Recent Events and Announcements
Thursday, August 18, 2011 from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Bootstrapping: Marketing for Start-ups
Bootstrapping: Marketing for Start-ups
Thursday, August 18, 2011 from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Interested in learning how to market your start-up on a bootstrap budget? Looking for
insight into social media marketing and how it can help you? Did you know that high page ranking onGoogle can be one of your largest assets?
The MIT Enterprise Forum of Dallas-Fort Worth has assembled an expert panel of
experienced CEO entrepreneurs with real-life advice and stories on starting, marketing
and
building your business. Please join us for another exciting evening in our popular “Bootstrapping for Entrepreneur” series.
Guest Speakers
Alexander Muse
Alex is an experienced entrepreneur, having started multiple businesses. His current start-up, ShopSavvy, is a mobile shopping application used by millions in more than 24 countries. He has been invited to speak throughout the United States, Europe and India. Last year he was invited to speak about the market for mobile applications at the French Senate. On this evening, he will share his personal marketing experience and stories of raising millions from investors and creating long-term, sustainable businesses.
Eric McGeHearty
Eric, an expert with Search Engine Optimization and Search Marketing. He is the founder of Globe Runner SEO. Globe Runner SEO offers big provider services to small and medium companies at a fraction of the price. As a start-up and service provider, Eric is accustomed to the growing pains many entrepreneurs face. Eric will teach you how to optimize your internet presence, take advantage of online marketing and expand your business in the ways you have always wanted.
Babar Bhatti
Babar is CEO and co-founder of MutualMind, a social media management system which enables brands and agencies to measure, analyze and engage with social media, thus increasing ROI of social media work. Babar’s experience is a true success story from starting his business part-time to expanding into a full-time passion. Babar’s understanding of social media has always been on the cutting edge and he will share tips on creating social media marketing campaigns to maximize your marketing dollar.
Aug 18, 2011 Schedule:
6:00 to 6:30pm Networking and Refreshments
6:30 to 6:45 Introductions
6:45 to 7:10 Alexander Muse
7:10 to 7:35 Eric McGehearty
7:35 to 7:45 break
7:45 to 8:10 Babar Bhatti
8:10 to 8:30 Wrap-up
Please contact vcprograms@mitforum.com for questions or comments
Wednesday, June 8, 2011, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Startup Bar-B-Q with Congressman Pete Sessions @TechWildcatters
Price: $30 – MITEF Members, $40 – Tech Wildcatter Members and MIT Alumni, $50 General Public, $60 Membership & Entrance Combo Ticket
Location: TechWildcatters, 2700 Fairmount Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Ticket prices cover event expenses.*
Join the MIT Enterprise Forum, the MIT Alumni Association, and TechWildcatters in welcoming Congressman Pete Sessions into the heart of the Dallas Startup Community. This will be the perfect opportunity to let it be known what Dallas and the country needs to encourage innovation, support small business and invigorate the economy!
Lunch will be provided in the form of Dallas’ own Sonny’s Bar-B-Q. Vegetarian options are available upon request, please let us know when you register of any dietary requirements. The event is casual attire.
Format:
Pete will spend about half an hour circulating among the businesses at TechWildcatters, meeting with attendees and learning about Dallas’ best Startups–including yours! Take advantage of this opportunity to express your concerns or triumphs with one of our leaders in Washington. At approximately 12:30 an “entrepreneur all-around town hall” will happen. What do we mean by “all-around town hall?” Well, yes, you will have the opportunity to ask Pete some questions (please send a couple in advance to secretary@mitforum.com, if you’d like–you’ll get the credit for the question), but Pete also wants to hear from you. Pete has some questions of his own, so that he can take your feedback to Washington and share it with his colleagues. Only questions relating to entrepreneurship will be entertained by the moderator. Together we will put Dallas’ startups on the map and give DFW something to brag about!
Logistics:
Although TechWildcatters has chairs for those that need them, this event is expected to reach full capacatity. Please be prepared for standing room only. Parking is available surrounding the location on the street and behind TechWildcatters in various parking lots. However, arrive early for the best parking options. Address is 2700 Fairmount Ave., Dallas 75204.
*No portion of your ticket price is sent to any campaign for any candidate of any political party.
