Priceline co-founder Jeff Hoffman will keynote the first Hartford “Startup Weekend” organized by the MetroHartford Alliance’s Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs Sept. 23-25 at the Hartford Public Library. 

While Priceline spokesperson William Shatner won’t be making an appearance, the three-day event will help connect software developers, marketers, graphic artists, and business people looking to combine their skills to launch products in an industry that is one of the few thriving in the ongoing recession.

Existing businesses need not apply. The goal of startup weekends is to take an idea for a mobile application or website from pitch to product over the 54 hour period, with the teams forming at the event itself. Attendees hear idea pitches from their fellow participants on Friday night, and the best ideas are voted on to be developed. Teams then form and work through the weekend to produce a product that gets presented and voted on at the conclusion of the event Sunday night. Additional information on the event format can be found at the Startup Weekend FAQ page. 

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Lon Seidman is the host and producer of “Lon.TV,” a consumer technology video show that is on a number of platforms including YouTube and Amazon. He creates in-depth, consumer-friendly product reviews and commentary. His YouTube channel has over 300,000 subscribers and more than 100 million views.

In addition to being a full-time content creator, Lon is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Hartford (his alma mater) where he teaches a course in entrepreneurial content creation.

Prior to becoming a full-time creator, Lon was a partner at The Safety Zone, his family’s business that manufactures gloves and safety equipment. The company has locations around the globe and employs over 200 people worldwide. The Safety Zone was acquired by the Genuine Parts Corporation in 2016.

Lon is also active in public service, serving as the Chairman of the Essex Board of Education, a member of the Region 4 Board of Education, and as the Secretary / Treasurer of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education. He was endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans for his re-election in 2021.

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