Interesting thought: What will we do with our free time once our cars drive themselves?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 105 million Americans commute by car each day, reports Dong Jin Oh. With an average round trip of 50 minutes, that’s a whopping 88 million hours daily.
“I want some of these hours back,” CNET editor-at-large Brian Cooley told the Chicago office of DigitasLBi. With tomorrow’s drivers free from the obligation to keep their hands on the wheel and foot on the pedal, innovators have to ask, “What will you do when you don’t have to drive?” he said.
Perhaps make a restaurant reservation — and pay for the meal, while you’re at it? New York-based Reserve and San Francisco-based Table8 both stepped into the ring as more companies look to streamline the super taxing experience of going to sit and have someone else serve you dinner. Chicago-based Uncorkd, meanwhile, wants to help you choose your wine once you’re there.
Chicago restaurant royalty Marc Schulman and R.J. Melman spoke to food industry entrepreneurs and business executives on technology, social media, success and more at The Exchange 2015, an annual Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce tradeshow, in a panel moderated by Blue Sky reporter John Carpenter.
Melman shared some of the lessons of the Paris Club, where he pivoted and turned part of its space into a simpler ramen noodle shop.
“You have to adjust — hire new services, bring in new menus and change things,” Melman said. “And if you’re not doing those things all the time, then you’re probably on the wrong path.”
Did you know the FedEx logo contains an arrow within the letters? Me neither. But arrows (also key to the logo of the Exit!) caught the design world’s attention this week as the unveiling of Hillary Clinton’s campaign logo set off a stampede of alternate suggestions.
The Clean Energy Trust gave away $1 million, with Northwestern University-born NuMat Technologies and Ampy claiming much of it. And investors, entrepreneurs and medical professionals attended the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference, discussing the next wave
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of wearable devices, healthcare investing and the future of telehealth.Feeling stressed? Hunched over a computer all week? Then you can imagine why Dev Bootcamp requires yoga of its aspiring computer programmers.
“It keeps me active and focused,” said student Edwin Steinmetz. “Being physically active gives me that endorphin rush, and especially in this high stress environment, it helps to keep me balanced.”
Chicago’s first Lake FX Summit and Expo, a free conference for artists, creative professionals and entrepreneurs, runs through the weekend, with events related to new media and technology, career development and branding in fashion, music, arts, food and film, Meg Graham reports. It’s sponsored by Google and organized by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs.
I hope you’ll join me May 4 for our “How to Hire Innovators” event, where we’ll explore creative ways to attract and retain a talented workforce.
In the meantime, enjoy your weekend.