Fifteen years ago, a group of founders bet that Chicago could become one of the world’s great cities for building businesses. They named it 1871, for the year of the Great Chicago Fire and the rebuilding that followed.Since then, the 1871 community has created 20,000+ jobs and raised $7B+. The founders, mentors, investors and partners who made that happen are still building.Come celebrate 15 years with the people who built it, and the people building what comes next. No long program. No sitting in rows. Just the community, one floor up from where we work every day.What to expect

  • Celebrate 15 years: a short toast to the founders, mentors and partners who got us here.

  • See where it all started: the moments, companies and people from 15 years of 1871.

  • Reconnect: alumni, members, mentors and partners, in one room.

  • Raise a glass: light bites and refreshments provided.

Who you’re around changes what you believe is possible.Based in Chicago. Serving the world.Agenda 6:00 PM · Doors open 6:45 PM · A toast to 15 years 7:00 PM · The party continues 9:00 PM · CloseTickets: $15 to support event costs