My favorite part of Demo is the day before the show begins. The halls of the event are buzzing with companies deep in pitch rehearsal and new technology is out in the open.
Watching companies practice their presentations is a part of Demo that’s always attracted me. Words get reordered and emphasized in presentation, computers get the same level of attention as a concert violinist gives their prized string instruments, and if you look carefully you can see the show come together section by section.
The day before Demo begins is a non-stop whirlwind of activity for the event's producers, Chris Shipley (who is leaving the show after 13 years) and Matt Marshall, who is co producing DemoFall 2009 with Ms Shipley (but who will take over as the Demo’s’ executive producer at Demo 2010). Producers spend much of the day before the event begins answering last minute questions, rehearsing and polishing introductory remarks and making sure that all the demonstrators’ questions are answered and that the myriad production issues have been resolved.
For members of the press, the day before Demo begins is prime time to sit down with a company, enjoy a thorough demonstration and have the time to ask detailed questions. After the show begins it’s often difficult for both reporters and demonstrators to find free time to openly discuss their technologies.
Another reason I cherish the opportunities that the day before Demo provides is because I’m handicapped and I use the time to sit down with demonstrators, set up my notebook and take notes that I use as the basis for my Demo coverage.
After spending six hours scouting technologies and general themes that will be launched in the coming two days at Demofall 09 it’s apparent that entrepreneurial enthusiasm and great innovation are still the hallmarks of this show.
Tuesday morning’s session is one of the best collection of new technologies I’ve ever seen. I’m not going to write about them individually now, but in summary what’s first up are a group of companies that make it easier to make use of interior building and facility maps, new interface technology that turns passive consumer electronics into interactive highways, software tools that enhance the value and clarity of task list and other items, software that lets you record and share information on personal and recreational travel, next generation conferencing applications, including one that significantly raises the bar for of still and video images used in electronic conferences by corporations and disparate work groups. Although new technology is the heart and soul of Demo, deep down the show has always been a forum for entrepreneurial driven ideas and Demofall 09 expands this to a new level with “Alpha Pitch” segments that let infant companies pitch their ideas to seasoned investors and proven entrepreneurs in 90 second spots.
Another show segment promises to lift the kimonos of product research efforts of several key startups that have until this week have been operating behind closed doors. This Wednesday afternoon segment will see Google and Numenta (Palm co-founder Donna Dubinsky’s latest startup) demonstrate research projects that could mark the beginnings of new technological frontiers for enterprise, governmental and consumers alike. Palm hand held designer Rob Hatani is also on the program for this segment to outline research at his new startup, Vitamin D Inc.
Lest some think Demofall 09 has gone completely consumer, there are many startups here at the show with a variety of new technologies for the enterprise.
As in year’s past, you don’t need to fly into San Diego to tap into new products and technology being unveiled at Demofall 09, merely click here to watch streaming video of the show on Demo’s web site.—Jim Forbes 09/21/2009.
Disclsoure: I am a retired producer of Demo events and the editor of the printed and electronic versions of DemoLetter and Demo Mobile Letter.
Glad to have met you, Jim.
Would you write back something in Ladino?
Posted by: Michael Zeleny | September 23, 2009 at 03:36 PM