Reinventing the Physical Product Showcase in Colorado
When hosted as an in person event, the Physical Product Showcase attracted over 1,000 people to check out the latest products on the market. This year it will take place at the Denver Pavilions as a a hybrid event. There will be up to 40 exhibitors on site to chat with particpants, and the event will be broadcast through video. The Physical Product Showcase is a premiere headline event at Denver Startup Week that will take place on Friday, October 8 from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. MST.
“I’m impressed by the variety of industries that are going to be on display. Making new products and managing startups isn’t easy. That’s why we’re here—to show people their ideas can be brought to life,” said Organizing Chair of the Physical Product Showcase, Jenney Loper.
The makers’ stories are as diverse as the products—including tech, outdoor recreation, food and beverage, fashion, skincare, pets, energy, health, geriatric, agriculture, and baby gadgets. Sponsored by B:Side Fund and the Downtown Denver Partnership, this event is free and open to the public. Watch the video to see the event in 2019.
Fill Out an Application to Exhibit
Come tell your story about how you developed a product in Colorado. Those interested in exhibiting on site at the Denver Pavilions as part of the Physical Product Showcase can fill out an application: https://bit.ly/3iEYtyU
The Physical Product Showcase will follow local and state guidelines for public safety, such as masks and social distancing.
Getting a Start in Colorado
RoxBox Containers is one of these startup companies that developed from an innovative product. In 2019, CEO Anthony Halsch setup an exhibit at the Physical Product Showcase. The showcase proved good for business, and it was his second time as an exhibitor. Halsch originally created RoxBox to repurpose shipping containers.
“It’s been a great platform for us to talk to other startups in Denver Startup Week and showcase the products. It really gives the manufacturing companies a whole new platform to showcase their product. Tech is really sexy and manufacturing isn’t huge in Colorado, so it’s cool that there is a place for manufacturers to showcase their own stuff,” said Halsch.
RoxBox Containers are used as storage units, kitchens, bars with rooftop decks, experiential marketing and special event lounges. There’s something special for Halsch about developing this product locally.
“Colorado is one of the perfect spaces for us because our product really fits into the landscape with it being corrugated material. We have so many alternative ways of constructing things and people are open to that,” said Halsch.
The Physical Product Showcase has great platforms to gain visibility with investors. Exhibitors can use the event to gain leverage as a credible company, whether that’s through bootstrapping it with partners, attracting angel investors, or pitching at organizations such as Rocky Venture Club or TechStars.
Launching a New MedTech Product
Entrepreneurs also depend on events such as the Physical Product Showcase for public outreach and education to connect with customers while developing their products. One of these exhibitors was Gary Montague, who founded HeartHero.
“The Physical Product Showcase will help us by generating awareness with the public. Any time we’re able to talk with people about an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), now they’ll be able to grab this product off the wall and save someone,” said Founder and CEO of HeartHero Gary Montague, who won most innovative medical device from the American College of Emergency Physicians in 2018 and from the American College of Cardiology in 2019.
From shipping containers to medical gadgets, the Physcial Product Showcase is full of surprises. Fill out the application if you’d like to join the event as an exhibitor.
Sponsored by B:Side Fund
B:Side Capital and B:Side Fund are shaking up small business lending in the Rocky Mountain Region. Formerly known as Colorado Lending Source, we remain steadfast in our mission of over 30 years to foster the economic growth of diverse small businesses. B:Side Capital is committed to serving our lending partners directly through SBA 504 and 7(a) financing, while B:Side Fund offers support, resources, and funding to small businesses. As true fans of small business, we truly care about supporting our lending partners, creating access to responsible capital for small businesses, and being a resource for banks and entrepreneurs alike. Since 1990, we’ve funded nearly 4,100 small business loans helping to create over 30,000 jobs injecting $4.98 billion into the economy. More information can be found at www.bsidecapital.org/colorado-lending-source
