by Robyn Ritzema, Event Coordinator, Automation Alley
As an event coordinator at Automation Alley, I am involved in the planning of nearly 100 events every year. Needless to say, I have seen and helped put on my share of great events, as well as those that didn’t go off quite as well as we had anticipated. After three years of involvement with the ACE event, I can confidently say that this event is well worth the time invested, for both the planners and the attendees.
Where else can you find an event that encompasses so many facets? From the workshops and the elevator pitch competition to company vendor tables and intercollegiate pitch competition, this event offers a true entrepreneurial experience. This variety of content and opportunity is exactly what brought more than 550 attendees to ACE ’09, and why we expect 750 attendees at ACE ‘10.
A lot goes into an event as large as this and I knew we had our hands full when I joined the planning committee several years back. Understanding that this event has so many factors to consider, I expected to jump in and find too many details to handle. Instead, I found a well-oiled machine, efficiently plugging away at another year of ACE. The planning team, in the true entrepreneurial spirit, joined together, pitched in and made this huge undertaking not only happen, but happen well.
As a participant, this means you will find an organized, quality event that has had you in mind throughout the planning process. From the workshops that address the current needs and concerns of the entrepreneurial community, to the elevator pitches that show the benefit of a practiced delivery, you will truly find value at ACE ’10.
With the goal of making the ACE event better and better each year, new ideas are constantly being evaluated and added to the event. While implementing these ideas often take additional effort and opens us up to the risk of failure, the planning team shrugs the negatives aside and moves forward with the intent of making this the best ACE ever.
After gaining more experience in the entrepreneurial world, I realized that the ACE planning team demonstrates what entrepreneurism is all about. It is about creativity; not just coming up with great ideas, but making them happen. It is about taking the risks, and reaping the reward. It is about putting your effort and energy out there to create something of value. It is about collaboration and perseverance.
This positive, “go-gettter” attitude is exactly what ACE is about. Join us on January 21, 2010 to experience it for yourself.