ARE YOU GEARING UP TO ATTEND A CONFERENCE, SUMMIT, OR ANY OTHER EXCITING TECH EVENT?
This means you’re taking at least one day off work, plus expenses like travel and often tickets. Naturally, you want to make the most of your time and money, but how?
In this piece, Aimee Treasure, Marketing Director and D&I Lead at Templeton and Partners, has got some tips to help you not only maximise your experience but also position yourself and your brand as a thought leader in your tech niche.
INVEST YOUR TIME AND ENERGY WISELY
Let’s face it—tech events are booming like never before. With so many options, choosing the right ones to attend can feel like a daunting task. To make the decision easier, have a clear goal in mind and pick the event that best suits your needs. Looking for co-founders? Go for intimate conferences with round-table discussions. Want to expand your customer base? Aim for a large summit. Need to find new hires? Attend a more niche event. Looking to expand your knowledge or explore a new technology? A seminar or workshop might be the right fit.
Having a clear purpose will also help you make a compelling case to your company for attending the event, which is always an added bonus!
KEEP YOUR GOALS IN MIND
Once you’ve chosen the right event, remain focused on your goals. Whether you want to learn about specific technologies, connect with industry professionals, or scout potential partners and clients, clarity of purpose will help you make the most of your time at the event.
Research the schedule in advance and plan which sessions and activities you don’t want to miss, and make sure you come prepared with business cards, questions, and talking points. And if you have resources your company has produced, bring them along to share. While networking, explore the booths showcasing new tech products and services and don’t hesitate to seek recommendations from fellow attendees.
TRY TO SPEAK AT IT
If you really want to make a splash, step onto the stage! Yes, it takes planning ahead, but it’s worth it. Participating in a panel or giving a talk takes your event experience to new levels.
Wondering what to talk about? Well, as long as you wear your company’s logo, the possibilities are endless. However, avoid the trap of a product pitch or demo; instead, share your story or, better yet, invite a satisfied customer or user to share theirs. This will keep your audience interested and enhance your credibility. In the end, remind them who you are and where to find you.
Pro Tip: If you’re nervous about public speaking, a Meetup is a great way to practice your talk.
PRIORITISE NETWORKING AND FORGE CONNECTIONS
Tech events offer an excellent platform to meet and connect with professionals in your industry. So, in addition to your time spent on stage and absorbing insights from speakers, make networking a priority. Engage in conversations with current and potential customers, clients, partners, and even industry competitors. Use this precious time to gain a deeper understanding of the latest advancements, problem-solving approaches, and overall industry pulse. Collect contact details, exchange business cards, connect on LinkedIn, and schedule follow-up meetings whenever possible.
UTILISE THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Leverage the power of social media to spread the word about your attendance and connect with other guests. Share the news on your company’s social profiles and website, and encourage your team to do the same on their personal profiles. Building a strong social media presence enhances networking opportunities and lets people know that you (and your business) are actively engaged in the event.
CAPTURE INSIGHTS AND SHARE THEM WITH YOUR TEAM
Tech events serve are treasure troves of industry knowledge and expert insights. They gather industry and thought leaders who share their invaluable experiences derived from real-life cases. Attending these events can help you and your organisation navigate the challenges of the emerging tech space. However, the sheer volume of information can quickly overwhelm you, and it’s easy to forget details right after the event ends. That’s why it’s important to take notes during talks and panels.
Whether you prefer jotting down key points in a notebook or typing them on your laptop, these notes will serve as a valuable resource to jog your memory and inspire ideas for your business or your future career journey.
Pro Tip: Sharing the knowledge and expert insights you’ve gained with your team is the best way to prove the value of attending tech events.
RETURN NEXT YEAR
When you’ve forged meaningful connections, attending the same tech event in subsequent years is an opportunity to strengthen those bonds. Reconnecting with familiar faces and following up on previous conversations will keep you up to date with the latest industry developments and lead to further collaboration and partnership opportunities.
With these tips in mind, you can make the most of your time, network like a pro, and position yourself as a thought leader in your field at any tech event you attend. So, go forth and conquer the tech world!
