Welcome to the Midweek Memo which features a bit of news and a bunch of upcoming events. In this issue, meet the Alberta innovators headed to SXSW, then explore four other local meetups and activities you should attend. By the way, if you're new here, our most recent executive Briefing featured 12 (!) recent stories you may have missed. See you on Sunday for the next one.

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Meet the Alberta innovators headed to SXSW

Bōde, Alto, Digital Carbon, Propra, and OneCup AI Livestock ID, are among a slate of 50 companies chosen to represent Alberta at the annual SXSW Conference in Austin, beginning March 7th.

SXSW brings nearly 300,000 people to Austin to celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture.

But why: The purpose of the Alberta venture trip is to connect with potential investors, customers and partners. The companies represent Alberta’s strengths across many sectors including prop-tech, agri-food, sustainability, and health. The 50 companies, according to Alberta Innovates, were selected based on their readiness for U.S. investment.

To do what: During their six days in Austin, the companies will attend curated meetings that have been specifically set up for them; participate in exclusive invitation-only networking events that connect them with potential U.S. investors, customers and partners; and take in workshops and events at SXSW.

"We are truly honored to be representing Alberta at a globally renowned showcase of the world's most compelling new companies," said Bōde CEO Robert Price. "This fellowship brings together Alberta's leaders of the new economy who are collaborative and passionate about driving the diversification and sustainability of our province that we love."

Little-known fact: Before Laura Kilcrease was CEO of Alberta Innovates – the organization facilitating this trip – she was a leader in Austin’s technology and innovation community. She founded the Austin Technology Incubator, co-founded the Austin Technology Council, and served as executive director of the University of Texas IC2 Institute’s Center for Commercialization and Enterprise.

"There are many similarities between Austin and Alberta,” Kilcrease explained on the Alberta Innovates website. “Both grew up based on natural resources and have continued to pivot into innovation and technology at all levels and stages. They both have highly educated populations and phenomenal research universities that can support tech growth.”

Now, let's check out what else is on deck in Calgary tech...

🔌 Tonight: Plug and Play Monthly Mixer

Join them in Downtown Calgary at The Ampersand where they'll welcome corporate partners, investors, startups, alumni, mentors, and members of the venture capital community for an early evening of networking with beverages and light snacks.

💰 Negotiating your Compensation by The 51 | March 3

A workshop to confidently negotiate the compensation you deserve, led by The Thoughtful Co.

⛽ FounderFuel 2023 Program Info Session - Calgary | March 6

Join FounderFuel for an in-depth information session in Calgary on Monday, March 6th, hosted by Platform Calgary, to learn about our iconic program's main components, including mentor matching, leadership development, expert sessions, fundraising preparation, VC funding, and Canada's largest Demo Day. FounderFuel is powered by Real Ventures, in partnership with Panache Ventures and Inovia Capital.

👩🏻‍💼 Women In Technology & Innovation - A Night of Networking | March 7

Join for a night of networking with Women in Technology and Innovation. Hosted by Plug and Play Tech Centre in collaboration with EECOL Electric and Making Changes - Women In Technology, a not-for-profit association of Alberta helping close the gender gap and promote gender equality within our society.

For more local tech and business events, check out our friends at In the Know YYC.

👇 Before you go...

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