I started the Web Innovators Group as a small gathering of a dozen people which was completely free and open to all in the web and mobile innovation community. Over the past five years, the event has grown to attract nearly a thousand people every quarter, and it’s been fulfilling to help foster the connections and community of people who are truly excited about web and mobile innovation.
My intent and hope is for the Web Innovators Group to not only to continue it indefinitely, but to selectively expand the offerings under the WebInno umbrella (like the Group Dinners and other special events). Thanks to our current sponsors – Microsoft, Silicon Valley Bank, and Gesmer Updegrove – we have a base level of support to ensure that happens. In the coming months, look for additional announcements about how the Web Innovators Group will evolve and progress to further engage and support the innovation scene.
For the large quarterly events which Web Innovators Group is best known, the costs have continued to rise with the level of attendance. From the renting additional space at the hotel, to higher AV costs to project loud enough sound, to even internet access (which is charged on a per connection basis). The event costs much more than you’d think… So to help defray those expenditures, I am turning to the WebInno community, specifically a small segment of the attendee-set for support. Starting for WebInno27 on September 13th, I am asking for a suggested contribution from all service-providers who attend. Individuals from accounting, law, consulting, etc. firms will be asked to pay for admittance. These proceeds will be solely used to directly empower the Web Innovators Group organization to continue to serve the broader constituency.
Attendance for the core WebInno community – entrepreneurs, startup peeps, students/academics, tech execs, self-employed, developers, geeks, and innovators – is and will always be free.
Not sure if you should pay or not? I’d just recommend using common sense. If you think you fit in the free bucket, then you probably do. If you’re unsure, then perhaps not. But if the cost would at all deter you from attending, by all means do not hesitate – just register for free and join the community. The paid option is a recommended donation from those who have the ability to help defray the costs of putting on the event.
With this program, the Web Innovators Group is experimenting with a slightly new model to ensure its longevity. My intent here is to be transparent about the rationale for adding this registration option, as well as work to ensure that all attendees’ voice is heard. Of course, I am open to feedback, thoughts, and reactions. Feel free to comment on this post or email me directly at david at webinnovatorsgroup dot com.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next event on September 13th and beyond.