Standing Out at Conferences on a Budget: Clever Tactics to Get Noticed
Industry conferences offer unparalleled opportunities to get your startup noticed - but making an impression isn’t easy, especially on a tight budget without a glitzy booth or sponsor perks.
You’ll need to get creative. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore ingenious tactics to cut through the noise and captivate attendees even as an unknown upstart.
With the right strategy and hustle, you can make these events springboards for launching your brand onto the big stage. Let’s review proven ways underdog startups make conferences work for them on any budget:
Leverage Speaking Opportunities
Getting a speaking spot at industry conferences, even smaller breakout sessions, provides a platform to build authority and share your message. Submit strong proposals for sessions where you can provide unique value to attendees.
Deliver engaging presentations with memorable stories and actionable takeaways. Have clear calls-to-action for following up with your startup. Equip audiences to be brand advocates.
Speaking builds quality connections and interest. Record your talks to repurpose content on social media and your website.
Host Offsite Events
Host an event at a venue near the conference to attract attendees, such as an evening happy hour, workshop or dinner. Consider a wine or whisky tasting or an ice cream social. Think of events that may be enjoyable that you can attach your brand to. Promote this through conference apps and social media.
This creates a more intimate, memorable experience to build rapport. Collect attendee info to follow up and stay top of mind.
Organize Unconferences
Unconferences are participant-driven events with open agendas focused on attendee interests vs planned programs. Organize one before/after hours or an afternoon during larger conferences.
Rally audiences excited by topics not covered in the main event. The informal format fosters organic networking and exchanges. Position your startup as a connector bringing people together.
Sponsor Micro-Events
Seek sponsorships of smaller events within the conference program like coffee breaks, wifi access or charging stations. You’ll get brand visibility cheaper than large sponsor packages.
Negotiate placing signage in high-traffic areas. Send team members to engage attendees and answer questions at stations. Offer giveaways to drive booth traffic.
Network Smartly
Conferences are networking goldmines. Optimize your limited time connecting:
Identify and research key attendees you want to meet beforehand using the registration list. Schedule meetings.
Strike up conversations in lines, lounges and during transition periods. Avoid big booths with lengthy waits.
Follow up promptly via email or LinkedIn while conversations are fresh. Reference your discussion.
Partner With Related Companies
Partner with other startups or providers serving similar customers. Split costs for smaller booths, event sponsorships or co-hosting happy hours.
Jointly exhibit to nab coveted spots in startup areas for high visibility. Co-marketing expands your collective reach.
Create Engaging Swag
Skip generic logo swag. Develop creative promotional items attendees will actually keep and use. For example:
- Phone wallet sticks with your branding
- Reusable branded water bottles or coffee mugs
- Portable battery packs with your logo
- Humorous plush toys related to your industry
Useful, unique swag gets taken home and keeps your brand top of mind. Have team members distribute items in high-traffic areas.
Strategically Leverage Social Media
Promote your conference attendance and everyday activities on social media before, during and after events.
Share photos and testimonials from your successful meetings. Post updates showcasing your team exploring booths and sessions using the event hashtag.
Cross-promote and engage with other attendees to expand reach. Like and comment on their posts too.
Sponsor Conference Wi-Fi
Sponsoring free public wi-fi is an affordable way to get your brand continually seen. Attendees will associate your name with offering helpful, convenient connectivity.
Require viewing a branded splash screen when accessing the wifi you’re sponsoring. This results in major impressions.
Provide Entertainment
Explore sponsoring fun entertainment during conferences that also gets your brand noticed, like live music or cocktail hours in the lobby bar.
Your brand name will attach positively to providing these experiences. Have team members engage the crowds enjoying these perks.
Capture Testimonials
Collect video and written testimonials from new contacts and customers acquired at the conference.
Ask them to highlight your solution differentiators, their buying motivations, and positive experiences with your team.
These social proof assets can power your post-conference marketing.
Stand Out With Humor
In a sea of boring corporate brochures and booths, a touch of humor makes you memorable. For example, brand t-shirts with funny industry slogans or a popcorn machine at your table drives traffic.
Be creative capturing attention, but keep professionalism in mind. You want to be remembered - but for the right reasons.
Follow Up Religiously
Over 80% of trades how leads get lost is an absence of prompt follow up. Never let this happen. Follow up within 24 hours with all promising connections made.
Share value, continue discussions, and move the relationship forward. Consistent nurturing converts more contacts into real pipeline and revenue.
Conferences are strategic splash points to accelerate startup success, regardless of resources. With scrappy preparation, relentless hustle and creative tactics, you can craft the right experience to leave a strong impression. Experiment with unconventional approaches until you find your recipe for effectively stealing the show.
2nd November 2023