2007 Innovation Station Nominations

I get asked pretty frequently by start-ups about how to get more exposure for their company. Basically, they are looking for free PR advice. Most of the time I'm pretty gracious in providing it. They also hope that I'll say something nice about them in TDI or on the blog. That is playing with fire. As we all know, I call it like I see it, so there is risk in "hoping" I'll favorably cover any vendor.

But I've got another idea, as the folks promoting the EMC, I mean RSA Conference reminded me about the Innovation Station awards. Basically, if you are a start-up or early revenue company that has something interesting, you can get an invite to participate in this program. You get a kiosk on the show floor (it'll cost $4K, but booths usually costs $25-30K, if you can even get one) and you get an opportunity to pitch a panel of CSO's and VC's with your idea. The catch? You get 5 minutes to pitch. That's it. 5 minutes. Even at DEMO you get 8 minutes - so this is really an elevator pitch.

When i was VP of Marketing at CipherTrust we did the inagural Innovation Station in 2005. I gave a 3 minute pitch (they are more generous with their time now) and it was great, despite the fact that I had laryngitis for the first time in my life. You really need to be laser focused. We came in third, with Sourcefire being the winner. Both companies have do OK, so performing well in the Innovation Station is usually a good sign.

So I think the Innovation Station is a great way to generate some interest in your company at RSA. The information is below, including the sign-up link. Good luck.

RSA® Conference 2007 Innovation Station

RSA® Conference is looking for the most innovative emerging company in the information security industry for its Innovation Station program – held in conjunction with RSA Conference 2007, February 5-9, 2007 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.

The submission process is open for pre-IPO companies in the information security technology space interested in participating. Companies must be privately-held and in business for fewer than two years, with confirmed 2006 booked revenues under $5M and a new product or service introduced between March 2006 and February 2007. Once selected, these companies are provided with a unique opportunity to showcase new products or services to a judging panel comprised of leading venture capital investors, CSOs, press, and industry experts, as well as exhibiting in a special Innovation Station pavilion on the expo floor.

The winner will be named “the most innovative new company” at RSA Conference 2007 and be promoted on the RSA Conference 2007 Web site, in a follow-on press release – and also be provided two individual face-to-face meetings with members of the judging panel after the Conference (subject to availability).

This is a great opportunity for relevant clients on your firm’s roster. Please feel free to forward this information to any companies or clients that you feel would be a good fit for the Innovation Station.

To nominate a company as a candidate for the Innovation Station, please visit http://www.rsaconference.com/2007/us/expo/additional/innovation/.

Nominations will close on Friday, December 15, 2006 at 5:00pm PDT.