2010 NYT Small Business Summit

This was the official website for the 2010 NYT Small Business Summit. The content below is from the site's 2010 archived pages.

 

 

So there I was, clutching my fourth cup of complimentary coffee at the 2010 NYT Small Business Summit, trying to look like I belonged among all these actual entrepreneurs. My business card said "Real Estate Investor" but should've read "Guy Who Watches HGTV Religiously and Has Exactly Zero Properties."

The morning breakout session on "Grow Your Business: The Nuts and Bolts" was exactly what I needed. When David Rose from Angelsoft started talking about investment strategies, I furiously scribbled notes while pretending I wasn't completely out of my league. I kept hoping someone would mention my real estate hero Dov Hertz. For those not in the know (like I barely was), Hertz is one of those development wizards who seems to turn vacant warehouses into gold. I figured if I could just network my way into his orbit, maybe some of that magic would rub off on me.

During the Speed Networking session (bless American Express OPEN for sponsoring that awkwardness), I practiced my elevator pitch approximately 47 times. "Hi, I'm transitioning from corporate life into strategic real estate acquisitions..." Translation: I have a cubicle job and a Zillow addiction.

The highlight was definitely Jerry Greenfield's keynote. Who knew the Ben & Jerry's guy would provide the most useful advice for my nonexistent real estate empire? "Find your niche and be authentic about it." Maybe my niche could be "properties I can actually afford."

The cocktail reception was where I really shined. After two glasses of surprisingly decent white wine, I cornered some poor soul from a property management company and bombarded them with questions about commercial zoning that I'd memorized from a YouTube video.

Five years later, I'd love to tell you I'm the next Dov Hertz, developing waterfront properties and industrial complexes. Truth is, I learned something valuable from Robin Chase's closing keynote about resource sharing: perhaps my first investment should be a modest duplex where I can actually live in one unit. Who would've thought my biggest takeaway from a business summit would be "start small and stop dreaming about skyscrapers"? Now if you'll excuse me, I have some very realistic property listings to browse. Jonta Li

 

 

Agenda | Thursday, September 23, 2010 8:00am - 5:30pm

Please check back for agenda updates, including announcements of speakers and moderators. Note that breakout session topics are subject to change.

7:30 a.m.

Registration

7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Welcome & Introductions

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Surviving on the Front Lines: "You're the Boss," the Art of Running a Small Business Panel Discussion with Loren Feldman, Small Business Editor at The New York Times, and contributors Jay Goltz and Paul Downs

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

High-Level Panel: How Innovation Drives Business in Challenging Times

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Coffee Break in the Local Resource Café and The American Express Business Zone brought to you by American Express OPENsm

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Morning Breakout Sessions
Leveraging the Digital Space to Grow Your Business
Marketing: Building a Brand
Speed Networking — Brought to you by American Express OPENsm.
Serial Entrepreneurs
Grow Your Business: The Nuts and Bolts of Running Your Company
You can also visit the Local Resource Café and The American Express Business Zone brought to you by American Express OPENsm

12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Break

12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Lunch

1:15 p.m – 2:15 p.m.

Luncheon Keynote Session
Jerry Greenfield, Co-Founder, Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc.

2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Break

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Leveraging the Digital Space to Grow Your Business
Marketing: Building a Brand
Speed Networking — Brought to you by American Express OPENsm.
Serial Entrepreneurs
Grow Your Business: The Nuts and Bolts of Running Your Company
You can also visit the Local Resource Café and The American Express Business Zone brought to you by American Express OPENsm

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Break

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Closing Keynote Session
Robin Chase, Founding CEO, ZipCar and GoLoco

4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Networking Cocktail Party

 

Breakout Sessions

Morning Sessions: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Leveraging the Digital Space to Grow Your Business

