The Unscripted Retreat in a one-night-only Unscripted performance on Saturday, October 3 at 7:00 PM CDT at Instituto Cervantes of Chicago located at 31 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL.
Each speaker will take the stage to deliver a 5-minute experience shaped by a custom storytelling recipe that pushes boundaries and sparks connection. These aren’t your average speakers. They’re entrepreneurs, creatives, and thought leaders stepping into their spotlight and you get a front-row seat.
<aside> <img src="/icons/location_gray.svg" alt="/icons/location_gray.svg" width="40px" /> Instituto Cervantes of Chicago 31 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL
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<aside> <img src="/icons/calendar_gray.svg" alt="/icons/calendar_gray.svg" width="40px" /> October 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM CDT
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Lobby open
6:30 PM
Opening Experience
Meridith Grundei and Jamar Jones welcome the audience, introduce The Unscripted Retreat, and acknowledge experience and community partners, and collaborators.
Followed by Mark J. Carter, who delivers opening remarks.
Ashley Cohen and Robert Almodovar speak on behalf of featured non-profit partner, ABC Reentry.
7:00 PM
Speaker Showcase
A continuous sequence of 5-minute talks. Each story flows into the next with minimal transitions to keep the energy alive.
7:15 PM
Showcase Running Order: Click on toggle button to view talk title and speaker BIO