When COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the annual Startupfest event earlier this year, founder Philippe Telio reinvented the format as a summertime hybrid experience.
Held July 15–16, 2020 in the Old Port of Montreal and online, the conference drew 200 in-person and about 4,000 virtual attendees over two days.
The format was fast-paced: five-minute discussions replaced the typical 20-minute presentations; rolling, two-person interactions replaced panels. Additional features included pre-recorded startup pitches, live chats, DJ sets, yoga sessions, game shows and more.