Another year, another start-up extravaganza put on by Chris Shipley. DEMO@15!,
the name signifying the event’s 15^th year in existence, kicked off today
and showed why this is the place to be for journalists, VCs and execs who want
a look at the next best technologies.

You can really feel the good energy and excitement all over
the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. So it was no surprise to hear Chris and PC Mag’s Michael Miller say the industry is
not coming back, rather - the industry is
back!

One difference I have noticed this year is how fast any
activity or word uttered at the conference has leaked out to everyone
else. Yeah, it’s been quick in the past,
but the blogosphere has exploded on the scene and blown away “quick.” I had a chance to speak with technical
evangelist Robert Scoble, who
is probably enjoying his job more than anyone on the planet right now, and is
one of the bloggers getting out news and updates at lightning speed. It almost seems like he is posting updates
even before the presenters say the words.

One of the many things Robert said that caught my ear was
that this show is about the “best of breed” and if you don’t (or do) have the
best products these days, everyone knows about it right away.

No doubt some of the companies presenting this year will
crash and burn. There’s also a chance
one or two could become the next big thing. One thing is for sure — we’ll know which one’s make it and which one’s
don’t faster than ever before.

– Jeff Urquhart