Entrepreneurs flock to conferences

Meliza Solan Surdi · March 18, 2009 · Short URL: https://vator.tv/n/771

Dow Jones Wireless Innovation Conference attracts more entrepreneurs during tough economic times

The Dow Jones 2009 Wireless Innovations Conference kicked off Tuesday at the Sofitel Hotel in Redwood City, California.

As you might expect, the day was filled with a number of panels and keynote speakers, such as Dan Schulman, CEO of Virgin Mobile. There were also several companies presenting, such as Buzzd and Transpera.

I caught up with Ken Anderson, director of events for Dow Jones, and asked him to share his thoughts on the conference's first-day turnout and the mobile trends the conference was highlighting.

Anderson said the trends he's seeing revolve around mobile platforms - such as the iPhone G1, Google's Android and the Blackberry. It's unclear how business models will evolve for such platforms, he said, but there's definitely a lot of activity there. Another theme he pointed out is marketing on mobile phones. Several companies are still trying to figure out how to advertise and get their message via mobile phones, he said. 

Surprisingly, the economic downturn hasn't really affected the conference with regards to the number of entrepreneurs attending. 

Startups are experiencing difficulty raising capital, which is actually helping to drive more entrepreneurs to the conference as they search for venues to network, said Anderson. Even though there are about the same number of presenting companies that the conference had last year, there are more entrepreneurs attending, he said, suggesting that perhaps it's an underlying determination entrepreneurs have when it comes to shaking hands and networking to find customers, sponsors or investors.

The good news is that venture capitalists, while having slowed their investment cycle, are still actively searching for the right gem, he added.

 

Related Companies, Investors, and Entrepreneurs

Buzzd

Startup/Business

Joined Vator on

Buzzd (http://www.Buzzd.com/) is the premier mobile, local search service, providing real-time information for bars, clubs and restaurants on the mobile device. "Your city, in real-time," Buzzd allows consumers to know what's happening at any venue right now, rate events, and connect with friends and people in the area.

Transpera

Startup/Business

Joined Vator on

Transpera helps online video publishers create mobile video channels and generate new revenue. Truly personal mobile video is now a reality. With Transpera’s Bridge System, users program their own channels, enjoy deep integration with their favorite online video sites and share those experiences with friends and family. On-line Video Publishers We provide an easy way to add a rich mobile experience for your users, and in doing so, we extend your brand to mobile while generating new, highly targeted mobile advertising inventory and subscription content services. Mobile Operators We provide easy ways to package and aggregate online video companies on deck to generate new value-added data services and subscription opportunities. Advertisers We provide high value reach to lucrative mobile audiences with positive and compelling inventory that consumers repeatedly use and distribute to their friends, family, and colleagues.