This is one of the top events in Austin. Several people tell me that this is the one event each year that they make sure they attend. If you are at all interested in innovation, success, and entrepreneurship then this event is worth attending. I was 50% on my predictions, which I guess is pretty good considering that I was purely guessing, or in some cases wishing.

I was correct in predicting Bill Bayless from American Campus Communities, and Graham Weston, et al. from Rackspace. Congratulations to both of them, and I think they both have a great chance at winning at the national level.

Other winners included Bill Imhoff from Intertech Flooring, Jeff Zeigler from TechTurn, and Steven Jackobs from Capital IDEA. Congratulations to them as well. It was definitely inspiring to hear their stories, and the impact that they are having on their business and the community.

Of couse the after party at PF Chang’s was the place to be. I sometimes wonder if people skip the event and go straight to the after party. One great idea that they started last year (if you’re looking for marketing ideas) was to hand out branded flip-flops in the women’s bathroom. Women will want to stay longer, and enjoy the dance floor if they’re not having to brave several hours of standing in high heels. Very innovative. You can read more coverage over at Some Assembly Required.