BioTech Fermenter: Chicago's Biotechnology Meetup

Network over a drink with Chicago's biotechnology professionals and build a community of biotechnologists, entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts. We're continuing our series of networking opportunities to discuss challenges, opportunities, and frustrations while enjoying an evening with your professional peers from around Chicagoland.
We're so excited to announce that our March Fermenter will be at MATTER Chicago right within the Merchandise Mart. MATTER is mobilizing a community of healthcare innovators who aspire to heroic change. While MATTER does focus on healthcare innovation, we want to highlight the overlap and reliance between the healthcare community in Chicago and our city's biotech sector. We'll make sure to update this page with more information about parking and accessibility in the coming days.

The Biotech Fermenter is an event that is open to everyone, and the organizers strongly believe that working in a biotechnology future should be accessible to all Chicagoans, regardless of race, gender expression, sexual identity, national origin, or any other protected class. The Biotech Fermenter is a space for open and friendly sharing of ideas, and we are all responsible for ensuring everyone feels safe and respected. We are committed to hosting inclusive events, and will not tolerate any actions or attitudes contrary to our deeply held beliefs in inclusivity. By attending this event, you are agreeing to uphold this standard and acknowledge that the organizers reserve the right to restrict attendance.

If you have any concerns about another person's behavior, you may file a report via email with the organizers Andy Scarpelli ( andy@chitownbio.org ) and Ryan Brown ( ryanbrown2234@gmail.com ). We are committed to ensuring that the Biotech Fermenter is a safe space for all, and will take precautionary measures or responsive actions to uphold these ideals.

Additional Information from MATTER:

ADDRESS
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 228, Chicago, IL 60654

LOCATING MATTER OFFICE
MATTER’s new office is located in Suite 228 on the second floor of The Merchandise Mart, accessible via elevators or the Grand Staircase in the South Lobby. The entrance is immediately west of Marshall’s Landing on the south side of the main corridor, just before the escalators. Please ask security in the main lobby if you need assistance navigating to our space. Once you arrive at MATTER, please sign in at the front desk before heading to your room reservation.

TRANSPORTATION
TheMART is directly serviced by both Brown and Purple lines of the “L” trains and is a short distance from lines that service O’Hare and Midway airports. The Ogilvie and Union transportation stations and many CTA bus stops are also within walking distance.

PARKING
MATTER validates parking for the public parking garage located at 210 N Wells Street at the rate of $13.00 for 12 hours, on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you arrive after 3pm, it is $8 validation. Remember to bring your parking garage ticket to MATTER to validate it at check-in.

Metered parking is also available along Kinzie Street. Please be advised that parking in either of theMART’s access drives will result in your vehicle being towed or ticketed. We also recommend SpotHero or BestParking for any of the surrounding parking spots and garages. Handicapped parking is available on the north side of the Mart on upper Kinzie. Please inform your MATTER contact, so they can contact Mart security about a longer visit and ensure a spot is made available.