Last night the team from Altitude attended and sponsored Ben Franklin’s annual i xchange event. Although the Altitude crew attends this event annually, it was my first time and let me tell you, I had high expectations after all the buzz about the shrimp display.
The award-winning Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) is one of the nation’s longest-running technology-based economic development programs, and has been an Altitude client since our inception in 2004. BFTP provides both early-stage and established companies with funding, business and technical expertise and access to a network of innovative, expert resources. Each year they host i xchange, which recognizes 5 companies whose products and services they feel deserve an Innovation Award. This year Altitude Marketing was a proud Bronze Level sponsor.
The event started off with an hour of networking, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The venue, Lehigh’s Zoellner Art’s Center, was the perfect spot to mingle with others and was interspersed with delicious food choices. The Kevin O’Connell Quartet began to play as we all found our seats and was followed by the Innovation Awards Ceremony.
The best part of the night, yes even more than the food, was the Keynote Presentation by Jack Uldrich, a renowned global futurist, independent scholar, sought-after business speaker, and best-selling author. His speech included many fun and thought-provoking examples of how to anticipate and leverage changing technologies. An example he used to “test our awareness” was a video of people passing a ball. I can’t say any more but you should try this yourself. Click here and you can test your own awareness level!
The night ended in an assortment of savory desserts. I have to say, my overall first experience at i xchange definitely lived up to my expectations– and so did my plate of shrimp!
