Take, for example, the typical networking event. You come to a luncheon with a pocketful of business cards, then spend time meeting other business people with whom you might strike up a relationship. If I were a reporter, I'd take a pass on covering that kind of event. Too boring.
But what if, instead of a restaurant, you can meet other business people on the ski slopes?
That's what happens each year during Peak Pitch, an event that gives entrepreneurs and investors a chance to network on the slopes. And it's been so successful that Borealis Ventures, which created it, is now partnering with four other venture funds and expanding Peak Pitch 2007 to five ski resort locations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.
At Peak Pitch, a shared chair lift gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business plans to a variety of venture capitalists, angel investors and other experienced startup advisors as they ride up a mountain on a high-speed chair lift.
The entrepreneurs wear blue. The venture capitalists wear green. Last year, Peak Pitch attracted over 200 entrepreneurs and investors to the series.
Phil Ferneau of Borealis Ventures says Peak Pitch "emphasizes entrepreneurial passion, not PowerPoint" and helps entrepreneurs connect one-on-one with investors and mentors.
The event, he says, offers focused networking, informed feedback and plenty of fresh air.
Isn't that a fun idea?
The event generates lots of publicity and has the potential for numerous follow-up stories. You can learn more about it at PeakPitch.com
What routine event do you sponsor? And how can you tweak it so participants and the media flock to the event?
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