00a0largest ACG Capital Connections in the nation.<\/p>\n

Each year, TACC brings together 100+ leading private equity and mezzanine firms, representing more than $100 billion in capital available for investment. The result is a high-impact environment designed to help businesses scale, sponsors deploy capital, and advisors transform insights into action. More than a conference, TACC is a catalyst\u2014creating an exceptional platform for networking and deal flow across the full spectrum of middle-market leaders. Attendees include merger and acquisition professionals, intermediaries, business owners, executives, and the service providers who support growth at every stage.<\/p>\n

Annually, TACC<\/a><\/u>\u00a0welcomes approximately 1,200 attendees\u00a0from across the country, making it a must-attend event for anyone focused on accelerating growth, creating value, and celebrating success in the middle market.<\/p>\n

Learn more here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Monday, March 30, 2026, through Tuesday, March 31, 2026<\/h2>\n

Convergence AI Dallas: Where Artificial Intelligence and Business Meet<\/h2>\n

Hosted by the Dallas Regional Chamber
\nIrving Convention Center, Irving<\/em>
\nSave the date<\/p>\n

Early bird registration for Convergence AI Dallas 2026 is\u00a0now open<\/strong>! Entering its third year, Convergence AI is one of the largest business gatherings dedicated to AI in the Dallas\u2013Fort Worth region. Early bird pricing is available until\u00a0Wednesday,<\/strong>\u00a0Dec. 31<\/strong>; standard rates take effect\u00a0Thursday,<\/strong>\u00a0Jan. 1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Here’s what’s on deck:<\/p>\n