Editor\u2019s note: Houston is living up to its nicknames as Space City and the Energy Capital of the World this month with a lineup of insightful talks, pitch days and industry conferences. Plus, there are opportunities to network over crawfish, learn about brain health and more. Here\u2019s what not to miss and how to register. Please note: this article may be updated to add more events.<\/p>\n
May 7 \u2013 Ion Block Party and Crawfish Boil<\/p>\n
Head to this special edition Block Party, featuring a crawfish cook-off competition among the Ion\u2019s businesses. Competing teams include Transwestern, Microsoft, Rice Alliance, Rice Nexus, South Main Baptist, Per Scholas, Industrious and many others. Taste test crawfish while supplies last, and sip a complimentary drink from Second Draught.<\/p>\n
This event is Thursday, May 7, from 4-7 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.<\/a><\/p>\n May 12 \u2013 Why the Next Decade of Breakthrough Brain Tech Matters For You, and What to Do About It<\/p>\n Hear from Matias Serebrinsky<\/a>, co-founder and general partner of San Francisco-based PsyMed Ventures, at this talk presented by EO Houston. Serebrinsky will discuss why founders are disproportionately affected by brain health issues and look at breakthrough brain and mental health tech. <\/p>\n This event is Tuesday, May 12, from 11:20 a.m.-1 p.m. at Tony’s on Richmond Avenue. Register here.<\/a><\/p>\n May 18-19 \u2014 Geothermal Transition Summit North America<\/p>\n This two-day summit serves as the meeting point for the geothermal and oil and gas industries and will focus on geothermal energy, including scaling plants and navigating state regulations. The event promises 40 expert speakers, 15 exhibition spaces, and networking opportunities with 250 industry decision makers.<\/p>\n This event begins May 18 at Norris Conference Center. Register here.<\/a><\/p>\n May 19 \u2013 IOT Innovation Day<\/p>\n IoT Innovation Day will present a series of fast\u2011paced, 15\u2011minute tech talks focused on the future of connected devices. These sessions feature insights from founders, engineers, product innovators and industry leaders. Attendees are also invited to sign up to present their own tech talk showcasing their expertise, startup or solution. <\/p>\n This event is Tuesday, May 19, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Register here.<\/a><\/p>\n May 20-21 \u2014 ESF North America<\/p>\n ESF North America returns for its 5th edition, under the theme of \u201cinnovation and adaptation.\u201d Attendees will explore how technology, innovation, and collaboration can drive a resilient, competitive refining and chemicals industry.<\/p>\n This event begins May 20 at The Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria. Register here.<\/a><\/p>\n May 21 \u2013 AI + Energy Sector Pitch Day<\/p>\n Hear from startups powering the AI boom or using AI to support the energy transition at Greentown’s latest installment of its Sector Pitch Day series. Brian Walker, program manager for emerging technologies in the U.S. Department of Energy\u2019s Building Technologies Office, will present the keynote address. Six Greentown startups will present pitches, as well as others from IMPEL, a DOE tech-to-market program, and more. Stick around for a networking happy hour.<\/p>\n This event is Thursday, May 21, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at the Ion. Register here.<\/a><\/p>\n May 28 \u2013 NASA Stories at the Ion: A Conversation with NASA\u2019s Artemis II Orion Vehicle Manager Branelle Rodriguez<\/p>\n NASA\u2019s Artemis II Orion Vehicle Manager Branelle Rodriguez will discuss what it took to ready the spacecraft for its mission and return to Earth at this special installment of NASA Stories. Rodriguez will share insights on Orion\u2019s high-speed reentry, the views of the Moon and Earth witnessed by the crew, and what\u2019s next for Orion on NASA\u2019s upcoming Artemis missions in 2027 and 2028. Complimentary breakfast and networking take place before each talk.<\/p>\n This event Thursday, May 28, from 8:30-10 a.m. at the Ion. Register here.<\/a><\/p>\n May 28 \u2013 NASA Tech Talks: Texas-France Space Hub Business Accelerator Initiative<\/p>\n NASA Tech Talks is partnering with the Rice Space Institute (RSI) this month to host the second cohort of the Texas-France Space Hub in Houston. The hub aims to unite academic institutions and private enterprises to expand commercial space presence in both countries. Startups from the hub will present during the event, followed by drinks and networking at Second Draught.<\/p>\n