The unConference began 11 years ago as a fun way to kick off Bend Venture Conference week. It’s a celebration of how entrepreneurship begins — with ideas — and a great chance for entrepreneurs to get feedback, make connections and win some cash to further their ideas.
As the flagship event of BendTECH coworking — a coworking space for freelancers, entrepreneurs and startups — we take pride that the unConference is a low-tech pitch fest, no power points, no lengthy presentations and, hopefully, no stress. There are 16 pitch spots, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The unConference gives startup founders a chance to pitch their business ideas and win cash prizes based on an audience vote. For those not pitching, there will be free raffle prizes donated by local businesses, free drinks and free cowbells to support the entrants.
Entrants are given three minutes to pitch their business, everyone in attendance casts a vote and winners will be announced by 4:30pm. All manner of entrepreneurs, including students, are welcome — and it’s not just tech, it’s usually way more than tech.
WHERE/WHEN:
Tuesday, October 19, from 2-4:30pm
Outdoor patio, at BendTECH’s HQ, 1001 SW Emkay Drive in Bend
Pitch slots are assigned at 2pm
Pitches start at 2:30pm
The winner is announced at 4:30pm
Thanks to our generous sponsors, the unConference can once again offer cash prizes to the winners. This year, founders can compete for the following prizes:
- First place: $2,500
- Second place: $1,000
- Third place: $500
Any startup founder or aspiring founder can sign up to pitch. Once you have your spot, you’re given a microphone, three minutes and the rapt attention of more than a hundred interested audience members. In the spirit of unConference, please, please, please don’t ask to show a deck.
Sign-ups to pitch are first-come, first-served. You can sign up beginning at 2pm, though sometimes a line forms early. The spots do fill up quickly, so plan accordingly! Audience attendance is encouraged! Upon arrival, you’ll receive a ticket for a free beverage. Then, you can grab a cowbell, ring it, cheer, show the people pitching some love, maybe win a raffle prize or make a connection or a friend.
CONTACT:
Brian Lindensmith, BendTECH, at brian@bendtech.com or 213-321-6448.
