How to Attend Startup Smoke Test Memphis

Startup Smoke Test Memphis is a dynamic, hands-on event designed to help early-stage founders validate their business ideas in real time, with direct feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry specialists. Held annually in Memphis, Tennessee, this event has become a cornerstone of the Mid-South startup ecosystem, offering a unique blend of rapid prototyping, live customer testing, and mentorship under pressure. Unlike traditional pitch competitions or demo days, Startup Smoke Test Memphis focuses on one core principle: does your idea solve a real problem for real people? If youre a founder, innovator, or aspiring entrepreneur looking to cut through the noise and test your concept before investing monthsor yearsinto development, attending Startup Smoke Test Memphis could be the most valuable step you take this year.

The events name is derived from the engineering term smoke test, which refers to the first basic check to ensure a system doesnt immediately fail. Applied to startups, it means putting your product or service in front of potential users as early as possible to see if it smokes that is, if it sparks interest, generates engagement, and reveals actionable insights. Memphis, with its growing entrepreneurial infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and strong community support, provides the perfect backdrop for this high-intensity, low-friction testing environment.

Attending Startup Smoke Test Memphis isnt just about showing up its about preparing strategically, engaging authentically, and extracting maximum value from every interaction. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to not only attend but thrive at the event. Whether youre a first-time founder with a rough prototype or a seasoned operator refining your go-to-market strategy, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and mindset to turn this experience into a catalyst for growth.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Event Format and Timeline

Startup Smoke Test Memphis typically spans two to three days, with a structured flow designed to maximize learning and feedback. The event usually begins with a kickoff session where organizers outline the rules, expectations, and schedule. Founders are grouped into small teams or assigned individual testing slots, each lasting between 30 to 60 minutes. During these sessions, youll present your idea to a rotating group of testers real people who match your target demographic.

Testing is not a pitch. You are not here to impress. You are here to listen. The format is intentionally unpolished: no slides, no fancy decks, no rehearsed scripts. Instead, youll use simple tools paper prototypes, landing pages, or even a whiteboard to explain your concept. The goal is to observe reactions, ask open-ended questions, and record pain points.

After the initial testing rounds, there are often debrief sessions where mentors provide feedback on what worked and what didnt. The final day usually includes a showcase where participants share key learnings, but again this is not a competition. Its a collective reflection.

Step 2: Define Your Hypothesis Before You Arrive

Before you register for Startup Smoke Test Memphis, you must articulate a clear, testable hypothesis. This is non-negotiable. A hypothesis is not your business idea its a specific assumption you want to validate. For example:

• Small business owners in Memphis will pay $29/month for a tool that automates their weekly payroll calculations.
• Parents of children with food allergies will sign up for a local restaurant guide that flags allergen-safe menus.
• Freelancers in Memphis prefer voice-based task management over text-based apps.

Each hypothesis should be specific, measurable, and falsifiable. If you cant test it in 10 minutes with a real person, its too vague. Write your hypothesis on a sticky note. Bring three copies. Stick one on your laptop, one on your notebook, and one in your wallet. Refer to it constantly.

Step 3: Prepare Your Minimal Viable Test (MVT)

Your MVT is the simplest possible version of your product or service that allows you to test your hypothesis. It does not need to be functional software. It can be:

• A landing page with a sign-up form (created using Carrd, Unbounce, or WordPress)
• A paper prototype of an app interface
• A script for a mock service (e.g., Ill call you every Monday to remind you to take your medication)
• A Google Form asking targeted questions
• A manually operated Wizard of Oz system (where you pretend to be the tech behind the scenes)

The key is to avoid building anything complex. The goal is not to build a product its to learn whether people care. If youve spent more than 20 hours building your MVT before the event, youve missed the point.

Step 4: Recruit Testers in Advance

While Startup Smoke Test Memphis provides access to a pool of testers, youll get far richer insights if you bring your own. Identify 510 people who fit your target profile even if theyre friends, family, or local community members. Ask them to attend with you. Prepare them with a simple brief: Im testing whether people like my idea. I need you to be brutally honest. Dont cheer me on. Tell me whats wrong.

Provide them with a checklist:

• Did you understand what I was offering?
• Would you use this? Why or why not?
• Whats the first thing youd change?
• Would you pay for this? How much?
• Who else should I talk to?

