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Tag: Conferences

  • Tired of Burning Money at Conferences? Use This 5-Step Strategy for Real ROI | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Let’s cut to the chase: most companies go to conferences to check a box, not to drive results.

    I’ve worked with everyone from billion-dollar brands to scrappy startups. I’ve seen booths with six-figure budgets generate zero pipeline and a LinkedIn DM campaign outperform an entire sponsorship package. The reason? Most companies treat conferences like a high school science fair — look pretty, hand out freebies, hope someone likes your volcano.

    Here’s the brutal truth: If your event strategy is built around foot traffic and branded socks, you’re already underwater.

    Conferences can still deliver serious ROI. But only if you stop thinking about them as standalone tactics and start treating them like what they really are: a live-action funnel with a very short attention span.

    Step 1: Get ruthlessly clear on why you’re going

    This sounds obvious. It’s not.

    Most companies attend events with vague goals like “brand awareness” or “thought leadership.” Translation: no real strategy.

    If you can’t answer this question — “What does success look like from this event, and how will we measure it?” — cancel the booth. Your “why” should fall into one of three categories:

    • Lead generation (measurable pipeline and conversion)
    • Brand positioning (keynote, panel or media presence)
    • Strategic partnerships (investor intros, co-marketing, business development)

    Pick one primary goal. Then reverse-engineer your entire presence around it. Everything else is noise.

    Related: 17 Must-Attend Conferences for Entrepreneurs Ready to Scale

    Step 2: Craft a message that cuts through the noise

    Nobody cares about your “AI-powered scalable solutions” if that’s all you’re saying.

    You need a message that punches. Something that aligns with the conference theme but actually says something.

    For example, one of our B2B SaaS clients recently sponsored a fintech event. Everyone was talking about “frictionless onboarding.” Snooze. We reframed their message as: Stop onboarding users who’ll churn in 30 days. It turned heads. It made execs stop and say, “Tell me more.” That’s the bar.

    Your message should be:

    • Clear (no buzzwords)
    • Controversial (just enough to spark conversation)
    • Consistent (across booth, decks, social and follow-up)

    Step 3: Pre-game like a pro

    You don’t show up to a marathon without training. So don’t show up to a $50,000 event without a warm list.

    Your pre-conference playbook should include:

    • LinkedIn outreach (three to four weeks out): Target attendees, engage with event hashtags and join relevant groups. No pitches — just real engagement
    • Direct invites: Email past leads or ideal customers: “I’ll be at [Event]. Let’s meet IRL if you’re attending.”
    • Organic buzz: Have leadership — not just the company page — post about why you’re attending and what you’re bringing

    Remember, ROI doesn’t start at the conference. It starts the moment your name hits the attendee list.

    Step 4: Focus on booth experience, not booth design

    You don’t need a spaceship booth. You need meaningful conversations.

    Train your team to do more than demo software. Teach them to:

    • Ask smarter questions
    • Listen for pain points
    • Offer real value (not just tchotchkes — think insights or content)
    • Capture context for every lead (“Spoke about [X] challenge, referred by [Y]”)

    Also — script your follow-up before the show starts. A generic “Great to meet you at [Event]” email kills momentum fast.

    Related: How to Win Over the Room With Effective Persuasion Skills

    Step 5: Follow up like money’s on the line

    The event ends when the lights go off. Your window of influence doesn’t.

    Here’s a seven-day follow-up cadence that actually works:

    • Day 1: Personalized email referencing your conversation plus a relevant asset
    • Day 3: LinkedIn message with a short, value-driven follow-up
    • Day 5: Add to nurture stream based on interest or product line
    • Week 2: Send a post-event content piece — e.g., “5 things we learned at [Event name]”

    Then — debrief. What worked? What didn’t?

    Document it. If sales aren’t in this conversation, your next event is already a sunk cost.

    Bonus: Rethink sponsorship ROI

    Here’s a hot take — most sponsorship packages are overpriced hype.

    Unless you’re getting:

    • Guaranteed stage time
    • Tier-1 placement in attendee materials
    • Verified audience data before the event

    You’re probably better off hosting a private dinner with ten decision-makers or doing a focused side activation.

    Relevance beats visibility every time.

    A 20-minute meeting with a CMO is worth more than 2,000 logo impressions.

    Final word: Be the booth they remember

    You don’t win at events by being the loudest. You win by being the clearest, the most relevant and the hardest to ignore.

    So before you blow another five-figure budget on glossy signage and lukewarm leads, ask yourself: Are we going to this event to show up — or to show out?

    If it’s the latter, you’re already ahead of the pack.

    Let’s cut to the chase: most companies go to conferences to check a box, not to drive results.

    I’ve worked with everyone from billion-dollar brands to scrappy startups. I’ve seen booths with six-figure budgets generate zero pipeline and a LinkedIn DM campaign outperform an entire sponsorship package. The reason? Most companies treat conferences like a high school science fair — look pretty, hand out freebies, hope someone likes your volcano.

    Here’s the brutal truth: If your event strategy is built around foot traffic and branded socks, you’re already underwater.

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

    Christopher Tompkins

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  • CAST Brings UDL Leaders in Inclusive Education to Washington, DC for UDL-Con: International 2025

    UDL Conference to Feature Second Annual UDL Awards, Breakthrough Sessions on Accessibility, AI, and Learner Engagement


    BOSTON, May 12, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    CAST is proud to announce the return of UDL-Con: International, taking place July 22-23, 2025 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. This flagship Universal Design for Learning (UDL) conference brings together global leaders in education, accessibility, and instructional design for three days of inspiration, innovation, and actionable strategies.

