I just returned from San Diego where I attended Stocktoberfest. I often talk about the convergence of storytelling, marketing and technology as the hottest convergence out there. After this event, Finance and Tech may give it a run for its money!

Here are just a few of the things I gleaned.

• Howard Lindzon’s friends are also his most respected colleagues.
• LittleBird solves many challenges companies like The Buddy Group has with influencer planning and sourcing. I can’t wait to explore implementing it in our process.
• Howard likes popcorn.
• Estate Assist has the potential to be the customer hook that large financial institutions that deal with annual renewals are looking for.
• Personalization is key. Smarter stories, platforms and experiences are a win win for customer and business. The fact that financial companies are realizing this reinforces the fact that TV is dying. In the same breath I have to say…ShoeFitr:  sure is amazing.
• Howard has a great sense of humor, unless you are one of his dear friends.
• Ross Levinsohn. Drop the mic.
• Who would have thought that Broadway could take cues from FinTech? I shifted from Broadway marketing to Financial Services in 1998. I left NY discouraged with both Financial Services and Broadway’s lack of progressiveness as it related to tech, marketing and data and moved into Entertainment. Financial Tech has come a long way since I started working on the Bear Stearns broker portal in 1997. After seeing some of the tech at the Stocktoberfest event, I might even venture to say FinTech has become progressive.

Check out http://stocktwits.com and a great recap by Josh Brown