Startup Maine 2018 kicks off June 21!

Startup Maine 2018 kicks off June 21!

Mark your calendars. The Startup Maine conference comes to life June 21 – June 23.

Startup Maine delivers 3 days of killer content that is tailor-made to serve Maine’s entrepreneurs. The event will feature speakers from across the country leading 30 workshops and case studies on topics ranging from fundraising to implementing a sexual harassment policy at your company. Keynotes will come from Nate Fick – CEO of cybersecurity firm Endgame and author of the award-winning book “One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer” – and Dr. Patti Fletcher – a nationally renowned speaker and author of “Disruptors: Success Strategies from Women Who Break the Mold.” And all for 48 bucks, a screamin’ deal.

This event was born from the ashes of the annual Maine Startup and Create Week conference. When MSCW shuttered its doors in January 2018, a group of individuals that I was lucky enough to be a part of came together with the goal of maintaining an annual summer conference that showcases and provides tangible support for Maine businesses and entrepreneurs. And we moved quickly! A non-profit was formed – Startup Maine, Inc. – a board was established, roles were defined, and we sent A LOT of emails. Almost immediately the community responded with their support. Sponsors stepped up, community leaders offered resources, and nearly 100 people reached out asking if they could speak at the event. We were blown away and knew we had to deliver.

So why attend? Yes, Startup Maine is a conference – but one where the speaker list is gender balanced, one where hands-on workshops dominate, one where keynotes will challenge you to change your perceptions, one where evening and affiliate events throughout Portland will keep you entertained and educated (and, ahem, some offer free beer).

There are fantastically motivated individuals working countless hours behind the scenes to bring this conference back in a better-than-ever format. It’s been a true pleasure to work with them and feel so much support from our community.

I invite you to join me.

Andrew Kraus
andrew@opticliff.com

Andrew strives to provide clients with the tools they need to succeed in the creative economy. His trademark practice engages business owners and their marketing teams to ensure the value of their creations are protected. His business practice advises clients on how to protect themselves while creating a sustainable and compliant business endeavor. Andrew sits on the board of the Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association, and his involvement in the startup community has him serving as an organizer for 2 Degrees Portland and Startup Maine.