Have suggestions for products that you’d like to see reviewed by our real estate technology expert? Email Craig Rowe.
Takeaways:
- Have everyone be ready to pitch the product.
- Consider delaying news until the conference.
- Have alternative product demonstration tools ready.
The Connect fire is still smoldering in my inbox.
Demo requests, follow-ups, “nice meeting you” emails, etc. I love to see it.
I hope you’re still fired up about it.
I visited quite a few companies along Startup Alley and sat with more in LobbyCon.
I couldn’t get to everyone, but rest assured, every booth was on my radar.
However, I found that not every vendor was necessarily ready for the show floor when I stopped by. It’s a busy place, and you have a product to prove; I get that it can be overwhelming at times.
Consider these four tips for having your product press-ready at the next Connect:
1. Expect a slow network
I found Mansion Global’s floor-wide Wi-Fi quite consistent during the show. Not everyone else did.
Given the number of connected professionals updating, tweeting, capturing, quoting and sharing, don’t be surprised when your online demo gasps for bandwidth on a clogged connection.
Have an alternative ready. A slide deck or a recorded demo are worthwhile pre-show punch list items.
2. Be proactive
I had only one booth visit scheduled before the show. That means I made my rounds randomly. As Connect progressed, requests came in and I tried to make every one.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to Inman reporters prior to the show. We book fast. If a specific reporter can’t make it to you, internal emails circulate quickly to find someone who can. We’re a connected group, and we share story ideas and worthwhile media requests.
3. Have VIPs on hand
Make sure everyone manning the table can answer the most pertinent questions. For the deeply technical answers, schedule the press for when that person will be there.
We know you’re not deflecting or avoiding, but if someone at your company is hesitant to answer when we’re pressed for time, it could cost your company some beneficial conference time momentum. Have everyone be pitch-ready.
4. Have news
I’ve been writing this column for almost six months, and I’m getting new pitches every day. There’s a ton of tech out there.
However, what makes your product different? Why should agents hire your company to build a website? Despite all the cool, there’s a lot of overlap.
Be ready to pitch the differences, the standout features, the problems you’re solving. If it can wait, consider delaying major news until the show.
What did you learn in your preparation for Inman Connect San Francisco? Did you seek out Inman reporters? Have any tips for future exhibitors?
What tips do you have to prepare for trade shows? Leave a comment and let us know!
Do you have a product for our tech expert to review? Email Craig Rowe.
