First Virtual TCSW Isn’t Stopping the Fly-In Program
One of the largest free entrepreneurial events in the United States, Twin Cities Startup Week brings together over 17,000 attendees annually. Insight is shared, connections are made, and 200+ events are held focused on educating, networking and inspiring Minnesota entrepreneurs.
The unique Fly-In Program started as an hypothesis — if we asked quality candidates to join us for TCSW to peek at what the region has to offer, would they relocate here to live, work and play?
The answer is yes.
Since 2016, TCSW with partners such as Make It MSP have flown in nearly 120 participants from across the United States and even foreign countries — resulting in over 40 relocations so far.
Almost all expenses are covered — plane tickets up to $350, Lyft and Lime Scooter credits, and Metro Transit Passes — and Fly-In participants also get free VIP access to TCSW.
Participants meet with local companies that are hiring, access special networking events, and can even get connected to some of Minnesota’s Fortune 500s for their next potential opportunity.
“Partnering with TCSW on the Fly-In program since its inception nearly 5 years ago has been an absolute blast,” said Dalton Scott, director of the Fly-In Program.
“It's so much fun to show off our hidden gem of a region because, more often than not, what we have going on in MSP blows people's minds. So much so that 1 in 4 people who we fly in ends up moving here,” he said.
As we take a virtual-first strategy to keep our community safe, the Fly-In Program will look a little different.
We didn’t think all of the amazing content shared during TCSW could be crammed into five virtual days, so we decided to spread it out over three weeks in September. Virtual tracks will take place every Tuesday and Thursday, with signature events throughout.
Fly-In participants will be immersed in valuable TCSW content and get to connect with the Minnesota startup sphere from the comfort of their homes for a whole month.
Free VIP passes for the entire month are also included as part of the program, which allows for special networking and a bespoke itinerary of activities that (virtually) show the best of the Twin Cities.
Part of this curated schedule is learning about all aspects of the Twin Cities, from housing to schools, art to culture at our virtual Community, Culture & Career Fair on September 14 and weekly Fly-in Meetups throughout the month.
Plus, Minnesota is home to some of the most well-known Fortune 100 companies, and Fly-In participants get the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs who might be building the next Target, Best Buy or 3M!
Fly-in participants will also be invited to special sessions with local celebrities and thought leaders throughout the month.
“You can experience Minneapolis-St. Paul’s startup ecosystem like never before, wherever you are,” said Scott.
For an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at our region’s innovation and opportunities, apply for the TCSW Virtual Fly-In Program here.
Learn more about changes to our Fly-In Program and more on our new TCSW site!
With a fresh look, our new site will also house our Resource Library, so TCSW 2020 attendees can keep learning beyond the virtual festival.
Register for TCSW 2020 today to gain access to this and so much more!
BETA is a 501(c)(3) organization that develops Minnesota’s next generation of business leaders by inspiring and educating first-time founders. The BETA Group supports startups and small businesses with great scalability potential, so that they can grow to become our next Fortune 100s. Learn more.