Catalyst Ranch

From Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Start Your Own Business from a Legal and Financial Perspective
2017-11-14 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Workshop: “From Employee to Entrepreneur: How to start your own business from a legal and financial perspective”

Time and location: 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph, Chicago

Speakers: Michele Katz, Advitam IP
Helen Bloch, LAW OFFICES OF HELEN BLOCH, P.C.
Jessica Merino, Merino Wealth Management

Continuing legal education credit (CLE) will be provided for the panel discussion.

Networking Reception admission $35
($10 for Decalogue & NAWBO members)

improve it! Q4 Business Improv Workshop
2017-11-07 18:00 - 20:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Are you a business professional who would like to learn creative techniques to think more quickly on your feet during a meeting or at a presentation? Are you a leader or manager looking to enhance collaboration across your team? Are you the type of person who is always trying to be the best version of yourself?
Most importantly, are you the kind of person who likes…FUN?!?
Then, say no more! Come join improve it! in our Q4 Business Improv Workshop, and we’ll teach you the healing powers of improvisation for the workplace.
Our energetic and unique workshop will highlight the impact that improvisational techniques can have on your communication skills, and overall professional presentational presence! (Try saying that five times fast.)
Over the course of two hours, you will participate in an interactive lecture and series of improvisation-based exercises led by professional improvisers. By the end of the workshop we guarantee you will have learned and practiced how to:

Communicate ideas clearly to your peers
Trust your first instinct rather than overthink
Receive and respond to feedback more easily
Tune into your own brand of spontaneity!

The workshop will be led by improve it!’s founder, Erin Diehl, and three of improve it!’s professional improvisers — all who have trained and performed at top theaters in Chicago and around the United States. The workshop will provide you with an intimate, and hands-on experience to show you exactly what we do.
What do we do? We’re glad you asked…
improve it! LLC is a Chicago-based company that provides high-energy, laughter-filled corporate events & team building workshops that incorporate improvisation teams & techniques, while donating a portion of proceeds to charity. To learn more about improve it! visit www.improveitchicago.com.
Sound good to you? Great! We’ll see you there.
Additional Details for improve it! Q4 Business Improv Workshop:
Time: November 7th, Registration opens at 6:00 p.m. and the workshop will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m.
Contact the organizer: Please contact Erin Diehl, founder of improve it! with any questions at info@improveitchicago.com.

Camp Boundless!
2017-11-04 09:00 - 17:30 | IL
In celebration of Catalyst Ranch’s 15th Anniversary this year (yes, crazy, huh?), the people who made it okay to play while working – yes we did – now are going to teach you how to play during your free time. What? You know how to play? Well, we don’t think you do – or maybe not in that boundless way you did when you were a kid. Which is why we’re bringing you Camp Boundless – Play Camp for Adults!
Our first Camp Boundless experience will be a Day Camp held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Catalyst Ranch.

It will be a full day of face-to-face games, activities and three rounds of Play Sessions where campers will get to try their hand at activities such as cranky-scroll puppetry, astral travel & meditation, magic tricks, drawing Cosplay, Argentine tango, macrame, sketching people, Polish paper cutting (wycinanki), ethnic embroidery, a cappella singing, circus arts, Native American crafts, Bollywood dance, image transfers with embroidery, DIY safety pin bracelets, writing a children’s book and many more surprises! A delicious breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack will also be provided.
It is only for adults 25+ yrs of age. There is no technology allowed (all devices such as phones, ipads, laptops and watches will be checked and securely stored before entering Catalyst Ranch). And definitely no work talk!
We encourage you to bring your best friend, husband/wife, partner, boyfriend/girlfriend, your mom and dad or come on your own. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to spend quality time with them while you both learn something new together. It’s also a great chance to revisit the best parts of our childhood day camps or away camps where we had a chance to try various activities, found new passions and hobbies and made lots of new friends. The old-fashioned way – in real life – no digital interference.

Unleash your boundless energy!

Date: Saturday, November 4, 2017
Timeframe: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Location: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL
Regular Price: $99
Spaces are limited and expected to sell out quickly. Once we reach capacity, no more tickets will be sold. We want this to be an event where everyone can play and enjoy themselves.

End of Summer Means Ignite Chicago is Back!
2017-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Stand Up and Be Heard!

Ignite is a high-energy evening of 5-minute talks by people who have a burning idea—and the guts to get onstage and share it with their hometown crowd.
Speaking at Ignite is an unforgettable experience. You step up to the mic. Your palms sweat. You can hear the thump of your blood rushing. Your voice cracks for an instant and then you launch into a rant for 300 straight seconds, wearing your passion on your sleeve, barely pausing to breathe. The crowd goes wild.
Ignite Chicago is open to everyone. All talks are 5 minutes (20 slides x 15 seconds/slide).

