With ~280,000 people in tech-centric jobs in the Seattle metro area, it makes sense that we'd eventually get a week dedicated to the industry's knowledge.

Introducing the first ever Seattle Tech Week: a series of lectures, panels, and networking events as creative as the slides in the Google offices. You can pitch your new business while taking a jog, discuss innovations in biotech over breakfast, or meet a new partner over a game of pickleball.

The event series, sponsored by venture capital firm Madrona, is scheduled for Monday, July 31-Wednesday, Aug. 2. True, it's not really a full week yet, but leaders are hoping to able to use this first run-through as a sort of "beta version" for the final product.

They'll be looking for insight from attendees and feedback from those who don't go on what they would want to see.

Applications are also still open for those who would like to propose an event, but these caught our eye so far.

Pitch and Run and Ascend with Friends | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 8:30 a.m. | Green Lake Park | Free | Got a business idea? Pitch it to local investors over a morning walk or jog.
Building the Future of Gaming | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 12-2 p.m. | Start-Up Hall, 1100 NE Campus Pkwy #200, Seattle | Free | Learn about what game designers are thinking in this panel, and get some insights on what's down the pipeline.
Pickleball "Net"working with FUSE | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 1-3 p.m. | Green Lake Park Pickleball Courts | Free | It can be a lot easier to connect with people when you share an activity together — no sports experience required.