Futureland Takeover

One building. Endless possibilities. Join Futureland for a FREE day of innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, technology, and connection
About this Event

Futureland Takeover at Midtown Collaboration Center

Cleveland Builds What's Next.

One Building. Endless Possibilities.

On Saturday, November 21, Futureland is taking over the Warren E. Anderson Midtown Collaboration Center for a full day of innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, technology, and connection!

We're bringing together Cleveland's builders — entrepreneurs, artists, creatives, technologists, students, professionals, and community leaders — for an experience designed to spark ideas, open doors, and create new opportunities.

This event is FREE and open to the community!

FOUR TRACKS. ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.

Whether you're launching a business, creating something new, exploring technology, or looking for your next career opportunity, there's something here for you.

• CREATE — For artists, musicians, makers, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs ready to grow their craft and business.
• BUILD — For founders, small business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs looking for resources, capital, connections, and strategies to grow.
• DISCOVER — For students and emerging talent ready to explore technology, innovation, creative industries, and future career possibilities.
• ADVANCE — For professionals, job seekers, and career changers looking to build skills, explore pathways, and connect with new opportunities.

WHAT'S HAPPENING INSIDE THE BUILDING?

🎤MAIN STAGE CONVERSATIONS

Hear from Cleveland's leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers, including a featured conversation with Mayor Justin Bibb and Cleveland Foundation President and CEO Lillian Kuri, moderated by KeyBank's Shanelle Smith.

Plus, engaging conversations on business growth, funding, artificial intelligence, creative entrepreneurship, and Cleveland's future.

🚀BUILDER SHOWCASE + BUSINESS RESOURCES

Discover emerging Cleveland entrepreneurs and innovative businesses through live presentations and demonstrations. Connect with organizations offering funding resources, business development support, lending consultations, and one-on-one advising.

🎮TECHNOLOGY + INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES

Explore immersive technology, hands-on demonstrations, and creative innovation throughout the building, including:

• NASA Immersive Gallery
• Cleveland Institute of Art Interactive Media Lab + Arcade
• Youth 3D Technology Workshops
• Hyland's Platformer Hacker Experience
• XR Studio Production Showcase
• Technology and career exploration experiences

🎨CREATIVE EXPERIENCES + LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Experience Cleveland's creative talent through:

• Scene & Sound: Live music and spoken word presented by Assembly for the Arts
• Podcast Bootcamp Competition: Emerging podcasters learning, creating, and competing
• The Artificial Debate: Exploring AI, creativity, and the future of art
• Live podcast recordings and creative demonstrations
• DJ sets, performances, and evening entertainment

🛍️MAKER'S MARKET + RESOURCE HALL

Shop and support Cleveland entrepreneurs, makers, and small businesses in our Maker's Market.

Visit the Resource Hall to connect directly with organizations offering entrepreneurial programs, funding opportunities, workforce resources, and community support.

🤝 NETWORKING + CONNECTIONS

Meet the people building Cleveland's future! Connect with founders, artists, industry leaders, employers, resource providers, and fellow builders throughout the day.

Stay for the evening networking mixer, live music, and entertainment.

POWERED BY CLEVELAND'S ECOSYSTEM

The Futureland Takeover is brought to life through collaboration with organizations throughout the Midtown Collaboration Center, including:

JumpStart | Assembly for the Arts | Cleveland Clinic | Case Western Reserve University | Hyland | Cleveland Institute of Art Interactive Media Lab | Cuyahoga Community College | ECDI | The Women's Business Center

Led by Futureland in collaboration with the Cleveland Foundation, with support from Chase, Huntington Bank, Burton D. Morgan Foundation, Cuyahoga Community College, and Case Western Reserve University.

EVENT DETAILS

Saturday, November 21, 2026

9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Warren E. Anderson Midtown Collaboration Center

Cleveland, Ohio

FREE ADMISSION | ALL ARE WELCOME

Come for a workshop. Discover a new opportunity. Meet your next collaborator. Experience something new.

Whatever you're building, there's a place for you at the Futureland Takeover.

Register today and be part of what's next for Cleveland!

Full schedule and additional speaker announcements coming soon. Programming is subject to change.

Agenda

🕑: 09:00 AM
Registration

Info: Welcome to the Futureland Takeover! Check in, access your Ecosystem Passport, and explore a full day of conversations, workshops, creative experiences, and connections across the Midtown Collaboration Center.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Maker's Market by Futureland

Info: Location: Innovation Hall
Presented by: Futureland
Shop local entrepreneurs, creators, and makers offering original products and distinctive brands. Meet the people behind the businesses and discover what Cleveland is creating. 30+ vendors, artists, founders, and brands featured ALL DAY!

