Why should I attend RISE?
RISE provides aspiring and current entrepreneurs with the unique opportunity to learn from Austin’s top entrepreneurs, free of charge and in a small, collaborative environment. RISE is for sharing ideas, connecting with new people and stoking the fires of new possibilities.
Why do you only allow 25 people to attend each session? Is there another way I can access the information from a session if I cannot attend?
RISE sessions are small so they remain highly personal and interactive. Session hosts will often post their PowerPoint presentations or supplemental materials online. RISE may choose to videotape select sessions and post them on our website.
How do I view all of the available sessions?
Please see here for a list of all sessions confirmed to date. Check back often, as we continue to receive applications from hosts daily.
Why do I need to create a RISE profile to register? What if I’d like my profile to remain private?
Your RISE profile allows us to communicate with you about sessions and events, and to connect with other attendees before and after the conference. You may choose to make your profile private at any time; however, the RISE staff and hosts will still be able to contact you with important updates about your registered sessions.
How can I register for my desired sessions?
If you have not completed a RISE attendee profile, click on the first session you’d like to attend (under Sessions & Events) and you’ll be prompted to register as a RISE user before completing the RSVP process. If you already have a RISE profile, just log in at the top of the site and then register for more sessions and events.
Please note that RISE sessions are free, but we do ask for a credit card because we charge all attendees a $20 fee if they do not show up to an event for which they’re registered.
Why do you need my credit card number?
RISE is a free event. You may sign up for as many sessions as you like; however, to ensure participation RISE requires a $20 session deposit that will be forfeited should you fail to attend your session(s) without canceling at least 24 hours in advance. Your session deposit will only be charged if you do not attend your sessions.
Can I see a list of other session attendees so I can connect with them?
Yes, if you are logged in to the RISE site, you can click on any session title to view its attendees. You will have then have the opportunity to connect with any attendees who have not marked their profile as private.
Is there a waiting list for each session?
If a session has reached capacity, you can opt to be placed on the waiting list. If a space becomes available, we will send you an email notifying you of the opportunity to register.
I changed my mind - how do I withdraw my registration for a session?
If for any reason you need to cancel your attendance at a particular RISE session, you must log in to the RISE website and actively remove yourself from the roster by clicking "cancel." Please note that if you are unable to attend multiple RISE sessions, you must individually cancel your registration for each session. You may not substitute another attendee in your place, and RISE takes attendance at all sessions to ensure full participation.
What should I do if I have a last-minute conflict that prevents me from attending a session?
Please note that our cancellation policy mandates a 36-hour notice. If you have reserved a seat in a RISE session and do not attend, you will be charged a $20.00 non-participation fee. RISE is, and will continue to be, a free conference for entrepreneurs. This non-participation fee helps us guarantee that those that reserve a seat do attend. RISE sessions are intentionally kept small to promote maximum information exchange and relationship building, and can fill up quickly. Therefore, it is important to honor each reserved seat as a firm commitment toward attendance.
How can I obtain a press pass to cover RISE events for my publication?
If you are a reporter, editor or blogger wishing to cover RISE, please contact RISE Program Manager Annie Frierson at annie@riseaustin.org.
How can I support RISE? How will donations be used?
We ask all RISE participants to consider making a donation upon registration. RISE gives you and other entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to collaborate with top leaders in small groups, all for FREE! Your support helps us continue delivering the value of a high-dollar conference along with that unbeatable price tag. Here’s how small contributions add up:
Your $10 donation covers our training costs for one volunteer.
Your $25 donation covers our costs of hosting one attendee at a RISE session.
Your $50 donation covers our costs of reviewing one RISE high student team application.
Your $100 donation covers our cost of recruiting and working with one RISE host.
