Techweek Takes Steps Toward Change After Sexist Invite Backlash

By Lisa White in News on Jun 6, 2014 9:35PM

Techweek Chicago is swiftly trying to make amends after the firestorm of controversy earlier this week in regards to a sexist party invite sent out by the conference.

We first posted about the invite, how it went against the conference's own 'Code of Conduct' and the rightful anger online, and how the incident caused some powerful people to request their names be removed from the Tech100 list. Also how the poorly worded and not very sincere sounding apology cost them a sponsorship, after Crain's Chicago Business decided to pull their sponsorship deal for the event.

Techweek promised an open discussion on the subject, which happened Wednesday (with little notice, so many were not able to attend). And the company seems to be taking steps in the right direction, even if their formal written comments on the matter seems to, at times, sound like a sore loser.

First off, as the Tribune points out, Techweek Chicago has canceled the "Black Tie Rave" the event that was advertised with a sexist invite. Director Alex Siegal stated that “The reasoning and the rationale behind it is, it’s distracted from what we’re ultimately trying to do with Techweek Chicago.” Techweek said it would donate $25,000, the amount they expected to raise at the event, to its assigned Tech Gives Back recipient and they will issue full refunds to individuals who already purchased tickets.

Techweek will also create a fellowship program to provide 50 women free passes to Techweek and offer access to mentorship and networking events. The fellows will be recognized at a reception connected to the already scheduled Women In Tech luncheon and hiring fair. The company will also recruit 25 more companies ran by women and minorities for its LAUNCH program, a pitch competition.

Regardless of the outcome, the whole situation did lead to many interesting discussions online regarding sexism in the tech world (although many of the key points in these pieces can be adapted to other industries as well). Scott Smith wrote a piece for Crain's detailing why the Techweek sexism issue is not just a women's issue. Melissa Pierce also wrote a piece for Crain's, detailing why she is ashamed of the Chicago tech community when it comes to sexism. And Huffington Post chatted with some of the main people discussing the situation on Twitter who led to the changes being made by Techweek.

Since the conversation this week was so last minute, Techweek is hosting another one to continue the discussion from Wednesday night. The next conversation will be Tuesday, June 10 at 7 p.m. at their office (222 W. Hubbard St). If you'd like to attend the discussion, you can email devon@techweek.com.