How's YOUR Startupfest 2022? -- And 10 Tips to make the MOST out of it!

Hey there Founders! Prêts pour LE Startupfest??

This is probably my 10th or 11th Startupfest that I contribute to (do COVID ones even count? ;) I have been privileged to be part of an organization that has been trying to bring value to our innovation ecosystem and the Startup Festival since its inception about 12 years ago. And now, more than ever we need to reconnect and create opportunities of growth, business, and human bonds: lucky you, Startupfest 2022 is all about that! No “need” to have back-to-back speakers, we had plenty of “watching” during covid and most inspiration can be found online these days. Human connection, not so much. Very excited to see the angle taken by Startupfest and the involvement of MTLNewTech (10 years!) and Desjardins (first and hopefully not last year!) to help make it impactful!

I'll share below 10 tips or hints, or whatever you feel like calling it to make it worth your time within and outside of the festival. And please don't hesitate to add yours below or just let us know how’s YOUR Startupfest 2022 so far? Serendipity, business, fun and all! ;) ?

I shared the below in a private WhatsApp group for our founders, thought could be useful for others: For the ones that haven't done Startupfest in the past, few hints to make the most out of it. And don’t hesitate to comment below or connect if I / we can help you out make the most of it and help us help you “manufacture serendipity” together at Startupfest 2022!?

1.There is a lot of pitching for prizes (or fame) opportunities, most are being booked on-site on a first-come first-served basis. Please don't overlook it (can tell you stories about that) ; so please go early when you arrive and go register to pitch: https://startupfestival.com/tent-village/ as well as two opportunities to pitch: https://swiy.co/pitchtowin and https://swiy.co/pitchstartupfest

2. There is a lot going on "off-site" ; real business is made around a drink (kombucha included). hustle a bit around and if you see some opportunities, share them here. Here is a spreadsheet with our wonderful friend Vahid (great Bizdev btw just sayin’! ;) => https://go.mtlnewtech.com/startupfest2022offsites and on the official website : https://startupfestival.com/off-site-events/?

3. There is a Connections booth with Montreal NewTech and Startupfest teams this year where you can go to book walking meeting, have a look at the attendees you wanna mingle with (hint hint, investors and mentors) and book them early. And if you don’t get the chance to do so, come to our Afterhours on the 14th, you’ll probably find them there! Already 500 registered and counting… https://startupfestafterhours.eventbrite.ca?

4. There is a Desjardins and Montreal NewTech booths / spaces with some activations, that's where your F*** “superconcierges" are going to hangout, don't hesitate to drop by there AND if you book people to chat , you can use that as your meeting points. In Collision it served us well (Startupfest is much smaller but still). And don’t miss the unveiling of Cooperathon on July 14th at noon: https://cooperathon.ca/?and many other opportunities: https://swiy.co/atstartupfest

5. Contrary to Collision, Startupfest is not filled with vendors, chances are you'll have more chances to actually get some face to face time with directors for potential client and investors, but know that most people don't come everyday, so again better book them early or send them a message on the app / linked beforehand and meet them there or around => hint again: meet them in the off-events have more chances to actually convert as their posture is more "chill".

6. Download the “Stroll App”. It’s still in beta, but the sooner you get it, familiarize yourself with and connect with the early adopters, the more chances you have to actual book a stroll meeting

7. Use social media wisely: twitter and linkedin are your friends. Posts and replies to posts are usually well perceived during the festival. Get someone one your team who is “not” at startupfest to stalk the linkedin posts, twitter #startupfest hashtag and other relevants and build the list of contacts they see there, they can even reply to their posts to resurface some visibility for your company and from there try to get a stroll

8. Don’t be a pea in a pod. There is 1500+ actual attendees this year most likely. Try to separate yourself from the crowd. Previously we have played with stickers, QR codes, clothes, bringing cold popsicles (much appreciated under the heat!); kombucha, lemonade, inflatable pool with stuff, a big chalk board as a background for video recording, standing banners with a fun meme as a background etc… to make people notice, pause and interact with you. Obviously you have to stay on brand, and don’t overplay it either. If you’re a cybersecurity or “serious” B2B SaaS company startup, think twice before cracking jokes (still some are very elegant and make people remember you forever); but if you’re a marketing one tackling this new world without cookies, distributing “the last” branded fortune cookies can be playful and noticeable.

9. If you're multiple people on your team but with only one pass: I can't really say that, but you can lend your pass to someone else on your team. Better go, find few people, book meetings around the area or at an off-event and swap your pass for a round 2 with someone else on your team ;)

10. There is a lot to do, walk, talk, share cards and build the future. but don't forget yourself: take time to rest and hydrate.

11. Ps: Covid is still here, Startupfest is awesome as mainly out-door rain or shine, still be careful in closed spaces, especially in off-events.

Good luck. Good learning, sharing, and business dealing! And of course, have fun!

pps: don’t hesitate to add your hints, cues, or experiences to make the most out of the the Fest!

ppps: Whether with Montreal NewTech, Cooperathon, Desjardins Startup in Residence, and currently a new program we are building, I have been lucky to be involved in the inception of many endeavours getting our fellow ambitious entrepreneurs to the next level by connecting with the right ressource and experts at the right time. Don’t hesitate if that vibes with you and want to potentially work together, ping me.

- ilias,