GW calendar logoWhat do a submarine, cellphone, rocket, and taser have in common? They were all inspired by science fiction.

The sci-fi genre has a long tradition of mirroring and predicating reality. This fascinating intersection is the inspiration behind MIT Enterprise Forum Northwest’s Science Fiction: Catalyst for Reality.

people-big moon all-100 dpi 475px 62282The event, which takes place Wednesday May 20 at 5:30 p.m., will feature award-winning sci-fi authors, scholars, and other industry experts, followed by a TEDx-style talk. Microsoft CTO Rick Rashid will close with a presentation “about executing the vision and turning science fiction into reality.”

Tickets are available for $29 – $49 here.

That’s one of the selections from the GeekWire Calendar, our curated list of the Pacific Northwest’s top tech events. Keep reading and visit the full calendar for more.

global_4351888563D Printing Conference

What: This month we will explore various advancements in currently available 3D printing technologies that allow makers and inventors to prototype and experiment with amazing designs which were never brought to market in the past due to production, technology and material constraints. No more! Now with newly available 3D printing materials, software, and hardware the possibilities are endless! Come get an insider’s look at Spark, Autodesk’s open and extensible 3D printing platform and meet David Gartner, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Autodesk. Learn some tips and designs for 3d printing electronics with F-Electric, check out some 3d printers on display! We have an amazing lineup of guest speakers next month, you don’t want to miss this one! Please RSVP soon, space is limited!

When: May 16, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Startup Hall at UW, Seattle.

Register: Join the meetup group and RSVP here.

newtechseattle11New Tech Seattle

What: New Tech Seattle is the heart of Seattle tech where you’ll connect with smart, fun, creative people from across the full spectrum of our tech community. On the 2nd or 3rd Tuesday of every month you’ll enjoy great food and drinks, learn about new companies doing cool things, laugh, smile, and have a fun night out. Discover the people, partners, organizations, and resources to help you to build your dreams.

When: May 19, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Seattle.

Register: Tickets are on sale for $10 here.

Seattle Angel ConferenceSeattle Angel Conference

What: The Seattle Angel Conference is a recurring Seattle Angel-driven event where the investors create an LLC, engage in due diligence of the applying startup companies, and ultimately pool funds to invest in one of the presenting finalists. The Seattle Angel Conference is the primary method Seattle Angel uses to find and fund new startups. The Seattle Angel Conference is open to any member of the community interested in learning more about both starting and investing in a new business and to hear the investment pitches from the finalists.

When: May 20, 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Where: Impact Hub, Seattle.

Register: Tickets are on sale for $25 – $250 here.

CoFoundersLab logo (for partners)CoFoundersLab Matchup

What: Did you know that founding teams with multiple co-founders have a greater chance of success? If you’re looking for someone to join your venture, looking for a venture to join, or open to either, sign up and attend our local, in-person Meetups to discover the perfect co-founder to round out your team. You’ll meet other entrepreneurs who are as energized as you are about launching a new business and who possess a wide range of unique experiences, ideas, and skills.

Unlike some networking events which lack structure and are cluttered with a large amount of people with varying intentions‚ our Meetups are laser-focused to help you find a co-founder.

When: May 21, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Where: General Assembly, Seattle.

Register: RSVP for free here.

Sat_187-960x480Northwest Folklife Festival

What: Northwest Folklife is an independent year-round nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for all people to appreciate, share, and participate in the evolving folk and ethnic traditions of the Pacific Northwest. Every year since 1972 we have presented the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle Center on Memorial Day Weekend.

When: May 22 – May 25.

Where: Seattle Center.

Register: Donations are accepted at the event and online here.

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