Emerald, the exposition company that owns CEDIA Expo, announced this week that they will again field a TechStarter competition at CEDIA Expo 2021. TechStarter, the show says, is sort of a tech-specific version of ABCs Shark Tank show, where exhibitors in the show’s “Launchpad” section – the section that used to be known as Innovation Alley – get to pitch their business models to the judges (comprised of top industry executives) in the hopes of being selected as one of the TechStarter FIVE.
See more on the TechStarter competition at CEDIA Expo 2021
As you almost certainly know, the CEDIA Expo 2021 is rapidly approaching, set to run from September 1-3, 2021 in Indianapolis, IN, at the Indiana Convention Center. The first live CEDIA Expo since the 2020 pandemic, there is some question about how many industry executives and integrators will show up to attend the event, especially in the wake of a surging COVID-19 variant known as DELTA.
But one thing that will definitely be back is the show’s TechStarter competition, where new exhibitors in the Launchpad section get an opportunity to compete to be selected as a top five new company with an innovative product and/or business model by a panel of judges. First, five companies are selected for the TechStarter FIVE – an honor unto itself – and then, ultimately, one is named as the top TechStarter – winning prize money and recognition.
The TechStarter Judges
The executives who are serving as judges in this contest are David Moore, Executive Vice President of Snap One; David Weinstein, Vice President of Residential Sales, Lutron; and Roberta Lewis, Roberta Lewis & Associates, the only non-“David” judge.
I love the idea of Launchpad and the TechStarter Five Awards at CEDIA Expo. The ability to spotlight upcoming technologies and products gives show attendees, the press, and the new brand the opportunity to come together at this bustling show. It’s a win-win for all.”
Roverta Lewis, Founder of Roberta Lewis & Associates
How the TechStarter Competition Works
The way this works is that the judges will survey all of the new exhibitors in the Launchpad section of the show floor, looking for those that they believe hold “the most promise for the future.” They will specifically seek those new brands “with strong and unique business approaches” along with “an inspired vision” for their goods or services.
These five companies win the recognition of being so selected, and serve as finalists in the competition. From this group, the judges will appoint one of them as the overall winner for the top prize.
The TechStarter FIVE Each Win the Following:
- Reognition as one of this select group via press release and social media postings
- Signage for their booth
- Media training
- Appearance on the Smart Stage for the TechStarter Awards Ceremony
- Interviews with select media outlets
The top brand will additionally be awarded a prize pack valued at $5,000 during the award ceremony scheduled to take place on September 1, 2021.
Learn more about the CEDIA Expo 2021 by visiting: cediaexpo.com.
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