Nolan Bushnell, Founder, Atari, Co-author, Finding the Next Steve Jobs: How to Find, Hire, Keep, and Nurture Creative Talent; Twitter: @NolanBushnell

What are companies looking for in today’s workforce? From startups to the Fortune 500, Bushnell explains what companies should be looking for in employees. He shares some of his own experiences and highlights how companies can recognize potential, identify talent and nurture creativity.

Location: SV Bank, 3005 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara
Time: 6:30 p.m. check-in, 7 p.m. program, 8 p.m. book signing
Cost: $15 non-members, $10 members, $5 students (with valid ID)

Dale Schenk, Ph.D., CEO, Prothena
Lisa Krieger, Science and Medical Research Reporter, San Jose Mercury News — Moderator

Despite major advances in medicine, diseases of the brain continue to plague our society. Fortunately, because of the work of many dedicated scientists, a three-decades-long effort to conquer diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is beginning to pay off. Schenk will explore what we know about the brain – often called "the last frontier of medicine" – and describe the journey from an idea to the patient's bedside for new innovative treatments. 

Michael Seibel, CEO, Socialcam
Jude Gomila, Co-founder, Heyzap.com
Bill Clerico, Founder and CEO, WePay
Justin Khan, Co-founder, Justin.tv

Companies like Social Cam, Heyzap and WePay are all very different, but they have one mighty factor in common: they received their initial green and insider know-how from Y Combinator. Heralded by Wired as the “most prestigious program for budding digital entrepreneurs,” YC utilizes an expert formula of seed funding, peer networking and a three-month do-or-die boot camp to whip its mentees into startup shape. But how do the incubator’s graduates fare when the training comes to an end? What is it about this program that turns out such a wide range of wildly successful companies? Join us as some of Y Combinator’s illustrious graduates share stories of how to succeed and fail in the startup community and the lessons they’ve learned from the most infamous and celebrated incubator in the Valley.

Location: Silicon Valley Bank, 3005 Tasman Dr., Santa Clara
Time: 6:30 p.m. check-in, 7 p.m. program 
Cost: $20 non-members, $12 members, $7 students (with valid ID)

Orville Schell, Arthur Ross Director of the Asia Society’s Center on U.S.-China Relations; Former Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism, UC Berkeley; Twitter: @orvilleschell. Co-Author, Wealth and Power: China’s Long March to the Twenty-First Century

John Delury, Associate Director, the Asia Society’s Center on U.S.-China Relations; Twitter: @JohnDelury. Co-author, Wealth and Power: China’s Long March to the Twenty-First Century

Schell and Delury trace the dramatic rise of China from an “imperial doormat to global economic powerhouse.” He will address China’s future and highlight some of the country’s most influential leaders, political figures, writers, and activists who helped create modern China.

Location: Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Time: 6:30 p.m. check-in, 7 p.m. program, 8 p.m. book signing
Price: $15 non-members, $10 members, $7 students (with valid ID)

Mark Tercek, CEO, The Nature Conservancy; Co-author, Nature's Fortune: How Business and Society Thrive by Investing in Nature; Twitter: @MarkTercek

Can protecting nature really be a good investment? Tercek argues that conservation is the new way to do business. He offers an essential guide of sustainable opportunities and green infrastructure developments from across the country. Learn why nature protection is the smartest business and investment decision we can make.

Location: Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Time: 6:30 p.m. check-in, 7 p.m. program, 8 p.m. book signing
Cost: $20 non-members, $12 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Also know: Photo by Dave Lauridsen 

Naomi Tickle, Founder, Face Language International; Author, What Makes People Tick and Why

They say the eyes are the window of the soul. But what does the rest of the face tell you? Face-reading expert Tickle demonstrates how to identify key characteristics that could help you better communicate, develop relationships, create successful teams and avoid miscommunication in your business and at home.

Location: Silicon Valley Bank, 3005 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara
Time: 6:30 p.m. check-in, 7 p.m. program
Cost: $15 non-members, $10 members, $7 students (with valid ID)

Steve Beal, Whiskey expert

One of the world’s 15 masters of whiskey, brand ambassador for Diageo, the world’s largest spirits company and respected judge of international distilled spirits competitions, Steve Beal is a whiskey virtuoso. Considering the vastness of the subject and its great history, Beal regards whiskey with almost supernatural awe. While guiding you through a multimedia, multi-sensory single malt whiskey tasting and educational experience, Beal will blend history, technology, and the senses while taking you on a guided tour of Scotland, one glass at a time.

Location: Schultz Cultural Hall, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
Time: 6:15 p.m. check-In, 6:30 – 8 p.m. program and whiskey tasting
Price: $32 non-members, $25 members
Also know: Advance reservations are required as space is limited. All attendees must be 21 years or older. Photo by VancityAllie.