CrowdFunding Conference

eLuminate Pitch™ is the first-of-its-kind crowdfunding conference specifically for entrepreneurs; unlike all other crowdfunding conferences that focus on the regulatory aspects of crowdfunding.  The eLuminate Pitch CrowdFunding™ Conference is specifically geared toward helping entrepreneurs get results and grow their businesses.

Entrepreneurs seeking funding and entrepreneurs that have been funded, will have multiple opportunities to meet with fellow entrepreneurs and business experts, while learning how to better access and leverage crowdfunding resources.

Conference participants can attend speaker sessions with successful leaders in the crowdfunding community and have an opportunity to participate in the Pitch Sessions™ and the Pitch Showcase™, where they will get real opportunities to present their projects and get real-time feedback.

Entrepreneurs not seeking funds will benefit from the expert Speaker Sessions designed to help them think more strategically and build their businesses.

eLuminate Pitch will include a robust exhibit space, networking opportunities, entrepreneur education venue, opening reception, and awards presentation.

Additional Attendee Benefits:

• Learn to better leverage crowdfunding as a financial resource
• Implement best practices to better structure entrepreneurial projects
• Maximize resources and optimize a project timetable to better utilize funds
• Develop strategies for the next business phase, after receiving funding
• Learn from entrepreneurs who have successfully been funded and experts who understand business strategy

The eLuminate Pitch CrowdFunding Conference offers a unique opportunity for selected entrepreneurs to present their product or service to conference attendees in a 15 minute pitch (5 minute presentation, 10 minute Q&A).  There are only a few spots available.  To be eligible, entrepreneurs must indicate on their registrations that they wish to be considered for the Pitch Sessions or receive a special invitation for registration.  If you have been given a special link to participate in the Pitch Sessions, you must register with that link.

What Is So Special About The Pitch Sessions?

To gain additional exposure for your project and get instant feedback in a Q&A session. Pitch Sessions give entrepreneurs additional exposure for their crowdfunding projects.

How To Get Selected For The Pitch Sessions

• Indicate on your registration that you wish to be considered for the Pitch Sessions
• Selected Pitch Session presenters will be notified by email no later than July 26, 2012

Pitch Session Selection Criteria

• Ability to demonstrate key features and functions of the product or service
• Ability to scale the project
• Clearly defined project milestones
• Current crowdfunding project support (ideal, but not mandatory)

The Pitch Showcase is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to present their crowdfunding products or services at no charge. A sponsor has made it possible for selected entrepreneurs to have the spotlight where they can fine-tune their business pitch and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs throughout the two-day conference. Entrepreneurs participating in the Pitch Showcase will be given opportunities to rehearse and then present their business pitches. You must indicate on your conference registration that you wish to participate in the Pitch Showcase. Selected participants will be notified by July 16, 2012.

Pitch Showcase vs. Pitch Sessions

Pitch Showcase participants may or may not be selected as semi-finalists for the Pitch Sessions. The Pitch Sessions are scheduled at specified times on the main conference stage (see Conference Agenda), in front of the larger group of conference attendees, experts and supporters. Only Pitch Session finalists are eligible for the eLuminate Pitch CrowdFunding Award.

Pitch Showcase Workshop

This Pitch Showcase is a powerful event designed to be a real work session for entrepreneurs to work on crafting the perfect business pitch. You do not want to miss the opening Pitch Showcase Workshop on July 30th, where expert Hilary Blair Founder of ARTiculate:Real&Clear is one of the leading experts in business pitches, presentations, and media management. In this exclusive workshop, Hilary gives powerful tips and techniques for entrepreneurs to help refine their business pitches.

Following the workshop, the Pitch Showcase continues with entrepreneurs putting the expert advice into practice. The Pitch Showcase runs concurrently with the conference.

The Pitch Showcase Agenda

Monday July 30th

9:00 – 10:00 am Join main presentation venue for conference opening and welcome

10:00 – 11:00 am Hilary Blair gives expert pointers on how to develop a winning business pitch

11:00 – 1:00 pm Participants rehearse and practice their pitches and prepare for their presentations

1:00 – 5:00 pm Each participant gets 15 minutes to deliver their pitch (5 minute pitch / 10 minute Q&A)

Tuesday July 31st

10:00 – 4:00 pm Pitch Showcase continues (time depends on the number of participants)

Registered participants of both the Pitch Showcase and Pitch Session are invited to attend a special workshop designed to help entrepreneurs create a winning targeted business pitch. There is limited access to this workshop and seats are on a first come, first serve basis. Preference will be given to participants that have submitted profiles to participate. A sign-up sheet will be available for Pitch Showcase participants to select the time they want to present their pitches.

Register Now

Entrepreneurs who have successfully received crowdfunding and those that are seeking crowdfunding need access to a host of products and services that will improve their businesses and launch their projects. The Merchant Exhibit will include varied companies that can lend support in the areas of manufacturing, distribution, consulting, legal, human resource, financial management, and a host of other products and services. Register

Entrepreneurs, potential contributors, and other business leaders can connect after the first day of the conference at a cocktail reception immediately following the days events.

$99 per attendee. Please indicate if you will be attending when you register.

The conference finale will end with rapid applause as we celebrate all the entrepreneurs and crowdfunding supporters. A few eLuminate Pitch CrowdFunding awards will be given to key supporters and entrepreneurs.

The Pitch CrowdFunding Awards are open to all conference attendees