Ascender

Communication Science Meets Presentation Effectiveness
2017-07-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Ascender, 6401 Penn Ave 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Join us for Communication Science Meets Presentation Effectiveness, with Jackie Gartner-Schmidt, PH.D. This course is designed to offer the theory and practice of principles of public speaking, with an emphasis on the compositional and presentational aspects of
communication in formal speaking situations, specifically for business and community grassroots.
Course Objectives
1. Develop familiarity with the three traditional purposes of presentations — to
educate, motivate, and facilitate;
2. Improve the four speaker qualities used in successful public speaking – crafting
the story, cultivating the delivery, connecting with the audience, and
complimenting prose with visuals;
3. Improve proficiency in public speaking skills;
4. Decrease speaking apprehension.
RSVP -> http://members.pyp.org/event-2589778

Full Circle Info Session
2017-07-18 17:30 - 19:00
Social Venture Partners Pittsburgh invites leaders from local innovative nonprofits to join an info session where you will learn about SVP Full Circle – Pittsburgh’s impact accelerator for nonprofits. During the session, Full Circle Managers will discuss the 2017 fall cohort programming as well as provide insights on the application process. Large, established nonprofits as well as smaller, start-up organizations are all welcomed to join and learn more.
Application Deadline: Applications are due Monday, July 31 at 12 noon.
REGISTER HERE

Getting Paid + Shipping and Logistics
2017-07-12 08:00 - 10:00
PART TWO OF A FOUR PART SERIES
Getting Paid + Shipping and Logistics – The International Experience
Speakers:
Edward Schick, Vice President, Trade Financial Group,The Huntington National Bank (Member of Western PA District Export Council)
Chas Watson, President, RL Swearer Company (Member of Western PA District Export Council)
LeAnne Haworth, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service Pittsburgh
RSVP HERE

Plan for Success: Linking your team, goals, and process.
2017-07-11 17:30 - 19:00
Today you’re by yourself, tomorrow you may have a team of five. Now is the time to think about future challenges, in order to sync up your team and your organization’s goals. Hear from serial entrepreneurs on how to build long lasting processes and strategies that can create a natural, balanced work flow and a foundation for future growth.
Speaker:
Illana Diamond, Managing Director of AlphaLab Gear
What is the Starters Series?
In partnership with Pittsburgh’s acclaimed thought leaders, the Starters Series at Ascender provides a first look into the most crucial elements of starting a business or organization. In line with our monthly themes, the Starters Series targets individuals and entities from ideation to early execution, providing a compelling educational experience on each curated topic. Join Ascender the second Tuesday of each month as we explain proven strategies and explore new tools and techniques driving success.

XPRIZE: AI for Good Reception
2017-06-30 18:00 - 21:00
RSVP: aiforgoodpgh2017.eventbrite.com
147 teams around the world are currently competing in the IBM Watson AI XPRIZE, a 3-year, $5M global competition to develop powerful artificial intelligence technologies capable of solving the world’s grandest challenges. Over the life of the competition, teams will work with a network of mentors, experts, and investors to develop and refine practical AI solutions ranging from transportation to health to poverty and more.
As one of several AI XPRIZE Hubs worldwide, Pittsburgh will host a series of supporting programs to convene regional teams and networks of supporters. The city has a robust AI community, recognized for cutting-edge robotics, health technology, autonomous vehicle programs, and more. About 14 teams from across the U.S. will be convening in the US day-long workshop in Pittsburgh to meet with mentors and investors in the city.
You are invited to join us for a post-workshop reception at Ascender, from 6-9pm. There, you will have a chance to hear from more than a dozen of the competing teams, as well as XPRIZE staff, who will share the organization and competition’s broader goals and missions. There will also be a brief presentation of the highlights from the AI for Good Summit, with insights on how we all can better prepare for an AI-abundant future.
Schedule:
6:00 – Doors open. Food & drink served.
7:00 – Welcome, introductory remarks, and AI for Good overview
7:20 – Hear from the competing teams in the AI XPRIZE + Q&A
8:00 – Networking

Always Be Closing
2017-06-29 17:30 - 19:00
Always Be Closing: The Sales Process Demystified
What happens after you’ve made your first sale? What about your 10,000th sale? Hear how experts create long lasting sales processes that can take your startup to the next level.
Speakers:
Ralph Massaro, VP of Worldwide Sales, Wombat Security Technologies
DJ Cavanaugh, Sr. VP of Business Development, CivicScience

What is the Builders Series?
At Ascender, our Builders Series is hyperfocused on helping individuals and entities strengthen their existing organizations. With the help of cross-industry experts, educators, and hand picked mentors, the Builders Series takes a deep dive into the most pressing issues that face growing companies in the Pittsburgh area. Attend our Builders Series the last Thursday of each month to experience for yourself how an in depth conversation can provide a new outlook on your organization.

