Providing innovators with a place to connect with the media, influential bloggers, the marketplace and each other.
Just days (hours) after we announced Mass Innovation Nights, we had innovators ready to give it a try. We expected to get a wide range of company sizes with interesting and innovation products but no one was prepared for the breadth and depth of the MIN crew.
The companies range in size from the “one or two guys/gals in a garage” model to some of the world’s largest IT companies. Right now the schedule is full (for products only, still collecting RSVPs for attendees) for both April and May (although, based on how April goes, we may allow more companies in May. We’re limiting it right now to 10 companies.) If we get more than 300 RSVPs, we’ll move the event to the ballroom. Right now we’re planning on putting the tables out on the main floor.
The industries represented range from consumer products (one company signed up for May creates innovation kitchen tools for cooks) to high tech. We have IBM/Lotus signed up to launch two new products over the coming months. We have a company that actually makes innovation software. We have a bio-tech company. We have a green tech company. We have a couple of Twitter-focused companies who make tools for social networking. There’s a software program for musicians. Eclectic is the watch word. Something for everyone.
The format will be casual — tabletop demos (although some of the companies are planning to use the amphitheater to do a short demo on the big screen.) Think science fair for grown-ups. And, of course, lots of networking — I’ve been connecting with recruiters at several companies. And, we’ll be doing everything we can to make a lot of noise in the online universe for the products themselves. Afterward, we’ll be walking across Moody Street for an after-party upstairs at Biagio Ristorante & Bar. They have a great place set aside for us in the Plush Lounge.
I’m also reluctant to do more than give you all a peek at the fun stuff we have in store for the first Mass Innovation Nights. Don’t want to preempt anyone’s big news. So, don’t assume you know what each company is going to show, just because you know what products they currently have. They might surprise you!
Drum roll please — here they are, The Charter Members of Mass Innovation Nights:
