Catalyst Ranch

Catalyst Ranch Anniversary Party!
2016-11-14 18:00 - 21:30 UTC | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
It’s time for the Catalyst Ranch 14th Anniversary Party and you are invited!
2016 is the Year of the Monkey in Chinese culture, and we have been celebrating it all year by highlighting the Most Interesting People and events. This is the culmination of our year, and we would love for you to come celebrate the Most Interesting Anniversary Party with the Most Interesting People in the Most Interesting Meeting & Events Space in the world!
Other interesting reasons to attend:

We are so proud to introduce our new Business Development Manager Tehilla Newman along side her team mates, Maggie Weiterman and Tatiana Green. Combined they are the best and most interesting sales team in the world.
Actor Jen Bosworth, songwriter Matt Baron, and Emmy-winner Ben Hollis will be here to help us recollect the old and ring in the new.
The food is being provided by the caterer with the most interesting name: Big Delicious Planet.
You love parties.

November 14th is the date to celebrate fourteen years as the go-to venue for Chicago’s most creative meeting and events. We wouldn’t be in business without you, and we certainly cannot celebrate without you either!
Join Eva, Ranch Czarina, Pogo, the World’s Most Interesting Monkey, our fantastic new Client Services and Business Development team, and the rest of the Ranch Hands as we raise a toast to 14 great years. Believe me, you don’t want to miss this most interesting affair!
RSVP Here!
Doors open at 6pm for a Welcome Reception with food and drinks. Performances start at 7:15pm!

Ignite Theatre Presents the kates
2016-11-12 20:00 - 21:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Presents

the kates provide an intimate night of comedy different from anything you’ll see at a typical Chicago club or late night bar. Our mission is to showcase talented and hilarious female identified performers by creating inclusive and positive environments; This encourages artists to express their comic point of view in unique and non-apologetic ways – From darkly amusing musical numbers, storytelling, the awkward art of clowning, absurd solo performances, and uproarious stand-up comedy, the kates continue to crack up new audiences and ensure that loyal fans come back for more!
the kates provides unique opportunities to ladies in comedy, and showcases talent from all backgrounds,
perspectives, and cities around the US proving that women are equal in the eyes of comedy.
the kates is a platform that provides creative content, comedic educational services and positive performance spaces for women. Females occupy minimal leadership roles in most industries, the kates’ goal is to increase these numbers. the kates provide standup comedy classes to build female confidence, showcase female students and performers to encourage unapologetic behavior and hone public speaking skills, and create a community where women build self-worth while working together. the kates also works with teams of professional comedians, filmmakers and content creators to help established brands reach a wider female demographic, in innovative ways. Unlocking women’s voices with humor is not only key to their personal growth but will create stronger leadership and diversity across all industries; while hiring female comedians to collaborate with your brand will ensure you
are representing women in your global marketing mission, thereby increasing economic growth.
Stand-up comedy has been a rough road for women. Just ask anyone who’s been the only woman on a bill of male comedians or had to hold her own in an unfriendly room. But not only are women participating in a broad list of stand-up shows around the city, more also are producing comedy shows with an eye to nurturing women comics.
Sponsored in part by

Click the Kates logo for tickets!

improve it!'s Q4 Business Improv Public Workshop
2016-11-09 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: November 9th, Registration opens at 6:00 p.m. and the workshop will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m.
Location Details: Catalyst Ranch, 656 West Randolph Street, #3W Chicago, IL 60661
About Catalyst Ranch: Catalyst Ranch was the first venue in Chicago to realize that the results of any offsite meeting or event can be enhanced if participants are placed in the right environment. We refused to believe that only Creatives should be allowed to work in non-businesslike, fun, eclectic spaces. Everyone can be more productive if the conditions are optimized, which is why we customize each and every meeting that we host. By stimulating all the senses, Catalyst Ranch helps break down barriers and create positive disruption of thought and new ideas. We offer all-inclusive pricing and provide all the technology and meeting supplies you require. Partner with our team for exceptional customer service and the perfect meeting experience.
Attire: Although this is a professional event, comfortable professional clothing is encouraged as this will be an interactive workshop.
Contact the organizer: Please contact Erin Diehl, founder of improve it! with any questions aterin@improveitchicago.com. You can also visit us through our eventbrite listing here.

Mom + Baby Women Supporting Women Conference
2016-10-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Mom + Baby 3rd Annual Women Supporting Women Conference

For the third year in a row, the Mom + Baby organization is hosting its annual Women Supporting Women Conference and Reception on Thursday, October 20, 2016. The event was designed by women for women to make meaningful connections and get their voice heard. The conference includes a full day of hands-on workshops and conversations about the issues that matter to all women from personal life hacks to career advice including legislative issues impacting women, education, professional advice, insurance tips, budgeting, and more. A networking reception and fundraiser will follow hosted by Jammin with Jane, an annual fundraising event hosted by Columbia College Chicago’s Special Events and Promotions students, will raise funds for Mom + Baby while the Jam celebrates its 25th anniversary benefitting non-profit organizations in the Chicagoland area.

