“Every year Pipeline blows it out of the water with this event. Pipeline IOTY is the only place you’ll find this group in one place at one time. IOTY is amazing for entrepreneurs, and frankly for anyone who loves this type of high energy.”
-Jason Tatge, Farms Technology, 2009 Innovator of the Year
To view our highlights video, click the play button above or visit our full photo gallery.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2012 IOTY SPONSORS
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for IOTY 2013, please contact the office.
HIGH PERFORMANCE TAKES CENTER STAGE
Pipeline members are High Performers of the best kind…the entrepreneurial kind! Join Pipeline as we celebrate high growth on a brand new stage, literally (the Midland) and figuratively (our new Region). Yeah.
Be a part of a sure-to-sell-out crowd of game changers and headliners at Pipeline Innovator of the Year on January 24th. All day hear the pitches and meet our national judges (if you dig things like that) – and at night celebrate with EVERYONE who is working to make the Midwest the leader in high stakes, high pay off entrepreneurial ventures.
Quixotic is going to once again mesmerize entrepreneurs with flashing lights and way-cool moves …the best way to capture our short attention spans. Mix and mingle with national and regional hot shots, investors and dealmakers.
Move fast. We do. And you do NOT want to be left outside the stage doors on this night.
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR NATIONAL JUDGES
CEO of Startup America, Scott Case, joins San Diego life sciences leader Magda Marquet and Kauffman Foundation’s Thom Ruhe for Pipeline event featuring Regional and national entrepreneurial leaders. For more information on the National Judges, click here.
ABOUT PIPELINE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
Pipeline Innovator of the Year is the Midwest’s biggest gathering of high growth entrepreneurs, and the entire network that supports their growth. This annual event – typically sold out- is known for bringing together successful entrepreneurs, investors, advisers, and thought leaders from near and far. This year will bring together new partners, new awards – and an equally exciting new venue to round out the excitement of Pipeline’s new era!
For those who love hearing pitches and all jazz, the daytime events will inspire you. All day hear company pitches from our current Fellows, meet our national judges and see high performance in high gear.
At night, things really heat up and the networking is amazing. We will fill the Midland Theater with our “high performance” entrepreneurs, entertainment, inspiring awards and enough energy to fuel you for another year of entrepreneurial growth.
WE ARE IN! TELL ME HOW TO BUY A TABLE
Most attendees purchase entire tables, as this is the perfect event for entire teams, companies, organizations and families who support entrepreneurs. PIPELINE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR IS SOLD OUT FOR 2012. CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAIT LIST. Table purchases get priority seating over individual seats. Sponsorship opportunities are now available – and custom sponsorships can be created. Please email info@pipelineentrepreneurs.com to learn more.
Act fast! You do not want to be left outside the stage door on this big night.
Entrepreneurs Love Sponsors- Be one!
Pipeline IOTY presents a powerful opportunity to connect with high performing entrepreneurs in the Region. Sure to be sold out, this event is high profile for those who want to be associated with and support the most powerful entrepreneurs in the Midwest. If you are all about that work – we are your place to be.
Here are just a few reasons to partner with Pipeline through sponsorship of Innovator of the Year:
- Sponsorship with Pipeline is an amazing way to get your company exposed to a sold out high performing crowd and generate some good buzz long after IOTY 2012
- Get your brand in front of a renowned network of national and Regional hot shots, investors and deal makers
- Receive exclusive perks ranging from swag to VIP access and backstage passes
- Sponsorship will help empower the Midwest’s best and brightest high growth entrepreneurs who are building the Midwest economy
Your sponsorship for Innovator of the Year is actually a sponsorship of all we do for our Region’s hardest working and most promising entrepreneurs.
To join these high performing sponsors, view the Sponsorship Pack or contact our office.
Regional Chairs
Christine and Sandy Kemper | Kansas City, Mo.
Sandy Kemper is Founder and CEO of PollenwareC2FO, as well as chairman of The Collectors Fund – a private equity fund focused on alternative asset classes. Christine Kemper is founder of Kemper & Company, co-founder of The Collectors Fund and serves as a leader in many area non-profits.
“There is palpable energy around Pipeline – and for good reason,” said Christine Kemper. “The organization itself – and Pipeline’s many entrepreneurs – are making headlines as high performers in the business world. We are proud Pipeline is in our backyard and can’t wait to share it with everyone who is working to make our Region an entrepreneurial powerhouse.”
James and Karen Linder | Omaha, Neb.
Jim and Karen Linder actively mentor and support the entrepreneurial environment in Nebraska and are co-owners of Tethon Corporation. They are both members of the Nebraska Angels and sponsor Big Omaha, an annual innovation and entrepreneurship conference. They serve together on the board of KANEKO, and separately on other nonprofit- and for-profit boards.
“Karen and I are proud to be part of the first Regional Pipeline Innovator of the Year,” James Linder said. “Nebraska’s entire entrepreneurial community has embraced Pipeline’s vision of building a Midwest full of high performers. When you look at the roster of members there is no doubt Pipeline is having a tremendous impact already in our region.”
Brian and Tron Williamson | Wichita, Kan.
Brian Williamson is president and CEO of JCB Laboratories in Wichita, and is a Pipeline member (2011 Class). His wife Tron Williamson serves as an educational leader in Wichita, including membership on the Site Council Board.
“One of the many reasons entrepreneurs love Pipeline is that it really gets the value of elevating and telling the story of the entrepreneurial success – and what it takes to get there,” said Brian Williamson. “I know I speak for all Pipeline entrepreneurs when I say IOTY is hands-down the best place for entrepreneurs to network and soak up amazing energy for the rest of the new year.”
Agenda
Daytime: Pipeline Member Pitches at Muehlebach Hotel- Imperial Ballroom
Afternoon: Conversations with National Judges at Muehlebach Hotel- Imperial Ballroom
6:00 pm: Networking Reception at Midland Theater
7:30 pm: Innovator of the Year Dinner
IOTY Awards
The Innovator of the Year award is only one of many awards given by Pipeline during this fast-paced night. It is the one award that only current Pipeline Fellows compete for and is based on three components – performance during the Pipeline year, scores from their retooled business plans post Pipeline impact and presentations given during the Innovator of the Year daytime competition event in January.
Past Recipients:
2007- Olga Koper, NanoScale Corporation
2008- Bruce Ianni, Innovadex
2009- Jason Tatge, Farms Technology
2010- Jeremy Jones, Nitride Solutions
2011- Kyle Johnson, AudioAnywhere
2012- Ben Vu, SkyVu Entertainment
Additional Pipeline Entrepreneurial Recognition
During Innovator of the Year — or leading up to it — Pipeline takes the opportunity to recognize the many contributions to entrepreneurship, innovative growth — and our network.
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP
In order for Pipeline entrepreneurs to succeed — and for Pipeline to thrive as a tool for that success — we need the involvement of leaders who contribute in a very meaningful way. Such contributions may be through consistent mentoring, strategic investment, or working to expand the impact of our program for the greater entrepreneurial region.
PIPELINE MEMBER GROWTH AWARD
Pipeline Members continue to work with the Pipeline organization, and each other, as they grow and scale their businesses. This award recognizes a Pipeline Member for a particularly strong demonstration of growth, be it revenue, capital raised, creation of high-salaried jobs, new ventures or innovation.
PIPELINE MEMBER “INSPIRATION” AWARD
Pipeline is about the many entrepreneurs within it— both working hard to individually to succeed in building a high impact company, while simultaneously aspiring to help each other and Pipeline as we strive to be more successful and supportive as a group. This award recognizes outstanding contributions by a Pipeline Member to the organization and the many peers within it.
