| 1.
I'm confused about the role of BETS (Bleeding Edge Technology Showcase)
within the MNVCC. Are they two separate Conferences? |
| The MNVCC and BETS are one
conference. Your registration covers both the MNVCC and the BETS.
At some points in the Conference, you will be hearing from start-ups
looking for venture capital. At other points in the Conference,
you will be hearing from university researchers, pre-IPO as well as publicy-traded companies and
technologists talking about some of the coolest technology in our
region. We could have had a 1-day venture capital conference and a
1-day technology conference but we decided the two conferences should
just be one 2-day conference. |
| 2.
How is the Conference related to NetSuds and MedicalSuds? |
| The Conference is a
production of NetSuds. MedicalSuds, being an off-shoot of NetSuds,
is a co-producer. |
| 3.
Why is this Conference being held at the same place and time as Strictly
Business? |
| Many people are used to
attending the Strictly Business Expo. It's 2 days each year they
dedicate to being at the Convention Center and staying up to date with
the latest business and technology vendors and service providers in the
area. NetSuds and Strictly Business decided to work together to
make the 2-day excursion to the Convention Center an even more
compelling - and convenient - event. |
| 4.
There is BETS and the BETS Pavilion. What distinguishes the
two? |
| BETS is part of the
Conference. The BETS Pavilion is part of the Strictly Business
Expo show floor. Because of the limited speaking opportunities
available at the Conference, we thought it would be important to offer
an opportunity for as many bleeding-edge companies to exhibit at the
BETS Pavilion. In addition, the BETS Pavilion will be open to anyone
attending the Strictly Business Expo. It will be a dedicated
section - or pavilion - on the tradeshow floor. |
| 5.
I thought that start-ups and venture capital were out of vogue now that
the economy has soured. Why even have such a conference? |
| It is true that the public
markets have virtually dried up. The IPO climate is bleak.
Mergers and acquisitions are being done but at rock-bottom valuations.
Valuations for private companies are low as well. However, many
entrepreneurs are undaunted by economic times such as these. Some
factors work in an entrepreneur's favor. First, office space is
relatively cheap. Second, there is a larger employee pool from
which to draw from. Third, potential competitors are suffering
from the tough economic times. A good business plan with a
top-notch management team will get the attention of smart investors.
Cisco Systems was founded in such a period of time in the 1980s. |
| 6.
Are you really having a Poker Tournament? |
| Yes. We're working
out the details. |
