Women & Hi Tech Events

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• The Chemistry of Cheese

  • When
    04/30/2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W Whiteland Rd, Bargersville, IN 46106
  • Spaces left
    61

  Register

  About the Event

  Science Meets the Cheese Board

  What happens when you combine a food scientist, an award-winning local creamery, and a gorgeous winery venue? A truly unforgettable evening. Join Women & Hi Tech and the Indianapolis ACS chapter for a hands-on exploration of the fascinating chemistry behind one of the world's oldest crafted foods.

  The Science Talk

  Dr. Maria Alvim-Gaston breaks down the biochemistry of cheesemaking — from microbial cultures and enzymatic reactions to the proteins and fats that give each variety its unique character.

  Live Demonstration

  Watch the craft in real time as Tulip Tree Creamery walks you through a live cheesemaking demonstration — see the science happen right before your eyes.

  Wine & Cheese Pairing

  End the evening with guided wine and cheese pairings at Mallow Run Winery. Learn the flavor science behind perfect pairings — then enjoy them yourself.

  Featured Speakers

  Meet Your Guides for the Evening

  MA

  Dr. Maria Alvim-Gaston

  Scientist & Speaker

  A leading voice in chemistry, Dr. Alvim-Gaston brings expertise in dairy science and flavor biochemistry to demystify what makes cheese — chemically — so irresistible.

  Tulip Tree Creamery

  Indianapolis Artisan Creamery

  Indiana's award-winning Tulip Tree Creamery is known for handcrafted, cave-aged cheeses made with local milk. They'll share their craft and the stories behind their beloved wheels.

  What's Included

  $20per person

  Your ticket includes

  • Science presentation by Dr. Alvim-Gaston
  • Live cheesemaking demonstration
  • Guided wine & cheese pairing
  • Artisan cheese sampling
  • Networking with W&HT & ACS members
  • Evening at Mallow Run Winery

  ℹ️  This event is co-hosted by Women & Hi Tech and the American Chemical Society Indianapolis chapter. Tickets are available through each organization. Limited to 100 total guests — register early to secure your seat.

  The Venue

  Mallow Run Winery

  The Homestead Room

  Bargersville, Indiana

  Nestled in the rolling countryside south of Indianapolis, Mallow Run Winery is one of Indiana's most beloved destinations for wine lovers and curious explorers alike. The Homestead Room offers a warm, rustic-elegant setting — the perfect backdrop for a science-meets-sensory evening. With estate wines crafted right on the property, the venue itself is part of the experience.

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• 2026 Spring Networking Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

  • When
    05/13/2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 4790 W. 16th Street Indianapolis, IN

  Register

  Fuel Your Network at the Brickyard! 

  Join Women & Hi Tech for an afternoon of connection and fun at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Whether you are a longtime racing fan or a first-time visitor to the track, this event offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the technical preparation and strategic precision that goes into team preparation for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. 

  This event is co-hosted in partnership with IT Nerd Happy Hour, Indianapolis's longest-running monthly networking community for software and IT professionals. Whether you're a Women & Hi Tech member, an IT Nerd Happy Hour member, or both — this is a rare chance to bring two of Indy's premier tech communities together at one of the most iconic venues in the world.
  IT Nerd Happy Hour members: To qualify for the member registration rate of $30, a registration code is required.  To receive the code, sign up to become an individual member.  Any questions — reach out to the ITNHH team at info@itnerdhappyhour.com.

  Fuel your afternoon with a hosted lunch in our private pavilion before heading out to experience the thrill of practice day at the Brickyard. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in Indiana’s STEM community while surrounded by the historic energy of the world’s most famous racetrack. 

  This event is open to members and non-members alike!  

  We encourage you to invite friends and colleagues to join you. Whether you’re exploring the garages together or meeting new faces in the pavilion, it’s the perfect opportunity to share a unique afternoon at the track while expanding your professional circle. 

  Registration Deadline is Friday, May 1, 2026. This event is limited tand usually fills up fast, so don’t wait to register – register today! 

  Event Details 

  • Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 

  • Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

  • Location: Pavilion 3, Plaza Village 

  • Registration Cost: $30 for Members | $45 for Non-Members 

  Agenda & Activities 

  • 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch is served! Enjoy a delicious meal and opening remarks as IMS Leadership welcomes Women & Hi Tech. 

  • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: The pavilion remains open for networking, snacks, and refreshments. During this time, guests are free to: 

  • Visit the IMS Garages to see the cars and crews up close. 

  • Watch Indy 500 practice runs from the stands. 

  • Network with members and friends in our private pavilion. 

  • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: While our formal event concludes at 4:00 PM, your ticket allows you to stay and enjoy the remainder of the practice session until 6:00 PM. 

  Important Attendance Information 

  Paper Tickets Required: IMS requires physical paper tickets for entry. Electronic tickets will not be accepted. Tickets must be picked up in person during the week of Monday, May 4. We will reach out to all registrants with specific pickup locations and times as the date approaches. 

  Parking: Parking information will be provided to registrants as the date approaches.  

  Mandatory Waiver: IMS requires each registrant to sign a liability waiver. You can review the waiver here. During registration, you must select the checkbox acknowledging you have read and agreed to these terms. Please note that you may be asked to sign the waiver again on-site per IMS protocols. 

  Dress Code & Garage Access: The general dress code is casual; however, we strongly recommend comfortable walking shoes for exploring the track. 

  • Garage/Pit Access: To visit the garages, long pants are highly recommended and often required for closer pit access (no shorts). Please plan your attire accordingly if you wish to go behind the scenes! 

  Register Today! 

  Don’t miss one of our most popular events of the year. Register now to secure your spot at the track and join us for an afternoon of high-speed networking! 

  Terms of Participation 

  Paid event registration is non-refundable and non-transferable.  

  Cancellation Policy: In the event you are unable to attend a high demand, at-capacity, and/or sold-out event, please send a "Notice of Absence" email to whtinfo@womenandhitech.org at least 24 hours prior to the start of the event. We often have people waitlisted for events and appreciate your professionalism in communicating your absence to us with enough time to allow others to attend. 

  By registering for this event, you acknowledge that you may be photographed, videotaped, and audio-taped during the course of this event and hereby give permission for your image, and voice to be used in education, training, promotion, advertisement, or trade and communications media by Women & Hi Tech in any and all media outlets. 

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• 2026 Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala

  • When
    10/01/2026
  • Location
    Indiana Roof Ballroom 140 West Washington St Indianapolis, IN

  
  
  Registration
  

  • Individual registrations are not open at this time.  

  • Please contact events@womenandhitech.org if you are interested in sponsoring or purchasing a table at the Leading Light Awards. The cost to purchase a 10-person table is $1,500 or please click here to view the sponsorship prospectus.  

  Celebrate Connection, Innovation, and Impact in STEM 

  Women & Hi Tech is thrilled to announce the 2026 Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala (LLA) — coming Thursday, October 1, 2026, to Indianapolis, IN. 

  Join us for an unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and community as we honor women of achievement in STEM and the allies who champion them. 

  ✨ This year’s theme, Connected Brilliance, celebrates the network of bright minds and bold leaders driving progress in STEM. Together, we’ll recognize the mentors, innovators, and visionaries who light the way for generations to come. 

  What to Expect 

  • Networking & Welcome Reception – Mix and mingle with STEM leaders, colleagues, and peers during our lively happy hour. 

  • Elegant Dinner – Enjoy a full-course meal while connecting with industry professionals and inspiring women across Indiana. 

  • Scholarships & Grants Ceremony – Applaud the next generation of innovators as Women & Hi Tech and our sponsors award scholarships and professional grants to students and professionals pursuing STEM careers. 

  • Awards Presentation – Celebrate the extraordinary individuals and allies making an impact in science, technology, engineering, and math. 

  Women & Hi Tech exists to change the landscape of women represented in STEM and related high-tech fields to be equally inclusive to all. At our 2024 Gala, we proudly awarded over $60,000 in scholarships and grants — and we’re excited to continue this legacy in 2026. 

  Event Agenda 
   
  5:30-6:30 pm:Networking, Cocktails 
  6:30-6:45 pm:Opening and Welcome 
  6:45-9:00 pm:Dinner and Program 
  9:00-10:00 pm: Networking, Photos, and Celebration 

  
  

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