Sessions

Sessions marked with a qualify as meeting requirements for the NBIA Incubator Management Certificate Program. Click here for more information about program requirements.

Would you like to hear any of these sessions? Audio versions of all conference sessions are available individually or as a set from AVEN. Use the audio item number listed below each session title to order at www.aven.com/conf.cfm/cid/981.

Monday, April 2

Sessions 9 – 10:15 a.m.

Developing an IP Protection Strategy: It’s Not Just a Patent

AVEN audio item # NBIA705

Entrepreneurs who are developing new products or services need to make sure their ideas are safe. Learn how to help clients develop an IP protection strategy that will help them with commercialization, licensing, and potentially the sale of their product or service.
Meriby Sweet, Center Director, Maine Small Business & Technology Development Center, Gardiner, Maine
Stephen Rosenman, Principal and Chair, Biotechnology and Chemistry at Seed Intellectual Property Law Group, Seattle, Wash.

Key Issues in Developing a Successful Incubator

AVEN audio item # NBIA703

If you’re developing an incubator, don’t miss this highly rated session that covers how to develop a clear mission, prepare a business plan, obtain funding, design a facility, recruit clients, create programs, build community support and other critical factors that contribute to incubator success.
Carol Kraus Lauffer, Principal, Business Cluster Development, Menlo Park, Calif.
Jim Robbins, Principal, Business Cluster Development, Menlo Park, Calif.

Strategies for Creating Earned Income

AVEN audio item # NBIA704

To ensure financial viability, most incubators need to have a variety of funding sources and must be creative in identifying methods of generating earned income. Learn how to take advantage of revenue-generating opportunities and overcome common barriers to developing earned income streams.
Vanessa Finley, Executive Director, First Step Fund, Kansas City Mo.

Best Practices in Rural Incubation

AVEN audio item # NBIA701

Learn how effective incubation strategies can help rural communities overcome barriers such as resource scarcity, low population density and lack of stakeholder cooperation. This session will cover incubator marketing strategies, tools for helping clients succeed, techniques for securing community support and more.
David Terry, Interim Executive Director, West Texas A&M University Enterprise Network, Amarillo, Texas.

Building a Solid Funding Base for Clients

AVEN audio item # NBIA702

Learn from the example of programs that have established partnerships with venture capitalists, angel investors and others to provide access to capital for their high-growth start-ups. Presenters will explain how they secure investors and prepare clients to obtain follow-on funding.
Robert Calcaterra, CEO & President, Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise, St. Louis, Mo.
Carl Weissman, President & CEO, Accelerator Corp., Seattle, Wash.

This session is sponsored by Qatar Science and Technology Park.

Global Update: France

AVEN audio item # NBIA706

Many entrepreneur support programs have been launched in the last two decades. During this session, speakers will explore trends in French entrepreneur coaching programs, best practices in working with the government, and specific programs for researchers.
Jacques Arlotto, Director of Entrepreneurship Program and Associated Professors, INT and IUT, Evry, France
Geraldine Quentin, Director, Incubateur PACA-EST, Sophia Antipolis, France
Joel Saingre, Founder, Advancia Incubator, Paris, France

Roundtable: Communicating Effectively With Clients

Join this roundtable discussion to reconsider how you communicate with client companies. Research results and case studies will illustrate techniques you can implement when interacting with the entrepreneurs you serve.
David Cattey, Former Executive Director (retired), TechColumbus, Columbus, Ohio
Tony Tadasa, Director, Tyler Area Business Incubator, Tyler, Texas
Terutaka Tansho, Collaboration Manager, Shimane University Collaboration Center, Shimane, Japan

Forum: Bioscience Incubation

If you work with bioscience companies, don’t miss this chance to discuss solutions for your challenges with colleagues. Topics will include how to handle energy costs, innovative budgeting ideas, rental rate structures, effective designs for shared lab space, and more.
Moderator: Normand de Montigny, Executive Director, Quebec Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Quebec, Canada

Sessions 10:45 a.m.-noon

Recent and Pending Patent Changes

Help clients to pursue and enforce patents successfully by learning about how recent U.S. Federal Circuit Court decisions and recent and pending rule changes at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office impact patents.
Carol Larcher, Attorney, Barnes & Thornburg, Chicago, Ill.
Brad Addison, Attorney, Barnes & Thornburg, Chicago, Ill.
Vernon Francissen, Attorney, Francissen Patent Law, Chicago, Ill.

Help Clients Find the Right Price

AVEN audio item # NBIA709

Don’t let your clients make the mistake of pricing goods and services based on competitors’ prices instead of actual costs. This session will provide tools for helping clients accurately calculate overhead expenses and determine the best selling price for their products and services.
Alan Hauff, Small Business Development Specialist, University of Missouri – St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo.

Encouraging Enterprise in Underperforming Communities

AVEN audio item # NBIA707

Whether defined by geography, ethnicity or gender, there are many communities that struggle with an underperforming economy. Find out how a program in England is addressing these challenges by providing entrepreneurial support services through a network of enterprise facilities.
Nicola Loweth, Senior Enterprise Manager, South East England Development Agency, Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
Shemila Tharani, Director, Reading Enterprise Gateway, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom

Using IT to Your Incubator’s Advantage

AVEN audio item # NBIA708

An incubator’s IT infrastructure can offer clients essential services and also generate revenue. Learn about different levels of technology an incubator can provide, and gain tips for avoiding expensive pitfalls, earning a profit, and using a network to clients’ advantage.
Evan Jones, Head of Digital & Incubation, Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff, Wales
Gary Williams, IT Innovation Manager, Dales Digital Media Initiative, Cardiff, Wales

Accelerating Your Bio Incubator Program to Drive Results

AVEN audio item # NBIA710

Bioscience companies must deal with large capital requirements, hefty operational expenses and complex regulatory approval processes. Learn techniques for helping clients deal with these issues and explore challenges bioscience incubators face, including self-sustainability, leveraging partnerships, recruiting quality companies and more.
David Lohr, Executive Director, Virginia Biosciences Development Center, Richmond, Va.
Melinda Richter, Executive Director, The San Jose BioCenter, San Jose, Calif.

Global Update: Asia

AVEN audio item # NBIA711

Find out the latest trends in Asian incubation. Presenters will share insights on the industry in India and the Philippines, and will discuss the globalization and networking happening in Shanghai.
Mercedes Barcelon, Senior Manager, UP-Ayala Techno Park, Quezon City, Philippines
P.K.B. Menon, President, Indian STEP and Business Incubator Association, Noida, India
Yao Fugen, Secretary General, Shanghai Technology Business Incubation Association, Shanghai, China

Roundtable: Best Practices From Around the World

Participate in this roundtable discussion to share your own success and learn new techniques from colleagues all over the globe. Facilitators will guide conversations to cover topics including client services, financial sustainability and client recruitment and selection.
Chuck Wolfe, President, Claggett Wolfe Associates, Auburn, Calif
Joel Wiggins, CEO & President, Enterprise Center of Johnson County, Lenexa, Kan.

Forum: New Managers

The numerous tasks and responsibilities related to running an incubator can be overwhelming if you are a new manager. Join people who are in similar situations to discuss working with clients, realistic program expectations, client graduation policies, maintaining financial viability, and more.
Moderator: Linda Clark, Director, Ohio University Innovation Center, Athens, Ohio

Sessions 2:15-3:30 p.m.

Innovative Facility Financing for Life Science Facilities

Presenters will share their experiences with innovative financing strategies for life science incubators and accelerators. Learn about different options for developing high-quality laboratory facilities, whether you’re expanding your current offerings or starting a new program.
Kevin Byrne, Chief Investment Officer, The University Financing Foundation, Atlanta, Ga.
Ruani Weerakoon, Senior Policy Advisor, Economic Development and Land Use, Office of the Mayor, City of San Jose, San Jose, Calif.

Keys to Managing a Successful University Incubation Program

AVEN audio item # NBIA712

If you run an incubator that is affiliated with a university or if your university is thinking about starting one, don’t miss this session. Experienced managers will cover various aspects of university incubation, including effective programs, entrance requirements, graduation policies and common challenges.
Linda Clark, Director, Ohio University Innovation Center, Athens, Ohio
Bruce Gjovig, Director and Entrepreneur Coach, Center for Innovation & Technology Incubator, Grand Forks, N.D.
Joel Stevenson, Director, USC Columbia Technology Incubator, Columbia, S.C.

Leveraging SBIR Funding for Business Growth

AVEN audio item # NBIA715

Learn how to help clients access SBIR funding and use it strategically to increase their chances of commercial success. Specific topics will include working with state and federal agencies, and facilitating partnerships between small companies with complementary capabilities.
Stephen Andrade, Program Manager, Battelle Technology Partnership Practice, Dighton, Mass.
Deb Santy, Director, Connecticut SBIR Office, CCAT, East Hartford, Conn.

Helping Clients Tap Into the Government Market

AVEN audio item # NBIA716

Find out how you can help clients maximize their opportunities in the government market through products, technology development and services. This session will cover the mechanics of sub-contracting within the government market and also how to access support programs for small businesses.
Victor Hess, Senior Vice President, Small Business Development, Howard County Economic Development Authority, Columbia, Md.
Jim Sanders, Director of New Ventures, Honeywell Technology Solutions, Columbia, Md.

Effective Feasibility Studies

AVEN audio item # NBIA714

Assessing the feasibility of an incubation program is an important first step in the development process. During this session, learn how to set realistic goals, manage stakeholders’ expectations, determine the market demand, evaluate the likelihood of financial self-sustainability and more.
Chuck Wolfe, Principal, Claggett Wolfe Associates, Auburn, Calif.

Global Update: United Kingdom

AVEN audio item # NBIA717

U.K. Business Incubation encompasses incubators in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find out about the challenges, successes and failures these incubators have experienced with clients ranging from high-tech and high-growth companies to more socially-oriented neighborhood ventures.
Peter Harman, Deputy CEO, UK Business Incubation, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Forum: Incubation in Rural Areas

Incubators in rural regions must address a number of unique issues. This forum discussion will explore the SBA definition of rural, the use of Internet resources, how to develop university partnerships, how NBIA might address training needs in rural areas through regional events, and more.
Moderator: Ken Norris, Program Manager, Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Durant, Okla.

Roundtable: True Incubator Marketing Stories

Good marketing draws a steady flow of clients into the incubator while attracting valuable partners and sponsors. Join this roundtable discussion to share your best (and worst) marketing efforts – and pick up new ideas for effective, inexpensive ways to spread the word about your program.
Moderators: Charles D’Agostino, Executive Director, Louisiana Business & Technology Center, Baton Rouge, La.
Evan Jones, Director, @Wales Digital Media Initiative, Cardiff Bay, Wales, UK

Tuesday, April 3

Sessions 9-10:15 a.m.

Preparing Incubator Clients for Angel Investments

AVEN audio item # NBIA720

Get inside information from leaders in the field of angel investing and hear the perspective of an incubator manager who is managing an angel group. Panelists will cover effective ways to prepare clients for the angel group investment process and will offer tips on valuation for incubator companies.
Marianne Hudson, Executive Director, Angel Capital Education Foundation/ Angel Capital Association, Lenexa, Kan.
John May, Chairman, Angel Capital Association and Managing Partner, New Vantage Group, Vienna, Va.
Joel Wiggins, CEO & President, Enterprise Center of Johnson County, Lenexa, Kan.

Business Growth Partnerships: Formation and Survival Strategies

AVEN audio item # NBIA718

Corporations, universities, incubators and government all are important to business development. By joining forces, they can accelerate company formation and increase access to critical resources. Find out how to overcome differing organizational priorities and cultures to foster collaborations that work.
Sherri Collins, Technology Investment Consultant, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Harrisburg, Pa.
Tammy Heesakker, Executive Director, University City Keystone Innovation Zone, Philadelphia, Pa.
Carl Kopfinger, Division Head Technology & Life Sciences Division, Commerce Bank and Managing Director of Commerce Health Ventures and Liberty Venture Fund, Philadelphia, Pa.

15 Ways to Estimate the Market for an Incubator

AVEN audio item # NBIA721

Many communities are interested in starting an incubation program but haven’t determined whether or not a market exists for it. This session will provide techniques for identifying potential markets, estimating their significance and attracting clients to an incubator.
Jim Greenwood, President, Greenwood Consulting Group, Sanibel, Fla.
Marie Longserre, President & CEO, Santa Fe Business Incubator, Santa Fe, N.M.

Effective Tools for Technology Commercialization

AVEN audio item # NBIA722

If you have clients developing new technologies for the marketplace, be sure to attend this session. The presenter will cover topics such as strategies for commercialization, ways to evaluate entrepreneurial readiness, how to help clients create fundable business plans and more.
H. Randall Goldsmith, President & CEO, Mississippi Technology Alliance, Ridgeland, Miss.

Tracking Economic Impact: Why Bother?

AVEN audio item # NBIA719

Tracking your incubator’s impact is not just another meaningless task. This information is critical on many levels: it helps advance the industry as a whole and helps individual programs engage and retain stakeholders. Find out how four incubation programs are effectively demonstrating their impact and why you should, too.
Susan Barich, Director, Marina Technology Cluster, Marina, Calif.
Linda Clark, Director, Ohio University Innovation Center, Athens, Ohio
Skip Farrar, Manager: Business Development, Southern California Edison, Rosemead, Calif.
Tim Strege, Executive Director, William M. Factory Small Business Incubator, Tacoma, Wash.
Richard White, Manager, Incubator Development, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Wellington, New Zealand
Moderator: Tracy Kitts, Vice President & COO, National Business Incubation Association, Athens, Ohio

Global Update: Developing Economies

AVEN audio item # NBIA723

InfoDev, a consortium of international development agencies, has been working with 70 business incubation projects in 43 countries with developing economies. Find out some of the lessons learned through this project, and how “developed economies” can learn from those considered “developing.”
Peter Harman, Deputy CEO, UK Business Incubation, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Louise Walker, Louise Walker Consulting, Toronto, Canada

Roundtable: Accelerating Revenue Generation for Your Incubator

Join this discussion to learn how focusing on business development strategies to help clients accelerate customer acquisition can expedite revenue generation for client companies and for your program. Learn from examples the facilitator will share and discuss effective techniques with colleagues.
Kevin Schimelfenig, Managing Partner, SalesForce4Hire, Concord, Ohio

Forum: Pacific Incubation Network

If your program is located in the Pacific region, come to this discussion to meet other West Coast business incubation professionals and shape the future of PIN. We’ll brainstorm potential growth opportunities for PIN and explore ways NBIA can help PIN enhance its offerings.
Moderator: Chuck Erickson, Managing Director, Software Business Cluster, San Jose, Calif.

Sessions 10:45 a.m.-noon

How to Raise Public and Private Funds for Your Program

AVEN audio item # NBIA726

Securing funding for an incubator is one of the biggest challenges most managers face. This session will cover five fundamental fundraising techniques and how they can be tailored to fit your incubator. Handouts include sample marketing materials.
Charles Stein, President, Strategic Development Services, Powell, Ohio

Developing a Facility: From Funding to Furnishing

AVEN audio item # NBIA727

One of the crucial steps in starting an incubator is creating a suitable facility. This session will cover then ins and outs of facility development, from tapping sources of available funding to using space in a way that maximizes the return on investment.
Jill Dominguez, President, WRJ Group, Fountain Valley, Calif.
Julie Slark, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Rancho Santiago Community College District, Santa Ana, Calif.
Bea Stotzer, President of the Board, New Economic for Women, Los Angeles, Calif.

Community Connections = Program Success

AVEN audio item # NBIA724

Incubation programs that rely heavily on a few sources of funding run the risk of devastating consequences if those sources disappear. This session will use case studies to explain how community collaboration can generate multiple sources of funding and program resources to ensure program sustainability.
Randy Goldsmith, President & CEO, MTA Innovation Center, Jackson, Miss.
Tyler Orion, COO, CONNECT (retired), CEO, RTA (retired), Del Mar, Calif.

Incubation Opportunities in Clean Energy Technology

AVEN audio item # NBIA728

During this session, panelists will discuss opportunities for incubators to start programs focused on clean and renewable energy, how to attract new funding sources and clients, and potential ways to help the U.S. solve problems related to climate change and dependence on foreign oil.
Tim Botkin, Director, Kitsap SEED Project, Port of Bremerton, Bremerton, Wash.
Jim Robbins, Executive Director, Environmental Business Cluster, San Jose, Calif.
Ruani Weerakoon, Senior Policy Advisor, Economic Development and Land Use, Office of the Mayor, City of San Jose, San Jose, Calif.

Successful Incubation in the Middle of Nowhere

AVEN audio item # NBIA725

This session will address the challenges of establishing a successful incubation program in a rural area where the economy is suffering from the closure, and potential closure, of several major employers as well as low average wages and a steady outflow of youth.
David Williams, Business Development Director, Horizon Scotland, Forres, Moray, Scotland

Global Update: The Heidelberg BioIncubator

AVEN audio item # NBIA729

Find out how the Heidelberg BioIncubator is working with a new generation of entrepreneurs to create start-ups, drive the Heidelberg BioCluster, network European BioRegions, and provide science education for students from kindergarten through high school.
Klaus Plate, Managing Director, Technologiepark Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
Charlotte Schulze, CEO, the Heidelberg Economic Development Agency, Heidelberg, Germany

Roundtable: Working With Angel Investors

Learn how to help clients more effectively tap into angel group funding by joining this conversation with leaders in the field of angel investment. The discussion will explore the relationships between incubator managers, client companies and angel group leaders.
Marianne Hudson, Executive Director, Angel Capital Education Foundation/ Angel Capital Association, Lenexa, Kan.
John May, Chairman, Angel Capital Association and Managing Partner, New Vantage Group, Vienna, Va.

Forum: University Incubation

Incubators with ties to universities have a unique resource pool, but also face unique challenges. Join this forum to discuss soliciting faculty involvement, identifying funding sources, establishing an effective structural relationship with the university, working with the tech transfer office and more.
Tom O’Neal, CEO, University of Central Florida Technology Incubator, Orlando, Fla.

Sessions 2:15-3:30 p.m.

Maximizing Revenue Potential and Minimizing Operational Expenses

AVEN audio item # NBIA731

Self-sustainability is a goal for most incubators, but limited funds regulated by strict parameters can make it difficult to achieve. Using case studies, this session will explore new opportunities to generate revenue and tricks for reducing operational expenses.
Melinda Richter, Principal, Prescience International, San Francisco, Calif.

Start-Up Success: Simple Business Planning Tools That Work

AVEN audio item # NBIA730

This session will explain how the one-page business plan is fast becoming a standard in business plan formats, and how to write one. The audience also will be introduced to a simple but effective tool for understanding financial statements in 15 minutes or less.
Tiffany McVeety, Educator, Author and Business Banking Officer, Shoreline Bank, Seattle, Wash.

Incubator Development: An Expert Panel Discussion

AVEN audio item # NBIA733

This panel of four incubator development experts will discuss some of the most important aspects of the development process, including feasibility studies, business plans, funding, market analysis and more. Plus, there will be plenty of time to tap into their expertise during Q&A.
Gary Evans, CEO, U.S. Operation, ANGLE Technology Group, Charlottesville, Va.
Jim Greenwood, President, Greenwood Consulting Group, Sanibel, Fla.
Carol Lauffer, Principal, Business Cluster Development, Palo Alto, Calif.
Chuck Wolfe, Principal, Claggett Wolfe Associates, Auburn, Calif.
Moderator: Dinah Adkins, President & CEO, National Business Incubation Association, Athens, Ohio

Incubating Corporate Spin-Outs

AVEN audio item # NBIA735

Many large corporations spin out companies that can benefit from incubation but face unique challenges. Find out the process Johnson & Johnson uses to spin out companies and how incubator managers can become involved in similar activities with corporations in their regions.
David Bowser, Vice President, Corporate Office of Science & Technology, Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, N.J.
Karen Meidlinger, Associate, Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, N.J.

This session is sponsored by SalesForce4Hire®.

New Tools For Incubator Marketing

AVEN audio item # NBIA732

Incubator managers who maximize new communication methods can open doors for connecting with current and potential clients. This session will explain tools including blogs and podcasts and highlight the promotional opportunities they create for incubators and clients.
Evan Jones, Head of Digital & Incubation, Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff, Wales

Innovative Programs That Attract Investors

AVEN audio item # NBIA734

Attend this session to learn how you can help clients access VC funding more effectively by understanding the market segments of local investors and engaging all the players in an interactive program instead of relying on the typical business plan presentation.
Robert Kruse, Managing Partner, VenLogic, Seattle, Wash

Roundtable: Advanced Incubation Professionals

If you’ve been in the incubation industry for more than five years, you won’t want to miss this session. Gather with colleagues who have similar levels of experience to identify common challenges, brainstorm possible solutions, and discuss future summits for advanced incubation professionals.

Forum: International Linkages

Join colleagues from around the world to discuss common challenges and brainstorm solutions. Topics will include opportunities to work with other incubators to expand and develop programs, best practices in working with international clients, how to get foreign companies to notice your incubator, and more.
Moderator: Jean-Jacques Ledoux, Manager, Industry Partnership Facility, National Research Council, Ottawa, Canada

Sessions 4-5:15 p.m.

Helping Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Avoid Common Mistakes

AVEN audio item # NBIA741

Entrepreneurs often look to others’ success of for ideas and guidance, but they can also draw important lessons from others’ failures. Learn to identify mistakes early-stage entrepreneurs commonly make in areas including ownership, funding and management, and how to steer them away from these missteps.
Booker Schmidt, Executive Director, Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center, Gainesville, Fla.

Tips on Client Mentoring From Award-Winning Managers

AVEN audio item # NBIA739

This panel discussion will involve NBIA’s 2006 award winners, who will explain some of their most effective coaching methods and techniques they use to evaluate client progress. Learn how to apply their best practices at your own program.
Robert Calcaterra, President & CEO, Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise, St. Louis, Mo.
Ann Lansinger, Executive Director, Emerging Technology Centers, Baltimore, Md.
Joyce Shanahan, Executive Director, Fulton-Carroll Center, Chicago, Ill.
Moderator: Lisa Smith, Principal and Vice President of Marketing, ANGEL Technology Group, Charlottesville, Va.

Roundtable: State Associations

If you are currently involved in or thinking about starting a state incubation association, don’t miss this discussion. Topics will include leveraging partnerships, using technology for information sharing and networking, and working with city and state governments.
Colleen Hall Barta, Assistant Director, William M. Factory Small Business Incubator, and President, Washington Association of Small Business Incubators, Tacoma, Wash.

Creating an Incubator Business Plan

AVEN audio item # NBIA738

A solid business plan is an important aspect of an effective program. This session will offer tips and templates both newbies and experienced managers can use in developing a plan that includes revenue forecasts, operating and capital costs, cash flow analysis, and more.
Jim Greenwood, President, Greenwood Consulting Group, Sanibel, Fla.
John Hanak, Director, Purdue Technology Center, Crown Point, Ind.

International Incubation: Forming Economic Clusters

AVEN audio item # NBIA740

Learn how incubation helps develop or enhance business growth and economic clusters of all types within developing and mature economies. Also, hear international perspectives on stimulating economic development in urban and rural settings and on promoting sustainability through new revenue models.
Seth Ayers, ICT Policy Analyst, Information for Development Program (infoDev), Global Information and Communication Technologies Department, The World Bank Group, Washington, D.C.
Lou Cooperhouse, Director, Rutgers Food Innovation Center, New Brunswick, N.J.
Jim Robbins, Principal, Business Cluster Development, Portola Valley, Calif.

A Cooperative Incubator and Entrepreneur Alliance

AVEN audio item # NBIA737

Strong alliances between organizations can help a region attract industry. Find out how four incubators in the Appalachian region initiated a grassroots movement that has lead to the development of a five-state 19-member coalition that promotes business development.
Gerald James, R&D Business Development Director, Bluefield State College, Bluefield, W.V.
David Lawrence, Director, Innovation Laboratory, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tenn.
Tim Siglin, Executive Director, Kingsport Office of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship, Kingsport, Tenn.
Russ Yelton, Director, Business Incubator and Small Business Center, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Candler, N.C.

Forum: Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens

If you work with clients who are in the specialty foods or catering field, or if you’re interested in exploring this market, join in this forum discussion. Topics will include the goals of kitchen incubators and how to work with universities, regulatory agencies, local governments, farmers markets and marketing co-ops.
Moderator: Charlie D’Agostino, Executive Director, Louisiana Business & Technology Center, Baton Rouge, La.

Covering Your Assets: Insurance for Incubators and Clients

AVEN audio item # NBIA736

This session will address the types of insurance coverage an incubator manager should consider for the program, reasonable amounts of financial coverage, and the various types of insurance available to clients, both in the field of biotechnology and in general.
Sandra Cochrane, COO, Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Carlton Crothers, CEO, MTEC SmartZone, Houghton, Mich.
Mark Lenderink, Account Executive, HUB International, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Wednesday, April 4

Sessions 9-10:15 a.m.

The Power of Mentoring and Coaching

AVEN audio item # NBIA745

Incubator clients can reap great benefits from the wisdom and advice of good mentors. Learn about the difference between mentoring and coaching and best practices in establishing a good mentoring program, including how to identify suitable mentors and avoid conflicts of interest.
Marilyn Huckerby, Chair of the SEEDA Enterprise Hub Network, Surrey, United Kingdom
Nicola Loweth, Senior Enterprise Manager, South East England Development Agency, Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
Mike Lunch, Director, Surrey Enterprise Hub, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, United Kingdom

Inner-City Retail Incubation

AVEN audio item # NBIA742

Generating new business development and restoring economic vitality in the inner city can be a significant challenge. This panel will discuss using incubation techniques and best practices with retail start-ups to create jobs and develop positive business role models who will address community issues.
Selma Jackson, Incubator Manager, 4W Circle of Art & Enterprise, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Kevin Schulte, Center Director Smurfit-Stone Center for Entrepreneurship, John Cook School of Business, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo.

Helping Technology Companies Develop Investor Presentations

AVEN audio item # NBIA743

During this session, presenters will explain why technology companies need sophisticated, yet easy to understand, stories that will persuade investors to finance their company. Presenters will provide examples as well as templates that can be shared with incubator clients.
Peter Abramo, Director, Cameron University’s Center for Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies, Lawton, Okla.
Michael Edmondson, President, MEAPA, Haddonfield, N.J.

Entrepreneurs-in-Residence: In-house Expertise

AVEN audio item # NBIA744

One effective method of connecting clients to the advice they need is to set up an entrepreneur-in-residence program. This session will explain the ins and outs of having entrepreneurs-in-residence, including how to identify them, how to use them, the benefits of having them and more.
Carol Ann Dykes, COO, University of Central Florida Technology Incubator, Orlando, Fla.
Steve Morris, Executive Director, Open Technology Business Center, Beaverton, Ore.

Roundtable: Fundraising Strategies for Incubator Clients

Join this roundtable discussion to explore strategies incubator clients can use to attract equity capital and other funding options. The presenter will explain how to help companies identify the most appropriate sources of capital and how to avoid common mistakes.
Stefan Pagacik, CEO, The CTECH Group, Manomet, Mass.

Forum: Homeland Security

Join this discussion to talk about potential opportunities in homeland security. Topics will include selling to the government, introducing early-stage technologies to the intelligence community, trends in homeland security, available funding sources, and more.
Moderator: Roger London, Director of Technology Scouting, Chesapeake Innovation Center, Annapolis, Md.

Building and Operating an Efficient Facility

AVEN audio item # NBIA746

Learn about an innovative team approach to designing, building, operating and maintaining an incubator facility involving an architecture/engineering firm and incubator staff. This session will address issues such as managing rising energy costs and maximizing your floor plan.
Colleen Hall Barta, Assistant Director, William M. Factory Small Business Incubator, Tacoma, Wash.
Matthew Beckingham, Vice President, Heery International, Tacoma, Wash.
David Werner, Project Manager, Heery International, Tacoma, Wash.

Sessions 10:45 a.m.-Noon

Women Entrepreneurs:Where’s the Money?

AVEN audio item # NBIA748

Women are involved in starting more than half of the new businesses in the U.S., but they secure only 4% of the available venture capital funding. Learn about resources that exist for women entrepreneurs and explore solutions for issues concerning access to capital.
Tiffany McVeety, Former Director, Northwest Women’s Business Center, Edmonds, Wash.

Global Update: Africa

AVEN audio item # NBIA750

Learn about incubation in Africa from speakers who represent Rwanda and South Africa. Presenters will also discuss specific programs such as CoachLab, a post-graduate leadership program, and the Innovation Hub, the first fully accredited science park in Africa.
Rajeev Aggarwal, Manager, Technology and Business Incubation Facility, Kigali, Rwanda
Nomsa Dlamini, Masifundifane Training and Development College, Kujazulu Natal, South Africa
Rahima Loghdey, Board Member, South African Business and Technology Incubation Association, Cape Town, South Africa
Martin Manmohan, Operations Manager, Maxum Business Incubator, The Innovation Hub, Pretoria, South Africa

Roundtable: International “Virtual” Incubation

Join this roundtable discussion to find out how incubation programs in Mexico and the Ukraine are using distance learning tools to assist and manage remote clients. Also, share your experiences and explore new ideas for implementing similar techniques.
Moderators: Inna Gagauz, Director, Center for Small Business Development, Kharkov, Ukraine
Arturo Torres Garcia, Vicerrector Asociado de Desarrollo Empresarial y Extensión, Sistema
Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
Andriy Tarelin, Vice President, Ukrainian Business Incubators & Innovation Centers Association, Kiev, Ukraine

Taking a Strategic Approach to Incubation

AVEN audio item # NBIA749

Incubator managers who operate programs with clearly defined, mission-based strategies serve clients more effectively and are more likely to achieve financial sustainability. Learn how to identify and maximize your incubator’s current strategic drivers and gather new ideas for fulfilling your program’s mission.
Mark Loschiavo, Executive Director, Laurence A. Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship in Technology, Philadelphia, Pa.
Terri McIlhenney, Associate Director, Laurence A. Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship, Philadelphia, Pa.

Is There a Soft Landing in Your Future?

AVEN audio item # NBIA747

The NBIA Soft Landings International Incubator designation recognizes programs that excel in helping non-domestic companies do business in the incubator’s country. Eight incubators from five countries have received this designation so far. During this session, representatives from four of the five designees will discuss the Soft Landings program.
Chuck Erickson, Executive Director and CEO, US Market Access Center, San Jose, Calif.
Hamish Hawthorn, Director, Life Sciences and Technology, ATP Innovations, Sydney, Australia
Bruce Gjovig, Director, Center for Innovation and Technology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D.
Evan Jones, Director, @Wales Digital Media Initiative, Cardiff Bay, Wales
Moderator: Dinah Adkins, President & CEO, National Business Incubation Association, Athens, Ohio

Forum: Tribal Incubation

Many tribal groups are using incubation to encourage new business growth and revitalize the community. This discussion will explore funding sources available to these groups, specific best practice incubation techniques, effective admission criteria and more.
Moderator: Kevin Wiley, Executive Director, Alaska InvesetNet, Anchorage, Alaska