Introduction to Global Trade
2017-06-21 08:30 - 10:00
PART ONE OF A FOUR PART SERIES
The Value of International Sales and the Complexities of Crossing Borders
Speakers:
Lyn Doverspike, Director, U.S. Commercial Service Pittsburgh
Steven Murray, Senior Interational Trade Specialist, U.S. Commerical Service Pittsburgh
RSVP HERE

Let's Talk Sales
2017-06-13 17:30 - 19:00
CAC, CPA, CLTV, the acronym list for sales goes on and on. Join us as we help you understand the pieces of the puzzle that help you focus in on the right metrics to maximize your sales effectiveness.
Speaker: Phil Marzolf

Immigration: Keeping the Door Open to Global Talent
2017-06-07 12:00 - 13:00
Immigration laws affect companies of all sizes. This session will focus on immigration system changes under the new administration, including executive orders, policy goals, ways to adapt and thoughts on the future.

Presenters:
Christopher Thorn
Buchanan LabsRegistration is free, but is required. Lunch will be provided.

RSVP HERE -> http://bit.ly/2q3t3ns

Wix Website Workshop-How to get found online
2017-05-30 19:00 - 21:00
Discover how to build a website and get found online using Wix! It’s the simple, drag-n-drop editor that makes owning a website super easy. Our speaker, Wix Pittsburgh Ambassador Ruthann Bowen, will show you just how easy it is to get a stunning site that helps you grow your business. Get a jump start on the event by liking our Facebook page: Wix Pittsburgh and The Bowen Agency Web Design. Come on out and network with other small business owners! Looking forward to seeing you May 30th, 7PM at Ascender
RSVP NOW http://bit.ly/2qIluGo

Show Don't Tell Workshop
2017-05-25 17:30 - 19:00
Your brand identity is interpreted and defined by your customers. Are you sending out the right message? Learn from experts Todd Smith and Adam Paulisick about successful strategies and tactics to connect with your audience and grow the value of your brand.
Speakers:
Todd Smith, Digital Community Specialist at City of Pittsburgh
Adam Paulisick, Chief Customer Officer at MAYA Design
Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM. Workshop will take place from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
Sold Out
Please email Jenny@ascenderpgh.com for inquiries about this event or future Starters/Builders Series.

Challenge Cup - Pittsburgh Q&A
2017-05-15 17:30 - 19:00
The Urban Redevelopment Authority will be hosting Challenge Cup – Pittsburgh on June 28th. Ahead of the application deadline on June 2nd, the URA will be hosting a Challenge Cup Q&A where interested startups may come and learn more about the competition and ask any questions they may have.
Refreshments will be provided.
RSVP HERE

Know Thy Customer
2017-05-09 17:30 - 19:00
Young adults or baby boomers? Nice to have or need to have? Understanding your customer’s needs can make or break your business. Join us as we navigate the crossroads between customer segmentation types and targeted marketing channels for B2B and B2C businesses.
Speakers: Joanna Sutton, Bright Lights Innovations and Suzy Teele, Aceda
Doors open at 5:30 PM. Program will take place from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

Wage and Hour Law for Emerging Businesses
2017-05-03 12:00 - 13:00
Buchanan Labs Speakers Series
Wage and hour laws apply to nearly all employers, regardless of size. This session will focus on:

The rise of federal wage and hour enforcement and lawsuits
How to avoid the staggering costs of wage and hour litigation
Cost effective strategies for complying with wage and hour laws

Speakers: Christian Antkowiak & Erin McLaughlin, Buchanan Labs
Register Now

Boards and Advisors
2017-04-27 17:30 - 19:00
Learn the difference between boards of Directors and advisors. Recruiting active and valuable boards can be critical to your success. Hear first-hand experience on how to build and manage both types of boards and how to make them work for you.
Speakers:
Babs Carryer, Director of Education & Outreach, Pitt Innovation Institute
Masa Uzicanin, Executive Director/Founder, Sevenzo
Stephan Mueller, COO, Ascender

Legal Basics
2017-04-11 17:30 - 19:00
Making decisions about legal issues for your startup is challenging and expensive. You don’t want to make mistakes. Hear from lawyers about what to do, when, and how.
Lawyers and topics:
Eric Davis, Managing Partner at Elliott & Davis, on Entity Formation
Susan Altman, partner with K&L Gates, on Contracts
John Monocello, GTC patent group, on Intellectual Property

Understanding Risk
2017-03-30 17:30 - 19:00
What is Risk? How do investors evaluate risk? How can you mitigate risk? Our diverse panel of experts will dive into those questions and more.
Panel moderator: Babs Carryer, Pitt Innovation Institute
Panelists:

Ned Renzi, Birchmere Ventures
Mark Broadhurst, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group
TJ Bogdewic, Bridgeway Capital

Business modeling
2017-03-14 17:30 - 19:00
Come learn about different business modeling tools. We will explore why dynamic business modeling helps you build your business, adapt to particular situations, and prepare for constantly changing environments surrounding your startup.
Speaker: Stephan Mueller, Chief Operating Officer, Ascender
