UPDATE: The GeekWire Gala is sold out.
We’ve got a huge crowd coming out for the sixth annual GeekWire Gala this Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Museum of History & Industry in Seattle’s South Lake Union Neighborhood.
This is one of our favorite events of the year, bringing together more than 1,000 attendees to celebrate The Seattle 10 startup companies, mingle with old and new friends and dance the night away.
Here are the key details you’ll need to know for the festivities on Wednesday night.
Where: The Museum of History & Industry, 860 Terry Ave N. in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. Map here.
When: Wednesday, December 7th, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Parking and transportation: South Lake Union is a bit of a mess these days, thanks in large part to the 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.
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.). Note: Given the cold snap of weather, we are going to have a few pedicabs transporting guests between the AGC parking lot and MOHAI from 5:45 pm to 7:15 pm.
Food and drink? Yes and yes. From Prosecco to beer to signature cocktails. 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.
Do I need to bring my printed tickets for the Gala? Nope, just show up at 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? Unfortunately, no the GeekWire Gala is officially sold out.
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.
Best dressed competition: And while the tech industry isn’t really known for its high fashion, we know there are some fashionistas in our midst. Some like to use the Gala to showcase their amazing wardrobes, so if you’re feeling especially fashion-forward this year, make sure to tweet your outfit to #GeekFashionista or snap a photo in the Moz photo booth. We’ll compile the outfits for our inaugural best dressed list. Not into high fashion? No worries, stop by the Galvanize station where they’ll be hosting an “awkward holiday family photo” booth, complete with entertaining props and costumes.
The WatchGuard Escape Room: Intruders have broken into the GeekWire Gala, knocked out a security guard, taken apart the network, and shut down the servers! Now, we need your help. Welcome to the WatchGuard Escape Room, where you and five of your colleagues will solve puzzles in order to #SaveTheGala. You’ll have just 10 minutes to complete a series of challenges and puzzles in this fun escape room, created by puzzle-master Roy Leban and the team at Puzzazz.
The Seattle 10: 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.
After party: Those looking to keep the party going can join us at Art Marble 21. Things will get rolling around 10 p.m., with plenty of fun in store. Art Marble 21 is located at 731 Westlake Ave. N. — just west of the museum.
Hashtags: #GWGala is the primary hashtag for the evening. But we will also use #SaveTheGala for the Escape Room and #GeekFashionista for the Best Dressed.
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: Regence, OfferUp, Bluetooth, Avalara, MOHAI, UPS Connect, Moz, Perkins Coie, WatchGuard and Sharp.
Silver Sponsors: EY, First Tech Federal Credit Union, RealSelf, Galvanize and Fuel Talent.
Supporting Sponsors: Stratos, Bader Martin, ALLtech, Puzzazz, #tagboard and Knoll.
