Ramesh Kumar and Shekhar Shastri, co-chairs of TiECON East 2011, spoke to us about their experience in organizing the TiECON East 2011 conference and the value it would deliver to its attendees this year. They invite everyone to view a promotional video on TiECON East and register for the conference by using discount code “actnow” at www.tieconeast.org

1.       Could you tell us something about TiECON East? Who are the attendees?

Shekhar: TiECON East is one of the largest innovation conferences on the East coast aimed at entrepreneurs. TiECON East 2011 is the 13th annual entrepreneurship conference of TiE Boston and one of the premiere networking events in the region. This event which attracts over 600 entrepreneurs, leading venture capitalists, top executives, and other pioneers from around the globe. This year's theme is Innovate Now and the three step approach to it being Launch ~ Leverage ~ Lead.

2.       What is the objective of conducting TiECON East and what is the focus this year?

Ramesh: Our mission is quite simple. Inspire the next “closet entrepreneur” to go out and build a great company. The conference in 2011 is focused on helping the entrepreneur to launch, leverage and lead a start up.  The theme of “Innovate Now” is based on the premise that if not now, then when? Everything in our world is going through change and this throws up opportunities. Innovation has to be the common denominator in the globally competitive business climate.

3.     What programs does the conference offer to empower entrepreneurs?

Shekhar: The global network of TiE stands at a vantage point with members breaking new boundaries and opening new vistas through innovation in product and business model, or simply pave new ways of building ventures. 

Entrepreneur Forum (E-Forum) is our platform where Ideas Meet Advice!  It is geared towards entrepreneurs seeking advice and feedback via facilitated, quality one-on-one time with VCs and industry experts. This year we were oversubscribed with the number of quality entrepreneurs signing up to get a spot. We have also worked hard to get quality mentors.

Bootcamp and Innovation Showcase return due to popular demand, serving two ends of the entrepreneurial spectrum – offering class-room like sessions for beginners, and a platform to showcase successful launches.

PowerLunch is an intimate session for young entrepreneurs connecting them with serial and successful entrepreneurs. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs like Jit Saxena, Bill Warner and others are hosting a 1 hour lunch on a specific topic to help entrepreneurs take away practical tips.

4.     Which industry sectors does the conference cater to?

Ramesh: Technology, Clean Tech, and Life Sciences are three areas that continue to be ferment grounds for TiE entrepreneurs. These three tracks are represented with three panel discussions in each. These deep dives in the distinct sectors focus on identifying white spaces and trends with disruptions to address.

5.     Who are the keynotes this year and what will they talk about?

Shekhar: Successful exit strategies are what keynotes will highlight at TiECON East 2011. Banquet keynote speaker, Scott Sperling, Co-President of THL Partners and featured speaker on CNBC will talk on Business Model Innovation and share real world stories on Re-engineering Business Models. Andy Ory of Acme Packet and Tim Healy of EnerNOC will discuss reinventing strategies and share their stories on what it took to build billion dollar enterprises in turbulent times. Multi-faceted serial entrepreneur and mentor par-excellence, Ed Roberts will help entrepreneurs discover fresh strategies and provide key lessons on 'Innovation.'      

Due to the recent "entrepreneurship boom" in India, this conference also offers a plenary session on Thursday that will help entrepreneurs identify investment opportunities and manage the wild swings in the Indian capital markets. This keynote panel will comprise of founders of Rai Foundation, Capinova Advisors and Monsoon Capital who have built successful ventures in India.    

6.     What's new this year?

Ramesh: New this year is the PowerLunch, a value added networking session with celebrated entrepreneurs like Bill Warner, Jit Saxena, Kedar Gupta and many more celebrity entrepreneurs. This is a rare opportunity to have lunch with a star entrepreneur and leverage the entrepreneurial capital of the conference.

The Banquet celebration on June 3^rd will feature an inspiring TiE Stars presentation by TiE-Boston's very own charter members. Serial entrepreneurs like Amar Sawhney, Ash Ashutosh, Asa Kalavade, Venkat Kolluri and Venkat Krishnamurthy will deliver an inspirational talk on their mantra of success in creating great companies and value for the community

7.     Why should one attend TiECON East 2011?

Ramesh: TiECON East attracts more than 500 important thought leaders, industry stalwarts and key venture capitalists and is the place to socialize your next new opportunity.  Attend TiECON East to get inspired through numerous successful stories from serial entrepreneurs, gain industry insights through 10 content rich panels, get an opportunity to have lunch and share ideas with star entrepreneurs, learn best practices in BootCamp or simply grow your network. And if that is not enough, come and learn Bhangra dance moves and dance away the evening.

8.     What value does TiECON East deliver to its attendees?

Shekhar: The TiECON East agenda is phenomenal with a clear focus on Innovation in Business Models. Beyond the content, this conference is personally engaging for the attendees. It helps them link with experienced entrepreneurs, provides relevant information and resources, ensures that everyone leaves the conference with a significantly larger network to lean upon as they build their respective ventures.

9.     What has your experience been with planning the TiECON East 2011 conference? 

Ramesh: My experience of going through the journey of starting and growing a company helps me to visualize what the conference needs to do. I am proud to be working with a passionate co-chair Shekhar Shastri, and an incredible volunteer team along with the experienced TiE-Boston office that is dedicating their time, energy and resources to make TiECON East 2011 a success.

We are very excited about the amazing caliber of speakers, mentors and entrepreneurs attending the event. Everything from bootcamp sessions for entrepreneurs, through to Entrepreneur-Forum to mentor entrepreneurs, through to innovation showcase, through to keynote sessions and tracks in Cleantech, Technology, and life sciences are all going to be amazing sessions.

|