We’re looking forward to celebrating the holiday season with more than 800 of you Wednesday night at the GeekWire Gala, our big winter event for the Seattle tech community.
The Gala is turning into an annual traditional, and this year we’ve got some fun things in store, including a great new location in the Museum of History & Industry. We’re also excited to kick off The Seattle 10 —ten Seattle startup companies that have elaborately sketched their business concepts on giant cocktail napkins!
Limited tickets are still available at late-registration rates, but they’re going fast, and we’re quickly approaching capacity. If you’ve already scored your tickets, here are the key details you need to know:
When: Wednesday, December 4th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The newly-renovated Museum of History & Industry, 860 Terry Ave N. in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. Map here.
Attire: You have the rare license to don cocktail attire, or whatever you want for that matter. Tuxedos? Sure. Geeky T-shirts? Yep. Or, just get in the spirit and come dressed as Frosty or one of Santa’s little elves. The photo booth, presented by Moz, will offer plenty of opportunities to showcase your sweet duds.
Parking: Various surface lots are available around the museum, including several lots which are a short walk away. We’re expecting a big crowd for the Gala, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to park and check in. We also recommend those coming from downtown ride the South Lake Union Streetcar Line, which passes directly in front of the museum. Here are some lots and parking information.
- ADA parking in MOHAI’s lot
- Valet parking at Daniel’s Broiler
- AGC Bldg. Parking (Republic Parking, located by McCormick & Schmick’s) 1200 Westlake Ave N.).
- Central Parking (CPS). Gravel lot in front of Daniel’s Broiler, 809 Fairview Ave, N. $8 for 2 – 10 hours of parking.
- Standard Parking: 670 Terry Ave N. (Conoco Phillips)
- Standard Parking: 607 Westlake Ave N. (Foley North Green)
Geeks Give Back: This year’s charitable recipient is Seattle Children’s Research Institute, one of the top pediatric research organizations in the country. You can donate at the Gala by bringing a check or visiting the Seattle Children’s Research Institute booth. Make checks out to Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, and write in the memo box “Geeks Give Back.” All gifts are tax deductible. Funds that we raise will go directly to The Research Discovery Fund, providing funding for highly promising research projects and supporting the next generation of research-scientists. Any person or company who donates $1,000 or more to the Geeks Give Back campaign this year will be honored on our “Charitable Wall of Fame” in a recap post on GeekWire
The Seattle 10 and Newsmakers of the Year: This year, we’re excited to partner with MOHAI to recognize The Seattle 10 — a list of 10 up-and-coming Seattle area startups. Each of these innovative companies sketched their business concepts on giant six-foot by six-foot cocktail napkins, and those napkins will make their public debut at the Gala on Wednesday. Look for them throughout the museum. Also, as in year’s past, we will be recognizing the top Newsmakers of the Year, adorning them with a customized red and black GeekWire soccer scarf. A short program will take place at 7 p.m.
Food and drink? Yes and yes. From Prosecco to beer to signature cocktails — including a yummy “WhitePages White Russian.” The appetizers from Lisa Dupar Catering will be heavy, but it’s not dinner. No assigned tables, just tasty buffets and awesome conversation all evening.
Museum: Exhibits to the museum will be open, so if you’ve not yet checked out the new MOHAI, this is your chance. Note: Food and drink are not permitted in the upstairs exhibit areas.
Hashtag: #gwgala
