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:



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:



Important milestones through GS1 Connect 2023:

April 28 (Friday)
  • • Draft presentation due for internal review.
  • • Presentations must be submitted in 16:9 ratio. There is no template requirement.
  • • If you plan to include 3rd party logos (including GS1 US) within your presentation, you must provide an email stating that you have received permission to use the logo.
  • • You will have an opportunity to make edits to your presentation before the final presentation deadline of May 31 (Wednesday).
  • • Use link above to upload your presentation.

May 2 - May 4 (Tuesday - Thursday)
  • • 1:1 pitch coaching (45 minutes)
  • • Prior to your session, please watch the short on-demand webinar below and have your presentation and pitch ready to deliver to the coaches.

May 12 (Friday) at 5:00 PM MT
  • • Deadline for making hotel guest room reservations. See Housing below.
  • • Deadline for final presentation upload (use link above)

June 5 (Monday)
  • • Please plan to arrive in Denver, CO in time for the following:
  • • 7:00AM – 3:00PM MT: Startup Lab Kiosk Setup (must be complete by 3:00PM MT)
  • • 9:00AM – 2:30PM MT: Pitch Competition Rehearsal (reserve slot by link above)
  • • 3:00PM – 5:00PM MT: Technical Rehearsal (reserve slot by link above)
  • • 6:00PM – 8:00PM MT: Welcome Reception

June 6-8, 2023 (Tuesday-Thursday)
  • • GS1 Connect 2023 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, CO

June 6 (Tuesday)
  • • 10:30AM – 11:45AM MT: Pitch Competition
  • • 4:45PM – 5:30PM MT: Pitch Competition winners announced during keynote session



Pitch Coaching

On-Demand Webinar: Watch this on-demand webinar for tips, tricks, and best practices for giving your pitch, presented by Mara Lewis, Innovation Specialist, Entrepreneur, and Startup Co-Founder from ID8.

1:1 Pitch Coaching Sessions (Required): May 2, 3 & 4. During these 45-minute coaching sessions, you will have the opportunity to practice your 5-minute pitch with leading innovation experts who can help bring you, and your presentation, the final mile.

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.

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.

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.

Share on Social

Promote Your Participation in the Startup Lab: Download the Social Media Toolkit for Startup Lab Participants (includes post ideas, ready-to-share content for LinkedIn, Twitter, and more)

Social Media Toolkit

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