IDEA Tech Fest, Business Idea Pitch Contest Slated for Nov. 8-9
JONESBORO, Ark. — Following on the heels of last spring’s success, a private—public partnership of supporters that includes Arkansas State University and the Delta Center for Economic Development, will host the first IDEA Tech Fest, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9. IDEA Tech Fest will replace and include content analogous to Bar Camp Jonesboro, as well as a G60 business idea pitch contest with $1,500 in cash prizes. The event is free of charge.
The weekend begins Friday at 6 p.m. with the G60 pitch contest at Brickhouse Grill, 218 S. Main, downtown Jonesboro. More than 20 aspiring entrepreneurs are registered to compete for a $1,000 first place prize. Second and third place winners will also receive cash prizes.
The format is similar to the TV reality show ‘Shark Tank’ business idea pitch contest. Contestants have 60 seconds to present and promote a business idea. G60 winners will be selected by a panel of judges with audience participation.
The master of ceremonies is Rick Christian of the Jonesboro Radio Group. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the G60 contest. The competition is open to all entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs. Walk-up contestants are welcome to sign up and compete until capacity is reached. Presentations can involve design, development, business, and marketing.
On Saturday, Nov. 9, a full day of free training geared toward startups, digital designers and developers, and entrepreneurs begins at 8 a.m. at the Arkansas State Delta Center for Economic Development, 319 University Loop Circle. See ideatechfest.com for additional scheduling details. There will be presentations from local tech professionals, business owners, freelancers and artists.
Each hour features multiple presentations in three tracks: creative and marketing, development and technology, and business and finance. Visitors can stay with a single track for the day or switch it up and attend a blend of presentations from all three tracks.
Brian Rogers, director of the Catalyst Innovation Accelerator under the Delta Center for Economic Development and ASU Office of Research and Technology Transfer, is the primary point of contact for IDEA Tech Fest. For additional information, go to ideatechfest.com.
