Collision proved once again why it’s one of the best tech shows around.
It brought together some of the biggest names in media and business along with some of the most interesting new startups.
Media on the floor @CollisionHQ @cheddar @FoxBusiness pic.twitter.com/meYN7acfns
— Mike Lizun (@MikeLizun) May 1, 2018
Here are the highlights of what we heard and saw in New Orleans:
eSports are bigger than real sports
At least according to Kevin Lin, co-founder of Twitch, who points out that the numbers of people watching esports can eclipse the number of people watching NFL games. They’re also redefining the image of a gamer, as Steve Arhanset, co-CEO and owner of Team Liquid, points out:
These are real athletes with regimented training systems — tiered coaching, sports psychologists, nutrition and sleep monitoring. Man. https://t.co/1yKZOHpdEU — Jacob Tulsky (@jtulsky) May 2, 2018
Unique insights and solving big problems still drive startup success
“Do they have some unique insight..can they solve a big problem…” what @robhayes of @firstround looks for in entrepreneurs #Collision2018 pic.twitter.com/N5xAB16e3K
— Mike Lizun (@MikeLizun) May 2, 2018
Principles matter too.
Founders’ 1st principals are the most important factor @m2jr considers when investing in startups: cites his funding in @lyft #collision18 — Jacob Tulsky (@jtulsky) May 2, 2018
But U.S. startups could also use a hand
“A lot of the great startups are coming from outside of the U.S.” @TimDraper #Collision2018 pic.twitter.com/ShxzfihN6R
— Mike Lizun (@MikeLizun) May 2, 2018
“We need to go with a national policy to increase the number of startups..we need to make this a national objective.” @JohnTChambers #Collision2018 pic.twitter.com/C5etht4Lfw — Mike Lizun (@MikeLizun) May 2, 2018
It makes no sense to go public right now, says @TimDraper #Collision2018
— Jacob Tulsky (@jtulsky) May 2, 2018
We need to make starting a business as easy as possible, says @JohnTChambers #Collision2018 — Jacob Tulsky (@jtulsky) May 2, 2018
Spread your bets when building an audience
Those who put all their eggs in the Facebook basket are hurting right now.
But Flipboard, Instagram Stories, and Reddit are all boosting traffic for Glamour, according to Editor in Chief Samantha Barry.
The evolving art of storytelling with @briansugar popsugar @JohnAvlon daily beast @samanthabarry glamour #CollisionConf #Collision2018 I think I heard someone say @Flipboard driving significant traffic, and heads were nodding, yep.
— Mike Lizun (@MikeLizun) May 2, 2018
While it’s important to go after audiences where they are, you have to drive brand loyalty to the properties you own and operate.
As always, know your audience
Matt Kalish, co-founder of DraftKings noted that once you’re clear on who you’re serving, it’s easier to figure out engagement.
Michelle Wilson of the @WWE and @mattkalish of @DraftKings talking future of sports entertainment with @JPManga ..digital and social for storytelling and growing a fan base. #Collision2018 pic.twitter.com/sPAie39r4M — Mike Lizun (@MikeLizun) May 2, 2018
Michelle Wilson, co-president of WWE, agreed, advising that you should be careful about how you tell your stories and where. While the WWE’s older demographics still watch on TV, younger viewers are following current wrestlers and learning about legends like Andre the Giant through YouTube.
Collision 2018: Where tech, entrepreneurship, and storytelling collide
What were the highlights of the show for you?