About the National Conference — in Nevada for the first time!

While these are challenging times for the global economy, the energy industry is thriving as federal agencies and investors seek out technologies and opportunities with promising futures. In the coming decades, the five pillars of clean energy — solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and biomass technologies — are intended to form the cornerstone of many U.S. economies.

Highlighting renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, the 2009 National SBIR/STTR Conference will bring together federal agencies — U.S. Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, Department of Commerce, Department of Education, Department of Transportation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Agriculture — as well as venture capital and angel investors, large companies, small businesses, lenders, researchers, university and federal laboratory representatives and other experts who provide assistance to or are interested in doing business with early-stage and advanced-stage ventures. 

The conference is designed specifically for:
• Entrepreneurs engaged in innovative research
• Small businesses and other innovative companies looking for start-up support
• Venture capital and angel investors
• IP, securities and corporate counsel
• Research scientists from public and private labs
• Audit, accounting and tax professionals
• Commercial lenders
• Public and private analytical laboratory managers
• Corporate CEOs/COOs/CFOs
• Prime contractor procurement representatives
• Economic development, workforce development and private business services providers focused on business development
• University technology transfer, grant and contracts administrators
• Elected and appointed public officials interested in learning how they can participate in the growth of technology
• State SBIR program representatives

Conference benefits:
• Attend sessions that provide a comprehensive overview on how to apply for and win government SBIR/STTR funding grants.
• Listen to high-level guest speakers, government officials and top industry leaders.
• Learn how to market high-risk ventures to companies looking to outsource their innovative needs.
• Meet with high-tech companies and research facilities on exhibition.
• Hear about the successes of companies that have commercialized their products through SBIR/STTR.
• Network with individuals from all phases of the process: research, development and commercialization.

Help us share the word! Download a conference flier (pdf).

Conference Registration and Fees

Registration for the conference and all optional pre-conference and post-conference workshops is available online here. Walk-in registration is available after Oct. 28, 2009. You may also download a registration form here (pdf). For more information, call Extended Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, (775) 784-4062 or 1-800-233-8928.

Conference registration: $495, through Oct. 28, 2009
Walk-in registration: $550, after Oct. 28, 2009
Conference fee includes conference breakout sessions and meetings, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks each day.

PLEASE NOTE: Conference cancellations must be received by Oct. 29, 2009. No refunds will be processed after Oct. 29.

Conference Topics and Sessions

See the general schedule of conference topics and sessions here.

Download a detailed agenda here (pdf).

Optional Workshops

Pre- and post-conference workshops provide intensive sessions on a variety of topics of interest to entrepreneurs and other conference attendees. Register for optional workshops online when you register for the conference. Online registration is available here.

Nov. 2 (Pre-Conference sessions):
• Plan Your Phase III Before You Bid a Phase I • Fee: $120
• Coaching the Coaches • Fee: $120
• Government Contracts and Grants • Fee: $120
• How to Make the Most of the Conference • Fee: FREE

Nov. 5 (Post-Conference sessions):
• Negotiations between Universities and Companies • Fee: $195
• Phase II Proposal Preparation • Fee: $120
• R&D Project Planning, Cost Estimating and Control • Fee: $160 (Regular fee of $245 has been discounted for attendees of this conference only.)

To register for the conference and pre- and post-conference workshops, click here.

Optional Poster Presentations

For registrants presenting posters at the Showcase, Tues., Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m., here is a sample format that may be helpful to follow.

Location and Accommodations

The 2009 National SBIR/STTR Conference will be held at John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada, east of the University of Nevada, Reno campus and 15 minutes from the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. The Nugget resort provides free airport shuttle service. A block of rooms is available for a reduced rate to conference participants. Call John Ascuaga’s Nugget at 1-800-648-1177 or visit the hotel reservation website and enter the conference reservation code.

Conference room rate:
West Tower rooms
$99/night + 13.5 percent room tax and $5 resort fee/night
Upon registration your credit card will be charged $112.37 for your first night’s stay.
Registration code: GSBI9

Conference room rate (governmental agencies):
West Tower rooms
$99/night + 13.5 percent room tax and $5 resort fee/night
Registration code: GSBI9-G

Book by Oct. 12, 2009, to guarantee room rate availability.

Links and Resources of Interest

Click here for activities, events and resources in the region.

Exhibits and Sponsorships

Exhibitors

Thank you for your interest in the SBIR/STTR Conference. Exhibitor opportunities are no longer available. Please register for the conference through our online process. The 2009 National SBIR/STTR Conference offers many outstanding opportunities to benefit as an Exhibitor. An excellent meeting room has been reserved for the exhibit area where networking breaks and receptions are held. Conference exhibitors receive exceptional exposure to all conference registrants. Exhibitor application deadline is Oct. 1, 2009.

Sponsors

Thank you for your interest in the SBIR/STTR Conference. Sponsorship opportunities are no longer available. Please register for the conference through our online process. The 2009 National SBIR/STTR Conference is an outstanding opportunity for prime- and medium-sized contractors, as well as companies seeking partnerships with early- and late-stage companies, to secure prominent visibility with these firms. Your sponsorship is also critical to the success of the conference, helping to support and underwrite conference events and activities.

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Contact Us

Conference content
Dr. Fritz Grupe
Small Business Development Center
University of Nevada, Reno
Phone: (775) 813-7407 (Pacific Standard Time)
Email: fhgrupe@gmail.com

Conference registration
Shera Alberti-Annunzio Extended Studies
University of Nevada, Reno
Phone: (775) 784-4046
Email: shera@unr.edu

Conference Hosts and Sponsors

The Re-Energizing America: 2009 National Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Conference is made possible by generous sponsors and planning committee members. The conference organizers wish to thank these professionals, educators, institutions, agencies and corporations for their support of this important technology conference.

Hosted by the Nevada Small Business Development Center (NSBDC) in the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Administration. Underwriting by the Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization (NIREC) and cosponsored by the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The conference is administered by Extended Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno.

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