IN South Fayette Fall 2017 | Page 33

Bennet and Jean Marie Laskas Women in Bio Crowdshot “IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF NEW IDEAS AND CREATIVITY, THEN THRIVAL IS FOR YOU.” attendees when it started in 2013. There were four music acts in the first year, and nearly 20 acts will be featured in 2017. The acts also continue to get bigger and bigger. This year, the festival’s headliners are Wiz Khalifa, Logic, Carnage, GRiZ and Two Door Cinema Club, with Kyle, Kiiara, TokiMonsta and more. For Thrival Innovation, the first (and only) programs in 2013 were thought talks and demos prior to the music. It was only a few hours long. Now, Thrival Innovation is two days, and will host dozens of national and international technology and innovation leaders, with over 15 programs and events. The “marquee” Thrival Innovation event will b e hosted at the Carnegie Museum of Art on Thursday, Sept. 28, where the entire museum will feature an array of interactive, artificial intelligence- inspired exhibits and demos, as well as keynote talks. The proceeds from Thrival (tickets, sponsorships, food/ beverage sales) go to support Ascender and its mission. Each year, the size of the festival grows—and so does the budget— but whatever remaining funds subsidize the incubator program, community events and nonprofit operations. “If you believe in the power of new ideas and creativity, then Thrival is for you,” says Law. “As a rule, we are always open to new partners and collaborators. Each year, there are new faces and new organizations helping make Thrival a reality.” For more information, visit thrivalfestival.com. Follow Thrival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To learn more about Ascender and its mission, visit ascenderpgh.com. n CHVRCHES South Fayette | Fall 2017 | icmags.com 31