MyCityRocks Awarded "Most Promising I.T. and Web 2.0 Company" at Rice Alliance I.T. and Web 2.0 Venture Forum HOUSTON, TX - MyCityRocks (http://www.MyCityRocks.com) was named one of the top ten most promising I.T. and Web 2.0 companies at the 6th Annual Rice Alliance for Technology & Entrepreneurship I.T. and Web 2.0 Venture Forum in Houston. I.T. and Web 2.0 companies showcased their new ventures for an audience of more than 400 attendees, including investors, venture capitalists, industry representatives, business leaders, advisors/mentors, service providers, and entrepreneurs.   MyCityRocks is a social engagement venture that connects with people online to help them do fun stuff offline, bridging the gap between online social networking and offline real-world activity in a way that is fun, innovative and exciting. MyCityRocks focuses on helping people: 1) HAVE FUN by enjoying local culture and entertainment; 2) GIVE BACK to their local community and make their part of the world a better place to live; and 3) REPRESENT their pride and spirit for their city and the things in life they are passionate about.   MyCityRocks executive director Cliff Kurtzman along with MyCityRocks theatre specialist Angela Middleton, accepting the Rice Alliance Most Promising I.T. and Web 2.0 Company Award.   MyCityRocks also hosts the MyCityRocks Ticket Exchange (http://tickets.MyCityRocks.com/), which has grown over the past year to become one of the most popular marketplaces for people to buy and sell tickets to concert, sports, and theatre events worldwide. When an event is sold out at the box office, or if someone wants the best seats for an event and they are no longer available from the box office, the MyCityRocks Ticket Exchange helps consumers find the very best deals around. The exchange reinvests a portion of its proceeds directly into a broad spectrum of charitable causes, and has become extraordinarily popular because of its strong community and philanthropic focus.   "We are thrilled to have had seen such incredible growth during 2008, and are grateful for this recognition from the Rice Alliance," stated MyCityRocks executive director Dr. Cliff Kurtzman. "Despite the current economic downturn, the fourth quarter of this year will be our best ever, and we will see continued growth in 2009. And that means we will be able to continue to make a difference in the communities that we serve."   The one-day event culminated in an announcement of the Most Promising I.T. and Web 2.0 Companies chosen from 50 competitors and judged by the Rice Alliance Information Technology Advisory Board, based on the companies' elevator pitch presentations. The exercise simulates meeting an investor on an elevator and having only 90 seconds to convince them to invest in your company.   Rice Alliance Managing Director Brad Burke, announced the winners of the Most Promising I.T. and Web 2.0 Company awards at the event. "Every year the quality of companies improves. Several of the companies at this year's event revolved around social networking and how to manage and monetize those models. Phenomena like Facebook and MySpace have invigorated the I.T. market."   The Forum was hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, co-hosted by the Jones Partners and supported by Andrews Kurth Attorneys, LLP; Oracle; DataCert and ESX, Inc. with supporting organizations Greater Houston Partnership, Opportunity Houston and Houston Technology Center. Media sponsors include: Houston Business Journal and the BusinessMakers Radio Show.