There is no theme for Ignite. You can talk about virtually anything as long as you can show us your passion for it. What’s the thing you most geek out about? What’s the topic of conversation that quickens your pulse and sets your toe a-tappin’? That is what we want to hear you speak about.
All speakers get equal time and equal billing. All talks are 5 minutes. You create 20 slides, and we set them up to auto-advance every 15 seconds.
Want to speak?
The audience at Ignite is generous and patient. They know the Ignite format is difficult, and they realize you might be an absolute beginner at public speaking. Don’t worry – they’ve got your back. You’re giving them your passion and your vulnerability, and they love you for that. You won’t find a more appreciative audience at any other event.

Some people think Ignite is about self-help talks. It isn’t. Nobody wants to hear a preachy pep talk. We’re already “good enough and smart enough,” so let’s keep this about you and your passionate ideas.
Finally, we’re serious about the no pitching thing. We know that sometimes a speaker must mention their profession in order to give their talk context, which is totally fine. But Ignite is not the place to tout your organization or to troll for clients.
Click the logo below for tickets

Personal Safety Power Hour
2017-09-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Personal Safety Power Hour
When you hear the words “self-defense”, do you think of mastering the perfect karate chop like in a Bruce Lee movie?
LET US CHANGE THAT IMAGE!!
Join us for an interactive talk/seminar which will incorporate awareness, personal safety, fitness, martial arts and mental self-defense into an insightful presentation which will shed a light on some negative behaviors that may be holding you back and having you play small. Learn tools to change them that will catapult you into a more powerful life.
Attendees will walk away with:

A new Appreciation of how their mindset affects all the results they are getting in life and some tools to strengthen those results.
Examples of the 4 Types of awareness we use in self-defense training and how these transcend to all areas of life to create more money, better relationships, new opportunities will be given.

Team Fireball Inc. is a personal safety and fitness focused team building company. Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer Debbie Pickus, along with partner Bill Garcia create programs using the fundamentals of self-defense and other physical training activities that improve team productivity, engagement and overall wellness.

improve it! Q3 Business Improv Workshop
2017-07-26 18:00 - 20:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Are you a business professional who would like to learn creative techniques to think more quickly on your feet during a meeting or at a presentation? Are you a leader or manager looking to enhance collaboration across your team? Are you the type of person who is always trying to be the best version of yourself?
Most importantly, are you the kind of person who likes…FUN?!?
Then, say no more! Come join improve it! in our quarterly public workshop, and we’ll teach you the healing powers of improv for the workplace.
Our energetic and unique workshop will highlight the impact that improvisational techniques can have on your communication skills, and overall professional presentational presence! (Try saying that five times fast.)
Over the course of two hours, you will participate in an interactive lecture and series of improvisation-based exercises led by professional improvisers. By the end of the workshop we guarantee you will have learned and practiced how to:

Communicate ideas clearly to your peers
Trust your first instinct rather than overthink
Receive and respond to feedback more easily
Tune into your own brand of spontaneity!

The workshop will be led by improve it!’s founder, Erin Diehl, and three of improve it!’s professional improvisers — all who have trained and performed at top theaters in Chicago and around the United States. The workshop will provide you with an intimate, and hands-on experience to show you exactly what we do.
What do we do? We’re glad you asked…
improve it! LLC is a Chicago-based company that provides high-energy, laughter-filled corporate events & team building workshops that incorporate improvisation teams & techniques, while donating a portion of proceeds to charity. To learn more about improve it! visit www.improveitchicago.com.
Sound good to you? Great! We’ll see you there.
Additional Details:
Time: May 10th, Registration opens at 6:00 p.m. and the workshop will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m.
Contact the organizer: Please contact Erin Diehl, founder of improve it! with any questions at info@improveitchicago.com.

Get Attune with June - Come to Ignite Chicago and Let Summer Rip!
2017-06-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Ignite is a high-energy evening of 5-minute talks by people who have a burning idea—and the guts to get onstage and share it with their hometown crowd.
Speaking at Ignite is an unforgettable experience. You step up to the mic. Your palms sweat. You can hear the thump of your blood rushing. Your voice cracks for an instant and then you launch into a rant for 300 straight seconds, wearing your passion on your sleeve, barely pausing to breathe. The crowd goes wild.
Ignite Chicago is open to everyone. All talks are 5 minutes (20 slides x 15 seconds/slide).

There is no theme for Ignite. You can talk about virtually anything as long as you can show us your passion for it. What’s the thing you most geek out about? What’s the topic of conversation that quickens your pulse and sets your toe a-tappin’? That is what we want to hear you speak about.
All speakers get equal time and equal billing. All talks are 5 minutes. You create 20 slides, and we set them up to auto-advance every 15 seconds.
Want to speak?
The audience at Ignite is generous and patient. They know the Ignite format is difficult, and they realize you might be an absolute beginner at public speaking. Don’t worry – they’ve got your back. You’re giving them your passion and your vulnerability, and they love you for that. You won’t find a more appreciative audience at any other event.

Some people think Ignite is about self-help talks. It isn’t. Nobody wants to hear a preachy pep talk. We’re already “good enough and smart enough,” so let’s keep this about you and your passionate ideas.
Finally, we’re serious about the no pitching thing. We know that sometimes a speaker must mention their profession in order to give their talk context, which is totally fine. But Ignite is not the place to tout your organization or to troll for clients.

