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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.
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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
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