These pre-recruited testers will give you baseline data and help you calibrate your expectations before the broader testing begins.

Step 5: Master the Art of the Open-Ended Question

One of the most common mistakes founders make is asking leading questions:

• Dont you think this is a great idea?
• Wouldnt you love this feature?

These questions invite agreement, not truth. Instead, ask:

• Tell me about the last time you faced [problem your idea solves].
• How do you currently handle this?
• What frustrates you most about the current options?
• If this didnt exist, what would you do instead?

Listen more than you talk. Take notes handwritten, not typed. Silence is your friend. Let the person think. Wait three seconds after they answer. Often, the real insight comes after the pause.

Step 6: Observe Behavior, Not Just Words

People often say one thing and do another. During testing, pay attention to non-verbal cues:

• Did they lean in or pull back when you mentioned pricing?
• Did they laugh nervously when you asked if theyd pay?
• Did they immediately reach for their phone to Google something related?
• Did they ask to see it again later?

Behavior is data. A person saying I might consider it while avoiding eye contact is not a win. A person who says I hate this but asks for your email to follow up? Thats gold.

Step 7: Capture and Organize Feedback in Real Time

Bring a notebook and a voice recorder (with permission). After each test, spend five minutes writing down:

• Who you spoke with (age, job, location)
• What they said verbatim
• What they did
• One insight
• One action item

Use a simple template:

Name: Maria, 34, barista
Problem: I waste 2 hours a week tracking tips and taxes.
Current solution: I use Excel and cry every Friday.
Reaction to idea: Id pay $15 if it auto-calculates and emails me a receipt.
Insight: She doesnt care about features  she cares about time saved and avoiding IRS penalties.
Action: Add tax-reporting feature to MVT.

By the end of Day 2, you should have 2030 of these entries. This is your raw data. Youll use it in Step 8.

Step 8: Identify Patterns and Pivot or Persevere

At the end of the event, review all your notes. Look for recurring themes:

• Are 8 out of 10 people mentioning the same pain point?
• Is pricing consistently flagged as too high or too low?
• Do people confuse your product with something else?

Use these patterns to decide:

• Pivot: If the core problem youre solving isnt urgent or widespread, change your target problem or audience.
• Persevere: If the feedback confirms your hypothesis and reveals a clear path forward, refine your MVT and prepare to build.
• Pause: If feedback is mixed or unclear, dont rush. Go back, talk to 10 more people, and retest.

There is no shame in pivoting. In fact, the founders who succeed at Startup Smoke Test Memphis are the ones who admit, I was wrong, and change course.

Step 9: Follow Up Strategically

The event doesnt end when you leave the venue. Within 24 hours, send a personalized thank-you note to each tester not a mass email. Mention something specific they said. Example:

Hi Maria, thanks for sharing how you track tips. I was really struck by your comment about crying every Friday thats something Ill never forget. Im building a tool to solve exactly that. Would you be open to a 10-minute call next week to see if the prototype Im sketching matches your needs?

This builds trust and creates a pipeline of early adopters. Keep them in a simple CRM even a Google Sheet works. Update them on your progress. People love to be part of something they helped create.

Step 10: Document Your Journey

Write a public post-mortem. Share what you learned, what changed, and what youre doing next. Post it on LinkedIn, your blog, or the Memphis Startup Slack group. This serves two purposes:

• It builds your credibility as a founder who listens and adapts.
• It attracts future testers, collaborators, and even investors who value transparency.

Example headline: I Thought Memphis Baristas Needed a Tip Tracker. I Was Wrong. Heres What They Actually Need.

Best Practices

Practice Radical Honesty With Yourself and Others

The most successful founders at Startup Smoke Test Memphis are not the ones with the most polished ideas theyre the ones who admit what they dont know. If youre attached to your idea, youll filter feedback to fit your bias. Let go. Welcome criticism. Say Thank you when someone tells you your idea sucks. Thats your win.

Test With the Right People Not Your Friends

Friends will say nice things. Your ideal customer wont. If your product is for small business owners, test with small business owners not your college roommate who works in marketing. Use Facebook groups, local chambers of commerce, or even walk into coffee shops and ask: Can I show you something Im building for people like you?