    Now in its second year, UDL-Con: International 2025 will build on the sold-out success of last year’s event in Sacramento, which drew participants from 14 countries and 43 U.S. states. This year’s event will feature both in-person and virtual access, expanded programming, and new opportunities to connect with thought leaders across the education and technology sectors.

    “As the organization that created Universal Design for Learning and celebrated our 40th anniversary last year, CAST is proud to lead this global movement for more inclusive learning,” said Lindsay Jones, CEO of CAST. “UDL-Con: International stands apart as the premier event where educators, researchers, and innovators come together to design learning experiences that truly support all learners-and we’re excited to build on the incredible momentum from last year’s sold-out event.”

    Whether you’re designing curriculum, leading instructional transformation, or supporting students with diverse learning needs, this conference offers tools, research, and real-world practices to help all learners thrive.

    Keynote Speakers:

    • Luis Pérez, Ph.D., Director of Disability & Accessibility at CAST

    • Andratesha Fritzgerald, Ed.S., award-winning author and founder of Building Blocks of Brilliance

    • Cathleen Beachboard, author of The School of Hope and middle school teacher

    • Carol Allen, global advisor for ICT and Inclusion

    Featured Workshop Sessions:

    • AI, UDL, & Executive Function to Empower Optimization & Efficiency by Alexis Ann Reid, M.A. (Reid Connect, LLC) and Luis Pérez, Ph.D. (CAST)

    • Empowering Learners Through AI Literacy, Accessibility, and UDL by Kelli Suding & Bryan Dean (CAST)

    • InstaClass: Reimagine Social Media as an Inclusive Classroom by Dr. Joshua Gray (Pepperdine University)

    • The Accessible Assessment Standard Used Around the World by Susan Haught (1EdTech Consortium)

    • Enhancing Faculty Readiness: UDL and Student Success in Community Colleges by Mayda Gonzalez-Bosch (SUNY Orange)

    • 10+ UDL-Aligned Strategies for Teaching Neurodivergent Learners by Jennifer Pusateri (University of Kentucky)

    • Level Up Your Lessons: UDL and the New Lesson Plan Workbook by Shaunta Singer, Ph.D. (CAST)

    • Shifting Gears: Conversations for Change by Loui Lord Nelson, Cherie Smith, Elizabeth Stark

    • Accessibility Got Talent! by Kelli Suding & Michelle Sorino (CAST)

    • The Social-Emotional Side of Executive Functioning by Wendy M. Chadwick

    • Guidelines 3.0: Stories of Impact from Across the UDL Community by Jenna Gravel (CAST)

    Special Event: Second Annual UDL Awards Reception
    The 2025 UDL Awards reception on July 22nd will honor outstanding leaders and distinctive contributions that drive innovation and inclusivity in education.

    Acknowledgement of Sponsors
    CAST thanks its generous sponsors: ReadSpeaker, Seesaw, SMART Technologies, Estendio, Five Star, Lesson Pix, Book Creator, Gladeo, Learning-Genie, and Habitat Learn.

    For more information and to register: UDL-Con: International.

    For more information on UDL Awards and UDL-Con, please contact Kisha Barton, Senior Director of Communications, at kbarton@cast.org and visit our website at www.cast.org.

    Source: CAST

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  • Networking in Cannabis: Why a Support System is Necessary – Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news

    Networking in Cannabis: Why a Support System is Necessary – Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news





    Networking in Cannabis: Why a Support System is Necessary – Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news





























    Michael Mejer

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  • UDL-Con: International 2024: A Groundbreaking Success With UDL Guidelines 3.0 Launch

    UDL-Con: International 2024: A Groundbreaking Success With UDL Guidelines 3.0 Launch


    BOSTON, August 7, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    CAST is thrilled to announce the tremendous success of UDL-Con: International 2024, the world’s largest Universal Design for Learning (UDL) convention, which took place in Sacramento, CA, from July 30-31, 2024. The sold-out conference featured 87 sessions with over 155 presenters. This historic event marked the launch of the UDL Guidelines 3.0, attracting over 450 in-person attendees and thousands more online from 14 countries and 43 states to explore the latest advancements in inclusive education.

    UDL-Con: International 2024 delivered remarkable moments:

    • Keynote Addresses: Mirko Chardin shared insights on culturally connected teaching and the role of personal narratives in fostering equity, while Paula Kluth discussed her extensive experience in creating responsive learning environments for all students.
    • Panel Discussions and Interactive Workshops: Thought-provoking conversations and engaging sessions demonstrating the innovative future of UDL.

    Direct Quotes from UDL-Con: International

    • Loui Lord Nelson, Anne Meyer UDL Design Award Recipient: “This conference has reignited my passion for teaching and provided practical strategies to make my classroom more inclusive. The new guidelines are a game-changer for educators everywhere.”
    • Kavita Rao, David Rose UDL Research Award Recipient: “UDL-Con: International has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. The updated guidelines reflect CAST’s commitment to inclusive education.”
    • Dara Ryder, UDL Innovative Practice Award Recipient: “The energy and enthusiasm at this conference were palpable. The UDL Guidelines 3.0 offers fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that will benefit all learners.”
    • Donald Walker, Career & Technical Education Trainer at CAST: “UDL-Con and the 3.0 Guidelines remind us that learning is about providing space for ALL learners to be who they are.”

    Insights from Leadership

    CAST’s CEO, Lindsay Jones, stated, “We are delighted to unveil UDL Guidelines 3.0 at such a prestigious event. These guidelines reflect our ongoing dedication to creating inclusive learning environments. The positive feedback from UDL-Con: International participants underscores the need for our work.”

    Co-Chair Reflections

    Jenna Gravel, Interim Chief Research and Development Officer, and Co-chair expressed, “The collaborative spirit at UDL-Con: International was truly inspiring. This next iteration of the Guidelines symbolizes a collective effort across the UDL community, and we are excited to learn how these updated guidelines will be implemented in learning environments worldwide.”

