Startup Support Nonprofit

BETA Group & Twin Cities Startup Week - Event Design, Strategy and Implementation

The BETA Group is a non-profit organization committed to supporting startups and entrepreneurs, helping them elevate their businesses to the next level. One of its signature initiatives is Twin Cities Startup Week (TCSW), an annual, weeklong festival designed to connect innovators, corporate leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs. TCSW brings together thought leaders from Minnesota and beyond to explore business challenges, celebrate the local startup ecosystem, and inspire attendees to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. The event features a wide array of sessions and activities that cover all facets of business, from marketing and fundraising to leadership and scaling.

Challenges

In 2022, Mirror Ink was contracted by the BETA Group to manage and produce all the main stage programming and event design strategy for Twin Cities Startup Week. Our role was to develop a comprehensive program, secure top-tier speakers, design the event layout, manage scheduling, and assist with budgeting. Additionally, we supported the community engagement efforts, helped attract sponsors, and collaborated with the BETA Group on other key initiatives.

Solutions

Mirror Ink’s approach to producing TCSW was multifaceted and strategically designed to enhance the overall attendee experience:

Main Stage Programming: We worked closely with the BETA Group to curate a series of sessions that addressed the needs and interests of entrepreneurs at various stages of their business development. The programming aimed to cover a diverse range of topics, including fundraising, marketing strategies, leadership, and scaling a business. We focused on creating a dynamic, engaging schedule that would offer real value and actionable insights for attendees.
Speaker Sourcing: Mirror Ink utilized its extensive network of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and corporate executives to source speakers who were experts in their fields. We brought in a range of voices from both Minnesota and beyond, ensuring the program offered fresh perspectives and experiences for all attendees. Each speaker was carefully selected to align with the overall goals of the festival and the diverse interests of the audience.
Event Design & Layout: In collaboration with the BETA Group, we designed the event space to foster engagement and create an inspiring atmosphere. We took into consideration factors like audience size, speaker visibility, and the overall flow of the event, ensuring that attendees could easily navigate between sessions while also feeling immersed in the startup ecosystem. Our team provided input on the layout, ensuring the main stage was both visually striking and conducive to a smooth event experience.
Scheduling & Budgeting: Mirror Ink played a critical role in developing the festival’s schedule, making sure that each session was strategically timed for maximum impact. We worked diligently to ensure that the event ran smoothly, from avoiding session overlaps to accommodating different audience needs. Additionally, we supported the BETA Group with budgeting, ensuring that the festival was produced efficiently and within the allocated budget.
Community Engagement & Sponsorship: Mirror Ink also supported the BETA Group’s community engagement initiatives by helping to attract sponsors and partners to the event. Our team worked to identify potential sponsors whose values aligned with the goals of the festival, resulting in increased financial support and more resources for the event. We also helped foster connections between local entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, which added significant value to the festival experience.‍
Additional Support: Beyond the main stage programming, Mirror Ink supported the BETA Group in various other initiatives, helping with event logistics, outreach, and ensuring the overall success of TCSW. This collaborative approach allowed us to contribute meaningfully to the festival’s growth and success.

Results

The partnership between Mirror Ink and the BETA Group resulted in two consecutive years of highly successful festivals, with each year seeing significant growth in attendance and engagement:

Attendance: Over 10,000 attendees participated in TCSW, including people from more than 25 states and 10 different countries. This global representation demonstrated the festival’s increasing appeal and impact.
Increased Sponsorship & Support: Thanks to Mirror Ink’s efforts in community engagement and sponsorship outreach, the event secured more sponsors and partnerships, ensuring that the festival could expand and offer even more value to attendees.
Engagement & Impact: The main stage programming played a key role in driving engagement, with sessions that resonated deeply with entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and investors alike. The content was well-received, and the festival helped foster valuable connections, inspiring attendees to take the next step in their business ventures.
Festival Growth: Both years saw significant growth in terms of the variety of sessions offered, the international participation, and the quality of content provided. Mirror Ink’s comprehensive approach to event strategy, design, and programming contributed to the festival’s ongoing success.

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Conclusion

Mirror Ink’s collaboration with the BETA Group to produce the main stage programming and event design for Twin Cities Startup Week was a resounding success. Our strategic approach to event programming, speaker curation, event design, and community engagement helped drive the festival’s growth and increased its impact year over year. By supporting the BETA Group’s mission to connect innovators and entrepreneurs, we played a vital role in elevating TCSW as a key event in the startup ecosystem.

Our work contributed not only to the event’s logistical and aesthetic success but also helped foster an environment where collaboration, innovation, and inspiration could flourish. As TCSW continues to grow, Mirror Ink remains proud to have been part of this transformative event that celebrates entrepreneurship and innovation in Minnesota and beyond.

BETA Group & Twin Cities Startup Week - Event Design, Strategy and Implementation

Challenges

Solutions

Results

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