Got a new technology or mobile product and need insight on how to introduce it to users and buyers? Don’t miss out on what’s being billed as the world’s first marketing hackathon.
On Aug. 3, top entrepreneurs, marketers, graphic and web designers, SEO experts and social media consultants are invited to gather in Atlanta for The Art of the Launch, a unique one-day hackathon that aims to connect tech entrepreneurs with the marketing talent that can help them effectively launch their product.
“Unlike a regular hackathon where new products are built, this is all about building product launch plans that will ultimately get products into the hands of users,” said event organizer Jacqui Chew. “Entrepreneurs learn by doing. So this is an opportunity to immerse them in the marketing process, and allow entrepreneurs and marketers to join forces to develop product launch plans that work.”
Inspired by the “frenetic genius” that often emerges from tech hackathons, The Art of the Launch will feature an expert panel of veteran entrepreneurs and marketers including Michael Tavani, co-founder of ScoutMob; Erika Brooke, vice president of marketing at Vitrue; and Ashish Mistry, managing partner at BLH Venture Partners.
In addition, 13 different entrepreneurs – including a number of ATDC member companies – will get the opportunity to take the stage, offering short pitches to convince the audience that their product is worthy. After attendees vote on which products should compete in the hackathon, teams of audience members will be paired with product owners to develop a marketing launch plan. At the end of the day, each group will have five minutes to present their plan to judges and vie for the top prizes.
The first place winner will receive $1,000 in cash, as well as six months of free membership to ATDC, three months of free membership to the Work Spot, and three months of free web service from Rigor. Second place gets $500, three months of free membership at ATDC, and two months of free membership and services from Work Spot and Rigor. The third price fetches $250 and one free month from ATDC, Work Spot and Rigor.
Chew said all attendees will benefit from the event’s networking and educational opportunities.
“For the marketing professionals, this is an opportunity to work on cool new products that they wouldn’t have the chance to work on in their regular jobs,” she said. “For entrepreneurs, it’s a fantastic way to better understand and learn the marketing process. For contractors or freelancers, it’s an opportunity to network and perhaps pursue a new job.”
The Art of the Launch begins at 9 am at the GTRI Conference Center, 250 14th St NW in Atlanta. Tickets are $59 for the one-day event, but ATDC members can get a $10 discount by using the promo code ATDC10.
To learn more about the upcoming event, visit http://theartofthelaunch.com/