Nasscom Product Conclave 2011: What to Expect

By Arvind Jha, Black Shirt Volunteer, NASSCOM Product ConclaveIndia is witnessing a huge change in its software and IT composition. In the last 5 years, a majority of startups have been in the software product space offering innovative solutions to consumer needs, enterprise pain points and even innovative mashup of web, mobile and web technologies. Over 1200 product startups have been founded in the last 3 years itself.

While many will dismiss the impact of the software product business as marginal (as compared to the gigantic IT and ITES business), the future belongs to the new wave.

Nasscom Product Conclave brings together the new warriors, the software product practitioners to learn how to build a products business. Using “Forces@Work” as a theme, the conference will provide great insights and conversations around product development, marketing, branding, selling, fund raising and building a health business with lean capital, tight operational focus and leveraging the power of digital and social like never before.

Young entrepreneurs can soak in wisdom, personal stories, success and failure patterns from early movers and established players. A marquee international speaker list will share global perspectives and what has worked and what does not; what is working and how to use it. Deep dive sessions will provide a “software MBA in 2 days” as a wag called it! Workshops, debates, chats with successful entrepreneurs, analysts, VCs will expose the product entrepreneurs to best practices and pitfalls common to all.

All conferences are a great place to meet new folks, develop new relationships, and refresh contacts with industry leaders and debate on issues concerning the industry. With over 1500 people in attendance, in a highly interactive and energetic and informal environment, participants will get a chance to mingle and network like never before. There are new channels to meet speakers; digital channels to raise questions and blog forums, and tweet forums to express oneself. A web based platform is being used to setup meetings, schedule appointments and even pool cars!The software industry is known for innovation and interactivity and NPC promises great experience thru a radically new program agenda, open session culture (no PPTs), multiple social platforms to interact and access to the volunteer/program team for any assistance. Interactive award events will allow participants to vote for their favorite products and innovators. After all peer recognition is the best form of all recognition.

The success of an event is measured not only the statistics of attendees, sessions, speakers, exhibitors etc but by the long lasting impact it creates. NPC 2011 will define a new stage for the software product ecosystem and set the platform for the first billion dollar company to emerge out of India. This shall turn into a rumble over the next decade and many of those who make it big shall recount their experiences at NPC 2011 as the defining contributor to their journey.

Not convinced? Be there to experience the truth!!