Thinc Iowa, an event to inspire, educate and celebrate the Midwest entrepreneurial ecosystem scheduled Oct. 9-11, will host four parties at downtown Des Moines bars and restaurants in an effort to connect the event’s message to the Greater Des Moines community. Conference parties will be held at Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St.; Exile Brewing Co., 1514 Walnut St.; Americana Restaurant & Lounge, 1312 Locust St.; and West End Architectural Salvage, 22 Ninth St. More than 500 people are expected to attend the conference. All parties are free and open to conference attendees; the opening and closing parties open to the public and free with an RSVP. For a complete schedule of Thinc Iowa events, visit www.thinciowa.com/schedule.html.