🕑: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Resource Hall + Office Hours

Info: Location: Tenant Offices/Suites
Presented by: Futureland + Community Partners
Connect with organizations offering resources to help you build, grow, and move forward. Explore information tables, ask questions, and access one-on-one support through founder office hours, lending consultations, AEI sessions, and the Boost Fund Desk. Resource Partners include: Assembly For The Arts, Burton D. Morgan, Case Western Reserve University (Weatherhead School of Management, Institute of Population and Community Health, Sears [think box]) CHASE Bank, Cleveland Institute of Art Interactive Media Lab, Cleveland Clinic, Cuyahoga Community College, DigitalC, ECDI Women’s Business Center, Huntington Bank, Hyland, JumpStart, Manny Hall & Associates, NEOMED, The City of Cleveland.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
FLX Connect Lab by Futureland

Info: Location: Lobby Near Registration
Presented by: Futureland
Get an early look at FLX, Futureland's new digital platform connecting Cleveland's builders and ecosystem partners. Explore the directory, experience live demonstrations, discover resources, and get help joining the network. Put yourself on the map!

🕑: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
From Insight to Possibility: The Ongoing Evolution of Design (by CIA)

Info: Location: CIA Interactive Media Gallery
Explore the evolution of design through CIA's Interactive Media Gallery. Discover how creative ideas move from early concepts to new forms of expression and experience.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Arcade Gaming in CIA Arcade

Info: Location: CIA Arcade Room
Presented by: Cleveland Institute of Art
Game on! Enjoy free-play gaming featuring Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and a retro gaming cabinet with more than 1,100 games. Stop by, play, and connect through gaming.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
NASA Immersive Gallery

Info: Location: CIA Innovation Studio (1ST FL)
Presented by: NASA
Step into an immersive gallery inspired by NASA innovation and space exploration. Discover science, technology, and the possibilities of what lies beyond Earth.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Featuring: DJ D*Grind

Info: Location: Innovation Hall
Featuring: DJ D*Grind
Start your Takeover experience with music from DJ D*Grind. Explore the building, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy the sounds of Cleveland.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Live Music Video Production Experience (by CIA x Featuring Rob Nor)

Info: Location: CIA XR Studio
Presented by: CIA x Featuring: Rob Nor
Step behind the scenes of a live music video production featuring Cleveland artist Rob Nor. Watch creativity and technology come together inside CIA's virtual production studio as a music video is created in real time.

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Cleveland Builds What's Next: Mayor Justin Bibb + Lillian Kuri

Info: Location: RISE Room
Featuring: Mayor Justin Bibb + Lillian Kuri + Moderated by: Shanelle Smith, KeyBank
What's next for Cleveland? Join Mayor Justin Bibb and Cleveland Foundation President and CEO Lillian Kuri for a forward-looking conversation about the city's future, Midtown's momentum, economic development, entrepreneurship, and the power of collaboration to create new opportunities.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
3D Technology with CIA + Hyland (Student Discover Track)

Info: Location: Hyland Classroom
Presented by: CIA+ Hyland
Discover the possibilities of 3D technology through an interactive scanning experience. Explore emerging tools and see how technology is changing the way we create, design, and interact with the world.

🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Food for Thought: From Startup to Scale (Pearl's Kitchen x Comfort Cle)

Info: Location: Sixty6 Lounge
Featuring: Tiwanna Scott-Williams (Pearl's Kitchen) + Jeremy McBryde (Comfort CLE)
What does it really take to turn a food concept into a thriving business? Join two Cleveland entrepreneurs for a candid conversation about building recognizable brands, overcoming challenges, and navigating the journey from startup to scale

🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Where the Money Move: Funding Cleveland's Next Wave (Panel Discussion)

Info: Location: RISE Room
Featuring: Chase, JumpStart, Cleveland Foundation, Huntington Bank + ECDI
Where can Cleveland entrepreneurs find the capital and support they need to grow? Hear from banking, funding, and ecosystem leaders about available resources, what funders look for, and how to prepare your business for its next opportunity.

🕑: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Podcast Bootcamp Competition (Ticket Sold Separately $25)

Info: Location: Podcast Studio
Presented by: The Pull Up Experience
Ready to find your voice? Step into an interactive podcast bootcamp where emerging podcasters develop their concepts, practice their skills, and compete in a live podcasting experience.

🕑: 11:20 AM - 11:55 AM
CareerLog Session (Advance Track)

Info: Location: CWRU Breakout Room (3RD FL)
Presented by: CareerLog
Explore career development and professional growth with CareerLog. Discover ways to think about your next career move and the opportunities ahead.

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
From Trash to Traction: The Trash Boys Success Story (Student Discover Track)

Info: Location: ECDI Room (3RD FL)
Presented by: Trash Boys
Featuring: Andre + Drevian
Every business starts somewhere. Hear how the Trash Boys turned an idea into a growing Cleveland business. Discover the challenges, decisions, and relationships that helped them gain traction and build momentum.

🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Establishing Your Brand (Workshop by Tri-C)

Info: Location: Hyland Classroom
Presented by: Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
Your brand is more than a logo. Join Tri-C for a practical workshop on building a clear brand identity, communicating your value, and establishing a strong foundation for your business.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Featuring: DJ Black Unicorn

Info: Location: Innovation Hall
Featuring: DJ Black Unicorn
Keep the energy going with DJ Black Unicorn. Enjoy live music while shopping the Maker's Market, exploring activations, and connecting with the community.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
AI and the Future of Healthcare: Balancing Adoption and Readiness (by CWRU)

Info: Location: CWRU Breakout Room
Presented by: Case Western Reserve University
Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare. Join CWRU for a conversation about emerging AI technologies, clinical readiness, workforce development, and how healthcare professionals can navigate innovation while keeping people at the center of care.

🕑: 12:50 PM - 01:35 PM
Ready to Grow: Building the Right Banking Relationship (workshop by Huntington

Info: Location: CWRU Breakout Room (3RD FL)
Presented by: Huntington Bank
Building a successful business starts with the right financial foundation. Learn how to establish a strong banking relationship, prepare for growth, and position your business for future financial opportunities.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Built for the Future: Hackathon Winner Showcase (Student Discover Track)

Info: Location: Hyland Classroom
Presented by: TechCorps
Meet the next generation of innovators! Discover winning projects from TechCorps' hackathon and see how emerging technologists are using creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving to build solutions.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
CIA Production Showcase

Info: Location: CIA XR STUDIO
Presented by: Cleveland Institute of Art
Explore the creative process behind live media production. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the tools, techniques, and work developed through CIA's production experience.

🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Featuring: DJ StepOne

Info: Location: Innovation Hall
Featuring: DJ StepOne
Enjoy an afternoon soundtrack from DJ StepOne while exploring the Takeover, connecting with attendees, and discovering everything happening throughout the building.

🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
The ARTificial Debate (by Noeticai)

Info: Location: CIA Research + Design Lab
Presented by: noeticai
Can artificial intelligence and human creativity coexist? Six artists take opposing perspectives in a live debate exploring AI, artistic ownership, creativity, and the future of art. Experience the conversation alongside live AI-powered participation.

🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:00 PM
Money Moves (Workshop by Tri-C)

Info: Location: CWRU Breakout Room (3RD FL)
Presented by: Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
Explore practical financial decision-making in this workshop presented by Tri-C. Learn about approaches to managing money and making informed financial choices.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Builder Showcase

Info: Location: RISE Room
Presented by: Futureland
Meet the founders building what's next! Discover tech-forward startups, innovative ideas, and emerging businesses as Cleveland entrepreneurs take the stage to share what they're creating and where they're headed.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Improv Scenes & Games (by D.O.C. Studios)

Info: Location: Sixty6 Lounge
Presented by: D.O.C. Studios
Get ready for an interactive experience filled with creativity, quick thinking, and unexpected moments. Join D.O.C. Studios for live improv scenes and games that bring people together through laughter and imagination.

🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
3D Technology with CIA + Hyland (Student Discover Track)

Info: Location: Hyland Classroom
Presented by: CIA + Hyland
Discover the possibilities of 3D technology through an interactive scanning experience. Explore emerging tools and see how technology is changing the way we create, design, and interact with the world.

🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Buy, Build, Grow: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (CWRU)

Info: Location: CWRU Breakout Room (3RD FL)
Presented by: Case Western Reserve University + Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
You don't always have to start a business from scratch. Explore entrepreneurship through acquisition and discover what it takes to purchase, operate, and grow an existing business.

🕑: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Featuring: DJ Corey Grand

Info: Location: Innovation Hall
Featuring: DJ Corey Grand
DJ Corey Grand takes over Innovation Hall with an afternoon set as the Takeover transitions into evening networking and entertainment.

🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Women Who Build: Leadership, Growth + Impact (by ECDI)

Info: Location: ECDI Space (3RD FL)
Presented by: ECDI Women's Business Center
Featuring: Ronna McNair + Nicole Liatos + Moderated by Korin Green
Join an inspiring conversation about women's leadership, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunity. Hear personal stories, lessons learned, and practical insights on navigating challenges, building relationships, and making a lasting impact.

🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Scene & Sound Presented by Assembly For The Arts

Info: Location: The Sixty6
Presented by: Assembly for the Arts
Experience Cleveland's creative energy through live music, spoken word, and artistic expression. Curated by Assembly for the Arts, Scene & Sound brings local artists and audiences together for an afternoon of creativity and connection.

🕑: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
The Mixer: After Hours

Info: Location: Innovation Hall
Presented by: Futureland x TasteMakers United x Urban League Young Professional
The conversations continue! Connect with founders, creatives, professionals, and community leaders during an evening networking experience designed to spark relationships and future collaborations.

🕑: 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Cats on Holiday Band

Info: Location: The Sixty6
Featuring: Cats on Holiday
Close out the evening with live music from Cats on Holiday. Enjoy a blend of roots rock, blues, and Zydeco-inspired sounds as the Futureland Takeover celebrates Cleveland's creative community.