    Featured Workshop Sessions

    • “Implementing UDL in Higher Education” – Hosted by Kavita Rao (In-Person)
    • “Innovative Approaches to Accessible Learning” – Conducted by Dara Ryder (Online)
    • “Engaging Students through UDL” – Facilitated by Loui Lord Nelson (In-Person)
    • “Chances and Choices” – Presented by Andratesha Fritzgerald (Online)

    Acknowledgment of Sponsors

    UDL-Con: International 2024 was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: Landmark College, ReadSpeaker, Savvas, Goalbook, 1EdTech, Cognitopia, Educating All Learners, Habitat Learn, Instructure, Seesaw, and Texthelp.

    For more information, contact Kisha Barton, Senior Director of Communications, at kbarton@cast.org and visit www.cast.org.

    Event Images

    About CAST:

    CAST is a nonprofit education organization that created the Universal Design for Learning framework and UDL Guidelines.

    Source: CAST

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  • What to Expect at Google I/O 2024, and How to Watch It

    What to Expect at Google I/O 2024, and How to Watch It

    The chirping of birds, the buzzing of bugs, the soft patter of Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s shoes as he bounds across the stage. The sounds of spring are here, so you know what that means: Google I/O is blooming.

    Hot on the heels of Apple’s iPad launch event last week, Google is going all out for its I/O developer conference on Tuesday, May 14. The event is taking place at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California, just down the road from Google’s headquarters. The keynote starts at 10 am PDT on Tuesday, and as usual, it will be livestreamed. Expect to hear and see updates about Android 15, Google search, the already announced Pixel 8A budget phone, and just an absolute torrent of news about the tech topic of the decade: artificial intelligence.

    AI All the Way Down

    While Google’s Gemini AI platform has experienced some growing pains, the company is still eager to put its generative AI offerings into any and all of its services: search, its photo and video tools, and its workspace suite of tools like Gmail and Google Docs. Google has also been slowly infusing AI features into its Google Assistant, so it will be interesting to see whether those new capabilities result in a more evolved form of natural-language voice assistant, or more of a true AI assistant that acts as an agent to perform tasks through all your connected services.

    The company will, of course, show off features from its upcoming Android 15 mobile operating system, more in-car integration through Android Auto, and its smartwatch software Wear OS. Expect each of those to be newly endowed with all sorts of exciting (and maybe slightly creepy) AI-powered features.

    Google’s AI announcements could also offer a hint at whatever news Apple might have in store for its WWDC developer conference keynote, which will take place June 10. Just a couple months ago, news trickled out that Apple may be working with Google to wrangle the latter’s Gemini AI platform into iOS. Neither company has officially confirmed the news, and it’s not entirely clear what such an uneasy partnership between the two mobile heavyweights might look like on the iPhone. Google’s presumably AI-heavy keynote announcements could provide a hint at whatever is being cooked up on Apple devices.

    Hard Where?

    I/O is a software-focused event, but that hasn’t stopped Google from using the keynote to announce new hardware devices in the past. If the dearth of recent leaks about the company’s ambitions are any indicator, this year may be slimmer on the hardware front that I/Os past.

    Generally speaking, Google is usually pretty unbothered about keeping its new gadgets under wraps before a big public event. Details about its upcoming Pixel 8A phone leaked a couple weeks ago, but Google officially announced the device last week. (The phone goes on sale on May 14, the same day as I/O.) Google will probably talk about its new Pixel on the block, and how it will utilize Android 15 and Gemini AI.

    It’s always possible that another device might appear. Google announced its first Pixel Fold at I/O last year, and that’s probably due for an upgrade at some point, but we aren’t expecting that to come this month. Google has also been keeping quiet about any new augmented reality tech it’s working on, though it has shown concepts like Project Starline and language-translating smart glasses at past I/O events. We really expect that with so much attention being paid to artificial intelligence development, Google will likely make its AI announcements the star of the show.

    Watch This Space

    Google’s keynote address, which should open with remarks from Pichai before the team rolls out all the new stuff, starts Tuesday, May 14, at 10 am PDT (1 pm EDT). You can watch it on Google’s I/O website or on Google’s YouTube channel. The videofeed is also embedded right here on this page.

    Beyond the main keynote, there’s a subsequent developer-focused keynote starting at 1:30 pm PDT (4:30 EDT), viewable using the same links as the first stream.

    Boone Ashworth

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  • How to Network at Events Like a Pro and Watch Your Startup Soar | Entrepreneur

    How to Network at Events Like a Pro and Watch Your Startup Soar | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    We, as entrepreneurs, have a goal: to grow a startup — a brand — that impacts many people with our solutions and services. This entails numerous tasks, from building a product, managing and hiring a team, finding investors and establishing a client base. With that in mind, who has the time to network and attend events? And on top of that, do you know why most people hate networking at events? Because they rarely meet relevant people for them, and it often feels like a waste of time.

    Do you know why it feels like a waste of time? Because they never took the time to set their goals for the conference or meetup and define who they came to meet, and instead leave it up to luck or chance.

    I always say that no one teaches us how to network for results, and that’s why I took on the task over a decade ago to build my expertise and run workshops to teach professionals all around the world how to network — and that includes at conferences.

    To help you make the most of your next meet-up or conference, I would like to share some of my top practices. Once you do them, you will surely look at networking events as a source of opportunities rather than a time waster.

    Related: 3 Ways to Get More Business at Networking Events

    1. Remember: Networking is uncomfortable for all of us, not only you

    Why are we so uncomfortable next to strangers at conferences? Once you crack that, you can work the room so much better. I hope this info will make you feel a bit better: Based on public speaking statistics for 2020 from Orai.com research, 77% of the U.S. population feel some anxiety when it comes to public speaking, and 90% report some “shyness.” This means most people who come to the event will feel the same as you do — uncomfortable and insecure. However, in most cases, they will put a “mask” on and won’t show it.

