STEM to the Future: A Comedic Review of American Innovation Since the 80's

This year's Fall Social was created to be a celebration of human ingenuity & scientific work & discovery. Our annual fundraiser & networking event brings together STEM professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, community leaders, supporters & friends for an evening of connection, laughter & philanthropy.

Through a playful retrospective on technological & scientific innovation since the 80's, C2ST and Co. will explore how big ideas, like the first artificial heart, or even the piano tie, shaped a new reality.

The Featured Experience: An Intentional Improv Keynote

The centerpiece of the evening will be an interactive improv keynote that turns the traditional keynote on its head. Guests will help shape the presentation in real time with audience prompts, unexpected scenarios, innovation “what-ifs,” and the spontaneous challenges that become part of a comedic journey through decades of scientific innovation.

As all powerful STEM lessons demonstrate, innovation rarely follows a straight line. Experimentation, collaboration, failure, adaptation, and the willingness to try something unexpected are often what move an idea forward!

Guests can expect:

• A fast-paced comedic look at memorable moments in the history of scientific and technological innovation.
• Audience participation that directly influences the keynote.
• Improvised scenarios inspired by real STEM breakthroughs and cultural moments.
• Opportunities for guests to collaborate, laugh, and connect across disciplines.
• A live band to accompany the evening of fun!
• An 80's costume contest with a prize for the winner and runner-up!
• A few surprises that cannot be rehearsed—because that’s the point!

More Than a Night Out

The evening will also be an opportunity to support C2ST's mission and work to expand and maintain access to STEM education, mentorship, and opportunities.

Whether you’re a lifelong STEM enthusiast, a casual technology observer, an educator, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who enjoys a good story about how we got from the ’80s to the age of AI, this is an evening designed to bring people together!

Expect technology. Expect nostalgia. Expect philanthropy. Expect the unexpected.

And most importantly, expect to be part of the show!