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I am starting a software startup, I would like to talk to some guys that have already done this and also find out what other companies are doing, I don't want to spend a lot of money because I don't have it.

Have you attended any of the following conferences? do you recommend any of these in particular?

Do you know of any others? Let me know.

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Ricardo - I'm making a point of attending the Business of Software conference (in Boston in October this year). I attended last year's event and thoroughly enjoyed it - lots of great speakers and plenty of useful content. This year's speaker line-up looks good.

Given that I'm UK-based, and am in my first year (some way off turning a profit), this is a reasonable sized investment on my part, but I feel it is worthwhile to spend the money and take the time out. This is the only such event I plan to be involved in for the time being, although I have heard good things about SXSW too.

As Jeffepp notes, it does depend what you want to get out of it. I go to learn from the experience of the speakers, but there are also plenty of opportunities to meet new people who have relevant experience to your situation. I'm a bit of an introvert so I really have to push myself to get involved in the social side of these sort of events but it sounds like you already understand the value of 'getting out there'.

HTH.

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I am leaning towards attending Business of Software this year, I just want to make sure the money I invest in it is worth it. Thanks. – Ricardo Jun 23 '10 at 0:42
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I would start with the conferences that are local if you want to save money. There is a good chance that you are within driving distance of a http://techcocktail.com and potentially a http://www.startupweekend.com to network.

There is SXSW, which is pretty huge in you are near Austin. I can't speak on any of these listed since I have never been, but I think that it depends on what exactly you are trying to get out of the conferences...

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Thanks! It looks like techcocktail.com has an event here in Austin on October and austin.startupweekend.org has one in September... definitely attending at least one of these. – Ricardo Jun 22 '10 at 3:36
Being in Austin you will be able to find many conferences that are excellent for networking. Some are better than others, but all of them will help you jump into the 'startup scene' – Jeff Epstein Jun 22 '10 at 13:48
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I would advise you to stay away from any startup-oriented conferences that ask you to pay (e.g. for a booth or exhibit) to meet investors. These seem to be a regular scam, many of which have very few if any bona fide investors. You'll meet other other entrepreneurs (so if you can attend without paying much for a booth, it might be good for you) and a lot of people trying to sell you services.

On the other hand, industry-related conferences are really helpful in the beginning to learn the lay of the land. It may or may not make sense to exhibit, but you can usually attend just the exhibit hall for free or cheap. Go, and just talk to people - well worth it!

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Many of the conferences also post their archives online so you can browse pervious talks. Have a look at http://wiki.businessofsoftware.org/ and the postings on http://blog.businessofsoftware.org/ for for really useful stuff.

I am a big fan of the BoS conference if you want a really intense and mind-blowing 3 days....

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I would strongly encourage you to attend the Software Industry Conference (SIC) this July 15-17 in Dallas TX. SIC is a three day event that includes informative, educational breakout sessions covering a wide variety of topics that are critical to the success of MicroISVs. It culminates with a Networking Gala Dinner that gives software developers, Service Providers, and Publishers an opportunity to form partnerships and alliances.

The conference includes more than forty educational seminars and presentations that are designed to help developers sell more software. Presentations by industry experts include topics such as profiting from Google Adwords, marketing more effectively, providing income-producing customer support, working with translation and localization services, sending press releases, developing Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, avoiding legal pitfalls, reducing chargebacks, and creating affiliate networks. Don't miss Exhibit night that usnites MicroISVs and the biggest Service Providers in the industry.

The conference allows plenty of time to network with other MircoISVs and software industry service providers. The conveniently-located daily breakfasts in the Hyatt Regency DFW Hotel make it easy for conference attendees to meet and socialize with fellow industry members.

Conference Info

Conference Schedule

Conference Hotel

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SIC looks like a good conference to attend to... and it is also very affordable and close to where I am located. I will more likely attend this event, thanks for the heads up. – Ricardo Jun 23 '10 at 0:46

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