    Various studies and concepts in social psychology and cognitive neuroscience also found that when we meet new people, our brains subconsciously assess whether they like us and whether they pose a threat. It happens in split seconds, and that’s why a positive first impression is so crucial.

    What can you do to connect well with all the people you meet? Be proactive and initiate the conversation instead of waiting for them to do so. Show them that you are open to meeting them through open body language, a smile and a warm look in their eyes. It’s so simple and non-verbal, can make a better experience for both of you and could be the beginning of a great friendship or business partnership.

    2. Set your “people’s goal”

    As said, most people don’t feel networking events work for them because they don’t set a goal for those they want to meet with. Several years ago, a global businessman I followed came to Berlin for a conference while I was there. I sent him a LinkedIn message a few days earlier, stating that I saw he would be in town and expressing my wish to meet with him. We set a time for our meeting, and when I arrived at the conference at that designated time, I met him and left. Mission accomplished — and it was short, precise and time well spent.

    Before going to a conference, check if the topic, speakers and type of participants are people in your industry whom you wish to get to know. Then try to find out who will be there and set a goal of at least two people you must meet at the conference. Make sure you do what is needed to meet them and ensure you won’t leave the room before you do so. Then, by the time you leave the conference, it should feel like time well spent. Don’t forget to follow up after and continue the conversation with those you met.

    Related: The 10 Commandments of Networking

    3. Create your “events squad”

    Usually at conferences, we may know some people from the past, meet new people and even attend with another “wingman/woman.” To meet the people you wish to get to know, you need to be everywhere and see everything. But how? By creating your own “event’s squad” that will increase the chances of getting connected to the right people.

    You can do it with a bit of planning, a lot of goodwill and two stages. It goes like this:

    Stage 1: Every person you meet, whether a new acquaintance or an old friend, at some point in the conversation, ask them: “Who are you interested in meeting at this conference? I might see/know them and can introduce you two.”

    Stage 2: Then, they may ask you the same question. If not, just say: “By the way, I’m looking to connect with people in [sector] if you come across anyone please introduce us.” They usually will say “Yes, sure!”

    Now what? If you get to meet someone they’re looking to meet as well, please introduce them during the event or after. Some of them will do the same for you, and this way, you build a team that thinks of your needs — just as you think of theirs — and increase your chances for relevant introductions during and after the conference. That’s actually what networking is all about: a mutually beneficial relationship that helps each side grow.

    Related: How to Network For Those Who Hate to Network

    In conclusion, mastering the art of networking at conferences is not only about attending events but strategically planning your moves and setting clear goals. By being proactive, initiating conversations and connecting with others, you can transform networking from a perceived time-waster into a powerful tool for professional growth.

    Remember: Everyone at the conference, like you, seeks meaningful connections. With a thoughtful approach, you can make your conference experience truly impactful. Embrace these techniques, and may your future conferences be not just events, but stepping stones toward your professional success and company’s growth.

    Lirone Glikman

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  • Jury finds Amsterdam violated law by firing worker with medical marijuana RX for failed drug test – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Jury finds Amsterdam violated law by firing worker with medical marijuana RX for failed drug test – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    FONDA — An Amsterdam wastewater treatment plant worker has been awarded $191,762 by a jury in state Supreme Court in Montgomery County, which found the city violated state law when officials terminated the man with a medical marijuana license for failing a drug test.

    Attorneys for the city argued in court filings that the worker did not disclose his prescription, as required by employee policies, until he was suspended and then fired after failing a drug test in February 2020.

    Thomas Apholz, represented by Luibrand Law Firm, accused the city of unlawful employment discrimination and failure to accommodate under state Human Rights Law in a lawsuit filed in February 2021.

    State law recognizes individuals prescribed medical marijuana as having a disability, which makes them members of a protected class safeguarded from employment discrimination.

    The case was presented to a jury last week during a five-day trial before Judge Rebecca Slezak. The jury found in favor of Apholz on June 30, according to a press release issued by attorney Kevin Luibrand.

    The outcome of the trial was first reported by The Times Union.

    Beyond the $191,762 monetary award, Apholz is entitled to reinstatement to his former job at the wastewater treatment plant and recovery of his legal fees from the city based on the decision, according to the release.

    “The jury found that senior Amsterdam city officials refused to provide Mr. Apholz an accommodation for his medical condition after he…

    Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

    MMP News Author

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  • Boeing Stock Likes the Paris Air Show. There Is a Catch.

    Boeing Stock Likes the Paris Air Show. There Is a Catch.

    Boeing Stock Usually Wins From the Paris Air Show. This Is the Catch.

    Investors who are buying into the post-Covid recovery of commercial aerospace will get an important update about the industry, including the hot issues of sustainability and supply-chain snags, when the Paris Air Show kicks off on Monday.

    An error has occurred, please try again later.

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  • Embarrassed U.S. Excuses Itself From Asia Security Summit After Realizing America Not In Asia

    Embarrassed U.S. Excuses Itself From Asia Security Summit After Realizing America Not In Asia

    SINGAPORE—Insisting that he didn’t know how they had made such a simple mistake, an embarrassed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reportedly excused himself from the Shangri-La Dialogue Asian defense summit Friday after realizing America was not in Asia. “Oh God, sorry about that, we’re not even in the right ballpark here,” said the Defense Secretary, who reportedly grew visibly flushed after learning from an aide that the closest part of the Asian continent was nearly 5,000 miles away from the United States, before slowly slinking out of the gathering of allied nations. “Maybe we saw the letter ‘A’ and just assumed it was about us? Sorry, I don’t know why we’re here. Everyone just get on with whatever you were doing. We’ll see ourselves out.” At press time, Austin had reportedly paused at the catering table and grabbed a handful of hors d’oeuvres to at least make the 19 hour and 45 minute plane trip worth something.