11 April, 2011
It’s Official! Technology Review Magazine replaces the MIT Alumni Assoc as manager of the MIT Enterprise Forum effective July 1.
11 April, 2011
Promotion
DFW TeXchange Workshop Series — Revive and Thrive: Small Business Strategies for Success in 2011
Early-Bird Online Registration has been extended to Web, 13 April.
Details and Registration.
24 March, 2011
Creating from Landscape Waste
A lecture by Dr. Alan M. Berger, MIT Associate Professor of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture
This lecture will explore some of the most pressing environmental issues concerning landscape waste in the near and distant future. Global examples of creative adaptive reuse and reclamation projects will be explained, revealing the breadth of landscape waste accumulating while challenging conventional notions of sustainability. Original analysis and research from P-REX, Professor Alan Berger’s design research laboratory at MIT, will be presented.
Date: Thursday, 24 March, 2011, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Price: Regular admission $30, Forum Members $20, Students with school IDs $0.
All attendees must register. Students with school IDs will be admitted to the lecture free of charge. Those holding paid registrations are also invited to the pre-lecture reception and refreshments.
Schedule and Location:
- Pre-Lecture Reception: 6:30-7:30pm, Palmer Conference Center, 4th floor of Caruth, SMU Campus, 3145 Dyer St., Dallas, TX 75205
- Lecture: 7:30-8:30pm, Vester-Hughes Auditorium, 1st floor of Caruth, SMU Campus, 3145 Dyer St., Dallas, TX 75205
- Parking instructions.
More information: secretary at mitforum dot com
December 16
Holiday Party
Date: Thursday, 16 December, 2010, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Price: $15, dinner included
Location: BlackFinn, 4440 Belt Line Rd., Addison, Texas 75001, 469.374.7667
http://blackfinndallas.com/ADDISON
Come expand your network by celebrating the holidays with MIT alumni, volunteers, leadership, friends and fellow entrepreneurs. .
Relive the memories with your fellow MITEFers! Once again, we are holding our annual holiday party with the MIT Alumni Club of Relive the memories with your fellow MITEFers! We will also be collecting presents for needy children. Everyone is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Santa’s Helpers charity.
November 10
Ultimate Networking
Our good friends at DallasBlue are hosting an Ultimate Networking event from 6pm until 10pm. Onsite registration opens at 5:30pm.
It’s being held at Heritage Square I, 4835 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1000, behind the Sheraton Hotel on the northwest side of LBJ and Tollway.
Ultimate Networking is a computerized event that optimizes and enhances your chances of making the contacts you need. It’s normally a little more expensive than regular networking, but people are enthusiastic about the results.
But DallasBlue has arranged this event for a $5 donation! Register here. Do it now!
October 30 Event
SBIR: Funding Innovations with Government Money
Saturday, October 30, 2010, 9:00am-3:00pm, registration starts at 8:00am
UT Dallas TI Auditorium, ECSS 2.102, 800 West Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
- $30: General Admission
- $25: MIT Alums, MITEF Paid Members, All College Students with ID, UTD Alums, Faculty, and Staff
If you’d like a chance to receive as much as $150K to try out your great idea, and if it works, to receive upwards of $1M more to turn it into a product, while retaining essentially ALL of the IP, then this event is for you!
Our SBIR programs have proven to be among the most popular events we present. This time, our event is happening during the height of the SBIR “proposal season.” Again leading the presentation will be Nick Lawrence. A serial entrepreneur and winner of nearly a score of SBIR contracts, Nick is an acknowledged expert in effectively winning and leveraging the SBIR program. Joining him this time will be Keith Guttierez of Texas Instruments and Mike Bartlett, President of Vital Science, Inc. Keith is a commercial and technical proposal reviewer for the National Science Founcation’s SBIR/STTR program for both Phase I and Phase II grants. Mike is a recipient of NIH/NEI SBIR grant funding and is well versed in the NIH/NEW SBIR Program. He also happens to be a founder and the current Chairman of the North Texas Angel Network.
Our last two events have sold out quickly. If you’re interested in attending this one, you should register without delay!
