I've been to a number of these gatherings, and always feel like I get a pretty efficient updating of whatever the subject may be. In some cases, attendance at such a show can significantly and immediately change a company's fortunes. Bill Trenchard, who took the company to Showcase, said the event generated immediate interest, adding that Jump timed its product rollout to coincide. It was the first show of the new year, and everyone was looking for companies. We wanted to make it clear that we were the next big thing.
Sponsors walk a tightrope.
They are charging big bucks so they need to make it worthwhile for everyone. The press may be honored guests, but they certainly don't like to waste their time. If we have hundreds of VCs and not enough startups than we aren't doing our job. We want to provide a cross section of where the business is going. It must work, as the show consistently sells out and attracts a tony crowd.