This is not a trade show and no one will be selling products. This is a full day with a dense curriculum that offers business people real value for their time.

Mannequin Madness did a very good job of convincing our judges not only of the clarity of her business vision, but of how technology was poised to help her expand her operations and become more profitable.

Judith and Mannequin Madness exemplify how small businesses are striving to incorporate technology to streamline processes, improve productivity and compete on a global scale. As large technology vendors such as Intel pave the way for the development of products that precisely fit the needs of small businesses, SBTI will continue promoting programs to create awareness and educate small enterprises to understand the critical importance of technology.

The top five World of Difference contest finalists are small businesses that have been able to develop and articulate a strong vision and demonstrate a keen understanding of how technology acts as an innovation catalyst and an indispensable engine to sustain business performance for both short and long term success. We look forward to hearing the finalists present how their technology vision will influence their business at The World of Difference Learning and Development Conference.

Small businesses embody the spirit of opportunism, innovation and passion, and these awards reflect our commitment to advocating on their behalf for world-class information technology solutions that are perfectly suited to meet their unique needs. We take great pride in our efforts to educate this thriving market on the outstanding technology solutions that are advancing this entrepreneurial spirit and helping small business owners realize their dreams.

I love being on the Yard, the atmosphere is energizing yet calming at the same time.