Next week – $1 Billion at Stake for Colorado Businesses at B2B Speed Networking Event

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 3/5/2012

Media Relations: 303.592.4069  clurie@coloradotechnology.org

C-Level @ A Mile High Connects Solution Providers with Tech Executives to create a one of a kind Marketplace for Technology Projects

Next week – $1 Billion at Stake for Colorado Businesses at B2B Speed Networking Event

DENVER – In sales, timing is everything and connections are key and this is especially difficult for new and small companies. So how does a business get out in front of a company that won’t take cold calls, especially during a difficult economy? They attend the C-Level @ A Mile High event put on by Colorado Technology Association or CTA.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 99% + of all employer firms in the U.S. and hire 43% of all high tech workers, but often have a hard time getting access to large customers and capital to launch their businesses. C-Level @ A Mile High event creates a marketplace in which executive-level decision makers (or C-Levels) are in reach for these saavy companies making this event the single biggest technology deal-making event in Colorado.

Nearly 70 companies have committed their CIOs to the event, which include AT&T, CH2MHill, New Belgium, Gates, Latisys, Google, Janus Capital Group, Newmont Mining, ViaWest, DaVita, MapQuest, Vail Resorts and many more.

"C-Level at A Mile High helps Colorado companies build connections across the technology sector that would otherwise be difficult to create in such a short timeframe,” said Steve Foster, President and CEO of the Colorado Technology Association. "What makes the Tech Industry so unique in Colorado is that we still believe that business starts with a handshake and C-Level @ A Mile High represents that ethic.”

• C-Level @ A Mile High features $1 billion in business opportunities to its attendees.
• More than 900 business professionals and technology leaders are expected to attend the four hour speed networking event, in which participants can bid on a C-Level (dubbed at the event as C-Level celebrities) for dedicated time with them at a future date.
• Many small companies that have complementary services partner at this event to bid on C-Level’s they believe they have a solution for, giving them equal advantage to larger companies.
• The C-Level celebrities often include a dinner, golf or ski outing to the highest bidder making this event a one of a kind networking event that can build future business opportunities for all who attend.

Colorado Technology Association (CTA) created the C-Level @ A Mile High event in response to feedback from CIO’s that they wanted to do more business with Colorado-based technology solutions providers, but didn’t like or have the time to take cold calls.

Tom Melaragno, President of Compri Consulting, an IT Consulting firm located in Denver, was just one of hundreds of companies that was able to find a perfect match.

"At a past C-Level event, we were able to generate $1.5 Million in sales by bidding on a celebrity that resulted in a trusted long term partnership,” said Melaragno. "It takes time to develop relationships and trust with companies you want to do business with and C-Level is a great way to get your foot in the door.

And Colorado Technology Association’s (CTA) efforts aren’t being overlooked by the Denver Mayors office.

"We are thrilled at this kind of economic development support from Colorado Technology Association. It not only helps companies already here, but helps attract new businesses and growth to the state because of the existing local support," said Paul Washington, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development for the City and County of Denver.

Wilson Davis, Vice President of Corporate IT at Western Union, is a returning celebrity.

"C-Level gave me broader perspectives on what local, innovative companies in technology are doing and how they can support my company’s objectives. I rarely take cold calls, but I was able start solid professional relationships through this event—and to those people I will pick-up the phone and do business.”

The event draws C-Level tech celebrities with either a project they are looking for help with or just wanting to meet qualified vendors for future projects. Projects cover many areas, some include:  Cloud Computing, Mobile App/Web Development, Security, Virtualization, CRM/ERP/SAP and Staffing.

C-Level @ A Mile High is the largest fundraising activity for the Association and C-Level Celebrities volunteer their time in support of CTA.

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C-Level at A Mile High http://www.coloradotechnology.org/page/CLevel

When: Mar 15, 2012

Time: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High

1701 Bryant Street, Denver,CO 80204

Note to the media:  Please contact Cathy Lurie at 303-592-4069 for free passes for the media

C-Level @ A Mile High will have great photography and videography opportunities for the media. There is a dedicated media room for reporters to conduct intimate interviews and the venue takes place at the Club Level at the Sports Authority Field at Mile High, (Broncos Stadium).

The main event surrounds the large Broncos insignia fireplace. There are no booths. The celebrity locations are next to large lighted pillars, food buffets and a bar for networking. 

Please contact:  clurie@coloradotechnology.org  which individuals you would like to interview and I will schedule this for the day of the event.