Awen - C-Suite | Cardano Creator Conference in Chicago

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Establish the 'C-Suite', a Cardano Creator Conference in Chicago, uniting web3 creators to harness and amplify their cultural impact within the ecosystem, showing Cardano's leadership.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

No source "code" in this proposal, as this is an event proposal.

All reports and documentation will be MIT open license and shared on our GitHub.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Understanding the Problem:

In the burgeoning field of web3, creators play a pivotal role, yet there lacks a dedicated platform where these cultural innovators can converge, collaborate, and amplify their influence. Without such a gathering, the potential of web3 remains partially untapped, and the voices that could drive cultural adoption and innovation are left on the periphery.

Our Approach:

To address this gap, we propose the "C-Suite", the first of its kind Cardano Creator Conference to be held in Chicago. This event will focus exclusively on creators in the web3 space, providing a forum for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing innovations. By choosing Chicago, a hub for both technology and culture, we position the conference at the crossroads of creative and technological advancements, facilitating a fusion that will propel the Cardano ecosystem forward.

Engagement:

The conference will engage a diverse array of participants including digital artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other creative professionals who are either already active in web3 or are interested in entering the space. We will also invite tech developers, investors, and thought leaders to create a multidisciplinary melting pot that enriches discussions and collaborations.

Demonstrating Impact:

Impact will be demonstrated through post-conference surveys assessing attendee satisfaction, potential collaborations birthed at the conference, and tracking the implementation of ideas and projects that originated from our sessions. Furthermore, the growth in cultural projects launched on Cardano as a result of connections made at the conference will serve as a tangible measure of our success.

Uniqueness and Benefits:

What sets "C-Suite" apart is its focus on creators within the web3 ecosystem, particularly those working with or interested in Cardano. This conference will not only serve as a springboard for creative projects but also as a beacon that attracts more cultural talent to the Cardano ecosystem, thereby enriching it with fresh ideas and diverse perspectives. The event promises to catalyze new user engagement and foster innovative applications of blockchain technology in creative industries.

Why It’s Important to Cardano:

This conference aligns perfectly with Cardano's vision of creating a more accessible, equitable, and interconnected global system. By empowering creators and providing them with the tools and community support needed to succeed in the web3 space, we enhance the overall appeal and utility of the Cardano ecosystem, driving broader adoption and spotlighting its capabilities as a platform for cultural and technological innovation.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Value to the Cardano Community:

The C-Suite conference will bring substantial value to the Cardano community by:

• Boosting Visibility: Showcasing Cardano’s capabilities and its appeal as a platform for cultural and creative industries.
• Fostering Innovation: Encouraging the development of new, creative uses of Cardano technology, which could lead to increased adoption and technological advancements within the ecosystem.
• Building Community: Strengthening the network of creators, developers, and enthusiasts around Cardano, fostering a vibrant community geared towards continuous improvement and collaboration.

Impact Measurement:

To effectively measure the impact of the C-Suite, we will employ both quantitative and qualitative methods:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Attendance Numbers: Total attendees, percentage of attendees from creative industries, and percentage of attendees new to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Follow-up Projects: Number of projects initiated as a result of the conference that utilize Cardano blockchain technology.
• Engagement Metrics: Social media metrics pre and post-conference, including follower growth, engagement rates, and content reach.
• Qualitative Feedback:
• Surveys and Interviews: Post-event feedback from participants to gauge satisfaction, new knowledge gained, and intentions to use or invest in Cardano.
• Case Studies: Documenting success stories and testimonials of projects and collaborations that were initiated at the conference.

Sharing Outputs:

Outputs and opportunities from the C-Suite will be shared widely to maximize their impact:

• Public Reports and Documentation: A comprehensive post-conference report highlighting key discussions, outcomes, and future directions will be made available on our website and distributed through Cardano community channels.
• Media and Press Releases: Collaborations with media partners to highlight significant achievements and stories from the conference, showcasing the potential of Cardano in creative industries.

Long-Term Collaboration:

We aim to establish a feedback loop with the Cardano community where insights and successes from the conference are shared back to inspire further research, development, and collaboration within the ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Transparent Project

We emphasize transparency in our project planning processes. The detailed project plan, including milestones, timelines, and responsibilities, will be made available for to open review. This ensures that our approach is clear, accountable, and aligned with the project's overarching objectives.

