Geekend is a two-day conference for entrepreneurs, technologists, creatives, makers, leaders and change agents from Savannah and beyond. Established in 2009, it has evolved into a celebration of innovation in business, technology, and the arts. Its mission is to foster and grow the regional innovation economy by showcasing accomplishments, introducing new ideas, and connecting people who are passionate about building products, companies, and experiences.
Geekend Turned 10-years!
Geekend 2019 celebrated 10-years of existence on April 26, 2019, in Savannah, Georgia. Since 2009, Geekend has been a major platform of connectivity for change-makers in Savannah. Since its inception, Geekend has grown exponentially, attracting participants and speakers from neighboring cities and states. This year, Geekend exposed a variety of break-out sessions covering a variety of topics ranging from entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, innovation, food, gaming, lifestyle, to art and design.
Completely Volunteer-Run
Geekend 2019 was a show run by volunteers. The event was sponsored and organized by The Creative Coast of Savannah and the executive committee comprised of local disrupters who contributed their time as volunteers to put the puzzles of the event together. On the day, around 30 volunteers brought the event to life, supporting a variety of components such as registration, show-running, social media, Arcade game support, and much more.
IVolunteer International was Geekend’s official volunteer provider. Volunteers were collected from the Savannah Community and was briefed at an Orientation on April 22 at The Bull Street Labs – the place where the show was put together.
Geekend Graduated and Turned GRIT!
With the 10th Geekend closing in, Aleshia Howell, the Program Director at the Creative Coast brought a surprise announcement upon the audience. She informed Geekend participants, supporters, and sponsors that from 2020, the conference will have a new purpose, an elevated look, and a brand new name. Next year, Geekend will be called GRIT, representing the perseverance and the agility of the entrepreneurs and change-makers in Savannah, Georgia.
The final day of the event concluded with a closing keynote from Cath Coetzer, the Global Innovation Portfolio Director at Coca-Cola. The event was a massive success and a one of it’s kind, empowering and rejuvenating the innovations of Savannah, Georgia.
IVolunteer International is a Gold Seal nonprofit organization on Guidestar. Operating from Savannah, Georgia, IVolunteer International connects volunteers to volunteer projects around the world. Since 2017, IVolunteer has connected over 3,000 volunteers worldwide. In 2019, World Trade Center Savannah selected IVolunteer International as finalists of the Peace Through Trade Competition. In 2020, IVolunteer International will develop and launch a geo-connecting mobile application which will be available to volunteers around the world.
