Entrepreneur and marketing/media executive Mike Troiano will host a conversation with a panel of media reporters/columnists/editors including Scott Kirsner of the Boston Globe, Wade Roush from Xconomy, Peter Kafka from AllThingsD, and Bob Brown of Network World.  Despite the fact that media coverage is as an essential component of any web start-up’s marketing mix, full-blown PR support may not be in the cards.  This on-stage discussion will provide the inside scoop on engaging with the media – everything from how entrepreneurs can generate awareness of their company through the media to what do you need to know before you connect with the press.  In addition, panelists will cover questions like “What’s the best way to engage with reporters?”  “What do reporters care / write about?”  “What could entrepreneurs learn from PR people?” and “What really ticks reporters off (pet peeve)?”

WebInno23 will begin with the doors officially opening at 6:30pm in the Cambridge Royal Sonesta Hotel.  At 7pm in the Grand Ballroom we’ll hold our traditional format of self-/angel-funded startups demo’ing to the audience in Main Dish showcases, and select an “Audience Choice” winner of the crowd’s favorite.  After a brief intermission, at 8pm we’ll begin the above strictly-optional special entrepreneur’s PR breakout session.  During the entire evening’s event, Side Dish startup companies will provide informal demonstrations to the networking crowd from the Skyline Suites room.

If your early-stage startup is interested in demo’ing that evening, just reach out to me at david at webinnovatorsgroup dot com.  Please include the name of your company/site/product, a brief overview and description, and a link to a live site or password-protected beta demo site.  I’ll likely begin to make decisions sometime next week.

Remember, everyone who is interested in web and mobile innovation is welcome and encouraged to attend the free event. Please RSVP (and find additional details) on the event page (http://webinno23.eventbrite.com/) if you plan to join us so we are able to print name tags and gauge attendance (especially for this new breakout session).