Breakthrough Connections: Powderkeg x Pattern
An Afternoon of Ideas, Art, and Connection: Where Tech Meets Creativity
Breakthroughs rarely happen in isolation.
They happen when different worlds collide.
Tech + Art. Logic + Imagination. Strategy + Soul.
That’s the spirit behind Breakthrough Connections, a collaboration between Powderkeg and Pattern, happening Wednesday, November 12, at The Stutz in downtown Indianapolis.
Step inside a one-of-a-kind gathering that blends the energy of Indy’s tech leaders with the creativity of the city’s top artists, designers, and makers.
This isn’t another happy hour—it’s a living gallery of innovation, connection, and inspiration.
You’ll join a curated community of founders, executives, and creators for hands-on creative activations, gallery tours, and live showcases featuring the region’s most innovative art and technology.
Because the most powerful breakthroughs happen when different worlds collide.
Agenda: Fast, Focused, Founder-Led
Here’s how the afternoon flows:
4:00–7:00 PM: Hands-on Creative Activities, Tech Demos, and Executive Happy Hour (Presented by FullStack)
Keep the conversations going in a relaxed, informal setting. Expect meaningful follow-ups, warm introductions, and space to deepen the connections that matter.
Creative Activations + Closing Lounge
Throughout the event, you’ll experience several interactive installations curated by our friends at Pattern, designed to spark creativity and bring the space to life:
Live Painting: An artist will be working on an in-progress piece and available to chat about their process.
Floral Demo Workshop: Build your own simple arrangement to take home.
Solo Guitarist: Enjoy live music while you connect with other leaders.
We’re also excited to feature a hands-on art station from our friends at Tactive, where you can create a takeaway piece using recycled materials.
To close out the day, we’ll shift into the Bounce Lounge, hosted by Jeb Banner, Founder of Bounce.fm—a startup building an operating system for recording musicians. The Lounge will be an open, attendee-powered experience designed to keep the energy high and spark even more creative connections.
“Real growth doesn’t happen solo. Every breakthrough I’ve had came after a conversation in that group.”
– Matt Gordon, CEO at Expected Behavior
Who It’s For
You’re in the right room if you’re:
Powderkeg Executive Members and invited guests
Tech founders, executives, and investors shaping what’s next
Creative entrepreneurs and makers redefining the future of work and culture
“This isn’t just networking. It’s where I’ve made some of the most strategic decisions of my career.”
– Mike Reynolds, CEO at Innovatemap
Why Attend?
Because the most powerful breakthroughs happen when different worlds collide.
Tech + Art. Logic + Imagination. Strategy + Soul.
This gathering is your chance to connect with the Midwest’s most forward-thinking leaders in a setting that sparks conversation and creativity.
“Powderkeg cuts through the noise. I don’t have to wade through dozens of vendors or tactics—I get what’s working now.”
– Jason Bobay, President & CEO at RF Health
Space Is Limited
Attendance is by invitation only to keep the experience meaningful and high-energy.
More details below...
The Venue
We’re excited to host this Summit at The Vault — The former Stutz Car Museum, a creative space inside the iconic Stutz building off 10th Street in downtown Indianapolis.
The former museum space still contains a few classic cars from Turner Woodard’s personal collection—many originally designed and manufactured in the Stutz factory a century ago. It's a local destination for art, history, and innovation.
It’s the perfect setting for founders and leaders building what’s next.
Check out the programming, speakers, and agenda below.
You’ll walk away with new strategies, trusted connections, and the clarity to scale smarter.
Community Partner
Big thanks to our friends at Pattern for collaborating on this Summit. Pattern's mission is to support, empower, and grow the creative economy. Pattern envisions a future where Indiana is recognized internationally as a leader of creativity and innovation.
Roundtables for Members and Select Guests:
Powderkeg will be hosting a handful of curated roundtables before the main event. If you are interested, please contact Meg Yothment at [email protected].
2:00–2:30 PM – Arrival + Informal Intros
Check in, get matched with your table, and connect before sessions begin.
2:30–4:00 PM – Curated Leadership Roundtables
Small peer groups of founders and execs, sorted by stage. No panels. No fluff. Just real conversation about what’s working (and what’s not) across funding, growth, hiring, operations, and more.
Meet the Roundtable Speakers:
Eric Christopher | Co-founder and Advisor to Zylo
As Zylo’s CEO, Eric led the team on our mission to help organizations unlock the power of their SaaS investments. He started his career in sales at ExactTarget (acquired by Salesforce), and then spent time leading sales teams at top SaaS companies Shoutlet and Sprout Social Inc. After almost 15 years of buying and selling software, Eric knew there had to be a better way to manage SaaS applications within a company. In 2016, he founded Zylo to help organizations discover, optimize, and govern their SaaS applications.
Thomas Millay | SaaS Senior Executive | 25+ Years Experience
Thomas is a seasoned SaaS executive with 25+ years of leadership experience across venture-backed, PE-owned, and public software companies. He has held CEO, COO, and GM roles at organizations including DemandJump, Elevate Ventures, Passageways, and Healthx—helping scale B2B platforms through growth, transformation, and successful exits. Today he advises software founders on go-to-market and operational excellence through his work at BookReport.
Lloyd Easters | President at Invst
Lloyd helps founders turn business success into personal wealth. As President of Invst, he’s scaled the firm to over $1B AUM while guiding hundreds of entrepreneurs to align their business growth with their financial freedom. His mission is simple: build companies that create both impact and independence.
Rick Wehrle | Senior Software Engineer at Murray Mentor
Rick’s been building the web since the web was born. He created the first online job board that later powered Monster.com’s iconic rise, and he hasn’t slowed down since. From startups like Work Here and CarSnoop to leadership roles at Powderkeg and Clear Software (acquired by Microsoft), Rick’s specialty is scaling full-stack products that last. Now at Murray Mentor, he’s still doing what he loves—engineering tech that makes a real impact.
Ready to lead the future of business?
At this Summit, you’ll get insights from real-world leaders, interactive workshops, and networking with decision-makers like you. Leave with a clear path to breakthrough growth.
Apply to save your spot now. Or keep reading to learn more about your host, food, and venue...
Meet Your Host
Matt Hunckler | CEO and Co-Founder of Powderkeg
Matt Hunckler is the co-founder and CEO of Powderkeg, the best way for companies to build momentum and become known in fast-growing communities.
Local Food, Drink, & Hospitality
Think we would let you go hungry? No way! We got you.
Get your fill from our great local partners at Nameless Catering and their tasty eats. Full bar and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Breakthroughs don’t happen alone.
Powderkeg is the private network for tech founders and executives scaling $1M–$100M+ companies—powered by curated connections, peer groups, and real-time growth strategies. Learn more at Powderkeg.com.
🛑 Space Is Limited
This is an invite-only gathering with only 100 seats available.
Registration is subject to approval.
Apply early to ensure your spot.