We Do Some of Our Best Work at Night… And So Can You!

It was 2008/2009…

• “U.S. Economy In ‘Shambles’ No Signs of Recovery Yet”

• "Global Economic Shock Worse Than Great Depression"

• "Financial Crisis Spreads Throughout Europe"

Innovation Days…

Innovation Nights… • In Boston area, MIN hosts a free-

to-attend event featuring 10 new products every month.

• Guests help spread the word using social media

• The model is ‘frictionless,’ there is no cost to exhibit or attend.

• Hosting locations get foot-traffic and sponsors connect with local community for visibility, new business and new hires.

Quick! Think of a product…

Help local companies generate buzz for their new products.

How Do We Help?

GUESTS represent a wide range of students, investors, entrepreneurs, and social media mavens• Learn about exciting local products and companies• Develop relationships and connections• Promote their own businesses and services • Support start-ups and local innovation with their

knowledge and social media/community influence

#

Serious Reach11,163 Tweets → 6,378,255

394/500 Still In Business

20 Acquired or Merged

91 have since launched other new products

$700 million +VC, angel, investor, grants, and awards

Photo by Janet Egan

Grass Roots ‘R’ Us…

SPONSORS/HOSTS help defray the costs events and/or provide a venue, contribute event prizes • But still we have homemade signs• Make your own name badge• Ugly newsletter…and presentations

Newsletter? It’s Ugly too…

Newsletter promotes the products, the next event and other community events…the competition. • Weekly to more than 10,000 subscribers• It’s all about the community• “How can we help?”

It’s a FREE event

• Keep expectations low: • WiFi doesn’t work?• Food?• Weird table in the lobby?• No tablecloths

We’re Friendly…

Think of a church social. New here? Raise your hand. Someone will come over to say “hello.” Jump up and tell us you’re hiring. Meet your neighbors.

• Physical program• A short hashtag• QR codes lead to mobile

page• Not into social media?

That’s OK too!

Make it easy: Guests

• Detailed instructions• Checklists• An experienced guide• Attend an event first

Make it easy: Exhibitors

Mass Innovation Nights• Every second Wednesday• Try new things but keep it consistent• Move around to get new audiences• Up to #MIN63

Consistency helps…

Your community:• Community involvement• Everyone helps• No carpetbaggers!

Local Support for Local Products

You Can Do it too!

@MassInno