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Events

IDEA Showcase @ITEXPO

The #TECHSUPERSHOW Startup Pitch Networking Event

Thursday, February 12, 2026 - #TECHSUPERSHOW Theatre on Expo Floor



Celebrate Innovation, Disruption, Evolution and Acceleration at IDEA Showcase

Always one of the most popular and best-attended events at the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW - featuring cool startup pitches and networking with open bar.

Come hear from a group of innovative and disruptive startups from all industries that are working hard to shake up their industries.

At IDEA Showcase, entrepreneurs focused on transforming markets - or creating entire new categories - give their best 5-minute pitches to a discerning panel of judges.

Vote for the Company You Expect to Take it to the Next Level
Companies present their unique value proposition - then the audience and judging panel each determine who is the most disruptive. IDEA Showcase @ ITEXPO is an evening full of next-generation innovation, powerful networking, dramatic presentations, and high energy!

APPLY TO PITCH Be a Sponsor


SCHEDULE | Thursday - 2/12/26

1:00 Networking and Open Bar
1:10 Welcome address by Nikki Cabus, CEO, Studio Solian
1:20 Keynote
1:45 Startup Pitches
2:45 Winner announced

Judges

Bo Megginson

Managing Partner, Gold Coast Angel Investors

Bo Megginson is an experienced angel investor, startup advisor, and ecosystem builder with deep expertise in early-stage investing, venture development, and cross-border innovation. He serves as Managing Partner of Gold Coast Angel Investors in Miami, where he helps build and manage a diverse portfolio of U.S. and Israeli technology companies through strategic partnerships with leading international accelerators and investment groups. Prior to Gold Coast, Bo was Executive Director of the AIM Group, where he played a key role in scaling the largest and most active angel network in the Southeast U.S., supporting more than 60 early-stage investments totaling over $40 million. A veteran of multiple startups, Bo brings a pragmatic, founder-focused perspective shaped by experience across joint ventures, government contracting, specialty insurance, and community-driven healthcare initiatives. He currently serves as Chief Editorial Officer (CEO) of South Florida Venture Tech Chronicle, serves on the board of Miami FinTech, and has held longstanding leadership roles with mission-based healthcare organizations.

Session(s):

Erick Gavin

General Partner, Edin Capital

Conrado Morais

Chief Operating Officer, Mana Tech

Mana Tech

Conrado Morais is the Chief Operating Officer of Mana Tech, where he leads initiatives that connect international innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems to the U.S. market. He holds a degree in Business Administration, an MBA in Finance from FGV, and an MBA from MIT.With over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, operations, and business development, Conrado previously served as Head of Operations at Kovi Tecnologia, a Series B mobility company that raised USD 195 million, scaled to more than 1,600 employees, managed a fleet of 23,000 vehicles, and impacted over 20,000 families across multiple markets.His career spans leadership roles in large multinational corporations such as AB InBev, where he managed complex distribution center operations, as well as his work as a founder and entrepreneur. He has also acted as a consultant specializing in business turnarounds, operational restructuring, and growth acceleration.Today, Conrado focuses on building strategic pathways for international companies entering and scaling in the U.S., activating Miami as a global innovation hub that connects talent, capital, and markets across the Americas and beyond.

Session(s):

Anuj Maheshwari

CFA, Fuel Venture Capital

Fuel Venture Capita

Anuj Maheshwari, CFA, is an Investment Associate at Fuel Venture Capital, a $550M AUM firm investing across venture and growth-stage technology companies. Previously, he worked in Goldman Sachs' Alternative Investments division and brought approximately eight years of experience across the financial industry. Anuj holds a Master's degree in Finance from the University of Rochester and is a CFA charterholder.

Session(s):

2026 Presenters


EMCEE

Erik Linask

(IDEA Showcase Emcee)
Group Editorial Director, TMC

TMC

Erik Linask is Group Editorial Director of TMC. During his tenure at TMC, he has supported the production and development of TMCs print publications and, most recently, managed the day-to-day operations of the industry’s leading Web site, TMCnet, which currently serves more than 1 million unique monthly visitors. Currently, he oversees TMC’s four print publications as well as TMCnet, and covers a wide range of topics in the IP Communications and Information Technology arenas, including his blog, Convergence Corner, on TMCnet. Erik also develops to conference programming for ITEXPO, and TMCs other communications and technology events, including Software Telco Congress. Prior to joining TMC, Erik was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication, where he also managed the magazine’s survey research. Erik began his professional career at management consulting firm Leadership Research Institute.

Session(s):

HOST

Nikki Cabus

(IDEA Showcase Host)
CEO, Studio Solian

Studio Solian

Session(s):

IDEA Prize Sponsors





PLATINUM Sponsors

GOLD SPONSOR

Silver Sponsors

SPONSORS

ASSOCIATION PARTNERS

#TECHSUPERSHOW MEDIA SPONSORS