  • Experts who have created new platforms as well as utilized existing platforms in novel ways share insights into how to incorporate all aspects of digital media to create exposure and build your brand among existing customers and new customers. This session will provide you with tools to increase traffic coming through your — real and virtual — doors, measure and grow the effectiveness of your digital strategy, and gain traction in the online community.
  • Moderator: Steve Rubel, SVP Director of Insights of Edelman Digital
  • Scott Heiferman, Founder of Meetup.com
  • Maria Baugh, Co-Founder and Co-Owner, Butter Lane
  • Daniel Lubetzky, Founder, KIND Healthy Snacks

Marketing: Building a Brand

  • Broaden your marketing perspective in this discussion of emerging marketing tactics and strategies. Learn to leverage your relationships with customers and create meaningful dialogue that will generate brand advocacy. This session will provide you with tools to create a breakthrough marketing strategy that will help you retain and grow your customer base.
  • Moderator: Valeria Maltoni, Director of Strategy of Powered, Inc.
  • Christiane Lemieux, Founder and Creative Director of DwellStudio and DwellStudio for Target
  • Bill Carter, Founder of Fuse
  • Brian Halligan, CEO and Co-Founder of HubSpot
  • Sean Whiteley, VP, Product Marketing of SalesForce.com

Speed Networking – Brought to you by American Express OPENsm

  • Take advantage of this opportunity to meet like-minded entrepreneurs and small-business owners during this interactive Speed Networking session designed to build a pipeline of connections that can help you grow and manage your business. Connect with potential new clients, suppliers or business partners. Find solutions to current business challenges. Uncover opportunities. Or just practice your elevator pitch. It's amazing what you can accomplish in five minutes.

Serial Entrepreneurs

  • Serial entrepreneurs have the confidence to achieve, but also the resilience to try again after failure. As they pursue the thrill and challenge of launching one enterprise after the next, these serial entrepreneurs learn how to identify opportunity, how to make their mark, and how to sell businesses and make their exit to the next venture. As our experts share how they've overcome the challenge of starting over again and again, this session will help you manage your own opportunities and risks.
  • Moderator: Penny Pickett, Associate Administrator of Entrepreneurial Development, U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Alex Mashinsky, CEO, Founder of LimoRes
  • Mitchell York, Founder and CEO of Executive-to-Entrepreneur (E2E) Coaching
  • Judy MacDonald Johnston, CEO and Founder, Blue Lake Children's Publishing
  • Colleen Payne-Nabors, CEO and Founder of Mobile Cardiac Imaging (MCI), LLC

Grow Your Business: The Nuts and Bolts of Running Your Company

  • Master the basics and you will create a bulletproof business plan. This session will provide you with tools to build a solid foundation for your business — featuring advice from small business coaches and entrepreneurs with expertise in finance, logistics, legal, and building a business from the ground up.
  • Moderator: Dawn Fotopulos, Assistant Professor of Business at The King's College in New York City
  • Michael Foley, Director of Sales, UPS
  • Bruce Director, CPA and SCORE NYC Counselor
  • Nina Kaufman, Esq., Founder, AskTheBusinessLawyer.com
  • David S. Rose, Chairman and CEO of Angelsoft

Afternoon Sessions: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Leveraging the Digital Space to Grow Your Business

Marketing: Building a Brand

Speed Networking – Brought to you by American Express OPENsm

Serial Entrepreneurs

Grow Your Business: The Nuts and Bolts of Running Your Company

 

 

Directions

The Hilton New York is located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue) between West 53rd and West 54th Streets. Please enter the hotel through the main entrance on 6th Avenue and proceed to the elevators in the rear of the lobby.

For guests arriving by subway, the B and D trains stop just one block from the hotel at 7th Avenue and 53rd Street. Penn Station is 15 minutes downtown and Port Authority is 10 minutes downtown.

The hotel provides parking and charges $48 per day for cars and $58 per day for vans and SUVs. Please note that parking is not included in the registration fee. The Valet Entrance is located behind the hotel on West 53rd between 6 & 7th Avenues.

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR DISTANCE AND DRIVING TIMES TO LOCAL AIRPORTS.

