Attention venture capitalists and established entrepreneurs, the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is trying something a little different at their next forum and would like you to come out May 11.

The 2016 SLO HotHouse Accelerator companies will be introduced followed with a “Business Card Hustle,” competition held between them. That’s a game in which the accelerator companies compete for resources by interacting with, and collecting as many business cards as they can get from, attendees.

The event is held at the Cal Poly Preforming Arts Center from 4 till 7 p.m., with the Pitches, Exhibits, Networking (PEN) portion of the evening, from earlier from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.

The focus of this forum will be on the ways to help startups bridge the gap between early adopters and mainstream consumers, an issue with digital products especially.

The panel discussion will address the challenges startups face in moving a product, service or technology from the early adopter stage to a larger, “majority market segment.”

Panelists include Ian Alexander, CEO and co-founder of RepairTech; Lori Jordan, student innovation programs manager for CIE; Jeff Witous, CEO, Teqspring Inc.; and Lucia Cleveland, founder, The Spice Hunter.

Attendees may submit questions via Twitter for the panelists to discuss.

“The most successful startups find a way to translate early success into a sustainable business model,” said Tod Nelson, CIE executive director in a press announcement. “At the CIE, we strive to equip students and community members with the resources they need to succeed.”

The May 11 forum is free and open to the public though advance registration is required; and bring business cards.

For more information and to register, go to: crossingthechasm.eventbrite.com.

Those interested in supporting the work of the CIE at Cal Poly can become Pioneer Pass Holders with a pledge of $100. That annual pass gives the bearer expedited registration and access to special industry events. – Camas Frank