2023 Startup Lab Finalist Resources

We are looking forward to welcoming you as a participant in the Startup Lab Pitch Competition at GS1 Connect 2023! This page includes many valuable resources to help make your experience as beneficial and seamless as possible.

Pitch Competition

You will pitch your product/solution to an audience and a panel of judges in person at GS1 Connect 2023 on June 6, 2023 (10:30– 11:45 AM MT). Winners will be announced live, later the same day, on June 6th during the Keynote session (4:45 – 5:30 PM MT). After the Winners’ Announcement, we invite you to keep the collaboration going and attend the GS1 Connect Networking Event from 5:30 – 7:00 PM.

Giving Your Pitch:

• A maximum of two presenters will be permitted per pitch.
• Pitches will be 5 minutes. All Startups will participate in Q&A with the panel of judges once all pitches are complete.
• GS1 US will provide training to help prepare you for a successful and professional pitch.
• You will have the opportunity to rehearse ahead of time to become familiar with the process and to work out any technical A/V kinks.
• View Judging Criteria and Official Rules

Important Dates

We will guide you along the way to make sure that you are aware of all the key dates, but there are a few things that you need to register/sign up for and get scheduled, and we need you to do that by April 28. Please complete the following FIVE tasks:

• 1. Register for GS1 Connect 2023 using the discount code we provided via email.
  • For registration type, select "Full Conference Attendee".
• 2. Sign up for your Pitch Coaching session.This is required and will take place May 2 - May 4.
• 3. Sign up for your Pitch Competition Rehearsal slot. This is required and will take place June 5 between 9:00AM & 2:30PM MT.
  • Please be prepared to do a full run through of your 5-minute pitch. You will have 25 minutes with the GS1 US team to run through your pitch one or more times, seek feedback and ask questions.
• 4. Sign up for your Technical Rehearsal slot. This is required and will take place June 5 between 3PM & 5PM MT.
  • This will be a brief tech check on the pitch competition stage to familiarize yourself with the equipment, stage, and general setup.
• 5. Upload your presentation here (enter your name, email and company).

Important milestones through GS1 Connect 2023:

Conference Details: Startup Lab Information & Hours

Startup Lab Kiosk
• Startups will be provided a co-branded kiosk for 1:1 product demonstrations and conversations with attendees.
• Kiosks will include 2 stools, 36” monitor with HDMI connection (laptop and adaptor provided by Startup Company), 5A electrical circuit and basic Wi-Fi.
• Startup Lab kiosks will be in the Aurora Ballroom giving you visibility while attendees walk the expo floor, during the welcome reception and meals.

• Date

  Time (MT)

  Event

• Monday, June 5

  • 7:00AM – 3:00PM
  • 6:00PM – 8:00PM

  • Startup Lab Kiosk Setup (setup must be complete by 3:00 PM).
  • Welcome Reception – High traffic

• Tuesday, June 6

  7:00AM – 4:30PM
  • 7:00AM – 8:15AM
  • 9:30AM – 10:30AM
  • 12:45PM – 1:30PM

  Startup Lab Kiosks Open (kiosks not to be staffed during pitch competition)
  • Breakfast - Medium Traffic
  • Dedicated Networking Time – High Traffic
  • Lunch – Medium traffic

• Wednesday, June 7

  7:00AM – 1:30PM
  • 7:00AM – 8:15AM
  • 9:00AM – 10:00AM
  • 11:45AM – 12:45PM
  • 2:15PM – 5:00PM

  Startup Lab Kiosks Open
  • Breakfast – Medium Traffic
  • Dedicated Networking Time – High Traffic
  • Lunch
  • Remove personal materials from Kiosk

Housing: Housing should be reserved using the Passkey link in your registration confirmation email. Passkey is the official housing bureau of GS1 Connect. Companies advertising housing blocks other than the GS1 Connect Conference Team and Passkey are not approved by GS1 Connect.

• • Rates begin at $289/per night + tax (currently 15.25%) + resort fee ($20 per night plus tax) + destination marketing fee ($2 per night plus tax)
• • The deadline for making guest room reservations is Friday, May 12, 2022, at 5:00 PM (MT)
• • Please be aware of any solicitations from third parties for both hotel room booking and attendee list sales.

Shipping: If you plan to ship any printed materials to GS1 Connect, please email innovation@gs1us.orgso we can provide you with additional information and appropriate shipping labels. Startups are responsible for the fees associated (shipping and handling).

Learn more about the Conference: Visit the conference website to learn more about this year’s conference and networking opportunities listed on the agenda.