We’ve got a big crowd coming for the fifth annual GeekWire Gala this Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the wonderful Museum of History & Industry in Seattle’s South Lake Union Neighborhood.
Close to 1,000 geeks are expected for the holiday festivities, where we’ll toast the 2015 GeekWire Newsmakers of the Year and once again celebrate The Seattle 10 startup companies.
This year’s Gala, presented by Wells Fargo, is nearing a sell out so grab tickets today if you still want to join the fun.
Here are the key details you’ll need to know for the festivities.
Where: The Museum of History & Industry, 860 Terry Ave N. in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. Map here.
When: Wednesday, December 2nd, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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, one of Santa’s little elves or your favorite Star Wars character from the ice planet Hoth. The photo booth, presented by Moz, will offer plenty of opportunities to showcase your sweet duds.
Parking and transportation: South Lake Union is a bit of a mess these days, thanks in large part to our fast-growing tech industry. 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. Or hop in a taxi or ride-share.
Even better, use our official transportation partner, Car2Go, which is setting up a VIP DropZone for Car2Go members at MOHAI. Simply grab a Car2Go throughout the city, and drive to the Car2Go DropZone right outside MOHAI. Not a member yet? Use the promo code “HOPIN” for $5 registration and 60 minutes of drive time!
If you must drive, the main parking lot is located just northwest of the museum off Westlake — designated F on the accompanying map — about a 10 minute walk from the museum: AGC Bldg. Parking (Republic Parking, located by McCormick & Schmick’s) 1200 Westlake Ave N.).
Food and drink? Yes and yes. From Prosecco to beer to signature cocktails, and even a fancy whiskey tasting room sponsored by Ivy Softworks. The appetizers 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 MOHAI or the Bezos Center for Innovation, this is your chance. Note: Food and drink are not permitted in the upstairs exhibit areas.
After Party: All dressed up, and ready to enjoy a little more holiday cheer? We’ll be heading across the street to the second floor of Art Marble 21 for the Gala after party, hosted by our partners at Regence. Things will get rolling around 9:30 p.m., with plenty of fun in store, including a DJ, pool and ping pong. Art Marble 21 is located at 731 Westlake Ave. N. — just southwest of the museum.
Do I need to bring my printed tickets for the Gala? Nope, just show up on the north entrance of MOHAI and our registration staff will take care of you.
Does my ticket include a plus one? No, each individual must have a ticket to enter the Gala.
Can my friends or coworkers still register? Yes, we have a limited number of tickets still available, which can be purchased here.
The Seattle 10 and Newsmakers of the Year: We’re excited to partner with MOHAI to recognize The Seattle 10 — a list of 10 up-and-coming Seattle area startups who are looking to change the world. Each of these innovative companies — chosen through a judging panel — 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 announcing the top Newsmakers of the Year, adorning them with a customized red and black GeekWire soccer scarf. A short program and toast will take place around 7 p.m.
Hashtag: #gwgala (Join the Twitter fun, and see if your Tweet gets showcased on Tagboard during the Gala)
And, finally, a big thanks to our wonderful GeekWire Gala Sponsors without whom this holiday tradition would not be possible. They are:
Presenting Sponsor: Wells Fargo
Gold Sponsors: Perkins Coie, UPS Connect, Avalara, Moz, Tune, Ivy Softworks, MOHAI, IBM, Galvanize, Salesforce, and Regence.
Silver Sponsors: First Tech Federal Credit Union, Sharp, Xtreme Consulting Group, OfferUp, EY, Curalate, Car2Go, and Coordinated Care.
Supporting Sponsors: Bader Martin, Tagboard, RealSelf, ALLtech, Protingent, Green House Data, Digital Realty/telx, Madrona Venture Group, WTIA and Knoll.
