Are you part of an innovative and groundbreaking tech company? Are you, personally, innovative and groundbreaking? If so, throw your hat into the ring and see if you’ve got what it takes to be one of Northern Virginia Technology Council’s (NVTC) Hot Tickets.
The Hot Ticket Awards celebrate the efforts of entrepreneurial companies in the NoVa tech community who have exhibited a great vision, the ability to implement and deliver, an innovative management approach or star-quality charisma.
This isn’t a long and drawn out formal awards event. It’s an energy-packed casual party that takes place poolside at the home of NVTC President and CEO Bobbie Kilberg on June 22. Governor Terry MCAuliffe will also be participating and will be on hand to congratulate the winners. Anyone can buy tickets to attend regardless as to whether you’re a member of NVTC or not. In past years, attendees have been encouraged to wear their best tropical attire — there may be prizes!
The event is perfect for networking. There is no sit-down dinner and guests are encouraged to mix and mingle.
The following award categories for this event are just plain awesome. It’s great to know that that the tech industry can take a step back and not take themselves too seriously, while at the same time giving recognition to hard work and leadership. If you know of a company or individual that would be a shoe-in, nominate them by May 8th.
HOT TICKET AWARD CATEGORIES
Hottest Bootstrap
Which company demonstrated its ability to achieve the “most” with the “least”? We’re looking for entrepreneurs who operate from the mindset that all resources are scarce and that “cash is king.” The company must have been in business for three (3) years or less. If you’ve done more with less and achieved great results from January 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015, nominate your company and show the region! This category includes any company that has not received first-stage institutional funding.Hottest Company Culture
Does your company give back to the community or have happy hours on Fridays? We want to know why your company has the best culture and keeps the top talent. Time period to be judged is Jan. 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015.Hottest Exit
Mergers, acquisitions, strategic combinations and IPOs – one of the hottest financial strategies during Jan. 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015 was growth or exit through M&A or IPO. If your technology company was acquired by another company last year or went public, we’re looking for you!
Hottest Friend of the Entrepreneur
Presented to an individual that has raised the bar for mentoring/advising or otherwise helped improve the quality of the entrepreneur community through any of the following (must have occurred in the Greater Washington region during the time period of January 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015):
- Participates actively on startup boards or committees
- Efforts have led to the success of a startup or entrepreneur
- Serves NOVA, Washington, Md. companies
- Personal time commitment
- Personal effort leading an effort
- Obvious heavy lifting
Hottest Startup
Who has been in business three (3) years or less and is achieving results with the support of institutional investors? If that describes your company, this is the right category for you! The Hottest Startup company will have the best story and results during the time period of January 1, 2014, to April 30, 2015.Hottest Venture Capital Deal
These VC-backed companies offer the most all-around potential for return on investment – a strong management team, great buzz and a winning product or service to boot! To qualify, nominees must have received funding within January 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015. The deals must have closed by April 30, 2015, to qualify.
Previous winners include Cyber Squared Inc., iCore and Kit Check. You can find out more about last year’s winners and the finalists in each category here.
This is a fabulous opportunity for non-traditional companies and individuals to get the recognition they deserve from their industry peers.
NVTC is seeking nominations from the entire community. Anyone wishing to submit a nomination in one of the six award categories can do so. The independent panel of judges reviews all the nominations to select finalists and winners in each category. Both finalists and winners are announced during the party on June 22nd.
Buy your tickets to the Hot Ticket Awards here.
Photos courtesy of NVTC.
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