    This Week’s Most Viral News: June 2, 2023

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  • Why Local Media is the Secret to Getting Free PR | Entrepreneur

    Why Local Media is the Secret to Getting Free PR | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Living in Las Vegas means I live and work where there are over 24,000 events, conventions and trade shows (bringing in 6.5 million attendees) annually. Having worked with many companies who attend, display or speak at these events, there’s one thing I always recommend that has helped them generate earned media while on site. It’s not pitching all of the attending media because they’re being pitched by everyone else attending.

    The most important thing your company can do is reach out to local media in the city you’re attending. The “trick” is to localize the story for the community that 1) also resonates with conference attendees and 2) it offers your brand credibility opportunities outside of the event.

    Related: 8 Ways to Improve Your Online Presence in 2023

    Why is “going local” such a strong strategy during an industry-specific event?

    • “Local” for your industry event typically means a large audience. The most popular cities that host the most events each year include Orlando, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Las Vegas and more. These are large markets. In addition to the “local” attention, these markets may have national distribution and social sharing of the content may reach a national audience. This means more than just the people who live in the local market will see your news.
    • Strategic timing generates leads. Aligning a local media moment during an event means you have some cool content to share in the event’s social timeline and may generate new leads for your business. For example, if you’re a software company, you could do an in-studio local TV news segment that includes an exclusive or local-relevant live demo of your product. This gives you a chance to show off your product to a new audience and insert the segment into the event hashtag conversation. The credibility and quality of the segment can be used for real-time and long-term lead generation.
    • Build credibility. If your company doesn’t have regular or ongoing media, this is a great third-party credibility builder that can be used long-term. It may support a future paid ad campaign or be a source of celebration with key stakeholders. When your company is featured in the media, it signals to potential customers or conference participants that you may be more credible than competitors. It may be seen as a “stamp of approval” — the determining factor for a potential customer. Getting event-specific positive media coverage is a great way to celebrate with key stakeholders and build excitement around your brand.
    • The “buzz” word. Local media look for stories that will generate buzz, which may be a win/win for your brand and the outlet if you have something interesting or newsworthy. It all comes down to localization. It may be something as simple as having a notable expert on-site, or it can be more in-depth, like showing how your company or product could have a major impact on the community. For example, during the Consumer Electronic Show (CES), I do a consumer tech segment highlighting my personal favorite finds from the show. These are typically things that showcase the “latest and greatest” and may also be things that the Las Vegas community may benefit from knowing.
    • It. Saves. Money. Cha-ching. Landing an earned local media placement means you can save money on advertising during the conference. Advertising can be expensive, especially if you’re trying to reach a large audience and earned media is “free,” minus the budget to work with a public relations professional to help craft, pitch and place the opportunity. Bonus? Earned media is often more valuable than paid advertising because it comes from a trusted source and is seen as more credible by consumers.
    • Brand awareness. Awareness implies the extent to which a brand is recognized by potential customers and the extent to which it is associated with a particular set of attributes. This is essential to helping your businesses attract new customers, increase sales and build loyalty. If you want to stand out in a crowded conversation during a large conference and 1) aren’t getting interest from prominent media outlets in attendance, or 2) don’t see an opportunity for on-site event coverage, local media is your best bet.

    Now that you understand why it is important, it is important to work with a local public relations agency to make it happen.

    Related: Why Maintaining a Strong Media Presence is Key to Succeeding in an Economic Downturn

    Work with a local market public relations agency

    It is important to reach out at least 30 to 60 days before your event. You’ll need time to vet and verify the agency, negotiate contract terms and allow them time to package and pitch your stories strategically. Working with a local partner means they already have local media connections, understand the community and increase the chances of your media placement. This team will also help you maximize the earned placement during and after the event to ensure you get as much value as possible. One highly credible local media placement may outshine any trade-specific coverage on-site or maybe the essential “partner” press needed to achieve your event media goals.

    How to find the right local agency?

    • Do your research. Utilize personal connections, Linkedin and general searches to identify agencies. You can also look at previous event press releases to see if other companies or competitors worked with a local agency. It’s essential to do your research and find one that is a good fit for your business.
    • Meet with the agency. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, meet with the agency to discuss your needs and goals. This will help you to determine if they are the right fit for your business.
    • Develop your “go local” strategy. Once you’ve decided to work with an agency, be sure to get everything in writing, including the scope of work, the fees, and the deliverables.
    • Understand expectations. Be sure to communicate your expectations to the agency from the start. Even if securing a single local media placement is the goal, you may want them to manage the entire event-specific public relations, develop an earned, owned and paid media strategy to leverage secure placements and build additional trade media relationships on your behalf.

    Related: 3 Proven Ways Entrepreneurs Can Get Media Exposure

    Sarah Evans

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  • 5 Ways to Make the Most Out of an Industry Conference | Entrepreneur

    5 Ways to Make the Most Out of an Industry Conference | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    No matter what industry you’re in, everyone can benefit from attending a professional conference. These large, multi-day gatherings are perfect opportunities to attend some seminars, learn a few things about where your industry is going, and perhaps most importantly, network with others in your space.

    However, if you’re new to attending industry conferences, you may not know how best to employ the limited time you have at one. The truth is, not everyone walks away from a conference having seized the same opportunities as someone who walked in with a game plan. So, in this article, you’ll find five ways to make the most out of the marketing, networking and personal and professional development opportunities a professional conference affords you.

