



Events are our forte! All are welcome & we can't wait to see you at the next one.
EVENTS
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
May 15th
"The Future of Work" a Hybrid Work Panel Discussion
In sports, the X-factor is that game-changing spark. In today's world of work, it's the sweet spot where people, performance, and place connect—creating momentum that's felt across teams, workplaces, and entire cities.
As expectations shift and hybrid models evolve, the future of work is being rewritten in real time. From culture and mobility to economics and experience, the focus is not just about where we work, but how environments can elevate the people within them.
Join us for a panel discussion unpacking the human, spatial, and strategic moves that unlock the X-factor—transforming offices and mixed-use districts into high-performing, high-impact ecosystems built for what's next in Austin.
PAST EVENTS




April 22, 2025
The Next Chapter in Space
A stellar panel event that discussed the acceleration of the race to commercialize space, The panel included entrepreneurs, scientists, and leaders from the Texas Space community: Eric McManus of Texas Space Force Association, Dr. David Alexander of Rice Space Institute and Rice University, Ryan Cole of Firefly, Dr. Leon Vanstone of SwiftRocket, and Sam Peterson of Cislunar International. Austin has emerged as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship and innovation beyond Earth’s atmosphere and this evolution raises critical questions about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. Discussions included groundbreaking innovations and companies that are defining the Space Economy, and the essential needs for education, investment, and entrepreneurial support to propel this sector forward.




Sept. 26th, 2024
PANEL: Exiting in Today’s Challenging Environment
A critical and timely event, this is a follow-up on our spring event “Securing Funding in a Challenging Environment". There will be a panel discussion that aims to educate and inform entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors on the current landscape of business transactions of different types amidst the challenging economic conditions of 2024. This is a ticketed event that also includes networking, appetizers, and beer/wine/cocktails.

Sept. 25th, 2024
MBA Alumni Joint Happy Hour
Rice Jones Business School, & more MBA clubs attending for networking & drinks! No RSVP needed - just show up! Anyone is welcome to attend, even if not alumni and currently in an MBA program.




May 22, 2024
Deep in Texas: Opportunities and Challenges in the Energy Transition
Discussing how startups in Central Texas can play a critical role in the energy transition.

April 4-6, 2024
Rice Business Plan Competition
The competition, entering its 24th year, gives collegiate entrepreneurs real-world experience to pitch their startups, enhance their business strategy and learn what it takes to launch a successful company. Hosted and organized by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship—which is Rice University's internationally-recognized initiative devoted to the support of entrepreneurship—and Rice Business. Held at Rice University.




March 26th, 2024
Thinking Outside the Box - Securing Funding in a Challenging Environment
Join our panel of accomplished experts to discuss the lessons learned during this tumultuous period and how a mix of creativity, tenacity, and strategic thinking led companies to succeed while others failed. Panelists will provide predictions on how the evolving dynamics will impact early to mid-stage companies AND investors. Whether you are a brand-new startup or a seasoned investor, this lively discussion should provide valuable insights for everyone.




Feb. 22, 2024
Brains in a Bar: "AI Across Industries"
Struggling to understand the impact of AI? You’re not alone… Join us for our next “Brains in a Bar” event on the potential impact of AI across industries and how it could affect your organization. Our distinguished panelists will share their thoughts on how AI will likely evolve over the next 3-5 years, which industries will likely be affected first, and how AI will impact organizational structures, development cycles, etc. There will be plenty of time for questions, interaction with the panelists, and networking before and after the discussion. Speakers include: Dr. John Jordan, Matt Cohen, Stephen Straus.



Sept. 27, 2023
Rural & Community Health Panel
A mixer and panel discussion on Rural and Community Health in Texas, hosted by the Penn/Wharton Club and co-sponsored by the Rice Alumni Club of Austin!




May 24th, 2023
Brains in a Bar: "Tech with Whurley"
This event series mixes socializing and learning in a fun and casual environment nationwide. Brains in a Bar is an excellent opportunity to catch up with fellow Owls, have a drink and hear from a lineup of incredible Rice faculty and staff. This event features William Hurley, tech entrepreneur and investor.


April 14, 2023
Annual Austin Rice Alumni & Harvard Business School Alumni Family Friendly Event
An HBS, Harvard, & Austin Rice Alumni family friendly event at Moonflower Hill by Lake Travis with a petting zoo, picnic food, and bevs!