BIA/Kelsey Issues Call for New Class of Future Stars to Showcase at LEADING IN LOCAL Conference

June 16, 2014
Press Releases

Future Stars program celebrates innovation in SMB digital marketing solutions; qualified startups will be showcased at LEADING IN LOCAL: SMB Digital Marketing, Sept. 22-24, in New Orleans

CHANTILLY, Va. (June 16, 2014) – BIA/Kelsey today announced a call for startups for its LEADING IN LOCAL Future Stars program, being conducted in conjunction with the upcoming LEADING IN LOCAL: SMB Digital Marketing conference, Sept. 22-24, in New Orleans.

Now in its third year, Future Stars was created to provide early stage companies in the local media and SMB digital marketing space with access to leaders from across the local digital marketplace at BIA/Kelsey conferences.

Startups that meet the Future Stars entry requirements receive discounted passes to attend the LEADING IN LOCAL: SMB Digital Marketing conference, as well as a free demo/exhibit table in Future Stars Alley, located in the conference exhibit hall.

“Future Stars has become integral to the BIA/Kelsey community, exemplifying the early stage innovation across the local media and SMB digital marketing space,” said Michael Boland, BIA/Kelsey chief analyst and vice president of content. “We’re excited to see what the new class of Future Stars will bring to New Orleans.”

All qualified entries will be evaluated by a panel of expert judges, who will select the top three Future Stars to join them on stage for a special interview session on Day 2 of the LEADING IN LOCAL conference. Eligibility requirements and the online application are available at https://www.bia.com/LeadinginLocalSMBDigital/future-stars.asp. Deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, by 11:59 p.m. EDT. Stage participants will be notified by Aug. 29, 2014.

About LEADING IN LOCAL: SMB Digital Marketing

LEADING IN LOCAL: SMB Digital Marketing is focused on the digital innovations that are transforming how SMBs attract, retain and upsell their customers. The conference will offer a first-hand look at the latest innovations and influential players in SMB-driven search, video, social media, mobile, promotions, CRM and reputation management. For more information about the conference, including the complete agenda, list of speakers and companies attending, visit https://www.bia.com/LeadingInLocalSMBDigital.

Event sponsors include Acxiom, Amdocs, BuzzBoard, First Data, Ifbyphone, Infogroup, Sightly, Simpli.fi, Telmetrics, UBL and Yext. Association and media partners include the Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN), Association of Directory Publishers (ADP), Big Marketing for Small Business, International Classified Media Association (ICMA), Local Media Association (LMA), Local Search Association (LSA), Location Based Marketing Association (LBMA), Topseos, and Visibility Magazine.

About BIA/Kelsey

BIA/Kelsey advises companies in the local media space through consulting and valuation services, research and forecasts, Custom Advisory Services and conferences. Since 1983 BIA/Kelsey has been a resource to the media, mobile advertising, telecommunications, Yellow Pages and electronic directory markets, as well as to government agencies, law firms and investment companies looking to understand trends and revenue drivers. BIA/Kelsey’s annual conferences draw executives from across industries seeking expert guidance on how companies are finding innovative ways to grow. Additional information is available at https://www.bia.com, on the company’s Local Media Watch blog, Twitter (http://twitter.com/BIAKelsey) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/biakelsey). Stay connected by subscribing to the firm’s bi-monthly newsletter.