Southern Arizona entrepreneurs from the high-tech industries of optics, life sciences, aerospace, advanced materials, information technology and environmental technology had gathered in an open forum for three years to share their insights on new seed- and early-stage funding strategies. In 2001, the event was ready to leap forward and contacted Godat Design to assist with the event's naming, positioning and brand development. Working closely with event organizers and founders, Godat Design developed the IdeaFunding and TechSchmooze names and created basic logo and event graphics that energize the participation of both the scientific and venture capital communities. Key applications included event promotional materials, website and advertising that have continued to identify this event ever since.