- Joined
- Oct 12, 2023
- Posts
- 92
- Reaction score
- 37
Attending industry events and trade shows is a fantastic opportunity to make connections, boost your brand, and enhance your reputation in the IT sector. We talked to Rolandas Japertas, Business Development Manager at it.com Domains, about the importance of events for IT startups, their impact on a brand, and how to make the most out of joining them.
it.com Domains: Rolandas, IT industry offers a wide range of events, and for startups it’s sometimes quite costly and time-consuming exercise. What is the value of joining such events?
Rolandas Japertas (RJ): Events are essential for building an image and enhancing IT brand awareness. They allow you, as a startup, to showcase your company, connect with customers, and establish new partnerships.
I know that many companies are now planning their event calendars for 2025. I’d recommend looking at two types of events: smaller, industry-specific events where partnerships and collaborations are key, and larger ones for connecting with end users.
Take it.com Domains, for instance. Web Summit is a big event that draws over 70,000 participants each year, including leading figures in technology and business. Being there can significantly boost brand visibility and recognition amongst end users, enhancing our b2c strategy.
On the other hand, events like Domain Days in Dubai are working better for connecting with other businesses like resellers and registrars, as well as building a reputation within the industry.
Of course, these events are appropriate for us. IT startups should find their own unique niche and participate in relevant industry events.
it.com Domains: Once the event calendar is done, what should IT startups do to effectively use these events to promote their brand?
RJ: It is crucial to engage with your audience, not just showcase your product. You can host merch giveaways, encourage visitors to subscribe to your social media channels, or organize interactive events. The IT community has many interests and hobbies, so finding ways to connect with them is a great way to build relationships.
During the last Web Summit, we focused on one of IT community’s favorite hobbies—chess. At our stand, anyone could play against professional chess coaches.
The it.com Domains stand at Web Summit 2024
Of course, that story had much longer legs. Together with Web Summit and World Chess, we also created and organized the game “Hans Niemann vs. You,” where participants from around the world joined forces with an AI advisor system to take on Grandmaster Hans Niemann.
Partnership is a great way to boost brand awareness and attract attention. While it comes at a price, it allows you to reach a wider audience through exhibition stands and presentations, as well as build a perception of a reputable brand. Brands that actively participate in events as sponsors are perceived as more reliable players in the market.
it.com Domains was a Title Sponsor of Domain Days 2023. Our logo was featured on the banners and panels at the event, which also helped boost brand awareness.
If a startup has a limited budget for large-scale sponsorship, I recommend focusing on partnering with larger players. Large companies can provide startups with access to resources and networks that they may not have on their own.
it.com Domains: So, in your opinion, what event participation is more effective – a sponsorship, an exhibition stand, or networking?
RJ: There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s like a dish; you have a main course, a side dish, and a sauce. All the elements complement each other.
Sponsorship shows that you aren’t just any company; you have a budget. This increases the trust of potential partners.
A stand is an opportunity to talk about your product, show it off, and interact with participants.
Our stand at ICANN78 Annual General Meeting in Hamburg, Germany. Participants of the event could come and talk to our representatives and learn more about the .it.com extension and about our company as a whole.
And networking is probably the main reason to join those events in person. Networking is a key aspect of the success of IT startups. It allows you to establish important business connections, exchange experiences, and find potential partners and clients.
it.com Domains: Do you have any event networking tips and advice for startups?
RJ: Firstly, avoid trying to sell your product right away. It’s crucial to build trust by discussing non-business topics and sharing your experiences. Being sincere in your communication helps to create deeper connections. People appreciate natural interactions over pre-written scripts. So, be yourself.
Secondly, an informal setting can greatly facilitate communication. Discussions over lunch or coffee can lead to more relaxed and productive conversations. In such cases, the conversation isn’t about business per se, as these are not business negotiations.
You can exchange information that is relevant to the moment. You can tell more about yourself or, for example, what social initiatives your company is involved in. For potential partners, participating in social projects and supporting charities can significantly enhance your reputation. It demonstrates social responsibility and helps you establish contacts with other companies and investors who share your values.
Thirdly, be ready to communicate. Take advantage of opportunities to exchange contacts and discuss joint projects. Always have information about your business ready. However, it should not be exclusively ideal information. It’s important to show reality, be able to admit some shortcomings, and assure them that you are working on improving your indicators.