    1. Make a plan

    The first step you’ll want to take is to make a plan for yourself well before the conference even begins. There’s no doubt that a week-long conference held at a huge hotel can seem pretty confusing and intimidating. After all, how are you really going to know where to go, which seminars to attend, who to talk to and where to catch people during the bustle of a conference?

    This is where planning is going to save you. Take some time beforehand to study the conference’s itinerary, participate in pre-conference discussions online and learn more about speakers and other attendees with whom you may want to network. Planning like this is going to save you a lot of time in the long run.

    2. Attend after-hours networking events and mixers

    This tip is all about the networking portion of professional conferences, arguably one of the most important parts. Conferences that run for multiple days often feature some sort of social mixers or meet-and-greets for attendees in the evening hours. These are prime opportunities to get yourself out there and network with others in your industry.

    Be sure to bring your business cards to hand out or, if you’re an author, give away some free copies of your book. That book can serve as your business card at professional events such as these mixers. An autographed book — put in the hands of potential clients, collaborators or influencers you want to work with — is light years ahead of just another business card that many people would probably lose or forget about anyway. A book means people will remember you.

    Even if you don’t have a book to hand out, though, these after-hours networking mixers are a perfect way to spend some time at your next conference.

    Related: How Networking Is Necessary for Effective Entrepreneurship

    3. Walk the hallways

    The third tip to remember for making the most out of a conference is to spend time walking the hallways outside the seminar rooms. The seminars and Q&As all have their place at a conference, but there’s a structure to them that decorum demands you follow. You’ll sit respectfully and hear what the speakers are saying.

    In the hallways, though, you’re going to meet people by surprise, have ad-libbed conversations, make business dealings and set up collaborations for the future. It can seem challenging to plan out something like this for yourself. After all, meeting up with other attendees in the hallways can seem like it just comes down to chance. In fact, there are things you can do to guide yourself into some existing hallways meetups, from following certain attendees’ hashtags or social posts to observing what others are doing outside of the seminar time slots.

    At professional conferences, it pays to keep in mind that learning happens in the seminar rooms, but magic happens in the hallways.

    Related: How My Goal of Meeting 2 New People a Day Completely Changed My Life

    4. Attend workshops and seminars

    You should definitely take time to attend the workshops and seminars on offer at your conference, and there’s a two-pronged strategy that you can employ here. On one hand, you should attend seminars on subjects that are unfamiliar to you but with which you’d like to become more familiar. On the other hand, make time to attend seminars on subjects that you already teach or practice yourself.

    The reason is that other people in your industry could have different life experiences that cause them to have a perspective on your topic that you’ve never considered before. Maybe these speakers say something more clearly or succinctly than you ever have. Their unique insights could unlock something in you and inspire you to teach your subject in their way from now on.

    This isn’t about stealing someone’s style. It’s about seeing whether another member of your own industry can say something that raises a nugget of wisdom out of your unconscious knowledge bank and into your conscious mind. That way, you can actively start to use it and become more competitive.

    Related: The Best Entrepreneurs Are Experts at Self-Improvement. Here’s How to Master That Skill.

    5. Be flexible

    Finally, you’re going to want to be flexible with your schedule at these conferences. As mentioned, you should make a plan for attending your conference, but at the same time, you want to keep an open mind to the fact that schedules can change at any time. You may not make it to a seminar that you planned to attend, be it for some mundane snafu or the fact that you had such a long and engaging conversation with someone you met in the hallway that you missed the time slot.

    That’s okay! It’s better to go with the flow anyway because that’s often how the best personal connections form.

    Conferences can spur your personal and professional growth

    Whether you’re an industry veteran or just getting into your game, conferences in your market niche can be a huge boon to your personal and professional development. From expert seminars to impromptu hallway networking, conferences can be the key to unlocking a new level of growth for you. Make sure you make the most out of your next one.

    Rich Perry

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  • Applications open for 2023 Demo Challenge | Bank Automation News

    Applications open for 2023 Demo Challenge | Bank Automation News

    Auto Finance News, a sister publication of Bank Automation News, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2023 Demo Challenge, which will take place at the Auto Finance Summit East on May 10-12 in Nashville, Tenn.

    The sixth annual Demo Challenge offers startups in financial services and automotive to showcase their technology before of a large audience of auto lending and leasing executives at the conference.

    Fintechs less than 7 years old with an eye toward consumer finance are invited to complete a short survey to be considered by the editorial team. Companies are required to present a live demo at the event.

    Apply for the Demo Challenge here.

    Previous winners of the Demo Challenge include lender EV Life, auto refinance provider Caribou, collections software Remitter, and blockchain company Bloom.

    Visit autofinance.live to register.

    Joey Pizzolato

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  • 5 Tips To Networking at Conferences as an Introvert | Entrepreneur

    5 Tips To Networking at Conferences as an Introvert | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Let’s be honest, networking can be an awkward experience for almost anyone, but if you’re the type of person that identifies as an introvert, then you probably understand that struggle better than anyone. Just the thought of meeting new people at a networking event can be enough to trigger knots in your stomach. I can relate to that feeling of dread because I too am an introvert and have had to build a complete mental plan when I attend large networking events and tradeshows.

    However, there are so many benefits from networking and attending conferences that it is well worth the awkwardness. Networking events can help you advance relationships in hours that may take years online to develop. When I have forced myself to attend events, I was able to forge new strategic partnerships and even create lifelong friendships.

    Creating a plan of action before you attend the conference is key to a successful networking experience. Here are my top five tips I use each time I attend a conference:

    1. Create a specific goal for the number of people you want to meet at the event

    If the event is for two days, don’t be overzealous and expect to meet 50 people. As introverts, we much prefer having fewer interactions that are deep and meaningful. I usually set an intention to meet three to five amazing people each day that I think will become long-term connections. If I only connect with two that day, but they were meaningful conversations, I don’t beat myself up with a missed opportunity. On the contrary, I reward myself for having the courage to have conversations with two strangers.

