The Hustle Hour does business differently. So do you. So join us every third Thursday evening for networking and education that’s out of the ordinary.

Powered by Local First Arizona and hosted by the University of Arizona at FORGE at Roy Place, The Hustle Hour features a rotating panel of Tucson-based business owners, community leaders and activists―with the goal of providing access to underrepresented perspectives and approaches in local business.

For March 2024, the panel theme is Technology for Good―with a focus on the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI). In a first for the Hustle Hour, this event will also coincide with the monthly meeting for Tucson’s own Artificial Intelligence Trailblazers group! Come for the panel, stay for optional networking after.

Panelists will include:

• Daniel Lee, Cofounder, HorizonMind
• Aaron Eden, Business Systems Analyst, Intuit
• Maria del Pilar Mascareño-Eden, Brain Bridge AI
• Joe Delgado, Sales Executive, Sounding Board

Never been to a networking event? That’s OK! The Hustle Hour is a great, low-stakes place to start. Been to other networking events and just didn’t see yourself in the crowd? We get you. We’re cultivating a space where panelists and attendees alike can feel a sense of belonging.

Not a business owner? That’s OK too! Whatever your reason for participating, we welcome your interest―and your voice.

Here’s what you need to know:

🔓 At 4:30, doors open to the public at FORGE at Roy Place. Arrive before 5:00 for an optional tour of the on-site co-working space. Light refreshments will be provided.

🎤 At 5:00, panelists take their seats and the presentation begins. Every panel features a moderator from the community. The discussion itself is collaboratively designed―every time. There will be time for audience questions around 5:45.

🤝 At 6:00, the presentation wraps up. The event relocates to a nearby bar or restaurant (always within walking distance) for the remainder of the evening, where the panelists and event organizers will be available for networking afterward.

With questions about access or to request any disability-related accommodations in this event such as ASL interpreting, closed-captioning, wheelchair access, or electronic text, etc, please contact Carina Enriquez at carinae@arizona.edu

Wondering about parking downtown? Find directions and parking information here for FORGE at Roy Place.

Who is this event for? Local entrepreneurs, business owners, and serial networkers should find a lot to love here, in addition to those involved with local government, the nonprofit sector, higher education, and so on. Community members―or those interested in educational opportunities or meeting new people―are also invited. Local First's Tucson-based staff will be on-hand for each event, as well as staff from FORGE and other members of the University of Arizona community.