CEDIA Expo, taking place this Sept. 7-9 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, announces the return of the TechStarter competition and the Launchpad show floor area, a platform for new companies to introduce their brand and technology to the custom integration industry.
The Launchpad, formerly Innovation Alley, is designed to highlight brands that have been in business for less than three years and have never exhibited at CEDIA Expo.
“The Launchpad is an incredible opportunity for emerging companies to launch their products and gain exposure within the custom installation community,” enthuses Jason McGraw, CTS, group vice president for CEDIA Expo, Commercial Integrator Expo and KBIS, Emerald.
“Participants can connect and engage with attendees on the show floor and, as part of the TechStarter Competition, they can present their ideas to an esteemed panel of industry influencers for a chance to win the TechStarter Grand Prize. We look forward to welcoming first-time exhibitors during the Launchpad at CEDIA Expo 2023.”
Launchpad Throws New CEDIA Expo Brands into ‘Shark Tank’-Like TechStarter
Brands participating in the Launchpad will also be in the TechStarter Competition and present short business pitches to CEDIA Expo’s panel of industry expert judges – the “Shark Tank”-like aspect of this emerging tech and startup section of the show floor.
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Launchpad exhibitors guardDog AI in 2021 and PoolScout last year have garnered first place in the TechStarter program and several marketing benefits to help boost those companies’ industry presence.
Again this year, judges will evaluate the brands’ product, innovation, opportunity, and marketing and sales strategies. The leading brands will be recognized as the CEDIA Expo 2023 TechStarter FIVE.
The Launchpad TechStarter Grand Prize winner receives benefits to elevate their young businesses to media, attendees and customers, and the opportunity to win $5,000 as the Launchpad TechStarter Grand Prize winner. Finally, the program will culminate with a judges panel and discussion before the final selection of the Launchpad TechStarter Grand Prize winner at the CEDIA Expo Smart Stage.
At press time on the show floorplan, brands participating in the Launchpad at CEDIA Expo 2023 include:
● Advaning (#4152)
● Arsenal Cyber Force (#3954)
● BLINDSPACE (#4052)
● Dejero (#3952)
● Ezlo Innovation (#3956)
● Firewalla (#3953)
● Mirus Development (#3955)
A few of today’s industry-leading brands, including AXIS, Domotz, guardDog.ai, Josh.ai and HDMI Staffing, have used the Launchpad to introduce their brands to the CEDIA channel. Brands interested in joining this year can submit an application to participate.
CEDIA Expo 2023 will be co-located with Commercial Integrator Expo. Individuals interested in attending CEDIA Expo 2023 can register online.
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