A week-long festival empowering innovation and the future of Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. April 20-24, 2026

South Bend and Elkhart, IN
Joined September 2017
There are no wrong answers here.. we're genuinely curious.
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Governor Mike Braun has proclaimed September Creative Economy Month in Indiana, recognizing creative industries as drivers of growth and quality of place. Here's to the creatives, entrepreneurs, innovators, and community builders shaping what's next in our region!
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50 sessions. 23 venues. One week. IDEA Week 2026 spread across the region to meet people where they are — because innovation isn't just happening in one room. #IDEAWeek #SouthBendElkhart
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45 speakers and panelists stepped on stages across the region with people ready to build something. That's IDEA Week. The energy doesn't end when the week does.
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IDEA Week runs on people. 50+ volunteers gave their time to make 2026 the best one yet - setting up rooms, welcoming guests, and keeping an entire week of programming moving. Thank you all for making IDEA Week possible!
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One of our attendees said it best... "I got much more than I expected out of it." 90% of IDEA Week 2026 attendees said they'd return in 2027. We can't wait to see you next year!
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Over 75 local partners made IDEA Week 2026 possible. That's a region that believes in what's being built here. Thank you to every partner who showed up for this community!
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500+ people showed up for IDEA Week 2026. That's 500+ innovators, entrepreneurs, and community builders who chose to invest a week in the future of South Bend-Elkhart! We'll see you in 2027.
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IDEA Week 2026 is a wrap. Here's a look back at the week. 🎬
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IDEA Week was all about PEOPLE. Founders. Creatives. Builders. Students. Leaders. Everyone came to share ideas, challenge each other, and move this region forward. Thank you all for making it an incredible event!
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IDEA Week has been made possible by those who believe in what’s next. Thank you to our sponsors!
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IDEA Week doesn’t end when the sessions do. 🎶 All week long, we’re bringing live music to venues across South Bend and Elkhart, featuring artists, late-night energy, and something for everyone Check out the full lineup at bit.ly/4dVhUk6
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3 days! IDEA Week is almost here. If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your moment. 🎟️ Register now: bit.ly/4vEXEK7
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In Your Statewide Growth Toolkit, connect with the programs and people helping Indiana businesses grow - from funding and advisory support to technical resources and expansion tools. Register today at: bit.ly/4vp2wmi
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This high-impact session brings together civic leaders, founders, and ecosystem builders to explore how policy and entrepreneurship work together to drive real regional growth. Register today at: bit.ly/4tOq2Ys
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Creativity helps build stronger communities and local economies. Join us for a conversation on how creativity shapes communities, fuels local economies, and builds places people want to live and work. Register today: bit.ly/4dGLARW
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You don’t need to code to build something real. In this session, Grif Eaton (Founder & CEO of Juke) breaks down how to go from idea to working product - quickly. 🎟️ Register today: bit.ly/3PXJH9J
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Ambassador Spotlight ✨ Meet Elizabeth Paice, IUSB. “The South Bend–Elkhart region is buzzing with innovation.” Be part of it. April 20–24 → bit.ly/4vibu4T
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In this session, hear how partnerships, storytelling, and real audience connection are driving visibility, engagement, and long-term success. Featuring: @rrogersworld_ Priscilla Loomis Jaclynn Brennan Randa Rosa 🎟️Register today: bit.ly/4vgL0jZ
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What does it take to build a team that works - no matter where they are? In Remote First Operations, Paul Anthony shares practical strategies for founders and leaders navigating remote growth. 🎟️ Register today: bit.ly/4sixQAm
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