BTN Communications, October 10, 2013

It has been buzzing here at the BTN studios this week due in part to our hosting a Chicago Ideas Week (CIW) Lab. CIW is a week-long annual gathering of global leaders brought together to celebrate innovation and inspire new ideas. CIW Labs are events that give groups of people the opportunity to go behind the scenes of some of Chicago?s local businesses and organizations.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week we opened our doors to local Chicago high school students and gave them an all-access tour of the network (below).

Group shot

The Lab, called ?BTN YOU(th),? included juniors and seniors from Harper High School and the De La Salle Institute. BTN Studio Producer Quentin Carter led the tour and did a brief Q&A with the group. They were then surprised with a visit from former Ohio State quarterback and BTN analyst Stanley Jackson (below), who talked to the students about overcoming negative situations, staying positive and finding your own personal success. He gave a candid testimonial about his family growing up and how he used a positive attitude to make it to where he is today.

Stanley Jackson

The group learned what goes into broadcasting live television with hands-on demonstrations in our control and audio rooms. The students also learned how the talent prepares each night for their shows. The group was able to meet BTN makeup artist Chiquita Eubanks (below), an integral part of preparing for a live broadcast and getting ?camera ready.?

Students Make up room

Overall, participating in CIW was a wonderful experience for not only the Lab participants, but for everyone at the network. Being able to showcase what we do to today?s youth and shine a spotlight on the BTN employees who make it all happen night after night was truly a wonderful experience.

Side note: There are some incredible events and speakers scheduled for this year?s CIW. I am personally interested in Witness: I Changed History, with the amazing Dr. Buzz Aldrin. Other events that caught my eye include, Next: Tomorrow, Today with the Winklevoss brothers and the Tech Summit with Etsy CEO Chad Dickerson and Myspace CEO Tim Vanderhook. If the weather holds up, you might even see me on a Divvy bike ride with Mayor Emanuel on Oct. 14!

For more information on Chicago Ideas week, go to: ChicagoIdeas.com