Tech conferences and startup events: why attend and how to get the most out of them?
Since the offline events are finally back after a two-year break, the community is awakening and getting excited to visit some well-known tech gatherings for networking opportunities and various business goals. ??
In this interview with our keen conference goers, we share our perspective on why these events are so beneficial for startups and businesses.
?? We’ll also provide some tips that we use to prepare for conferences and get the best results during these days of networking at full stream.
1. What is the best conference you’ve attended? Why??
In short, the most memorable tech event I’ve visited is Slush . The event itself was extremely well-organized and inspiring. But what is more important, it has become a priceless opportunity to get to know our clients and their needs better.?
Slush is a startup-focused event held in Finland every year. As we work with startups, during Slush I was able to talk to lots of startup founders and teams. Thanks to it, I got a deeper understanding of their goals, problems, and key priorities.?
For me as a professional, it gave the boost and insight on how I can improve our services and my work in particular.
2. What are your top 3 reasons for attending conferences?
3. What benefits can conferences give to startups?
During tech events and conferences, startups can show their product ideas and get feedback from many competent and experienced people. These talks and opinion-sharing can give the understanding of how to further develop the product or maybe what to change to get better results.?
As well, startup owners can make valuable acquaintances who can potentially help to develop and grow the product in the future.
Finally, many startup-focused events organize idea-pitching competitions which give startups an ideal opportunity to find investors and promote their products.?
Conferences provide startups with an amazing opportunity to meet potential investors and tech partners and exchange ideas with other startups. An important thing here is that it works in both directions: startup owners can bring attention to their products, promote them and strengthen their personal brands.
It's all about networking!
4. How to find and choose conferences to attend?
1) Keep goals and target audience in mind ??
Veronica R. :?
For sure, choosing the event to attend depends on your goals. Find out whether the topics covered, as well as speakers and attendants are in line with your industry and interests.
If networking is the key reason you are visiting the event, make sure the opportunity is provided.
Also, you should keep your target audience in mind based on these criteria:
For example, we look for startup-centered events as our focus is on helping startups develop their products. It’s also important to choose the right region. If you would like to launch your product in the UK, let’s say, hardly ever the conferences in the MENA region will bring you high value.
So, when you have your goals and audience identified I'd recommend to make some research on the Internet and see what's offered.?
2) Use Google ??
Firstly, you can simply look up the lists of conferences and events on Google. You’ll find various results like “10 must-visit tech events in 2023 for startups”. Check these lists and delve into the most appealing conferences you find.?
3) Use LinkedIn ??
Secondly, you can use social networks and especially LinkedIn to find cool event opportunities. Regularly monitor the feed to see which conferences your network attends. It is great if you have an opportunity to choose based on the real experience people share and not just descriptions on the internet.
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You can also seek advice and recommendations from your network.?
4) Check out for "full-packed" and side events ??
Check out for side events and see if there might be anything useful for you personally.
Look for the “full-packed” events that have everything for startups in one place: vendors, contractors, investors, and potential partners.
5) The smaller the event the easier networking ??
Large conferences are not always good, small ones are not always bad.?
When attending smaller conferences, the chances to meet a more purposeful community are higher. Plus, networking is simpler: it is easier to establish new contacts and have fruitful talks.
5. Give your tips to prepare for the conferences.
1) Make thorough research ??
Be sure to study carefully the list of conference participants and use all the features of the platform. To make the conference as productive as possible, schedule the meetings in advance: at least several weeks before the event.?
Don’t ignore the match-making tools that many conferences provide. From my experience, these tools are well-developed and the process is thought out. It helps to get connected with relevant people prior to the event.
2) Grow and promote your personal brand ??
Developing a strong personal brand means a lot nowadays, especially if you plan to attend various events.?Invest time in regular content, share your insights with the audience, and respond to the posts of other people.
Having an established personal brand in social networks and media means people know who you are and what you do, as a result, they will be more willing to connect with you.
3) Make an announcement ??
Create a post that you are going to visit a conference on social networks. Someone from your network may also be there. Like this ??
4) Carry your handouts ??
Prepare brochures, business cards, or something else that will present you and your business.?
In general, everyone connects via LinkedIn. But if you would have something physical to give to your new acquaintances, it would be cool. It would help to stand out.
5) Send follow-ups ???
After the meetings, be sure to write follow-up messages timely. It helps to remind about yourself and move the established connection to a new stage. It is especially important during the fuss of a conference when so many new contacts are established.
Make sure, no one forgets about you.
6) Plan well in advance ??
Write down the events and speakers that you would like to attend in advance. During the conference, the days are quite busy, you are likely to overlook something important.?
As well, allocate a fixed time for yourself and for lunch. Since there are a lot of people and things happening every second, you need to have enough time to have a small rest and have a snack without missing anything critical.
7) Be in a good mood ??
The mood is important.
While any networking event is an intense energy exchange you need to be focused, energized, and well-tuned.?
Final word
We hope our article will inspire you to attend tech conferences and the tips we provided will help you to be fully armed!
As Veronika said, it’s all about networking! ?? ??
Very useful information! Tech conferences offer invaluable insights, connections, and opportunities for growth.