DEMO: the Queen is gone, long live the King

The news is spreading today on Chris Shipley's departure from the IDG DEMO conference. Count me in as someone with great admiration for Chris' work on and off the DEMO stage - she brings intelligence, class, and thoughtful analysis to what can often be a snarky business. The DEMO baton is being handed to Matt Marshall of VentureBeat - someone else that I have a great deal of respect for. Since there's to be a change, Matt is a fabulous choice for the role. He'll bring a fresh, interesting set of opinions as he carries on the constructive culture of DEMO.

(Photo of Chris Shipley originally uploaded by Robert Scoble.)

There's been a lot of fuss about DEMO vs. TechCrunch. So just to chime in on the froth: They're different conferences, folks...different platforms, different businesses launching, different audiences, different media, and most importantly, different strategic/tactical objectives in the minds of the demonstrators.

Back when I was a DEMO demonstrator, I found the $16K charge to be an excellent value when compared to the months of PR retainer we would have wasted on attempts to get the same press meetings. The work that Chris did with us (and others) behind the scenes served as a vital 'media training boot camp.' I'd do it again.

All that said: Whether or not IDG charges startups for DEMO participation, Chris Shipley has added enormous value to the startup community. Hopefully, Guidewire Group will prove to be the next great platform. And it will be fun to watch Matt tackle the ornery DEMO vs. TechCrunch conversation.

Matt and Chris, good luck to both of you!