For full details on speakers and times, please click here: Conference Program

Mom + Baby was started by Columbia College Alum Alexandra Eidenberg shortly after she ran for Congress as a Democratic candidate for the 4th Congressional District of Illinois. Ms. Eidenberg is the president of The Insurance People, an insurance practice that she co-founded in 2010. Ms. Eidenberg is the granddaughter of the Late Mirron “Mike” Alexandroff, college president from 1961-1992. Ms. Eidenberg is proud to be a Columbia College alum and is appreciative to Jane Canepa and her students to host Jammin with Jane in partnership with Mom+ Baby this year as the Jam celebrates 25 years.

OUR MISSION

Mom+Baby is focused on making a local and national impact on the well-being of pregnant women, moms, and kids through legislation and advocacy. We’re a group of working and stay at home moms who support one another to be their best. Our group encourages women with children ages 0 to 5 to create friendships and support each other through attending monthly in-person events and participating in our online community.

LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

Mom+Baby sends women down to Springfield and DC to lobby on issues that we, as a group, support. We propose legislation, back existing bills, and lobby our representatives to make our voices heard. We also sponsor monthly coffee dates with our local legislators to get more women involved in the process.

Click the logo below for tickets

Collected Voices Film Fest
2016-10-06 19:00 - 21:00 | IL
Collected Voices centers around original ethnographic works that explore the intersection of race, age, class, gender, and sexuality within Chicago society. Explored through short and feature length films from Chicago based artists, these stories capture the voices of individuals and communities.
Started in 2015 with a grant from Chicago Artists Month, Collected Voices is Chicago’s first and only Ethnographic film fest, blending together fiction and documentary media from diverse Chicago filmmakers in academia and art.
This year they received more great films from Chicago and around the world, about real life everyday experiences. The festival has grown in its’ second year from 4 venues to 10, including Catalyst Ranch!
Check them out!

improve it!'s Q3 Business Improv Public Workshop
2016-08-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Are you a business professional who would like to learn creative techniques to more effectively communicate your ideas?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 a quarterly public workshop, and they’ll teach you the healing powers of improv for the workplace.
This 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:

Exude positivity before a presentation
Understand how your emotional state affects performance
Utilize your natural presentation style and creativity to prepare, and
Concisely communicate and connect with an audience.

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.
Contact the organizer: Please contact Erin Diehl, founder of improve it! with any questions at erin@improveitchicago.com. You can also visit us through our eventbrite listing here.
Attire: Although this is a professional event, comfortable professional clothing is encouraged as this will be an interactive workshop.

A Mixed Medium Art Show: Impressions of the World
2016-08-05 19:00 - 22:00 | IL
Enjoy an evening of artists showing mixed medium works, which will also be available for purchase. Artists include: M. Samanatha (Water Based Oil Painting), Robert Pioch(Watercolor Painting), Alan Thompson-Wallace (Oil/Acrylic Painting & Pastel Drawing), Amy Spitzer (Oil/Watercolor Painting & Mixed Media), Linda Sweig (Mosaic Mixed Media), Jillian Marie Chapman (Photography), Rahmon Olugunna (Oil Painting), Kathie Huddleston (Fused Glass), A Punto/Regality Jewelry by Laurie Blair Zimelis (Gemstone Jewelry), & Dorit Jordan Dotan (Photography & Mixed Media).
Start your night off in style with a signature cocktail provided by Copper Fiddle Distillery and hors d’oeuvres created by Heartfelt Catering. Be engaged in the creative process through live art by Davey Hines & Rachel Lechocki (Certified Yoga Teacher, Art Educator, Curator & Zhou B Artist). Special live music performances by Janine Welch (Folk, with a touch of Appalachia & New Orleans) and David M. Gaines (with Yuki Tasaka & Fredrick Weinstein is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter, who resembles artist like The Beatles, Beck, and Radiohead).
This event is 21+.
Tickets: $30 in advance, $35 at the door (Bring proof of purchase at the door with ID. Cash only at the door. Limited number of tickets) Purchase tickets here
Parking: Indoor lot at 180 N. Jefferson Street (Entrance is on Lake Street between Jefferson & Des Plaines, right next to the Subway Sandwich Shop – as Catalyst Ranch has a $10 validated parking good for 12 hours)

The Tiny Book Show
2016-07-11 16:30 - 20:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
You are invited! Our friends at The Creativity Caravan are turning their vintage caravan named MAUDE (Mobile Art Unit Designed for Everyone) into a bookmobile of Lilliputianproportions, stopping in select locations around the country to display a collection of tiny books hand made by artists and writers from around the world. They’re starting out from their home in northern New Jersey and making just a one-day stop in Chicago. We are very excited that Maude will be parked out in front of Catalyst Ranch.
The Tiny Book Show features hundreds of handmade books, each measuring no more than 3 inches in dimension, and made by artists of all ages. This mobile exhibit is part of The Creative Caravan’s program of offerings, including art workshops, online classes, school programs, and special events focusing on creativity, collaboration, and community.
Poets and educators Maya Stein and Amy Tingle, founders of The Creativity Caravan, will be offering a unique, hands-on book-making workshop as part of the exhibit. Guests of all ages are encouraged to attend.

Monday, July 11
4:30 pm — 8:30 pm
Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago
