Updated - 10/03/08

Students choosing to actively participate in this session will be expected to present their idea to a panel of entrepreneurial experts. The following lists the process and guidelines to follow, in order to be prepared for your presentation. The session is meant to be fast-paced, and highly interactive; with panel and audience members offering feedback and suggestions for next-steps. Be sure to review and prepare before the session. Best Wishes!

Format

• Presenters (may be an individual or a team) will be given 5 minutes to present their idea. Panelists and audience members will have 5 minutes to interactively discuss the idea with presenters, and 5 minutes for feedback and next steps. Time will be strictly adhered to. Note: More in-depth feedback will be possible at the Networking Reception.
• All who attend this event, presenters, audience and panel will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement so that ideas will be kept confidential.

Preparation

Presenters should prepare a 5-minute presentation. You have the option of using up to 3 PowerPoint slides to communicate your idea.

Your presentation should focus on the following questions:

• What is your product or service?
• What need in the market does it address, or what problem does it solve?
• Who is your target market?
• Why would people buy your product or service? Where is the value?
• How much would the consumer be willing to pay for it?
• How far along are you in developing/investigating the idea?
• When are you planning on "launching" the idea -- (e.g., waiting until after graduate school, after 5 years in industry, graduation, etc.)?
• What, in terms of moving the idea forward, would be the best outcome for you from the Beyond Ideas event?
• With whom would you like to meet to help you move forward?
• What information are you lacking that you need?

Optional:  To assist you in preparing your presentation, use this Word template that includes the questions below and bring six (6) copies of it with you on November 1st.  The panel will use this as a tool for better understanding your idea and may jot down notes/feedback during your presentation.