Dont Fall in Love With Your Solution

Your solution is just a guess. The problem is real. Focus on the problem. If your solution doesnt fit the problem, scrap it. The best founders iterate on problems, not products.

Timebox Everything

Give yourself 10 minutes to explain your idea. 20 minutes to test. 10 minutes to reflect. If you go over, youre talking too much. Set a timer. Stick to it.

Bring a Partner Even If Youre a Solo Founder

One person takes notes. One person asks questions. One person observes body language. You cannot do all three alone. Even if youre shy, bring someone a coworker, a mentor, a fellow founder. Youll be amazed at how much more you notice with a second set of eyes.

Stay Neutral No Defensiveness

If someone says, This is useless, dont say, But you dont understand! Say, Tell me more. Curiosity kills defensiveness. And defensiveness kills learning.

Test in the Wild Not Just at the Event

Startup Smoke Test Memphis is a launchpad, not the finish line. After the event, take your MVT to farmers markets, co-working spaces, and local events. Test in places your users actually are. Observe how they interact with it in context.

Document Your Learning Not Your Progress

Dont track how many users you talked to. Track how many assumptions you disproved. The goal isnt to validate your idea its to disprove it as quickly as possible. Every failed test is progress.

Respect Time Yours and Others

Be punctual. Be prepared. Dont monopolize a testers time. If youre running late, apologize and reschedule. Your professionalism is part of your brand.

Embrace the No

A no is not rejection its data. Every no tells you something about who your product isnt for. Thats just as valuable as a yes.

Build a Feedback Loop Not a Product

Your ultimate goal is not to launch an app. Your goal is to build a system where you continuously learn from users. Startup Smoke Test Memphis teaches you how to do that. Keep the loop alive long after the event ends.

Tools and Resources

Minimal Viable Test (MVT) Tools

• Carrd.co Build a one-page landing page in under 10 minutes.
• Google Forms Collect feedback with structured questions.
• Canva Design simple mockups or posters to show your idea visually.
• Proto.io Create clickable wireframes without coding.
• Notion Organize your feedback, hypotheses, and action items in one place.

Feedback Collection & Analysis

• Otter.ai Record and transcribe conversations (with consent).
• Miro Map out user feedback visually using affinity mapping.
• Airtable Create a database of testers with tags for pain points, demographics, and responses.
• Excel/Google Sheets Simple but powerful for tracking patterns.

Community & Networking

• Memphis Startup Community on Slack Join for real-time advice and event updates.
• Startup Grind Memphis Attend monthly meetups to build relationships.
• CoWorking Memphis Use shared spaces to test your idea with locals.
• Memphis Entrepreneurship Center Offers free mentorship and workspace.

Learning Resources

• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries The foundational text on customer validation.
• The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick The bible for asking the right questions.
• Y Combinators Startup School Free videos on validating ideas.
• Hooked by Nir Eyal Understand user behavior and habit formation.
• Sprint by Jake Knapp Learn how to test ideas in 5 days.

Local Memphis Resources

• Memphis Innovation Corridor Hosts local startup events and offers grants.
• University of Memphis Black Innovation Lab Supports underrepresented founders.
• Memphis Entrepreneurship Institute Free workshops on customer discovery.
• Memphis Chamber of Commerce Connects founders with local business networks.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Coffee Shop Loyalty App That Failed And What It Learned

A founder named Jamal built a mobile app that let coffee shop customers earn points for purchases. He thought Memphis coffee scene was underserved. At Startup Smoke Test Memphis, he tested with 12 coffee drinkers. Nine said theyd use it. But when asked how they currently track loyalty, seven said, I just ask for the stamp card. One said, I forget about it anyway.

Jamals hypothesis Coffee drinkers want a digital loyalty app was wrong. His insight: People value the ritual of the physical card more than convenience. He pivoted. Instead of an app, he created a beautifully designed, collectible stamp card with QR codes that link to local events. He partnered with three coffee shops. Sales increased 40% in two months. He didnt build an app he built a community artifact.

Example 2: The Dog Walker Who Didnt Know He Was Solving a Different Problem

Lisa thought she was building a dog-walking app for busy professionals. Her MVT was a simple booking page. But during testing, she noticed something: most users werent asking when the walk would happen they were asking, Can you send me a photo of my dog during the walk?

