Preconference Institute

If you’d like to add some in-depth, subject-specific study to Conference 2003’s 60+ sessions, consider registering for one of the following Preconference Institute workshops. First-class trainers will guide you through deep exploration of a variety of topics.

Best Practices for International Business Incubation
Saturday, May 17
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Attend this workshop to learn how some of the best incubators in the world develop and operate their outstanding programs. Presenters will use their experience and research findings to discuss critical incubation topics including mission statements and strategic plans; client recruitment; client selection and graduation; client services; program staffing and program finances. International examples of best practices will illustrate what works—and why.
Dinah Adkins, President and CEO, National Business Incubation Association, Athens, OH
Chuck Wolfe, Principal, Claggett Wolfe Associates, Auburn, CA
Fee: $350 NBIA members/$415 nonmembers

(top of page)

Two-Day MBA: Critical Skills for Coaching Companies
Saturday, May 17 - Sunday, May 18
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This exciting two-day workshop is designed for incubator managers and consultants who advise client companies. Through informal lecture, discussion, individual exercises and extensive course materials, gain financial analysis skills to evaluate business models and funding needs. The workshop will cover four key topics: financial performance analysis, valuation and managing firm value, writing financial projections, and evaluating funding needs and options. Short exercises using computer spreadsheets will clarify and reinforce concepts. Bringing a laptop computer is advised but not required.
Lynne Pastor, Principal Analyst, Inflection Point Consulting, Pittsburgh, PA
Fee: $520 NBIA members/$570 nonmembers

(top of page)

European Technology Leaders: The Gold Standard
Sunday, May 18
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The European Business & Innovation Centre Network (EBN) and NBIA bring you the best in European technology business incubation. Managers representing Austrian, Irish, German, Swedish and Finnish BICs (Business Innovation Centers) will set the context for their efforts and focus on the “soft” side of business incubation—mentoring, consulting, financial, networking and technical support for clients. Learn about the innovative programs they’ve developed to accelerate business growth and success. A panel of top North American incubator managers will provide insightful responses. Come internationalize your networks and obtain global understanding.
Karin Platzer, RIZ NÖ Holding GmbH, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Michael O’Conner, Cork Business & Innovation Centre, County Cork, Ireland
Helge Neumann, WISTA-Management, Berlin, Germany
Fee: $350 NBIA members/$415 nonmembers

(top of page)

Leadership Skills: Reaching for the Future
Sunday, May 18
1 - 5 p.m.

This workshop has been canceled.

(top of page)

Developers’ Prep Course
Sunday, May 18
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The acclaimed Developers’ Prep Course will break down the complexities of developing an incubation program into steps that will help participants create self-sustaining programs. Topics will include conducting a feasibility study and developing a business plan; locating and attracting prospective clients; achieving intended goals; and marketing incubation programs. Whether your program is in the conceptual stage or already knee deep in development, you can’t afford to miss this workshop.
Jonathan Gorham, President, Gorham Associates, Woodbridge, CT
Fee: $320 NBIA members/$380 nonmembers

(top of page)

Creating the Technology Incubator
Sunday, May 18
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This highly rated workshop from NBIA’s 2002 Fall Training Institute will describe how to create a successful technology incubator, using examples from the Software Business Cluster and the Panasonic Incubator. Explore the benefits a technology focus can bring to new or existing incubators. Find out how mission, business plan, budget, and funding strategies all contribute to building a successful and sustainable program.
Carol Kraus Lauffer, Principal, Business Cluster Development, San Jose, CA
Jim Robbins, Principal, Business Cluster Development, San Jose, CA
Fee: $320 NBIA members/$380 nonmembers

(top of page)

Technology Commercialization: Turning Innovations Into Enterprises
Sunday, May 18
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Learn about an effective technology commercialization model that can help you ask critical questions of entrepreneurs, reveal entrepreneurs’ strengths and weaknesses, evaluate commercialization potential, estimate costs involved in launching and sustaining a venture, and identify key milestones for start-up companies. Gain critical skills to help your clients take a strategic approach to turning innovations into enterprises. This workshop was a favorite at NBIA’s 2002 Fall Training Institute!
Randy Goldsmith, Executive Director, San Antonio Technology Accelerator Initiative, San Antonio, TX
William Grissom, Chief Financial Officer, Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center, Tulsa, OK
Tom Walker, Executive Vice President and COO, Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center, Tulsa, OK
Fee: $350 NBIA members/$415 nonmembers

(top of page)