Denver Startup Week Committee

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About Us

Denver Startup Week (DSW) is a free, week-long series of events celebrating innovation in Denver and beyond. In 2012-2019, DSW was held fully in-person around downtown Denver; in 2020 and 2021 we pivoted to a hybrid format with a focus on virtual and livestream events; and in 2022, we returned fully in-person, bringing 10,000 people to downtown Denver. Working in conjunction with Downtown Denver Partnership staff and other external resources, the DSW Organizing Committee is a group of highly dedicated volunteer leaders that direct the execution of DSW, from content to special initiatives. DSW is by the community, for the community, and Organizing Committee Members are key leaders in the effort to streamline, spearhead, and improve our efforts for the largest free entrepreneurial event of its kind.  

Committee Objective 

For Denver Startup Week, lead special initiatives, curate community content, and act as ambassadors within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Examples of Topics Discussed 

• Call for session submissions 
• Main stage and keynote content 
• Event format and schedule 

Application Requirements 

ORG COMM DESCRIPTION  

Org Comm Members have a solid background and community connections in their relevant area of expertise, knowledge of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Denver, and passion for making a difference in our community. Members attend bi-weekly and weekly meetings where key decisions are made regarding DSW. The success of each area of expertise, whether it is a track of content or a special initiative, strongly depends on each Org Comm Member. Members have the support of additional staff and resources, including Downtown Denver Partnership marketing/program staff, contractors, and other volunteers, and may also execute deliverables autonomously. Organizing Committee meetings consist of updates, working sessions, and reporting out on initiatives, and Members incorporate feedback and receive support from the other DSW Org Comm Members and staff/partners. Org Comm Members represent DSW in the community year-round and strive to build community partnerships, awareness, and volunteer recruitment. A sense of humor and ability to be flexible, creative, and resourceful is a must!  

ORG COMM ROLES  

Track Chairs   

• Set goals and solicit community submissions for assigned track, including holding workshops for session organizers, answering questions, and making suggestions when they need help  
• Review and select sessions to be presented during DSW  
• Drive communications with session organizers, including sending reminder emails and making sure each session is confirmed  
• Support session organizers before and during DSW, including managing an email inbox  
• Track Co-Chairs or Assistant Track Chairs may be appointed as appropriate  

• Description of tracks available here  
• List of tracks and openings:  
  • Founder (no openings)  
  • Designer (co-chair open)  
  • Maker (co-chair open)  
  • Growth (no openings)  
  • Product (no openings)  
  • Spotlight/Headline Events (no openings)  
  • Developer (co-chair open)  
  • People (no openings)  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chairs (co-chair open)  

• Promote and encourage adherence to DEI commitment  
• Review session submissions and headline events scripts and participants as needed  
• Provide suggestions on how to increase diversity and inclusion at DSW  
• Organize BIPOC pitch competition  

Marketing Chair (no openings)  

• Oversee marketing strategy development  
• Contribute to marketing execution with contractors and volunteers  

Sponsorship Activation Chair (co-chair open)  

• Support sponsorship relationships before and during DSW  
• Contribute to sponsorship strategy and VIP events  

Committee Member Expectations 

2-5 hours/week March – July; 5-10 hours/week August – September; 10-30 hours/week around DSW  

The Organizing Committee meets bi-weekly from March to July and weekly in August and September (or about 2 months out from DSW). There may also be strategy meetings and partnership meetings, as well as direction of employees and contractors, outside of these meetings. Independent execution of tasks and community outreach will also be required. During DSW, a very flexible schedule is required to assist with event needs up to or over 40 hours that week – if applicable, we strongly recommend getting your employer on board with your volunteer plan before committing. We encourage you to commit to 2 years on the Organizing Committee, including assisting in the recruitment and training of your eventual replacement if applicable. This two-year term is renewable upon agreement of both sides. This is a fully volunteer position and an excellent opportunity to give back to and help grow the DSW community while building your own network and reputation.  

Committee Member Code of Conduct  

The Downtown Denver Partnership is dedicated to providing an inclusive, respectful, and harassment-free member experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, national origin, political affiliation, veteran status, or branch of military service.   

We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. Members or participants violating these rules may be sanctioned and/or expelled from the Downtown Denver Partnership at the discretion of staff; they may also be barred from participation in future Downtown Denver Partnership committees, task forces, programs, and events.   

Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of the Downtown Denver Partnership for everyone.    

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible to the Downtown Denver Partnership staff.   

The Downtown Denver Partnership is committed to engaging with our community of residents and businesses that fuel the quality of life and define the soul of Denver as we work to forge a center city that is welcoming to everyone, reflecting communities of the past, present, and future.  

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