When people think of Boston, they usually remark on the city’s historical importance. These days, though, a wave of tech startups are transforming Beantown into a hub of innovation. The most relevant players entering our industry are FinTech, short for financial technology, related. As it rapidly becomes the next big thing, Boston is at the center of its revolution.
During the week of September 9th, the city will push into the future with a grassroots, volunteer-led celebration dubbed Boston FinTech Week. With over 37 events running all over the city, there are plenty of opportunities to join in, both for the seasoned professional and the curious newcomer. Events include expert panel debates, informational seminars, learning courses, workshops, trivia nights, and more. In the spirit of small business networking, sharing, and accessibility, nearly every event offered during the week is free of charge.
Eastern Bank will be on the scene, offering its leaders’ voices on panels, an innovative design thinking workshop, and a trivia night fundraiser. Eastern Bank will also present at the launch of the first MassChallenge FinTech program, which brings together startups and established institutions for a six-month-long program to solve key issues facing the financial services industry today.
The theme for Boston FinTech week 2018 is “Moving Beyond Volatility,” because no challenge is ever surmounted by playing it safe. Boston is riding the wave of the future, and here are more details surrounding the events that Eastern Bank will be involved in during the week:
Compete and Fundraise for Good
From 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., on September 12th, you can join Eastern Bank and the Roxbury Innovation Center for ‘FinTech for Good Team Trivia Night,’ a special night of competition, networking, and fundraising. Teams of four or five individuals will compete in a friendly trivia challenge for multiple rounds. Who will win? Nonprofits. Event fees and proceeds will go to the Roxbury Innovation Center, Invest in Girls, and Build Boston to support the great work that these organizations are doing to support entrepreneurship, technology and financial literacy locally. Our very own Paul Alexander, CMO, and Sharifah Niles-Lane, VP of Digital Marketing and Social Media, will emcee.
Advocate New Ways of Thinking
The days of cold, unfeeling business practices are approaching their end. Eastern Bank is touting new mindsets that focus on empathetic and human-centered approaches to innovation. On Tuesday, September 11th, Eastern Bank will partner with General Assembly from 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m. to present “Innovation Through Design Thinking,” an interactive workshop targeted at business professionals who want to find new ways to spur innovation at their companies. Julie Colarusso, Digital Channel Solutions Director at Eastern Bank, will be a speaker. The event is currently sold out but there’s a wait list available.
Discuss New Technologies
At Coalesce and Kensho’s “The Future of AI” on September 10th from 6 p.m.–8 p.m., our very own Chief Digital Strategist Ashley Eknaian will speak amongst a world-class panel of experts to discuss the latest AI technology, its benefits, legality and risks. Register today.
Discuss New Potential Partnerships
At General Assembly’s “Banks and FinTechs: Obsolescence or Bridges” on September 12th from 3 p.m.–4:30 p.m., Eastern Bank’s CIO Don Westermann will speak with other Boston-based leaders and direct-to-consumer FinTech providers about the existing paradigm and potential for relationships between startups and traditional banks. Register today.
Celebrate New Partnerships
On Tuesday evening, September 11th, MassChallenge will launch its FinTech program. Though the program will last six months, the launch is open to the public, and individuals will be able to network with VIP FinTech and financial services influencers. The event is also an opportunity for startups to learn how to apply for the program and to hear the “reverse pitches” that FinTech Lab partners, like Eastern Bank, have in store for them. To join, be sure to sign up today.