[sanjayparekh]

Not to just keep pimping my own things, but this was why I started Startup Riot (http://www.startupriot.com) which I just held in Atlanta last week. Presenting companies pay nothing and there are no exhibitors. Other startups can attend and pay the registration fee ($20/person for startups).

That said, you make a good point on what happens if a company drops out because they can't pay. I'm not clear as to what happens. Since it's billed as a Top 40, I'm assuming they fill the slot with someone else.