MHTA — We’re just two weeks away from the MHTA Foundation’s Bids & Bytes Benefit —the 2017 technology fundraiser for everyone to attend — do business with the best in Minnesota and support STEM workforce development in one night! Check out the new experiences up for bidding and sign up today!

Donating to the MHTA Foundation is an investment in the future of Minnesota’s workforce. Together, we can pool our resources and excitement to become a top-competing state for technology business.

Our evening at the Aria Theater will provide opportunities to mingle with C-suite leaders from the biggest and strongest technology companies in Minnesota. During the networking period, there will be a chance to meet the students and organizations impacted by this work. You will also be able to take part in a number of fun activities and competitions, like battling robots, racing sail cars, or beat the clock to assemble your spaceship!

As the evening progresses, those interested can bid on C-suite auction experiences and watch the results come in live at the event.

ITEMS & EXPERIENCES FOR BIDDING
Behind the Scenes Customized Tour at MSP Airport – Offered by Rick King, EVP/CIO, Thomson Reuters

Custom tour hosted by MAC Commissioner and Thomson Reuters EVP/CIO Rick King. From baggage claim to the tower, guests will see how MSP airport operates in this special, behind the scenes tour. The winner will choose which places to visit from a wide variety of airport areas.

Behind the Scenes with Xcel Energy – Offered by David Harkness, CIO, Xcel Energy

Winning bidder will have the choice between one of two unique Xcel Energy experiences:

Choice #1 – Power Plant Tour for 12 people. Choice #2 – Executive Lake Cruise for 4 people.

Music and Dinner for Four – Offered by Tom Baden, Commissioner and Chief Information Officer, Minnesota IT Services, State of Minnesota

An evening out for four including a live performance by Commissioner Tom Baden and his band. Dinner to follow featuring wood fire cooking with a variety of hand-crafted cocktails.

Behind the Scenes — Technical Tour of the Xcel Energy Center – Offered by Jim Ibister, Vice President, Facility Administration, Minnesota Wild & General Manager, Saint Paul RiverCentre

The tour will consist of a behind the scenes tour of Xcel Energy, Home of the Minnesota Wild, from the Press Box to the Ice Level and will highlight all the technical components along the way that few in the public, ever see. Open to 10-15 participants.

Mississippi River Boat Cruise – Offered by Cris Ross, CIO – Mayo Clinic

Up to 6 people can join Cris for a ride on the Mississippi River on his antique classic cruiser.

NEW: Research and Development at Cargill — Offered by Kim Skanson, Vice President of Cargill Business Services

With 150,000 employees and $100+ billion in annual revenue, Cargill is one of the largest and most innovative companies in the world. In a given day, Cargill touches more than 20 percent of the world’s food supply, operates nearly 600 ocean vessels and ships millions of tons of commodities around the globe. Join Kim Skanson, Vice President of Cargill Business Services, for a tour of our Minneapolis Research & Development facility and see first-hand one of the ways that Cargill accomplishes its purpose of being the leader in nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.

Your day begins with a tour of Cargill’s Research & Development facility in Plymouth. From ideation to creation, there are many fascinating elements to R&D at one of the largest companies in the country. Following the tour, we will enjoy lunch together and have open dialogue on topics of interest.

NEW: Mall of America Tech Tour – Offered by Janette Smrcka, Information Technology Director, Mall of America

Step behind the scenes to see how Mall of America uses technology to enhance the experience of our 40 million annual visitors. Winner also receives a gift basket of Mall of America tickets and merchandise.

NEW: Technology and Game Night with the Minnesota Timberwolves – Offered by Justin Butler, Vice President of Technology, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx

Spend an evening with the Minnesota Timberwolves in a suite. Before the game get a behind the scenes peek at the technology at both the Target Center and our Practice Facility that helps us run on a game day.

We will also be announcing more details on experiences available for bidding from:

  • Anudeep Parhar, CIO – Entrust Datacard

SOCIAL HOUR ACTIVITIES
The Works: Engineering Design Challenge — Sail Car Racing
Customize a sail car, test its performance and participate in a race.

High Tech Kids: Robot Challenge
Players use robots to compete against each other to gather as many game pieces while blocking their opponent’s robot.

The Bell Museum: Astronaut Glove Box Challenge
Participants will wear gloves and attempt to assemble puzzles or work with nuts and bolts in the shortest time.

Make a difference and support the future success of Minnesota — and your company — by participating in our Bids & Bytes Benefit and making a charitable donation to the MHTA Foundation.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Make a difference and support the future success of Minnesota – and your organization – by participating in the benefit and donating to the MHTA Foundation.