The Startup Success Summit Suffolk, officially known as the “Idea to Product Summit,” is a free virtual conference created by Suffolk entrepreneur Steve Waddell to equip new entrepreneurs with the knowledge and strategies needed to beat the odds of product failure. The three-day summit, happening from February 21-23, will be hosted by Waddell and Tim Ryan, the executive director of Innovate Hampton Roads. Over 25 speakers from around the globe will share expertise on patents, grants, product development, and market introduction. The summit aims to provide a platform for learning, networking, and collaboration, with a specific focus on crafting compelling narratives to attract potential investors.

Introduction

From Inside Business By Sandra Pennecke

Idea to Product Summit

Steve Waddell was motivated by the daunting Harvard Business School statistic that 95% of new products fail. So, Waddell, a Suffolk entrepreneur and inventor, created the “Idea to Product Summit,” a free virtual conference designed to empower entrepreneurs, startup founders, innovators and creative thinkers with the tools, knowledge and strategies to overcome the staggering odds. The three-day summit Feb. 21-23 will help guide participants from an idea to product launch.

Summit Details

From 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, attendees will be immersed in learning, networking and collaborative opportunities. Waddell, known in Hampton Roads for the Nasoni water-fountain faucet, will serve as a summit host along with Tim Ryan, executive director of Innovate Hampton Roads.

Speakers

More than 25 speakers from around the world will share insights on patents, grants, product development and market introduction. They include: Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine; patent attorney and author Richard Goldstein; Paul Nolde, managing director of 757 Collab; Chris Heivly, co-founder of MapQuest; and Tiffany Krumins, founder of OPU Probiotics.

Success Stories

Krumins appeared on the pilot episode of “Shark Tank” in 2009, impressing Barbara Corcoran and securing a $50,000 investment for her product, Ava the Elephant, a singing children’s medicine dispenser. “Tiffany’s story is a powerful example of how innovative ideas, when executed with precision and passion, can achieve remarkable success,” Waddell said.

Conclusion

An emphasis on crafting compelling narratives to capture the interest and backing of potential investors will also be explained. Waddell is also the author of the newly released “Valuepreneurs: The New Rules for Launching Products, Building Your Business, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream.” He said he is committed to reducing failure rates and fostering a thriving community of successful entrepreneurs. “Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur looking to scale new heights or a newcomer eager to make your mark, this summit is where your next chapter begins,” Waddell said. For more information, visit here.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com

Question & Answer

What is the Idea to Product Summit?

The Idea to Product Summit is a free virtual conference created by Suffolk entrepreneur Steve Waddell to empower entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to overcome the odds of product failure.

When is the Idea to Product Summit taking place?

The summit will be held from February 21-23, with sessions running from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.

Who are the hosts of the Idea to Product Summit?

The summit will be hosted by Steve Waddell, the creator of the summit, and Tim Ryan, the executive director of Innovate Hampton Roads.

Who are some of the speakers at the Idea to Product Summit?

Speakers at the summit include Jason Feifer, Richard Goldstein, Paul Nolde, Chris Heivly, and Tiffany Krumins, among others.

What is the focus of the Idea to Product Summit?

The summit aims to provide a platform for learning, networking, and collaboration, with a specific focus on crafting compelling narratives to attract potential investors.