Last month, more than 5,000 founders and investors representing 200 Startup Grind chapters across 98 countries congregated in downtown Redwood City for the Startup Grind Global Conference. This year’s conference featured 40 keynote presentations and fireside chats, and a Startup Showcase. The Showcase was filled with 50 startups from across the world that are working on the most cutting-edge business ideas in health technology, robotics, clean technology, and software applications.

As a first time attendee, I was a bit overwhelmed by the size and volume of the event. There was a buzz in the air when I stepped out of the Redwood City Caltrain station which grew to a boisterous crescendo in front of the Fox Theater. At 8 a.m., conference attendees werealready exchanging business cards, making introductions, and mentoring each other. Meanwhile, I hadn’t even had my morning coffee.

 

During the conference, Startup Grind Fremont Director Shilpi Sharma hosted a fireside chat with Manish Chandra of Poshmark at a breakout session. Hot topics at the conference included fintech, social media, building a community of early adopters, and venture capital financing.

For those who are anxiously awaiting next year’s Global Conference, here’s a simple solution! Participate in the next Startup Grind Fremont event on March 30, 2017 at EFI (6700 Dumbarton Circle, Fremont). Mike Farley, founder & CEO of TILE, will be speaking about building an IOT company from the ground up. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Get your tickets online here.