ignite innovation nights - building your innovation community
DESCRIPTION
I gave this presentation at Ignite, June 1, 2014 in Las Vegas as part of the UP Summit. It talks about how we started Innovation Nights in the Boston region.TRANSCRIPT
We Do Some of Our Best Work at Night… And So Can You!
It was 2008/2009…
• “U.S. Economy In ‘Shambles’ No Signs of Recovery Yet”
• "Global Economic Shock Worse Than Great Depression"
• "Financial Crisis Spreads Throughout Europe"
Innovation Days…
Innovation Nights… • In Boston area, MIN hosts a free-
to-attend event featuring 10 new products every month.
• Guests help spread the word using social media
• The model is ‘frictionless,’ there is no cost to exhibit or attend.
• Hosting locations get foot-traffic and sponsors connect with local community for visibility, new business and new hires.
Quick! Think of a product…
Help local companies generate buzz for their new products.
How Do We Help?
GUESTS represent a wide range of students, investors, entrepreneurs, and social media mavens• Learn about exciting local products and companies• Develop relationships and connections• Promote their own businesses and services • Support start-ups and local innovation with their
knowledge and social media/community influence
#
Serious Reach11,163 Tweets → 6,378,255
394/500 Still In Business
20 Acquired or Merged
91 have since launched other new products
$700 million +VC, angel, investor, grants, and awards
Photo by Janet Egan
Grass Roots ‘R’ Us…
SPONSORS/HOSTS help defray the costs events and/or provide a venue, contribute event prizes • But still we have homemade signs• Make your own name badge• Ugly newsletter…and presentations
Newsletter? It’s Ugly too…
Newsletter promotes the products, the next event and other community events…the competition. • Weekly to more than 10,000 subscribers• It’s all about the community• “How can we help?”
It’s a FREE event
• Keep expectations low: • WiFi doesn’t work?• Food?• Weird table in the lobby?• No tablecloths
We’re Friendly…
Think of a church social. New here? Raise your hand. Someone will come over to say “hello.” Jump up and tell us you’re hiring. Meet your neighbors.
• Physical program• A short hashtag• QR codes lead to mobile
page• Not into social media?
That’s OK too!
Make it easy: Guests
• Detailed instructions• Checklists• An experienced guide• Attend an event first
Make it easy: Exhibitors
Mass Innovation Nights• Every second Wednesday• Try new things but keep it consistent• Move around to get new audiences• Up to #MIN63
Consistency helps…
Your community:• Community involvement• Everyone helps• No carpetbaggers!
Local Support for Local Products
You Can Do it too!
@MassInno