Whether recording podcasts, securing top-tier media opportunities for clients, or staying on top of key fintech and tech stories, we make it our mission to attend Europe’s most impactful industry events. Along the way, we’ve gained valuable insights into maximising event strategies to help your business extract maximum value from these exciting but often costly undertakings.
Here’s four quick tips to ensure you’re setting yourself up for success when attending:
1. It Pays to Be Picky
Not all events are created equal. Each has its own strengths, whether it’s connecting with investors, networking with partners, or learning about emerging trends. For instance, Slush is ideal for startups seeking investor connections, while conferences like MoneyLive Payments are perfect for diving deep into payment innovations.
Do your homework to understand which events match your objectives before committing your resources. Better still, partner with an expert in the field who can give you those real ‘on-the-ground’ insights that sometimes get left off event ‘about us’ sections. Don’t feel obliged to attend events that aren’t aligned with your business goals or focus.
2. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare (And Then Prepare More)
The old adage, ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’, might be a cliché, but clichés exist for a reason. When it comes to event success, preparation truly is everything. But what does that look like in practice? Start by setting clear goals—whether it’s arranging investor meetings, growing your network, or attending key talks.
Many events offer complementary platforms to help you identify key attendees and arrange meetings in advance. This is where our expert communication support comes in. With the right framing, your message becomes impossible to ignore and get you in front of the decision makers and industry heavyweights capable of taking your business to the next level.
3. Be Bold and Own The Room!
Events favour the bold. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations or network during breaks. If pre-arranged meetings fall through, make the most of face-to-face interactions—these often lead to unexpected opportunities. Always remember, your time at an event is too valuable to spend it pretending to look busy in a corner scrolling on your phone.
Better still, partner with a high-quality PR and communications company like Started PR, who can connect you with the key players driving change in your field. With our support, even a five-minute coffee break can turn into the perfect opportunity to get on first-name terms with a leading journalist or influential thought leader who should know about your business.
4. The Hard Truths About Booths
High-profile sponsorships or flashy booths may be out of reach for some growing businesses, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact. Creativity and resourcefulness can help you generate buzz. Whether it’s hosting an informal meet-up, leveraging social media during the event, or creating a standout pitch, lean into what makes your brand unique.
We’ve collaborated with clients on tailored event support packages that included impactful research or even a well-crafted soundbite. These efforts often generated interest from key industry stakeholders that far surpassed those with larger, more extravagant booths. Making a lasting impression is all about thinking creatively and delivering communications that packs a punch.
At Started PR, we’re here to help you make your mark at events and beyond. Want to learn more? Get in touch with us to discuss how we can support your event