If you’re a digital marketer, you know that technology rules. And while you might be a Twitter-Mashable-TechCrunch-SearchEngineWatch-AdWeek-junkie, you realize that reading isn’t the same as doing. Or testing, or analyzing, or tweaking, or engaging, or converting, or ROI. And when technology breaks faster than most people can constructively learn and apply, having a subject expert give you the Cliff’s Notes version of “how to” can be priceless.
That’s what Shawn Rorick set out to do when he imagined the cutting-edge digital marketing forum of Digital World Expo. He and his stellar team made it a reality last week from September 26-27 at the Mirage Events Center in Las Vegas. Attended by about 700 digital marketers and corporate decision makers, DWE made a very distinguished debut in the marketing conference world.
Along with attracting newsworthy keynote speakers and class instructors, Shawn and the DWE team created an environment that expands beyond the typical marketing conference box. While you’re learning about yesterday’s latest tech advancement, why not also hear from some folks who are building what might be “the next big thing?” And what if those companies were actually mostly Las Vegas-based and you gave them the opportunity to talk about their innovations for free? That would make for a dynamic setting to inspire, educate and help produce meaningful connections between marketers and entrepreneurs. Such was the premise of the Digital Startup Speakers Series (DSSS) segment that was a notable part of the exhibit floor at DWE.
I was given the fantastic opportunity to help organize the startup segment along with John Hawkins of 9seeds, a fellow Las Vegas entrepreneur who runs a WordPress development and training firm. We’re both very engaged in the burgeoning Vegas tech community and we realized that this was a really generous concept by Shawn that had serious potential.
Over the course of a few weeks, we peppered out the startup stage opportunity to local startups via Twitter, the Vegas Jelly, blogs, newsletters and personal referrals. In the end, 22 startups were selected to present over the course of two afternoons, in a uniquely engaging setting. Picture a typical stage and screen setup flanked by dozens of plush leather chairs and loveseats. Oh, and an adjacent bar and pub table setup. Let’s just say that the marketers who listened into the open mic sessions were well provided for.
The 10-minute open mic segments showcased a wide array of solutions constructed by mostly local startups. Most entrepreneurs aren’t seasoned public speakers; typically, early-stage presentations are conducted in a relatively intimate environment to potential clients and investors. But the DSSS stage at the back of the exhibit hall and the quality of the audience made this venue a distinctly productive platform for startups. The presenters were asked to focus on why their technology mattered to digital marketers, not just what they had built.
Startups included: TripDibs, uStarPoker, Proximity Team, Ayloo, Rumgr, Originate, Insure Monkey, Coupons for Humanity, VoteGiant, MeFundee, BloomWorlds, VideoReceptionist, Stikki.me, Wedgi.es, 9seeds, Influential Networks, Blvd Media Group, Ticketometer and my company, Tracky.
The audience was quite engaged both afternoons. After most of the presentations, I observed presenters being approached by audience members and friendly, animated conversations ensuing on the exhibit floor. Many business cards were exchanged, tweets were sent and meetings set up from this event. I’ve talked with many of the startups in the last week and most have been introduced to viable new contacts including potential users and/or investors, coworking outlets and services share opportunities. One founder booked two weeks of business meetings out of his one 10-minute presentation! Some are following up on potential funding options. Others got commitments from well-known local and national brands to use their services.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The Digital Startup Speaker Series provided an intelligently designed setting to present emerging technology, an innovation-enthusiastic audience, a collaborative environment and resulted in many meaningful connections.
I’ve got to say: I’m truly grateful for the chance to help facilitate the DSSS and I’m thrilled with the positive outcome. And, I’m very proud of the great representation by #VegasTech! Congratulations to DWE on such a successful event and to the entrepreneurs whose passion fuels innovation.
There is a plethora of activity in the Vegas Tech scene. Just last week, Paul Carr, formerly of TechCrunch, announced his move to Las Vegas to start a company with funding from Tony Hseieh (CEO of Zappos) and Michael Arrington’s CrunchFund. To learn more, follow #vegastech and #DWExpo on Twitter.