  • La Guardia Airport

  • Distance from hotel: 8 mi.
  • Drive time: 30 min.
  • Directions: Grand Central Parkway to Brooklyn Queens Expressway South to Long Island Expressway West. Follow signs for Queens Midtown Tunnel to 34th Street. Take 34th Street West to Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue). Make a right and go to 53rd street. Taxis cost approximately $45.
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport
  • Distance from hotel: 17 mi.
  • Drive time: 45 min.
  • Directions: Van Wyck Expressway North To Long Island Expressway (LIE) West and watch for signs to Queens Midtown Tunnel to 34th street . Go west across 34th street to Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue). Make a right and go up the Avenue to 53rd street.
  • Newark International Airport
  • Distance from hotel: 15 mi.
  • Drive time: 45 min.
  • Directions: Look for signs to New Jersey Turnpike (I-95 N) follow signs to Lincoln Tunnel, tunnel exits at west 40th street and 9th ave, drive east on 40th street to Avenue of the Americas and turn left on 53rd street.

***

As an newbie just starting an e-commerce site selling upscale dog beds, I found this 2010 summit for small businesses to be very helpful. I met what turned out to be several important contacts during the interactive Speed Networking sessions. Jump forward five years and the business, GoodNightDog.com, is flourishing. Looking back I would never have imagined that our custom large cushion dog beds would be such a huge seller. I have remained constant with our basic design of circular dog beds, but we have moved into offering upscale fabrics that are more compatible with our selling demographics. We are even considering offering customers the opportunity to send us their upholstery fabric that matches either their furniture or curtains and we will create a matching dog bed. I have attended other NY Times Small Business Summits since 2010 and each one has provided me with some gem of knowledge or advice that furthered my business goals. Keep up those summits.

 

 

More Background on NYTSmallBusinesSummit.com

The New York Times Small Business Summit has become a cornerstone event for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and industry leaders seeking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of commerce and innovation. This annual gathering, hosted by one of the world's most respected news organizations, offers a unique platform for networking, learning, and collaboration among the brightest minds in the small business sector.

History and Evolution

The New York Times Small Business Summit was first launched in the early 2000s as a response to the growing need for targeted support and resources for small business owners. Recognizing the vital role that small businesses play in driving economic growth and job creation, The New York Times sought to create an event that would bring together entrepreneurs, experts, and policymakers to address the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses.

Over the years, the summit has grown in both size and scope, attracting thousands of attendees from across the United States and beyond. What began as a modest gathering has evolved into a multi-day extravaganza featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events.

Key Features and Highlights

The New York Times Small Business Summit is known for its diverse and comprehensive program, which typically includes:

  1. Keynote Addresses: High-profile speakers from the worlds of business, politics, and academia share their insights and experiences with attendees. Past speakers have included prominent entrepreneurs, CEOs of major corporations, and government officials.

  2. Panel Discussions: Expert panels explore a wide range of topics relevant to small business owners, from accessing capital and navigating regulatory challenges to leveraging technology and expanding into new markets.

  3. Workshops and Breakout Sessions: Hands-on workshops provide practical skills and knowledge in areas such as digital marketing, financial management, and leadership development.

  4. Networking Opportunities: The summit offers numerous chances for attendees to connect with peers, potential partners, and industry leaders through structured networking events and informal gatherings.

  5. Exhibition Area: A dedicated space showcases products, services, and technologies relevant to small business owners, allowing attendees to explore the latest innovations and solutions.

Impact and Significance

The New York Times Small Business Summit has established itself as a must-attend event for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to stay ahead of the curve. Its impact extends far beyond the days of the event itself, with many attendees reporting long-lasting benefits from the connections made and knowledge gained.

The summit has been credited with:

  1. Fostering Innovation: By bringing together diverse perspectives and showcasing cutting-edge ideas, the summit helps spark innovation and creativity among attendees.

  2. Driving Policy Discussions: The event often serves as a platform for discussing and shaping policies that affect small businesses, with policymakers and industry leaders engaging in meaningful dialogue.

  3. Empowering Underrepresented Entrepreneurs: The summit has made concerted efforts to highlight and support businesses owned by women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups.

