IMA's Impact14 to Feature Startup Battlefield

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Start Me Up!

Representatives of nearly a dozen new firms in the field of Internet Marketing will be quoting, if a bit out of context, the Rolling Stones during the Startup Battlefield event at IMPACT14, the Internet Marketing Association's annual event held at the Aria Convention Center, September 24 through 26.

A new addition to the annual event will be the Microsoft Ventures Panel to be held on the second day of the conference, Thursday September 25.

Hosted and moderated by Microsoft Ventures' own James Maiocco, the Venture Panel will begin with a discussion on the latest trends in venture capital practices, featuring representatives from Qualcomm Ventures, Atom Factory, Karlin Ventures and others.

The second part of the session will provide an opportunity for a select group of leading-edge startups in the field to pitch their concept to an expert panel of judges. They may even be considered for funding from the firms represented on the panel.

"This is absolutely unique," said IMA Chairman and CEO Sinan Kanatsiz.  "As we've grown our annual event each year we've been looking for new and exciting ways to engage the Internet Marketing industry and we think we have a real winner with this new Startup Battlefield!"

Each of the new startups will have two minutes to pitch the panel, followed by a three minute Q&A session. The action will be fast and "every participant will have to bring their A-Game," Kanatsiz said.

The startups registered to compete vary in their disciplines from brand management to digital analytics to social engagement platforms. "I think this event will be a truly fascinating enterprise," Maiocco said.  "The event will provide a great forum for both the VC firms and startups to showcase their expertise in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that is sure to have great entertainment and learning value for the conference attendees".

About Microsoft Ventures

Microsoft Ventures is a global initiative to help entrepreneurs build great companies. Working with startups at every stage of maturity, the initiative provides the tools, resources, and expertise startups need to succeed. Visit Microsoft Ventures at www.microsoftventures.com to learn more about how Microsoft is helping the next generation of smart companies take flight.

About the Internet Marketing Association

IMA is one of the fastest growing Internet marketing groups in the world, with more than 1,000,000 professional members in fields including sales, marketing, business ownership, programming and creative development. It provides a platform where proven Internet marketing strategies are demonstrated and shared to increase members' value to their organizations. IMA is underwritten by corporate partners to provide an opportunity to learn, engage and define best practices without making a financial commitment. www.imanetwork.org

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SOURCE Internet Marketing Association