The Small Business Summit is an annual event in NYC that gives small business owners a full day of networking, tech demos and inspiring presentations. The 6th annual Summit is taking place on March 8.
I had a chance to interview Ramon Ray, one of the co-producers of the Summit. I asked him about the event and why small business owners should participate. Here is what he had to say.
Alyssa Gregory: What is the purpose of the Small Business Summit?
Ramon Ray: The Summit was created by myself and my Summit co-producer Marian Banker of Prime Strategies (business leadership consulting) to bring together small business owners and entrepreneurs for a day of learning how to grow our businesses, hearing from experts, and networking and exhibits from leading small business-focused vendors.
AG: What makes the Summit different from other small business conferences?
RR: The Summit is one of the only events FOR small businesses BY small businesses (we both have home offices, for example). It’s not produced by a big company or anything. Also, it really shows that VERY small businesses can do VERY big things.
AG: Who is speaking this year? What are the not-to-miss sessions?
RR: All of our speakers are going to rock the house and dispense valuable insight. However, Chris McCann of 1-800 Flowers will share how his company has grown. Jim Fowler will share how he built Jigsaw and sold it for $142 million to Salesforce.com. We have so many great speakers this year.
AG: Can you give me a sneak peek at some of the tech demos and exhibits that will be shown at the Summit?
RR: Dell, back for the 4th year, is going to show off a lot of mobile technology. Intuit will continue to showcase their leadership in helping small business owners manage their businesses. Deluxe, one of several new sponsors, will exhibit their online marketing solutions for small businesses. These are just a few of the great exhibits we’ll have.
AG: What awards will be presented during the Summit?
RR: The HOT TECH DEMO tries to find the most innovative technology solutions for small businesses. We have had over 50 nominations and the winner will be announced on March 8. Nominating companies include software vendors, hardware manufacturers and many others.
The Small Business Strategy Award goes to the business person who exhibited the biggest change in business through a strategy they implemented. Who overcame and persevered.
AG: If there is only one reason for small business owners to attend the Summit, what would it be?
RR: INSIGHT, INSIGHT and INSIGHT from speakers. But I can’t stop there – networking is going to be off the hook, HUGE prizes – as in tablets and more.
AG: Thank you, Ramon, and good luck with the event!
About Ramon Ray
Ramon Ray is a co-producer of the Small Business Summit, a journalist, technology evangelist, speaker, editor of Smallbiztechnology.com, and author of “Technology Solutions for Growing Businesses” (Amacom). Some of the remarkable things he’s accomplished include:
- Taste of Technology Small Business Series, producer
- Small Business Technology Tour, producer
- NYXPO Technology Pavilion, producer
- OPEN Forum CES 2011 Speaker with Guy Kawasaki, Chris Brogan and Scott Belsky
Registration Information
This year’s Summit is just a week away, and if you’re not registered to attend, you may be missing out on one of the most powerful events for small businesses.
If you’re not in the NY area, you can still “sit in” on the sessions via live streaming video for a very reasonable $29. You can find out more and register for the event by visiting: www.smallbiztechsummit.com.
Name tag image credit: Henkster