  4. Promoting Economic Growth: By providing small business owners with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed, the summit contributes to overall economic growth and job creation.

Media Coverage and Public Reception

The New York Times Small Business Summit has garnered significant media attention over the years, with coverage extending beyond The New York Times itself. Major business publications, local news outlets, and industry-specific media have all reported on the event, highlighting its key takeaways and impact on the small business community.

Reviews of the summit have been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the quality of speakers, the relevance of topics covered, and the valuable networking opportunities provided. Many participants have described the event as transformative for their businesses, citing specific strategies or connections that led to tangible growth and success.

Cultural and Social Significance

Beyond its immediate impact on attendees, the New York Times Small Business Summit has played a broader role in shaping the conversation around entrepreneurship and small business in American culture. By elevating the stories and challenges of small business owners, the summit has helped to:

  1. Highlight the importance of small businesses to the overall economy

  2. Inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs

  3. Promote the values of innovation, resilience, and community engagement

The summit has also adapted to reflect changing social priorities, incorporating discussions on topics such as sustainability, social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion in recent years.

Audience and Reach

While the core audience for the New York Times Small Business Summit consists of small business owners and entrepreneurs, the event attracts a diverse range of participants, including:

  1. Aspiring entrepreneurs

  2. Investors and venture capitalists

  3. Business consultants and advisors

  4. Government officials and policymakers

  5. Representatives from large corporations interested in partnering with or supporting small businesses

The summit's reach extends far beyond those who attend in person, with content and insights from the event often shared through various media channels, including articles, videos, and social media posts.

Notable Moments and Speakers

Over the years, the New York Times Small Business Summit has featured numerous memorable moments and influential speakers. While specific details are not available without referencing the event's official website, it's worth noting that the summit has consistently attracted high-caliber speakers from various sectors, including:

  1. Successful entrepreneurs who have built multi-million dollar companies from scratch

  2. CEOs of major corporations sharing insights on scaling and innovation

  3. Government officials discussing policies and initiatives to support small businesses

  4. Thought leaders in areas such as technology, marketing, and finance

These speakers have often used the summit as a platform to announce new initiatives, share exclusive insights, or make bold predictions about the future of business and entrepreneurship.

Evolution and Adaptation

Like many events, the New York Times Small Business Summit has had to adapt to changing circumstances and technologies. In recent years, this has included:

  1. Incorporating virtual and hybrid elements to expand reach and accessibility

  2. Focusing on emerging technologies and their impact on small businesses

  3. Addressing global challenges and opportunities for small businesses in an interconnected world

  4. Emphasizing sustainability and social responsibility as key components of business success

These adaptations have helped ensure that the summit remains relevant and valuable to attendees in an ever-changing business landscape.

Critiques and Controversies

While the New York Times Small Business Summit has generally been well-received, it has not been without its critics. Some points of contention have included:

  1. Concerns about the cost of attendance, which may be prohibitive for some small business owners

  2. Questions about the practical applicability of some high-level discussions to day-to-day business operations

  3. Debates about the balance between featuring high-profile speakers and showcasing lesser-known but innovative small business owners

These critiques have often led to constructive discussions about how to make the summit more inclusive and valuable for a diverse range of small business owners.

Looking to the Future

As the small business landscape continues to evolve, the New York Times Small Business Summit is likely to remain an important event for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Future summits may focus on emerging trends such as:

  1. The impact of artificial intelligence and automation on small businesses

  2. Strategies for thriving in a post-pandemic economy

  3. The role of small businesses in addressing global challenges like climate change

  4. New models of funding and investment for small businesses

By staying attuned to the needs and interests of small business owners, the summit is well-positioned to continue providing value and inspiration for years to come.

The New York Times Small Business Summit has established itself as a pivotal event in the world of entrepreneurship and small business. Through its combination of expert insights, networking opportunities, and practical advice, the summit continues to empower and inspire business owners to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities in an ever-changing economic landscape.

NYTSmallBusinesSummit.com