There’s room for both models, I suppose, but the large fee is a barrier to entry for non-VC backed startups. Sadly we see fewer and fewer bootstraps these days.

I will say, though, that I can understand people maybe not wanting to go at you. It probably is a little intimidating…

Well, you did say that for companies to present in those events, they often need to pay a decent amount of money, and so that leaves you wondering if you’re seeing “the best” or “the best that could afford it”.

I don’t think that’s accusing DEMO or IBD of not being transparent, but that the companies they review know ahead of time that it’s going to cost them, and yes, perhaps they’re missing some great companies or projects that simply cannot afford it. So..? Where does this hurt them? For me it’s clear as water - can they argue that?

I frankly don’t see the point in any startup paying to attend a conference in order to showcase their product.

Either you’re a startup with a ton of money — in which case you can fly all around the country giving personal demos to potential investors (or better yet, they can come to you). Or you’re a startup with next to no money at all — in which case dropping a few K or more on a conference probably isn’t in your budget.

We’ve been e-mailed many times by various conferences saying we’ve “been selected to present” and that we need only pay travel, hotel, and a conference fee. Every time we’ve said no without even thinking about it. If *you* want me at a conference, then you should pay my way. Don’t “give me the opportunity” to drop a few thousand dollars. If your product or service is good enough, you don’t need to do that.

I think you guys are on the right track with this one so far. Both you and Jason are opportunistic motherfuckers so who knows what you have up your sleeve, but whatever it is, it’s probably good for entrepreneurs/presenters and good for yourselves… and there’s nothing wrong with that at all.

i think you just put the fear of god into a lot of folks mike (perhaps rightly so).

that said, competition is good and altho i’m doing some work for O’Reilly at the moment that might be considered in the same market, i applaud your & jason’s efforts to create a[nother] merit-based alternative. certainly good for startups & entrepreneurs to have a few options to consider.

and given the dollah dollah billz being generated at these events recently, i’d say there’s room for additional entrants…

best of luck to you,

- dave mcclure
http://500hats.typepad.com/

Michael, Michael, Michael, do you always need to be so inflammatory. I know you still love me – but next time you want to promote your new conference, try not to insult your friends along the way.

Also, try not to write things like: “Many tech conferences today” and “While conferences LIKE DEMO….”. By NOT calling out conferences that you do like, quietly suggests you’re including Under the Radar along with several others similar events. Michael, it’s about what you “don’t” say right?

Btw, if I called you for clarification, would you have written another post? Would it have said – “Readers, for clarification, I wasn’t referring to Under the Radar, they’re awesome and they do a great job of vetting companies. I’ll be moderating their next Under the Radar conference on March 23, hopefully everyone will try and make it, there will be a stellar line-up of startups showcasing - don’t’ miss it.”

Well, actually, that’s not a bad idea – would ya post this, just for clarification? ☺ Thanks, you’re the best. Btw, don’t fool with the wrath of Arrington it can be harsh. Kisses

I don’t get it, what did Mike say or do to offend, Debbie?

I got the email, and I was really put off, you might say offended. I would never express an opinion on my blog, pretending it was mine, when it was someone else’s.

Mike is right, transparency suffers when you use the back channel this way to create the appearance of some kind of spontaniety that couldn’t possibly exist because Mike didn’t say or do what you say he did.

I’m an outsider here, I have no idea what kinds of deals you’ve made with whom or Mike for that matter. No one has challenged his right to compete, so would you please explain — what’s your issue? Never mind what wasn’t said, no winks or nudges, please be more clear, cause I don’t get it.

I don’t know - I felt your reference to the conferences in the post seemed intended for comparision, not to speak against other events. I think it’s very reasonable (and obvious to everybody) that a conference that requires a high fee couldn’t possibly be selecting vendors solely on merit.

Just my .2

People - this is all kinda silly. The more forums, the better. Happy about that. Raises the hype to a fevered pitch, right? Honestly, with the exception of DEMO, I don’t think anybody charges more than a few hundred bucks just to guarantee that people show up and take this stuff seriously. And anyway, any good business person would never pay retail, right? If your company is that hot, then you should insist on a deal. If not, then don’t do it - you have that right.

With all these different events there seems to be the lack of awareness of the people attending.

Bottom Line: We live in a dog-eat-dog world and the more valuable events will win out. Value measured by people met, attention received and/or knowledge gained.