Hi, I'm Eric Mattson, CEO of Online Financial Innovations, the parent company of NetBanker, Online Banking Report and the Finovate Conference Series. Ever since I started working with Jim in 2006, he has wanted me to add my voice to his on the blog -- especially around our conferences which is where I spend much of my time. So here I am with an important announcement about our upcoming fall conference. But first, a bit of perspective.

From the beginning, Finovate has been a showcase of the best new financial technology from established companies and young startups. Attendees come not only to see and prepare for "what's next," but also to experience our unique one-day format -- handpicked, short, fast-paced product demos (no slides allowed) mixed with high-impact networking with the companies and each other. (Videos of the demos from previous Finovate events are available to view free.)

Over the last several years, we've been happy to have the fall Finovate conference grow and improve with each iteration. And we're pleased to have just successfully wrapped up the second go at our spring startup-only, spin-off version of the conference in San Francisco a few weeks ago (FinovateStartup).

Yet what Jim and I enjoy the most about organizing the Finovate conferences is the increased insight we've gained into the ongoing innovation in financial and banking technology. Every day, we're contacted by new entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs from around the world working hard and smart with amazing vision and passion to improve every aspect of financial technology. And those conversations make us incredibly excited and optimistic about the future -- even in the face of the current economic environment.

So, today, I'm pleased to publish my first post to announce the opening of the company-application window for our upcoming demoing startups fall conference, Finovate 2009, in Manhattan on Sept. 29, because it means we're about to see the next wave of start-up innovators and then will get to share them with you at Finovate this fall.

Please note that the early-bird deadline for applications is June 15th and the final deadline is July 15th. The demoing companies for Finovate 2009 will be announced at the end of July.

If you work at a startup or established company innovating in financial technology and you're looking for a platform to share your vision, please contact me at eric@netbanker.com or 206-331-1178 to find out more about the possibility of demoing either this fall or at a future conference.

P.S. In truth, I'd love to hear from any of you NetBanker readers, Online Banking Report subscribers, or Finovate attendees. Drop me a line and let me know what's on your mind.