In partnership with Midwest House, Chicago Day 2025 will
represent some of Chicago’s most iconic brands
CHICAGO, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — World Business Chicago (WBC), Chicagoland’s premier economic development organization, is proud to announce “Chicago Day 2025” at Midwest House, taking place Saturday, March 8, during SXSW in Austin, Texas. Official partners include 1871, Chicago:Blend, The Chicago Bulls, Jeppson’s Malört, Microsoft, Nature’s Fynd, The Obama Foundation, Pie, and Portillo’s.
“SXSW is the perfect stage to showcase our Chicago’s dynamic and diverse tech and innovation ecosystem.” – Phil Clement
Building on the momentum of previous years’ activations, Chicago Day 2025 will highlight the city’s thriving tech and innovation ecosystem – featuring leading startups, investors, corporate leaders, and nonprofit partners shaping the future of business. With more than 1,400 global attendees in 2023 and a record-breaking 3,500 guests in 2024, Chicago Day has cemented itself as a must-attend event at SXSW, amplifying Chicago’s position as a leading global destination for growth, investment, and talent.
“Chicago is a powerhouse for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment, and SXSW is the perfect stage to showcase our city’s dynamic business ecosystem,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “Partnering with Midwest House, we’re connecting with global industry leaders, forging new business opportunities, and positioning Chicago as the best destination for expansion and investment. A special thank you to our incredible Chicago partners—1871, The Chicago Bulls, Microsoft, Nature’s Fynd, Jeppson’s Malört, The Obama Foundation, Pie, and Portillo’s—who will represent Chicago’s vibrancy, energy and innovation at SXSW. We look forward to the business leads, collaborations, and new investments that will emerge from this year’s activation.”
Midwest House, founded in 2015, has established itself as the premier gathering space at SXSW for entrepreneurs, global enterprises, government officials, and creatives to challenge outdated perceptions of the Midwest. Through insightful discussions, engaging performances, and unparalleled hospitality, Midwest House drives forward a collective vision for the region’s future.
Ted Velie, Co-Founder of Midwest House, stated, “Midwest House is thrilled to again be celebrating Chicago Day at SXSW 2025 with our friends at World Business Chicago and their partners. Even more so, though, we’re beyond excited about the way Chicago has become a leading proponent for a more innovative, equitable, and connected Midwest region.”
Chicago Day 2025 at Midwest House will feature a curated lineup of panels, networking sessions, and immersive experiences designed to connect SXSW’s global innovation community with Chicago’s latest innovations. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry pioneers, discover emerging startups, and explore the latest advancements driving economic growth in Chicago and beyond.
Chicago Day @ SXSW: Bold Voices, Bright Future – Hear from Our Partners
“Chicago’s tech and innovation community is thriving, and 1871 is proud to represent the city’s brightest founders, builders, and disruptors at SXSW,” said Betsy Zielger, CEO of 1871. “Chicago Day 2025 at Midwest House is a powerful platform to showcase the groundbreaking work happening in our community—from early-stage startups to industry leaders driving transformation. At 1871, we believe in the power of collaboration to accelerate growth, and we look forward to forging new connections that will fuel Chicago’s continued rise as a top-tier global tech hub.”
“Jeppson’s Malört is proud to represent Chicago at SXSW, showcasing our distinctive beverage among other renowned brands,” added Anna Sokratov, Head of Marketing. “We are delighted to support an event that spotlights Chicago as a global leader in food and beverage innovation.”
Microsoft’s Community Engagement Lead, Nisaini Rexach, is participating in her second Chicago Day with World Business Chicago. She elaborated, “We are thrilled to continue our close collaboration with WBC during Chicago Day at Midwest House. This experience magnifies the Chicago way and the intersection of economic development and technology. We are looking forward to maximizing our support of World Business Chicago’s ecosystem building.”
“At Nature’s Fynd, we’re shaping the future of food with Fy™, a nutritional fungi protein, grown via fermentation on Chicago’s South Side. Chicago has long been a hub for food innovation. It is the perfect place to scale our mission of creating amazing foods to nourish people and nurture the planet,” said Karuna Rawal, Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer at Nature’s Fynd. “We’re proud to support Chicago Day at SXSW and showcase the city’s incredible ecosystem of bold thinkers, delicious food, and game-changing companies that are shaping the future of food and beyond.”
“The Obama Foundation is honored to be a part of this year’s Chicago Day event at SXSW,” said Obama Foundation Vice President of Public Engagement, Joshua Harris. “This is a prime opportunity to engage the greater Chicago business community as we prepare to open the Obama Presidential Center – and welcome the world to the South Side – next year. We look forward to working with the Chicago business community over the coming months as a trusted partner and joining the pantheon of great cultural institutions serving the Windy City.”
“I’m proud to be building Pie in the burgeoning Chicago tech scene,” stated Andy Dunn, Founder and CEO of Pie. “As a Chicago native and long-suffering but optimistic Bears fan, we want to build the game changing company that accelerates an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, angel investors, and builders. Our mission is to build the social IRL app we all deserve to make finding new friends as easy as pie. We’re fired up for Chicago Day at SXSW – to further put Chicago on the map and play a part in driving this city to a top three tech market over the next decade.”
“As a proud Chicago icon that has served our craveable food for over 60 years, Portillo’s is excited to join the celebration of Chicago’s innovation and culture at SXSW,” added Vallory McCormack, Director of Marketing, Portillo’s. “We look forward to sharing a taste of Chicago’s legendary food scene with global leaders and creators, while highlighting why our city continues to be a premier destination for business, technology, and culinary excellence.”
For more information on Chicago Day 2025 at Midwest House and to stay updated on programming and speaker announcements, visit www.midwesthouse.org or follow World Business Chicago on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/world-business-chicago.
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SOURCE World Business Chicago
