ICAD Group Participating in Global #JELLYWEEK 2012

First coworking event of 2012 to be held at the Englert on January 19

The Iowa City Area Development Group, in partnership with COWRK Iowa City and iQuest, is hosting the first Jelly/cowork of 2012 on Thursday, January 19, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City.

This month’s Jelly coincides with a weeklong, global event to raise awareness for coworkers and coworking.  Worldwide #JELLYWEEK 2012 started yesterday, January 16 and will run until Sunday, January 22.  More than two hundred locations in thirty-four countries are participating.

Jellies are casual drop-in cowork sessions that combine creativity and productivity.  Attendees can focus on their own projects, see what others are working on and make new connections.  There is no fee and no agenda. Coffee, wireless internet and electrical outlets are provided free of charge.  Anyone who can work away from an office are welcome at the Jelly for fresh ideas and for a change of pace. Past participants include entrepreneurs, freelancers, designers, developers, writers, and those working online. 

Mark Nolte, ICAD Group’s Business Development Director, says this month’s event will embrace a global perspective.  “With our event falling within #JELLYWEEK 2012, we’re excited to connect with other Jellies worldwide and share what’s happening in Iowa City,” said Nolte.  “We’ll have multiple social media platforms running so we can encourage communications, collaboration and new partnerships on a global level.”

Nolte added that ICAD Group continues to investigate options for a permanent coworking location and is looking at new spaces.  “Our primary goal is to stay downtown, to engage citizens, students, and the business community.  We’ll post information on our CoLab website once a final location has been selected.”

ICAD Group unveiled www.iqcolab.com at the December jelly and encourages anyone wanting to sign up for updates on coworking and the permanent space to visit that website.