Somewhat Frank has been taking the brunt of an intense schedule this past week as I have been in Chicago preparing for and hosting the first TECH cocktail CONFERENCE, followed by our 8th Chicago mixer, TECH cocktail Chicago 8 on May 29, 2008. Though it took a lot of time and hard work, it was all worth it as it was a lot of fun as we were able to further our mission of better connecting and amplifying the technology signal by bringing together some of the TECH cocktail community leaders from Boston, Boulder, DC and Chicago as speakers at the TECH cocktail CONFERENCE which attracted close to 300 guests. From the opening ceremonies where we played the TECH cocktail Song to Gary Vaynerchuk wrapping up the day of speakers it was a lot of fun. All the speakers did an amazing job and we are very appreciative of their participation and support. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to see all the panels as I was pretty emceeing the event and making sure things run smoothly.
Check out the TECH cocktail CONFERENCE photos taken by the very talented Leora Zellman. Additional photos from TECH cocktail Chicago 8 are coming soon.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Check out what others are saying about the conference:
CenterNetworks’ Take on TECH cocktail CONFERENCE
The May Report’s Take on TECH cocktail CONFERENCE
David Dalka’s Take on TECH cocktail CONFERENCE
Nick O’Neill’s Take on TECH cocktail CONFERENCE
Gal’s Guide Take on TECH cocktail CONFERENCE
After the CONFERENCE we hosted our 8th Chicago mixer event which showed off 10 startup demos so that they could show off some interesting technology. The following startups showed off their stuff at the event:
coloring.com - A Chicago-based startup devoted to offering its users fresh and fun new images to color online.
crowdSPRING - Leveraging the wisdom and design skills of the crowds this Chicago-based startup has created a marketplace for design opportunities.
DASH Navigation - Creating a truly interactive experience by combining the power of the Web and a GPS navigation system DASH has produced a very unique offering.
Edmodo - A self-funded bootstrapping startup co-founded by Jeff O’Hara and Nic Borg offers microblogging for education and groups.
isocket - isocket is a marketplace and platform for any kind of advertising. By providing the right environment and tools for advertising buyers and sellers, isocket enables easier, more effective advertising regardless of type or budget.
Snap and Buy - Currently in private beta, Snap and Buy looks to offer up comparison shopping while on the go via your mobile device with a camera.
Kirix - A Chicago-based startup, is looking to help change that by exposing your data in a Web browser experience with the launch tomorrow of Strata. Strata is a powerful set of tools that enables anyone to access, browse and manipulate data from a Web browser.
One Llama - A product of six employee Champaign, Illinois-based startup One Llama Media, leverages audio analysis, search and discovery systems to offer a place for music lovers to discover, listen, share and buy new music.
The Point - A Chicago-based startup, enables users to create and join campaigns around any issue or idea.
tvCompass - tvCompass has developed an innovative second screen interactive TV, content and advertising monetization model for the WiFi connected digital living room. tvCompass officially launched its product with ESPN - on Tuesday, May 20. ESPN The Ultimate Remote is now available for order by consumers worldwide through our initial retail channel partner, Amazon.com.
I did not get a chance to make a SOMEWHAT FRANK TV episode about the conference but thanks to social media others have picked up where I might have left off. Also The Chicago Tech Report was quick to put out some videos from the conference sessions and speaker - watch the Chicago Tech Report conference videos.
