Content Matters

I've previously posted that Previews has been the best part of the SIIA Information Industry Summit the past two years.

Previews showcases emerging content and technology companies, providing a forum to pitch to potential venture investors and content industry development executives.  The 2007 Previews showcased companies like Generate, Near-Time, Pando Networks and iCopyright. This year's Previews featured presentations from ExpoTV, CourtroomConnect, FeeDisclosure and TutorVista. FeeDisclosure was acquired by Bankrate in the weeks that followed the event (rumor was that the deal was accelerated by a question I asked during the Q&A segment) and another company received funding immediately following the event.

Following the success of Previews, the SIIA has decided to integrate a Previews segment into the upcoming NetGain Conference (May 18-20) in San Francisco. They are currently recruiting early stage content and technology companies for the eight coveted slots at this year's event.

Details for applying for consideration are listed below. There's no cost to apply but the deadline is Monday, April 7.

Call for Early-Stage Content & Software Companies

Early-stage, innovative and emerging content, software, and infrastructure companies are invited to apply for the opportunity to be a featured participant at SIIA NetGain: The Convergence of Content and Software, May 18-20, in San Francisco.

If selected, your company will give a five-minute presentation before our audience of industry leaders, which could include your next business partner, customer, investor, or acquirer. 

Complete the submission form in its entirety by Wednesday, March 12, 2008.  Note: there is no fee to submit your application.
All company presentations must be delivered by the company CEO, President or Chairman. All submissions must be made for companies that provide content, software or content/software technology products or services, have received no more than a Series A round of financing, generate no more than $10 million in sales, and have actual customers.

Our committee of industry experts will review all submissions and select semi-finalists. Semi-finalists will be notified by Friday, March 21, 2008.

Each Semi-finalist will make a virtual presentation to our committee, who will select the Presenting Companies and alternates. Presenting Companies will be notified by Friday, March 28, 2008. To participate as a Presenting Company, a fee of $895 must be paid by Friday, April 4, 2008. The fee includes one full conference registration.

Benefits for Semi-finalist Companies:

• Each Semi-finalist Company senior executive will receive guidance from an SIIA Consultant to help in the preparation prior to delivering his/her presentation before our committee
• Each Semi-finalist Company will receive feedback from our committee
• In addition to the above, Each Presenting Company will receive the following benefits:
• An invitation to present a 5-minute company pitch before the SIIA NetGain attendees.
• A temporary exhibit table to network with attendees. (Exhibit table will be provided during the conference break that immediately follows each group of company presentations.)
• Corporate profile and primary contact information in the SIIA NetGain Conference Program.
• Corporate profile and logo listed on the SIIA NetGain conference website.
• One full conference registration to attend SIIA NetGain, which includes the Welcome Reception on Sunday night, May 18; the Codies Showcase & Networking Reception on Monday night, May 19; and the Codies Gala on Tuesday night, May 20.

After reading the above, proceed to the submission form.