Whether you are trying to attract new customers, plan on running a crowdfunding campaign, or you’re at the stage where you’re looking for investors to support your growth, putting yourself out there and attending industry events can be of huge benefit to you and your team.
These days we might be building businesses, raising money, networking and selling online, but there is still something completely different about getting together and interacting with key people in your industry face to face.
You might be thinking, “These events are far and expensive to attend.” Or, “I don’t want to socialize, getting work done is more productive.” There is some truth in these statements, but I’m here to show you why industry events are so great, and why you should take some time to give them a chance.
Here are some things your startup could be missing out on if you aren’t going to industry events:
1. Networking
Not only will these events give you a chance to check out the competition, you may meet many new people who you share common interests with. These contacts can be important for new businesses, and can help you build your reputation as a professional in the community.
2. Keeping up with trends
Industry events and trade shows keep you up to date with what is new and exciting in your industry. By going, you will be given the advantage of knowing about these trends as soon as they happen. As a startup you want to make sure that your company stays relevant. You should be offering something new or improved compared to previous versions, and industry events can help you make sure you are doing this on a continuous basis.
3. Learning the rules
Going to industry events will give you a chance to learn the industry’s best practices and regulations. This can help you avoid making any unnecessary, or costly, mistakes later on.
4. Online isn’t always enough
Over time your company may come across many of the people who go to these events. You may have already interacted with leaders in your industry on some level, whether it was by email, phone, or on social media. Getting to meet these familiar faces in person can really solidify those business relationships. Relationships like this can lead to great things like knowledge sharing, partnerships, and other opportunities.
5. Get Inspired
There’s something about an event where everyone is there and focused on what they love to do that can be pretty inspiring. Feeling a little bit down about the way things are going at work lately, or a little bit worried that your startup isn’t meeting its customer’s needs fully? Industry conferences and trade shows can open up new possibilities and help you see things in a new light.
6. Consider it an investment
Yes, it does cost money to attend these kinds of networking events. Just consider the cost of your tickets as an investment! Deals from vendors, new contacts, and inspired employees can do a lot to help your small business grow, and industry events can be a great place to get all of these things.
7. Listen to expert advice
One of the best parts of attending industry events is getting to hear the different speakers that go up and talk about their own journey and successes. These people often started out with little and experienced some failure, but you get to learn how they overcame their obstacles and became a leader in their own industry.
8. Marketing
If you are a B2B company you can potentially meet new clients at industry events. Mostly, by going to these events regularly and representing your startup, you are keeping your company top of mind for important people. This can lead to referrals and other opportunities, and if you’re doing very well you might eventually get to speak at one of these events yourself!
9. Find unique solutions to problems
In addition to being introduced to some top vendors in the industry, events can help you learn about new and more efficient ways of doing things. Are you frustrated with an aspect of your job right now and even though you’ve tried, you just can’t figure out a solution? Conferences and trade shows can help you identify these issues and get rid of them, because others have probably experienced the same thing!
A big thing about industry events is that with social media, you can now share what is going on at these events with your followers! Tweeting, blogging, and sharing video updates on events can help your brand stay relevant and provide content that will draw your customers’ attention.
For example, Indiegogo was prominently featured at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2016) this year, along with some of the popular tech projects the platform helped fund. They shared video and updates from the experience, which also gave them more exposure in the process.
Conclusion
What I hope you can take away from this list is that there isn’t much to lose by going to industry events, but potentially a whole lot that you could gain. If you haven’t given one of these events a try I suggest you do. It is a great way to socialize, learn, and really just get away for a little bit and do something exciting and different.
If you are a startup and want to learn about more ways you can support your growth, check out this post on ways to get funding for your company.
