blist is launching in limited beta at DEMO at the end of this month. When I talk to people I’m surprised to learn that not everyone knows what DEMO is, so I thought I’d write a quick post to tell you what it is and why we decided to launch at this event.

So many mission statements are too generic, too long and with too many words containing too many syllables. DEMO nails their mission statement: “DEMO is the premier launch venue for new products, technologies and companies.” Brevity, succinctness and clarity. More importantly, a track record of 18 years demonstrates that they’ve achieved their goal.

Stewart Alsop was the original producer of DEMO 17 years ago in 1991. In 1997 Alsop turned the reigns over to Chris Shipley, who quickly instituted an enormously impactful change. Shipley’s innovative modification to the venue’s format was a requirement that all products showcased at the Venue must be publicly unveiled at the event itself. The result of the change was significant. DEMO became the launchpad for new companies and products.

How influential is DEMO? Its track record speaks for itself. The following companies and products were launched at DEMO:

*) Java
*) The Palm Pilot
*) E*Trade
*) Tivo
*) Salesforce.com
*) IronPort

DEMO is attended by about 700 of the most influential people following emerging technology. Journalists, venture capitalists, bloggers, entrepreneurs and corporate development officers are all there to catch a glimpse of where technology and its most innovative companies are headed. Each company gets 6 minutes on stage. No more. No less.

All things being equal, we’d like another 60 or 90 days of development before launching. We decided early on that we’d launch blist when the product was ready – unless we were fortunate enough to be selected to present at DEMO. Well, it happened, so we’ll come out a little early because DEMO is too important an opportunity to pass up.

blist is honored to be a part of DEMO 2008 and to present on the same stage where pioneers of our industry previously unveiled products that have gone on to become iconic. At each conference a few of the top performers are awarded the coveted DEMOGod award for incredibly polished demonstrations. Me, I’m just hoping for a reasonably well presented demo that ends at about 5:55 without a blue screen of death. Wish us well.