Get inspired by the leading industry experts! Visit it.com Domains blog and follow us on social media
Continue reading at the it.com Domains blog...
it.com Domains: Rolandas, IT industry offers a wide range of events, and for startups it’s sometimes quite costly and time-consuming exercise. What is the value of joining such events?
Rolandas Japertas (RJ): Events are essential for building an image and enhancing IT brand awareness. They allow you, as a startup, to showcase your company, connect with customers, and establish new partnerships.
I know that many companies are now planning their event calendars for 2025. I’d recommend looking at two types of events: smaller, industry-specific events where partnerships and collaborations are key, and larger ones for connecting with end users.
Take it.com Domains, for instance. Web Summit is a big event that draws over 70,000 participants each year, including leading figures in technology and business. Being there can significantly boost brand visibility and recognition amongst end users, enhancing our b2c strategy.
On the other hand, events like Domain Days in Dubai are working better for connecting with other businesses like resellers and registrars, as well as building a reputation within the industry.
Of course, these events are appropriate for us. IT startups should find their own unique niche and participate in relevant industry events.
it.com Domains: Once the event calendar is done, what should IT startups do to effectively use these events to promote their brand?
RJ: It is crucial to engage with your audience, not just showcase your product. You can host merch giveaways, encourage visitors to subscribe to your social media channels, or organize interactive events. The IT community has many interests and hobbies, so finding ways to connect with them is a great way to build relationships.
During the last Web Summit, we focused on one of IT community’s favorite hobbies—chess. At our stand, anyone could play against professional chess coaches.
The it.com Domains stand at Web Summit 2024
Of course, that story had much longer legs. Together with Web Summit and World Chess, we also created and organized the game “Hans Niemann vs. You,” where participants from around the world joined forces with an AI advisor system to take on Grandmaster Hans Niemann.
Partnership is a great way to boost brand awareness and attract attention. While it comes at a price, it allows you to reach a wider audience through exhibition stands and presentations, as well as build a perception of a reputable brand. Brands that actively participate in events as sponsors are perceived as more reliable players in the market.
it.com Domains was a Title Sponsor of Domain Days 2023. Our logo was featured on the banners and panels at the event, which also helped boost brand awareness.
If a startup has a limited budget for large-scale sponsorship, I recommend focusing on partnering with larger players. Large companies can provide startups with access to resources and networks that they may not have on their own.
it.com Domains: So, in your opinion, what event participation is more effective – a sponsorship, an exhibition stand, or networking?
RJ: There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s like a dish; you have a main course, a side dish, and a sauce. All the elements complement each other.
Sponsorship shows that you aren’t just any company; you have a budget. This increases the trust of potential partners.
A stand is an opportunity to talk about your product, show it off, and interact with participants.
Our stand at ICANN78 Annual General Meeting in Hamburg, Germany. Participants of the event could come and talk to our representatives and learn more about the .it.com extension and about our company as a whole.
And networking is probably the main reason to join those events in person. Networking is a key aspect of the success of IT startups. It allows you to establish important business connections, exchange experiences, and find potential partners and clients.
it.com Domains: Do you have any event networking tips and advice for startups?
RJ: Firstly, avoid trying to sell your product right away. It’s crucial to build trust by discussing non-business topics and sharing your experiences. Being sincere in your communication helps to create deeper connections. People appreciate natural interactions over pre-written scripts. So, be yourself.
Secondly, an informal setting can greatly facilitate communication. Discussions over lunch or coffee can lead to more relaxed and productive conversations. In such cases, the conversation isn’t about business per se, as these are not business negotiations.
You can exchange information that is relevant to the moment. You can tell more about yourself or, for example, what social initiatives your company is involved in. For potential partners, participating in social projects and supporting charities can significantly enhance your reputation. It demonstrates social responsibility and helps you establish contacts with other companies and investors who share your values.
Thirdly, be ready to communicate. Take advantage of opportunities to exchange contacts and discuss joint projects. Always have information about your business ready. However, it should not be exclusively ideal information. It’s important to show reality, be able to admit some shortcomings, and assure them that you are working on improving your indicators.
Get inspired by the leading industry experts! Visit it.com Domains blog and follow us on social media
Continue reading at the it.com Domains blog...