Proven Track Record

Our team members bring a wealth of experience in their respective fields. Their proven track record in blockchain, creator economies, event coordination, and project management instills confidence in our ability to successfully execute the proposed initiative.

Continuous Iteration and Adaptation

Feasibility is an ongoing evaluation process. We commit to a culture of continuous iteration and adaptation based on real-time feedback and changing circumstances. This agile approach ensures that our strategies remain responsive to evolving needs and challenges, enhancing the overall feasibility of the project.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Initialization

Cost: 25,000 ADA

Length: 2 months

Outputs:

• A project setup document, detailing the roadmap, timelines, and responsibilities.
• A GitHub repository to store documentation

Acceptance Criteria:

• The setup document, project roadmap, and list of key contributors should demonstrate that we have we have a reasonable plan
• There is a GitHub repository created

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Our setup report, project roadmap, and list of key contributors is made available
• Link to GitHub with initial commit

Pre-production

Cost: 25,000 ADA

Length: 2 months

Outputs:

• An event schedule/itinerary document, detailing schedule of events, activations, venue location, and participants.
• A GitHub repository to store documentation

Acceptance Criteria:

• The event schedule and itinerary document is available
• Participants, venue, and partners are documented

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Proof of participant and venue correspondence via screenshots and printouts
• The GitHub is updated with evidence

Production

Cost: 25,000 ADA

Length: 1 month

Outputs:

• Audiovisual content recorded
• Execute the event

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful execution of the event
• Recorded audiovisual content of the event

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Proof of event execution through recorded audiovisual content
• Social media posts showcasing the event
• Updated GitHub repository with evidence, including:
• Links to the recorded content
• Documentation of the event
• Relevant code updates or additions

Finalization

Cost: 25,000 ADA

Length: 1 month

Milestone Output(s)

• Produce a closeout report
• Produce a closeout video

Acceptance Criteria

• The closeout report and video will thoroughly document the results and outcomes of the project

Evidence of milestone completion

• A closeout video and report is on GitHub

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Ian McCullough (Cullah)

LinkedIn

Role:

• Event Coordinator / Creative Director

Relevant Experience:

• Chief of Events for ETHChicago
• Founder of NFTMKE
• Founder of Awen, a creative media & software agency.

Maggie Schmidt

LinkedIn

Role: Project & Marketing Manager

Relevant Experience:

• 5 years of project management
• 10 years of entertainment industry experience
• Former Universal Audio, Monarch Creative

Our team at Awen has lead the organization and production of impactful events in Chicagoland area including ETHChicago (2023), NFTMKE (2023), MKE MusicTech Catalyst (2023), CypherCon 6 (2023), CypherCon 7 (2024), Web3 Innovation Summit (2024), CryptoRNC (2024), CryptoDNC (2024).

We have worked directly with partners like SummerFest Tech, ImagineMKE, Chicago Fashion Coalition, Chicago Symphony Orhchestra, Visit Milwaukee, No Studios, 1871, and imNotArt.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Initialization (25,000 ADA)

• Venue Deposit: 20% (5,000 ADA)
• Marketing and Legal Services: 20% (5,000 ADA)
• Personnel Costs: 40% (10,000 ADA)
• Initial Contracts and Setup: 20% (5,000 ADA)

Milestone 2: Preproduction (25,000 ADA)

• Venue Deposit: 20% (5,000 ADA)
• Operational Costs (equipment, catering, logistics): 40% (10,000 ADA)
• Event Staffing: 20% (5,000 ADA)
• Personnel Costs: 20% (5,000 ADA)

Milestone 3: Production (25,000 ADA)

• Content Creation and Distribution: 40% (10,000 ADA)
• Outreach and Community Engagement: 20% (5,000 ADA)
• Personnel Costs: 40% (10,000 ADA)

Milestone 4: Finalization (25,000 ADA)

• Closeout Report and Video: 80% (20,000 ADA)
• Administrative Costs: 20% (5,000 ADA)

Our proposed budget adheres to the Cardano Fund Rules, ensuring responsible management of allocated funds.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The project costs have been diligently considered, taking into account industry standards, market-driven rates, and the comprehensive skill sets required.

This ensures that every ADA spent contributes to the successful execution of the project, aligning with Cardano's vision for a decentralized and informed community.

The budget reflects not only the project's immediate needs but also its enduring impact on the Cardano ecosystem.