The IITPnz 2013 Conference has just concluded, and I have to say WOW, just WOW!!!
IITPnz (Institute of IT Professionals NZ – formerly the NZ Computer Society, NZCS) is New Zealand’s leading body for those working or studying in Software and Information Technology (IT) related fields. The conference brought together NZ’s top keynote speakers as well as the leading IT thought leaders from across industry and academia. It also provided a great opportunity to attend a workshop regarding obtaining investment for software companies.
Day 1: Getting Invested – A guide for software companies
As part of the workshop the presenter (Nicolás Erdödy) discussed various aspects relating to interacting with an investor, including the importance of the first five minutes (i.e. first impressions count), and the differences between investment in NZ compared to other countries.
We also looked at building business plans, and went over the personal aspect of a software startup, especially in regards to understanding the World, People and Yourself in relation to the project.
While I am not currently looking for investment, the knowledge gained from this all day workshop was invaluable. The feedback provided in an impromptu Dragons Den type pitch towards the end of the day certainly sparked a high level of motivation to get the Terian ID System finished and ready for commercial deployment.
Day 2:
Day 2 started off with the typical opening keynotes including an address from our current Minister of ICT Amy Adams. I also chose to re-enforce the motivation gained from the first day by attending the streams relating to innovation including a relevant presentation by Paul Norrie regarding taking on the World with software products.
The conference meal was also held on day 2, and this was a great opportunity for networking with other IT professionals attending the conference. I was fortunate to gain a wide variety of contacts that will be of great assistance as I move to a commercial product.
Day 3:
Part of Day 3 was also spent networking, with additional presentations attended and finally the closing keynotes.
Full Steam Ahead:
I am leaving the conference with a huge motivation boost, a great deal of contacts, and a headful of ideas for the coming months. The challenge now is to take these, and apply them to ensure success as we continue the journey from code to sales.
Journey from Code to Sales 