She changed her product. Instead of a scheduling tool, she created a Dog Walk Diary a text-and-photo update sent after every walk. She added a $2 fee for photo updates. Within a week, 80% of users paid. Her real problem wasnt scheduling it was emotional connection. She wasnt selling a service. She was selling peace of mind.

Example 3: The Nonprofit That Tested a Pay What You Can Model

A local nonprofit helping homeless youth had a food program. They wanted to know if people would pay to support it. Their MVT was a sign-up sheet at a downtown event: Donate $10 to feed a youth for a week. Only two people signed up.

Then they changed the language: You can feed a youth for a week. Pay what you can even $1. Five people gave $1. Two gave $5. One gave $50. The insight? People wanted to feel in control of their contribution. They werent rejecting the cause they were rejecting pressure. The nonprofit launched a Pay What Feels Right campaign. Donations increased 300% in three months.

Example 4: The Bookstore That Didnt Need a Website

A local bookstore owner wanted to build an e-commerce site. She thought people wanted to buy books online. At Startup Smoke Test Memphis, she brought a stack of books and asked: Whats the last book you bought because someone recommended it?

Everyone said, My friend. She realized her real value wasnt inventory it was curation and conversation. She started hosting Book Pairings where customers pick a mood and get a hand-selected book with a handwritten note. Sales jumped. Her website? Still not needed.

FAQs

Do I need to have a fully developed product to attend?

No. In fact, the earlier your idea, the better. Startup Smoke Test Memphis is designed for ideas that are still in the what if? phase. If youve spent more than a week building something, youre probably too far along.

Is there a fee to attend?

There is typically a small registration fee to cover materials and venue costs usually under $50. Some spots are reserved for students and underrepresented founders at no cost. Check the official website for scholarship details.

Can I attend if Im not from Memphis?

Yes. The event welcomes founders from across the country. Many attendees travel from Nashville, Atlanta, and even as far as Chicago. Memphis is easily accessible by car, train, or plane.

What if my idea gets stolen?

It wont. Ideas are cheap. Execution is everything. The people at Startup Smoke Test Memphis are there to learn, not to copy. The real risk isnt someone stealing your idea its not testing it at all.

Do I need to present in front of a crowd?

No. The testing is done in small, private sessions. There is no stage, no judging, no applause. Its a safe space for honest feedback.

How do I know if my idea is good enough to test?

If you can explain it in one sentence and youre curious to know if people care its good enough. You dont need to be certain. You need to be willing to find out.

Can I bring a team?

Yes. Teams of up to three are welcome. But remember: the goal is to test the idea, not to showcase your team. One person should lead the conversation. The others should observe and take notes.

What if I get negative feedback?

Thats the point. Negative feedback is the most valuable kind. It tells you where to improve or where to pivot. Dont take it personally. Take it as data.

Is this event only for tech startups?

No. The event welcomes all types of ventures: service businesses, nonprofits, retail, food, creative projects, and more. If youre solving a problem for real people, you belong here.

Can I attend more than once?

Yes. Many founders return year after year to test new ideas. Each time, youll learn more about how to listen, adapt, and move forward.

Conclusion

Startup Smoke Test Memphis is not about winning. Its not about funding. Its not about impressing investors. Its about learning quickly, deeply, and honestly whether your idea has any chance of making a real difference in someones life.

The founders who walk away transformed are not the ones with the most funding or the flashiest pitch decks. Theyre the ones who showed up with an open mind, a willingness to be wrong, and the courage to listen even when the truth hurt.

By following the steps outlined in this guide defining your hypothesis, building a minimal test, asking the right questions, observing behavior, and acting on feedback youre not just attending an event. Youre adopting a mindset that will serve you for the rest of your entrepreneurial journey.

Memphis may be a small city, but its startup community is fierce, generous, and deeply committed to helping founders succeed not by giving them answers, but by helping them find their own.

So dont wait for the perfect time. Dont wait until your product is ready. Dont wait until you feel confident. The perfect time is now. Register. Show up. Test. Learn. Repeat.

Because the only thing more dangerous than failing at Startup Smoke Test Memphis is never trying at all.