    Related: 6 Ways Introverts Can Avoid Feeling Shy at Conferences

    2. Break the ice before you attend

    Once you set a specific goal to meet others at the conference, do some initial research online and send each person an introduction via email or message before you meet them in person. Generally, I will review any information on the conference’s website, including specific booth numbers.

    In addition, I research the attendees’ profiles on LinkedIn so I can understand their backgrounds and interests. To break the ice, I always create a personalized video and forward it to their email or through LinkedIn messaging.

    Here is an example of my video script “Hey Lisa, I am eager to connect with you at the National Cybersecurity Conference next week. After viewing your LinkedIn profile, I am even more impressed at your commitment to healthcare security. I would love a 15-minute chat at your booth #225 to learn more about your initiatives for 2023 and share our current cybersecurity strategy in the healthcare space. Do we need to schedule a time, or can I just stop by and introduce myself?” In most cases, cold calls, emails and messages receive very few responses. However, the video messages I send have a 70% success rate because of the personalized approach and the immediacy of the upcoming conference.

    3. Come prepared with three key points to share in the conversations

    When meeting people at networking events, make sure you come prepared with ideas for what you want to share. At times, you may only have five minutes, so you have to treat it as if was an elevator pitch. Consider the three critical points you would love for them to remember. One of those points should be a story or impactful statement that will leave them wanting to learn more about you and your company. Here is an example of a three-point approach. “Lisa, thank you for taking a few moments today at the cybersecurity conference. Two years ago, our team cracked the code on eliminating 98% of ransomware threats within 8 seconds of detection. We would love to have you test out our software and see if it can be an addition to your security process. How is your team currently navigating ransomware threats with your prospective customers? This can help set the stage for a meaningful dialogue and get the conversation off to a strong start.

    Related: Even Introverts Can Excel at Networking by Following These Steps

    4. The person that talks the most loses the deal

    The adage that most people prefer to talk about themselves or their interests is true. Therefore, I usually focus on 70% of the conversation being led by them. As they are talking, I am taking mental notes on anything that is interesting or relevant and can be used in responding with purpose. In fact, I rarely prepare a full conversation agenda because the agenda is improvised during the conversation. In this way, it allows the discussion to be authentic and spontaneous as opposed to rehearsed with canned responses. This can help you stay focused and engaged with the actual topics being discussed as opposed to the topics you assumed would be discussed.

    5. Always find your anchor

    One of my first goals at any conference is to find my anchor. An anchor is someone that you can converse with throughout the conference and they will help support introductions or make suggestions on specific conference workshops. I rarely know the anchor prior to the event. However, I always know when I have met my anchor because they are easy to connect with and able to open doors to situations that may be uncomfortable for an introvert. Finding my anchor is essential, or else I may feel so uncomfortable and I will either hide in a corner or go back to my hotel room. Honestly, I have done both many times at conferences.

    Final words

    Networking is well worth it, and it can help you open many doors in your business. For introverts connecting and networking in large crowds may always feel a bit awkward. However, with some key tips, you will find that networking can be less stressful and more fun. Good luck!

    Kedma Ough, MBA

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  • CES 2023: AMD, Nvidia, auto applications get the hype, but analysts say this one chip maker ruled

    CES 2023: AMD, Nvidia, auto applications get the hype, but analysts say this one chip maker ruled

    As CES 2023 draws to a close, much of the attention in the chip world was lauded on companies like Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and Nvidia Corp. but a lower profile chip maker appears better positioned coming out of the convention.

    Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore said there’s still a lot of caution about overall chip demand especially with softness in China, but autos appear to be one of the strong themes of CES 2023, he said.

    “The areas that have been weak remain somewhat weaker – notably memory, semi cap, and generally PC and cloud builds – while the markets that have been strong (such as automotive and industrial) remain strong but with lead times clearly starting to normalize, which likely points to longer term revenue pressures particularly in a weaker economy,” Moore said.

    “Still, the longer term themes remain positive, especially for autos (which is increasingly the focus of CES),around themes such as EVs, ADAS and autonomous.”

    Such was the case when Nvidia Corp.
    NVDA,
    +4.16%
     said on Tuesday it was partnering with Hon Hai Technology Group
    2317,
    +0.41%
     , or Foxconn, best known for being the manufacturer of Apple Inc.’s
    AAPL,
    +3.68%
    iPhone, to make electric vehicles that use Nvidia’s Drive Orin chips and sensors, and bringing its GeForce Now streaming video game service to autos made by Hyundai Motor Group
    005380,
    +0.31%    ,
    BYD
    1211,
    -2.60%    ,
    and Swedish EV maker Polestar.

    “We generally think that Nvidia numbers are likely OK from here, though there was some caution on sell through in China for gaming, and a clear awareness that while the company’s position within cloud is very good, that pressure in cloud budgets leads to somewhat lower visibility,” Moore said. “But we would say that generally we think that they are past the worst of the pressures in their business, in contrast to most of the semiconductor group where there are still likely numbers cuts ahead.”

    Meanwhile, Advanced Micro Devices Inc.
    AMD,
    +2.62%
    used the CES keynote to introduce the Instinct MI300 chip as “world’s first data-center integrated CPU + GPU.” The  combined central processing unit and graphics processing unit meant for AI inference, the months-long process where data centers spend millions of dollars a year on electricity to train and develop artificial intelligence. AMD Chief Executive and Chair Lisa Su said the MI300 can reduce the time it takes for an inference modeling process from months to weeks.