October Event: 3rd Thursday Networking Social
Thursday, October 21, 2010, 6:30pm-8:00pm
The Quarter Bar, 3301 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Registration: No event fee! Just RSVP to vcprograms@mitforum.com.
Flyer
The Networking Social is now a regular monthly event! It will be held every third Thursday at various locations. This month, we’re at the Quarter Bar in Uptown Dallas.
There is no event fee. Just show up, take care of your own tab, and mingle with entrepreneurs, technology experts, marketing gurus, management specialists, and maybe even a few VCs and Angel investors. You never know who might appear. Come and see!
September Event: 3rd Thursday Networking Social
Thursday, September 16, 2010, 6:30pm-8:00pm
The Quarter Bar, 3301 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Registration: No event fee! Just RSVP to vcprograms@mitforum.com.
We have decided to make the Networking Social a regular monthly event! It will be held every third Thursday at various locations, which will be announced here.
This month, we are returning to The Quarter Bar in Uptown Dallas.
There is no event fee. Just show up, take care of your own tab, and mingle with entrepreneurs, technology experts, marketing gurus, management specialists, and maybe even a few VCs and Angel investors. You never know who might appear. Come and see!
July Event: Networking Social and New Year Kick-Off
July 22, 2010, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
The Quarter Bar, 3301 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Registration $20; $15 for MIT Alums, Students, dues paying Members of MITEF, and their guests. Registration includes “heavy” hors d’oeuvres, vegetarian options available. Drink specials: $2 well drinks and $2 domestic beer.
Map Free valet parking across the street until 8pm. Street parking may be available. Good alternatives: DART and Trolley.
Please join the MIT Enterprise Forum officers, volunteers, and supporters in kicking-off the new fiscal year. This year’s networking social is at The Quarter Bar in Uptown Dallas. The Quarter is a cozy local hangout with a wonderful French Quarter ambience. Join us in our reserved upstairs room or on the roof-top deck overlooking McKinney Avenue. This will be the perfect opportunity to meet fellow entrepreneurs, network with local businesses, and get involved with MITEF!
For more information, please contact vcprograms at mitforum dot com.
June Event: Breakfast with Louis Goldish
08 June 2010, 8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Marriot Courtyard Cafe, 15160 Quorum Drive, Addison, Texas 75001 USA
Registration No fee to register, pay for what you order
Join us for breakfast, networking and Q&A with Louis Goldish.
From his online Bio:
Louis Goldish – Senior Venture Advisor
Lou Goldish is primarily responsible for intake of new ventures at VMS. He was a founder and Managing Director of the consulting firm Data and Strategies Group and spent 35 years as a management consultant to corporations offering industrial, commercial, and technology based products and services. Prior to joining VMS he was Relationship Manager for a leading supplier of management software for very large databases and data-based enterprise systems. Goldish received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Case Institute of Technology and M.S. degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Management from MIT.
From the MIT webpage about VMS:
The MIT Venture Mentoring Service (VMS)
VMS supports innovation and entrepreneurial activity throughout the MIT community by matching prospective entrepreneurs with skilled volunteer mentors. We use a team mentoring approach with groups of 3 to 4 mentors sitting with a fledgling entrepreneur(s) in sessions that provide practical, day-to-day professional advice and coaching. VMS mentors are selected for their experience in areas relevant to the needs of new entrepreneurs and for their enthusiasm for the program. Mentors are required to subscribe, in writing, to a Statement of Principles that govern their behavior, outline their responsibilities, guard against conflicts of interest, and control financial involvement with the entrepreneurs and their ventures. Relationships between mentors and entrepreneurs are formed based on the needs of the entrepreneur and the interests of available mentors.
VMS assistance is given across a broad range of business activity, including product development, marketing, intellectual property law, finance, human resources, and founders issues. VMS services are offered without charge to MIT students, alumni, faculty and staff in the Boston area.
VMS complements and works cooperatively with the many MIT centers and programs promoting entrepreneurship and providing many resources to encourage formation of businesses and to move technological knowledge from the laboratory to the marketplace.
Space is limited, so please register right away.
