More about the
Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forum
- Introduction
- Our Sponsors
- Registration & Parking
- Pitch Your Company
- Forum on Video
- Archives - session information for previous years
Introduction
For over 20 years the Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forum has provided a gathering place for students and the Bay Area community to meet and learn from seasoned entrepreneurs. The Forum aims to foster the growth and success of entrepreneurial ventures through the exchange of information and the development of productive relationships among entrepreneurs and those who finance and advise them.
All programs begin with a networking hour from 6:30 to 7:30 PM with complimentary drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres. A presentation by a variety of speakers of interest to the Bay Area entrepreneurial community follows at 7:30 PM. Registration is required. If you are unfamiliar with the UC Berkeley campus, check out the campus map to locate the Haas School on the east (uphill) side of campus. The time and location for some sessions of the Forum may vary. Check the event website for the most up to date information.
Our Sponsors
The Lester Center appreciates the generous support of
the Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forum Sponsors:
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Registration and Parking
Pre-Registration Options:
1. Become a Forum member
(not available after September 30, 2012)
Enjoy one low price for the season, guest pass, and other benefits. Click here for details.
2. Pre-Register Online
Pre-registration must be received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before the date of the Forum. Tickets are non-transferable. Refunds for community/alumni tickets are only available until the pre-registration ends.
Registration links can be found on each Forum page, listed in the Forum index page.
The community/alumni pre-registration fee is $25 per person.
UCB/UCSF staff, students, and faculty: admission is complimentary, but pre-registering will grant you one FREE DRINK at the bar.
3. Pre-Register by Phone
Pre-registration must be received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before the date of the Forum.
Please call 510-642-4255 during regular business hours.
Confirmation of registration and parking (see below) are sent by e-mail whenever possible. Please include your e-mail address when mailing or faxing your registration. If you do not have an e-mail address where you can receive this information, please include a fax number.
On-site Registration
On-site registration for community/alumni is $30. Please fill out the Registration Form and bring it with you to the Forum.
We accept cash, Visa, Master Card or checks payable to “UC Regents.”
ADMISSION PRICE |
Pre-Registration |
On-Site Registration |
|
|---|---|---|
| COMMUNITY/ALUMNI | $25 |
$30 |
| PARKING | $15 |
N/A |
| UCB/UCSF STUDENT, STAFF, FACULY | Complimentary with ID |
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Individual and Corporate Annual Memberships
Individual and Corporate annual memberships to the Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forum are available until September 30, 2012.*
August 2012 - May 2013 Individual Annual Membership:
$100
August 2012 - May 2013 Individual Annual Membership with Parking:
$140
August 2012 - May 2013 Corporate Membership:
$200 (two people)
August 2012 - May 2013 Corporate Membership with Parking:
$280 (two people)
Annual Membership benefits include:
- Guaranteed admittance to a full season of Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forums (4 sessions per calendar year)
- One guest pass to be used at each session for no additional cost
- Guaranteed parking spot for each Forum (Individual Annual Membership with Parking option as noted above)
Corporate memberships entitle member firms to receive the Annual Membership benefits above for two guests.
*Pro-rated membership rates available after September 30, 2012.
Please inquire at 510-642-4255.
Online registration for individual annual membership is available by clicking here.
Parking at the Haas School
Limited public parking is available in the Boalt lot and other selected lots on campus after 5PM. Campus parking machines accept $1 and $5 bills in addition to quarters. Parking in private lots at varying costs is available in the commercial district south of campus. Please click on this link for a detailed campus parking map and information.
Reserved Parking for Forum Attendees
When pre-registering, you may request parking starting at 6PM. Note on your registration form that you wish to reserve parking and include an additional $15 with your registration fee. NOTE: You will be notified if your parking is confirmed. In the event that we are not able to provide parking for you and you have reserved it, you will be notified in advance of the Forum, and you will be reimbursed on-site at the event. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. NOTE: The Forum CANNOT arrange for reserved parking after the close of pre-registration, and does not secure parking for those who do not pre-pay. The attendant on duty will not sell parking for the evening.
Make Your Pitch!
Have a great idea that needs funding
. . . a new company that needs that special person
Be a “number” at the Berkeley Entrepreneurs Forum!
“The Numbers” are those four or five people who make their “elevator pitch”, named after a window of opportunity one might get when taking an elevator with a potential prospect (especially in Silicon Valley).
“The Numbers” occur at the beginning of each program. Each speaker has 60 seconds to present their company and their need. Are you looking for help in building your company: funding, personnel, team members to enter the business plan competition, or maybe a student intern? Consider asking to be a number. Pitch to 200 people instead of 10-15 (maximum density of most elevators).
Here’s an easy 5-point plan to construct your “pitch":
- Have a SMALL placard or sign with your company name that you can hold chest level as you speak.
- State what problem you plan to solve in one sentence
- State what your solution is to that problem – one sentence again.
- State your ”ask” in precise terms.
- Provide contact information so that interested parties can reach you.
Some helpful hints:
- Write out your pitch ahead of time. Practice it.
- Remember – you’re selling your company – not your product. Concentrate on the business opportunity.
- Grabbing attention is a technique that is rarely used but highly effective in getting the audience to remember you. An example: A man screams and yells at his partner, later the audience learns that he’s pitching for a medicine that aim to cure mental illness.
- Speak clearly and forcibly with confidence. Many presenters speak with a soft voice, some even mumble their words. Speak with PASSION!
- As mentioned above, state the problems and benefits concisely. A brief statement about your company is needed, but focus on where the need for your company is, and clearly and concisely state how your services fulfill these needs.
- Distinguish yourself. State in clear terms how you are different from your competition, why someone would want to invest in you.
- Use a memory hook. For example: “We sell God.” (Used during a pitch for investment in building temples on an island). “Ask for More—ask Pepsi. Ask for more returns—ask eOneNet.” (Pitched in ’99 during Pepsi’s “Ask for more” campaign).
- Call for action. Offer to meet the prospects, pass them your name cards, executive summary, etc.
- Finish it in one minute sharp. Prepare and practice to make sure that you finish in no more than one minute. Many pitchers can’t finish what they want to say in the allotted time.
- The key to developing a good elevator pitch is to practice, practice, practice. Attend as many Forums as possible to watch others pitch!
If you have questions or feel that you are qualified and ready to be a number for the next forum please contact: Victoria Fowler at 510-642-4255. Please note you are only allowed to pitch your company once per semester, so make sure it’s polished before you get up on stage.