    But one chip maker that doesn’t get a lot of attention appeared to emerge from CES best positioned for the year: ON Semiconductor Corp.
    ON,
    +4.57%    ,
    which focuses on electric vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems as primary growth drivers, leveraging its legacy position in auto chips.

    “Most notably, the company’s push into [Silicon Carbide] remains on track, and expect to still exit the year at a run-rate where the majority of crystal driving the business is internally sourced,” Moore said. “The company remains confident that demand in the EV space will far outpace supply for a long time and have thus shifted their focus over to execution on the production side.”

    Citi Research analyst Christopher Danley lauded ON as being the most bullish chip maker of CES 2023.

    “ON remains on track to triple Silicon Carbide revenue YoY from roughly $300 million in 2022 to $1.0 billion in 2023,” Danley said. “The company stated it is sold out through 2023.”

    But ON aside, Danley said everyone at CES is “nervous” about “cracks” in data-center demand, “and they should be.”

    “There was a tone of nervousness on the data center outlook with many execs and investors cautious and talking about ‘uncertainty’ in data center outlooks from both hyperscalers and enterprise customers,” Danley said. “We continue to believe data center correction will happen given a multitude of datapoints and leading indicators.”

    Back in early December, Danley said his checks “indicate order rates from the data center end market are fading with downside from the enterprise end market (roughly 40% of the data center end market) and Facebook,” which is owned by parent company Meta Platforms Inc.
    META,
    +2.43%
    “We continue to expect a correction in the data center end market in 1H23,” Danley said.

    That said, Danley said his top pick was and continue to believe a correction there is inevitable. We remain cautious on semis until all end markets and companies correct and our top pick remains chip maker Analog Devices Inc.
    ADI,
    +3.65%

    Back to autos: Ambarella Inc.
    AMBA,
    +6.77%
    on Thursday, Ambarella said it was partnering with Continental AG
    CON,
    +2.32%
    to develop hardware and software for assisted driving using AI with the ultimate goal of an autonomous driving system. The companies hope to have systems in production in 2026.

    Moore said Ambarella’s tech “continues to impress,” and said the Continental partnership will provide software revenue that’s shared but with the larger portion going to Continental.

    At CES 2023, “the companies are showing a full L2+ ADAS implementation for a 10-camera system running on a single chip, which per AMBA was only using 8% of the compute value of the chip.”

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  • The Themes That Will Define Bitcoin In 2023

    The Themes That Will Define Bitcoin In 2023

    This is an opinion editorial by Stephan Livera, host of the “Stephan Livera Podcast” and managing director of Swan Bitcoin International.

    As the 2022 chapter closes, it’s time to turn our eyes to what’s coming in 2023. Here are some themes I’m seeing for Bitcoin in 2023.

    Regulatory Overreach

    The Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Travel Rule is forcing exchanges and bitcoin service providers to document and share ever-more information about customer transactions. We are seeing politicians such as Elizabeth Warren publicly go against Bitcoin, and even if her proposed digital asset AML act has no real chance of passing, it does foreshadow that there are future battles coming on this.

    Stephan Livera

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  • Why I Won’t Forget My Experience At Bitcoin Amsterdam

    Why I Won’t Forget My Experience At Bitcoin Amsterdam

    This is an opinion editorial by Jessica Hodlr, COO of Plan B Passport and co-host of the “The Bittersweet Podcast.”

    Disclaimer: BTC Inc. is the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine and the Bitcoin Conference.

    It’s been almost two weeks since Bitcoin Amsterdam and it was an experience that I’ll never forget.

    Not only did I get to meet the amazing European Bitcoin community, but I also got to see how people from all over the world will come and congregate to one place — even if it means traveling 14 hours — to celebrate this one thing we all love — freedom money.

    Jessica Hodlr

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  • BrainGu Welcomes New Director of Events Marketing to Its Revenue Operations Team

    BrainGu Welcomes New Director of Events Marketing to Its Revenue Operations Team

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Nov 3, 2022


    WASHINGTON, November 1, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    BrainGu, a software development company focused on empowering innovation and rapid prototyping for customers in highly regulated industries welcomes strategic hire Jenny Martin (née Coppedge) as the company’s new Director of Events Marketing.

    Martin has planned and executed hundreds of events ranging from conferences and symposiums, trade shows, televised productions, political forums, and special events. She has also led high-profile events involving political dignitaries such as President Obama and U.S. Senators, C-level executives the likes of Steve Case and David Rubenstein, and television personalities such as Hoda Kotb, Chuck Todd, and Chris Matthews.

    “For me, the main appeal of joining BrainGu was its unique positioning in the DevSecOps and secure software space,” Martin said. “I look forward to helping evangelize our mission and capabilities as BrainGu enters its next exciting chapter.”

    Martin founded Heritage Event Management in 2014 serving corporation, association, and non-profit clients in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Prior to founding Heritage, she served as Vice President of Events and New Initiatives for the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Under her charge, the events department organized and executed over 80 events annually with an accompanying 10,000 attendees per year.

    “Having known Jenny for years both at The Chamber and at Heritage, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her talents and excellent work first-hand,” said Carl Rosenblatt, BrainGu’s Vice President of Revenue Operations. “We’re thrilled and fortunate to make a strategic hire such as Jenny, and I have no doubt she will help take BrainGu to the next level.”

    Martin is a graduate of James Madison University and holds a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.

    Who Is BrainGu?

    BrainGu is a small business taking the guesswork out of DevSecOps. Our Structsure platform enables our customers to define rapid, adaptable, and secure application delivery by reducing the complexity of their tech stack. With Structsure, BrainGu is freeing customers to focus on their core business. With BrainGu’s Structsure platform, “day one” for our clients begins with every tool needed to get the job done.

    Source: BrainGu

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