How to Attract and Retain Millennials
2017-06-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Why are Millennials leaving you such a rapid rate? What does it take to attract them? How can you keep your top talent engaged and performing once hired?
Join us for a discussion and Q&A with Millennial expert, Aaron Levy. Aaron will share his insights on the problem of Millennial turnover, highlight the underlying motivations driving Millennial behavior and provide strategies you can use today to attract and engage Millennials in the workplace.
Come and uncover a new perspective on how you can better attract and engage with Millennials in the workplace.
Objectives:
1) Identify the impact of Millennial disengagement and gain insights into the Millennial mindset
2) Explore the generational differences and why Millennials are truly a different generation
3) Leave with steps you can take to attract and engage Millennial talent
Agenda:
6:00 – 6:30 PM Networking and drinks
6:30 – 7:30 PM Discussion and Q&A
7:30 – 8:00 PM Additional networking

Circles of Gold: How to Network for Success
2017-06-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
DESCRIPTION
For many people, the word “networking” conjures up images of forced conversations, dreary conferences or cold calls. So they avoid it—to their peril.
“Circles of Gold®: How to Network for Success” is a workshop designed to give you simple, practical and actionable ideas to build relationships that net results while honoring the people you already know. By attending this workshop you’ll discover how to:

Identify your mission—what is it you want to accomplish?
Define and expand your network (you know way more people than you think!)
Craft your message so people understand how they can help you—and how you might help them

Who should attend?

Young professionals who struggle with networking
Mid-career professionals who are stalled and want to jump-start their careers
Entrepreneurs who rely on referrals and want to increase profitability
Anyone who resists networking and wants to have a breakthrough

Facilitator: Vickie Austin is a woman on a mission, redefining networking since 1997 when she founded CHOICES Worldwide. Devoted to making a difference in the workplace, Vickie speaks, coaches, consults and writes about business and career success. She is president of the 2016-2017 National Speakers Association of Illinois and committed to creating world where people “love what they do and do what they love.”
Cost: $25 (snacks provided)
Bonus opportunity: Vickie will be signing copies of her book Circles of Gold: Honoring Your Network for Business and Career Success, offered at a 20% off discount!
FAQs
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
The event venue is walking distance from Ogilvie Transportation Center and the “L.” Catalyst Ranch validates parking for the lot at 180 N Jefferson. The validation of $10 is payable at Catalyst Ranch, good for when you leave the parking lot. Validation is good for 10 hours.
There is also street parking on front of the building–try your luck!
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Vickie Austin, vaustin@choicesworldwide.com or 312-213-1795
What’s the refund policy?
Tickets are non-refundable.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Yes
Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?
Yes

The Suitcase Kitchen Workshop
2017-06-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
The Suitcase Kitchen

Touring and travel in general is tough on your body and your wallet. But what if you were able to cook delicious affordable options on the road the way YOU like it? Food allergies and dietary restrictions make it hard to eat well while on tour, but you could whip up a meal in no time with your Suitcase Kitchen.
The Suitcase Kitchen is filled with all the gear and basics to cook while you are on the road. There are lots of ways to go about building yours and this class is designed to inspire and educate you to make those calls.
We’ll share recipes, strategies, and the tricks of the traveling chef and…

Origins of the Suitcase Kitchen – From conception to application and some funny stories

Live cooking demonstration with fun, healthy and easy recipes

Economics and logistics of building the Suitcase Kitchen

Where to shop and how to keep track of your build out

How to travel and adjust your Suitcase Kitchen

Keeping it clean – tricks and tips for cleaning up and maintaining a well organized Suitcase Kitchen

Complimentary recipe cards

As the class begins The Stone Soup Chef (Patrick Nelson) will greet you. There is no commercial kitchen, just a suitcase and a conversation. As the class begins Patrick will begin to unpack and set up his kitchen.

Ignite Theatre Presents Turn That thing Around
2017-05-26 19:30 - 2017-05-28 21:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Turn That thing Around: A Manic Narrators Longest Ride

Turn That thing Around: A Manic Narrators Longest Ride follows a bisexual college freshman named Jack as he is experiencing a manic episode over the course of a three-day trip. Jack and the projections of his mind write this play before your eyes.
This play raises awareness for issues dealing with sexuality, the ongoing presence of HIV in America, and the struggles of coming of age. Mental health is still heavily stigmatized in the United States today while treatment and recovery are entirely possible. Come join us for an unforgettable ride.

WLCO Our Stories of Impact
2017-05-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States

Rebellious Magazine's Annual Red & Wild Feminist Prom Fundraiser
2017-05-20 20:00 - 2017-05-21 00:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Did you skip your high school prom? Did you go & hate it?
Create some new prom memories at the most #Rebellious party in town!
We’ll have all of the best parts of prom — music, dancing, party pics — but with booze! And fabulous raffle prizes.
Dress up, dress down, wear what you want. Come alone, bring your boo or your crew. All are welcome!
Proceeds support independent, woman-owned media in Chicago.

improve it! Q2 Business Improv Workshop
2017-05-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
