Select topic: REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT CONFERENCE PASS AND MATERIALS CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY NETWORKING EVENTS HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT

How do I register for this event?
You can register online here.  Any questions, contact us at 1-888-569-0464.

Can my colleague and I get the group rate?
The group rate is applicable to the second and subsequent additional registrants from the same company. Contact us at 1-888-569-0464 for the details.

What do the conference fees include?
Fees include the expo, conference, educational tracks, Presenter Showcase for investors, breakfast, luncheon, Capital Community Celebration reception and all conference documents.

Does this event have a special rate for one day or partial attendance?
No, SPEC 2009 schedule has been modified to reflect the time commitment desired by the investor community.

What are the payment methods?
Payment can be made by check, Paypal, or credit card.  All information should be completed in the registration form.

Can I have a receipt?
Payments made electronically via credit card through the online form will have an immediate electronic receipt. Companies paying by a mailed check, emailed/faxed in form, or at the conference will receive their receipts at the conference with their badge and conference materials.

CONFERENCE PASS AND MATERIALS

Where and when can I pick up my conference pass and materials?
Conference passes will be issued at  the registration desk on the day of the SPEC Expo and Innovative Company Showcase.

What do I need to collect my conference pass?
Simply present your business card to identify yourself.

Can I send a representative to pick up my conference pass?
No. For security reasons, you must pick up your conference pass. Your colleague may not pick up your pass for you.

Can I get my conference pass and materials prior to the event date?
No. Conference materials will only be available for collection at the places and times mentioned above.

Will I get the attendee list of the conference?
The conference binder will be available at the conference venue.  The list will include all sponsor information and descriptions of companies in the expo. Please use the event breaks as networking opportunities.

Will I get the speaker presentations?
After the event an email will be sent to all conference attendees, which will include a survey and a login/password to download speaker presentations. (Only those presentations that have been approved by speakers will be available.) No hard or soft copy of the presentations will be sent or available onsite.

CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY

Can I get a refund of my registration fee if I have to cancel?
Cancellations within 24 hours of registration will refer a full refund.  All others are subject to a partial refund.  Cancellations must be received in writing prior to April 8, 2009 to qualify for $100 refund. Cancellations received after April 8, 2009 will not qualify for a refund. This policy is necessary due to our advance guaranty obligations and the costs associated with administering the conference.

Can I send a replacement if I can't attend the forum after registering?
Yes, but notification of replacement must be made in writing and received prior to the event start date.

Can my colleagues attend some of the sessions if I can't come?
No. The conference pass is valid for the designated delegate only. No sharing of the pass is allowed. However, please be aware that a group rate is available for the second and subsequent additional registrants from the same office.

NETWORKING EVENTS

Do I need to pay an additional fee for networking and expo events?
No. Your conference fee already covers the networking and expo events.

Can I send a replacement for networking and expo events only?
No. The conference pass is valid for the designated delegate only. No sharing of the pass is allowed.

Can I bring a guest with me to the networking events?
All networking events are strictly for registered conference attendees, company presenters, speakers and sponsors.  Additional attendee group and NBAI membership discount rates are available.  Contact us to learn more.

Where and when is the VIP reception on 14 April?
The VIP reception is from 4:30pm-8:30pm at the 103 West..

What is the audience profile?
CEOs and Founders of early stage and emerging growth companies, Venture Capitalists, Angel Investors, Corporate Investors, Investment Bankers, Successful Entrepreneurs, Industry Leaders,  Small Business Lenders, Private Equity Investors, Corporate Investment Funds, and Potential Strategic Partners.

What Industries will be represented at SPEC?
Technology, Software, BioMed, Consumer Products, Gaming, Media, Security, Clean Tech, Green/Alternative Energy, Wireless solutions, Life Sciences, Web Solutions, Aeronautics, Business to Business Solutions and Manufacturing. 

What is the expected mix of attendees?
120 from the Capital Community, 20 Innovative Showcase Presenters, 20 Capital Expo only companies, 10 other Entrepreneurs, 30 Service Providers and Students, and 20 Sponsors.

I’m an investor, why should I attend this event?
SPEC is a unique opportunity to greet and meet the best and the brightest in innovative companies.  It offers ample opportunity to network with fellow investors, strategic industry specialists, and entrepreneurs.  With optional educational opportunities during workshops on the 14th and VC panel discussion on the 15th, you gain keen insights not usually available at other conferences.  Keynote speaker during the luncheon is always entertaining.  

The VIP reception on the eve of the conference with fast pitches from Capital Expo companies gives you a quick snapshot of the entrepreneurs at the event so you can plan your time on who you want to spend more time getting to know.  Brief yet informative presentations from the best applicants during the Innovative Company Showcase saves you time in the investment opportunity discovery process because these companies have been specially selected and you’ll know in 6 minutes if they are worth even an hour of your time. 

The unique, warm and inviting location in the heart of Buckhead is convenient and affords an environment for quality time with the companies your interested in learning more about.  Membership in the Network of Business Angels & Investors (NBAI) or an angel group that is a member of the Angel Capital Association (ACA) receives an additional discount off the regular investor attendee price. To inquire about membership, please call 404-306-1240. PLUS: Fabulous door prizes will be awarded. (Please note, an investor profile confirming your role as a capital provider will need to be on file prior to attending the event, link provided at registration)

I’m a member of an angel group in the Angel Capital Association, won’t this conference conflict with the ACA national conference event?
No, this event has been scheduled to compliment the ACA National Conference being held in Atlanta the 15th through the 17th.   SPEC kicks off with optional education sessions, VIP reception and fast pitches on the 14th.   The Innovative Company Showcase will conclude in time for the keynote lunch.  The Capital Expo will follow and allow those ACA affiliate members to leave any time in the afternoon to participate in their regional meetings and the kickoff reception the evening of the 15th.

Who should apply to present in the Innovative Company Showcase?
Any entrepreneur that is beyond seed stage and is actively seeking at least $500,000 in investment capital should Register to attend as an entrepreneur AND submit their executive summary and investor presentation for consideration to present at the Innovative Company Showcase.   If not selected, the company will not be charged any other fees, unless they choose to purchase a table in the Capital Expo so they may attend the Fast Pitch and VIP reception.   All entrepreneur attendees will be free to network with all other attendees during the conference on April 15th and participate in the educational breakout sessions during the morning session.

What do I get as a Capital Expo participant or an Innovative Company Showcase presenter that is different from just attending as an Entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur attendee you will get to network and participate in the full agenda for April 15th.  The added benefits of participating as a Capital Expo participant or an Innovative Company Showcase presenter are outlined on the registration page.  Click here to Register as an entrepreneur attendee and learn more about the benefits of upgrading your participation in SPEC.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Should I book hotel accommodation with the hotel directly?
Yes.  Contact a hotel directly. Click here for a selection of hotels to contact.

If I need to change or cancel my hotel accommodation, who should I contact?
All questions, changes, cancellations or other requests regarding hotel accommodation should be directed to the hotel. Please click here for a selection of hotel details.