May Event: Open Source for Entrepreneurs
27 May 2010, 6:30 PM-9:00 PM
12404 Park Central Drive, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75251
Parking: Enter through automatic gates on NE corner, east side of bldg
Hosted by:
Registration Includes dinner. $25 General Admission; $20 Forum Member; $18 MIT Club Member.
Slides from Nick Lawrence (PDF)
Everything you need to know about open source technology to save money, build intellectual property and speed up time to market WITHOUT making mistakes which can get your company and product in trouble.
Steven Thrasher will help us explore the sometimes bewildering world of Open Source licenses. Some of the things we will hear about include.
- Introduction to the open source landscape
- Landmines waiting to explode: open source meets due diligence
- Managing OS across state lines—Are Reps and Warranties good here, there, or anywhere?
- Open source the “right” way (selecting the best libraries, tracking the origin of code, the OS Text file)
- Working with your attorney to manage OS Compliance
Steven is an intellectual property attorney who helps businesses, particularly start-ups and early-stage companies, identify and map intellectual assets, craft licenses, and deal with litigation related to intellectual property. Steven received M.B.A. & J.D. degrees from Baylor, and degrees in Electrical Engineering & Finance from Auburn. He completed additional studies in international law at Oxford University, England, & the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara.
Nick Lawrence has been using open source software almost exclusively for business and technical work for nearly twenty years. He will discuss:
- Why should you be interested in open source?
- Do you have to be a geek?
- What software is available for the office?
- How do you get started using open source?
- Where do you get help?
Nick is a computer scientist and entrepreneur. He has founded seven companies, holds many patents, and has conducted nearly a score of Federal R&D projects. He took his undergraduate degree at MIT in EE/CS and his PhD at UT Austin in Computer Engineering.
In our section on Open Source Cloud Computing, Paul Stedman will examine some key questions.
- What is cloud computing?
- What are its benefits and risks?
- Why use an open source solution?
- What open source cloud computing systems are available?
Paul is a recognized leader in the Software Professional Services industry with over 25 years of Strategy, Sales, Leadership, Operations and Service Delivery experience. He holds an MBA from MIT’s prestigious Sloan School of Management with select studies at the Harvard Business School. He oversees cloud computing strategy at Solutions to Order which he co-founded.
March Event: SBIR Workshop.
March 27, 2010, 9:30am-3:30pm
SOM 1.508, UT Dallas
$25. Lunch included.
During its multi decade lifetime, the Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program has poured tens of billions of dollars into small high tech firms. Have you received your fair share? Would you like to learn how?
Last October, we offered our first SBIR Workshop. The event was quickly over-subscribed. Now it’s back, with room for more participants. This time, we’ll cover both kinds of Agencies, ones such as DoD that issue contracts, and ones such as NIH that mainly issue grants.
Many SBIR conferences discuss the SBIR program itself, and why you should be interested. Our SBIR Workshop teaches you what it takes to win grants and contracts, how to navigate the Federal “red tape,” how to conduct your project, and how to leverage a Phase I win into Phase II follow-on work, Phase III “sole source” procurements, and beyond.
If you have a high tech idea that could turn into a business, and you’d like to get as much as $100,000 or more of essentially “no strings attached” money to try out your idea, then this SBIR Workshop is for you. If your idea pans out, you could get another $750,000 to turn it into a product. And you end up owning outright the product, its intellectual property, and the company. Not a bad deal, huh?
Even with more room this time, we expect the SBIR Workshop to fill up quickly.
HOSTED BY:
Below is the information about our February event.
MIT EF DFW February event: Bootstrapping 2010
Feb 25, 5.30pmDo you remember our bootstrapping event from last year? A year later the spirit for bootstrapping is even stronger in DFW. Our February program will provide entrepreneurs the advice, tips and tools that are needed to be successful without depending on traditional investors. Come here these speakers: Alexander Muse, Gabriella Draney, Mike D. Merrill, Ryan Roberts, Nick Lawrence and network with other DFW entrepreneurs.
See program details here.
About Us
The Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of MIT Enterprise Forum is focused on supporting technology entrepreneurs in the DFW metroplex. The group is open to anyone who is interested in technology entrepreneurship. You don’t have to be a MIT alumni to be involved.
- Our next event is on March 27, 2010: SBIR and Grants.
- Please join our mailing list to stay in touch.
