Exhibiting at a conference? Here are 5 tips to maximize your ROI

In 2019, the value of exhibiting at events is still strong. Offline channels allow exhibitors and attendees to have the chance to interact face-to-face, allowing exhibitors to raise awareness of its brand while making it easy for attendees to learn more about products new offerings.

If you’re looking for opportunities to get your word our about your startup, don’t miss the chance to do so at Tech in Asia Conference. Join over 300 exhibiting startups in Startup Factory and give your startup a boost by strutting your stuff during our international conference this coming October 8 & 9, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Have potential customers and investors come to you, develop mutually advantageous business relationships with senior decision makers, validate and test your product – all right here.

Like any form of marketing, effective planning and execution are needed in order to achieve great results. Here are some tips on how you can optimize your ROI at Startup Factory.

Have a game plan

Figuring out what you want to get out of the exhibition is an important first step. For instance, you may want to generate 300 new leads, or make at least 50 connections.

Your company should set aside time to plan and strategize before the exhibition. After defining your goals, you’ll be able to know what you should focus on during the events. Instead of spending your time attending many exhibitions in a year, focus on some key ones that are aligned with your goals.

Exhibitors at Tech in Asia Jakarta 2018’s Startup Factory. Photo credit: Tech in Asia

Innovate your booth to get noticed

One of the biggest challenges when exhibiting your startup is grabbing the attention of attendees. Remember, a conference will be filled with a lot of exhibitors competing for the same potential users.

Therefore, you need to find ways for your booth to stand out in order to be noticed. For example, you can add attractive banner stands and have team shirts to match your booth’s design.

Demonstrating your product or prototype is a must too. People love interactive demos and they help with visualization. This method will make attendees interested in your product.

Follow up

It’s important to collect attendees details when exhibiting your startup. With those information, make sure you follow up with your sales prospects after the event. The sooner you follow up, the better your chances become at closing the sale.

Remember, don’t be afraid of reaching out too quickly. It’s normal if you follow up the potential users one day after the show.

Take advantage of your social media

Using your social media channels to announce your exhibition booth details is a great start. While doing so, don’t forget to use the event hashtag, so people searching for social post on the event can easily discover yours.

During the show, make sure that the photos and videos you share on social media are interesting. To make it more engaging, you can even create a social media contest to generate buzz.

In the months leading up to the event, you should also start publicizing your event on social media channels to build more awareness.

Exhibitors at Tech in Asia Jakarta 2018’s Startup Factory. Photo credit: Tech in Asia

Attract the media

At an exhibition, some of attendees usually come from the media. Use this opportunity to attract media to your booth.

While it’s unlikely to expect reporters to drop by your booth and ask for an interview, here are a few steps to take for higher chances of being covered by the media:

• Obtain media list. Ask your event organizer for a list of participating media outlets – if it’s unavailable, take a look at media coverage of the previous years’ event.
• Request for interviews. Send an initial email to attending media members before the event to introduce your company briefly and request for a short interview at the event. Keep in mind that in order for the media to talk about your product, you have to provide them with valuable content.

It’s show time!

Think you can do better than some of those awesome tips? We’d like to see what you have up your sleeves. If you’re a startup with less than USD3 million in external funds and have a working prototype, we want you!

From now till June 1, 23.59 (GMT+7), apply for your booth and you’ll be able to score up to 30 percents (equivalent to USD174). Each booth costs USD249 before discount and comes with a one-day booth and two exhibitor passes.

Rather be checking out 300 exhibiting startups instead? Grab your tickets and enjoy 30 percent off until June 1, 23.59 (GMT+7).