Track Description  

Entrepreneurial businesses are major drivers of economic growth in the United States. In the Entrepreneurship and Social Media track, leaders of new and mature startups from across the country will discuss how they acquired their success—from creating the perfect business plan to seeking venture capital to achieving their entrepreneurial dreams. This track will also explore the role social media plays in an organization’s business strategy. We’ll look at case studies and industry-changing practices of some of the most successful social media campaigns to date. Thank you to our track sponsors, University of Nebraska Technology Park and Scott Technology Center.

Track Sessions

Using SEO to Turn Websites Into Revenue Centers

As an increasing number of Americans turn to the Internet for products, services and information, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to not only have a website, but to also make the most of their Internet presence. With over 260 billion search engine searches taking place in 2009, we will discuss the trends in online marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), local search, social media, website conversion, ROI and analytics. The goal of this presentation is to provide businesses with a better understanding of how maximize their online spending for success online.

Don't Crowdsource, Be the Source of the Crowd

Crowdsourcing has fueled rapid development online, but what is its impact offline in local communities? At the social marketing firm 9 Clouds, Inc., we aim to be the source of the crowd and want to encourage other businesses to do the same. We believe that a small investment in education and training creates a skilled workforce that strengthens local, often rural, communities. In areas like South Dakota, a social and professional network is often enough incentive to keep talent from leaving the state. At 9 Clouds, we publish ThePostSD.com, an online newspaper that provides a forum for creative and curious designers, writers, photographers, and other techies. As they hone their skills on the newspaper, they build a portfolio and skills that make them attractive subcontractors for our marketing company. Through a summary of our business model and a critical look at crowdsourcing, we hope to elicit discussion on the value of fostering a local tech community, especially in rural areas.

 What Your Business Should Know About the New Facebook

Will Flavell, Social Media Specialist, Bozell

Facebook doesn’t want to be the biggest social network on the Internet. Facebook wants to be the Internet. Late 2009 and early 2010 have shown some pretty big changes in the world’s largest social network from privacy settings, to promotion guidelines to Facebook Markup Language. Come and learn what about the possible pitfalls your business could face with these changes. And see how you can take advantage of recent changes to Facebook Fan Pages.

A Music Tech Startup in Omaha?

Jimmy Winter, Founder, RockDex

A look at the development of RockDex from a side project and an excuse to try new technology into a full blown web app our users depend on each day. Plus, a discussion on proving yourself in an industry heavily located on the coasts. Smart tech can come out of “flyover states."

Coaching Football in the World of Facebook

David Graff, CEO, Agile Sports

The world of sports is changing. Today, more than ever, mental preparation is key to achieving success on the field. Even the most athletically-gifted players will not succeed until they have a solid understanding of their teammates, their opponents, and the game plan. In this session, we will take a look at how football coaches are embracing new technology and social platforms to improve their team’s performance on the field and how “video coaching” is revolutionizing the game from youth to the NFL. We’ll also discuss life as a start up in the sports industry and share our start-up story.

Challenges in Creating a New Business in a New Industry

Joe Petsick, Chief Financial Officer, Proxibid

 In reflecting through the trials, tribulations and victories that were experienced at Proxibid from 2001 to present, a summary of what was learned and, unfortunately sometimes forgotten, as the stakeholders not only created a new technology company, but created a new industry. Opportunity never proved greater when given the chance to participate in the creation of a new industry, but with that, the challenges also proved more overwhelming than ever anticipated.

Lean Startups

Dusty Davidson, Co-Founder, Brightmix and Co-Founder, Silicon Prairie News

 An overview and introduction to the Lean Startup methodology as first introduced by Eric Ries.

Entrepreneur Panel - From Startup to Mature Business

Moderator: Jeff Slobotski, AIM Institute and Silicon Prairie News

This session will feature a discussion with new and established companies from the region regarding future trends, challenges and company culture issues. Individuals thinking about starting a business and those dealing with managing growth and culture changes would be interested in this panel.

Midwest Entrepreneurship: New Technology Breaking Old Geographic Barriers

Adam Coomes, President, Infegy, Kansas City

Adam Coomes, President of Infegy talks about his experiences building a company in the Midwest and how the Internet has broken the once strict barriers that forced entrepreneurs to move and have a presence on the coasts to succeed.

Program is subject to change.

Track Leader 

Jeff Slobotski - AIM Institute and Silicon Prairie News