Author: Carla Acosta – Lead Designer
It’s the third year we’ve attended the UK’s most prominent technology event, and we have some tips to help you get the most out of the London Tech Week.
The London Tech Week is a week-long celebration of tech and talent in a world-class hub of innovation. It is held in a central venue, but there are many side events that are also worth exploring. This year, it was at Olympia’s London, where there are several stages where you can listen to industry leads’ keynotes and stands to meet and discover startups and growing companies.
London Tech Week is the perfect place to exchange ideas with people from around the globe. It has 45,000 participants, 5,000 startups, 350+ speakers, and 1,000+ investors.
But how can you get the most out of this experience?
CONNECT WITH PEOPLE BEFORE THE EVENT
First, be prepared to connect and speak with other people.
Once you have booked your ticket, download the LTW app, create your profile, and build the persona of the person you want to talk to. Ask yourself if you’re looking for partners, investors, or colleagues from a specific country to do business.
After creating the persona, look for the LTW participants on the app and check who matches your requirements. Contact them through the app 3 to 1 week before the event to schedule an appointment. Remember that the best way to approach someone is by connecting and creating sincere relationships rather than selling or promoting a product or a service in the first instance.
Taken from: https://vitaldesign.com/buyer-persona/
ASK QUESTIONS TO START CONVERSATIONS
Don’t be shy! We understand it’s easier said than done, but asking questions is perfectly fine. There will be a lot of information in the environment, from the keynotes to the pitches and vouchers you’ll receive at the stands. So, if you find anything that catches your attention, don’t hesitate to go deeper into the conversation. Expositors will be glad to begin a discussion with attendees.
DOODLES
Write, draw or sketch. At some keynotes, we found enlightening insights that work for our business solutions; writing them down allows us to remember the idea clearly, understand it better, and deepen it after the London Tech Week.
It is also a valuable way to remember all the information coming to your head this week.
EXPLORE EVERYTHING
As we said in previous paragraphs, London Tech Week also has side events that could be valuable to you; a great place to find them is on Eventbrite, where they post constantly paid and free events this week. In addition, if you’re not from the UK, you can find other event information with your embassy or delegation.
Another way to enjoy the week is to discover the city! London has more than 170 museums and a living history. We’re sure you’ll find inspiration and awaken your creativity, no matter your industry.
Picture taken by the author
BOND WITH PEOPLE
It doesn’t matter which social network you use; generally, in a corporate environment, we use LinkedIn, but it is crucial to connect with the people you meet to keep everyone in one place and remember names and faces. Have an easy access QR with your social networks or a business card (we recommend the QR; after all, it is a tech event, and it is always good to take care of the environment).
After the event, it is common to lose the inertia, but this is the most important moment to write short messages and keep the most critical people on the radar for your business.
NETWORKING EVENTS
Definitely, we recommend attending the networking spaces; this is the most exciting space to start conversations with leaders from around the world because at other events, you won’t be able to interrupt exhibitors.
Starting a conversation with a stranger can feel intimidating, but here are three effective ways to break the ice:
- Comment on your surroundings: Speak about London’s weather (that’s something locals do all the time), ask if it is someone’s first time in London, or just go to the point saying something about tech.
- Ask for advice or recommendations: Ask questions about the keynotes, the city or the venue.
- Compliment or acknowledge them: If you recognise someone from any company or talk, express why you know them or what you like about their work.
Remember, it is the responsibility of all attendees to create a friendly and engaging atmosphere, encouraging strangers to bond positively and keeping the conversations going.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, attending London Tech Week offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, networking, and knowledge-sharing. By preparing in advance, actively engaging with fellow attendees, asking insightful questions, and taking detailed notes, you can maximise the benefits of this event. Don’t forget to explore the side events and the city itself to enhance your experience and foster creativity. Finally, maintain your new connections through LinkedIn or other social platforms to build lasting professional relationships. Embrace the full potential of London Tech Week to propel your tech career and business forward, and of course, contact us if you want to chat, discuss AI ideas or receive some of our London restaurants suggestions.
Carla Acosta – Lead Designer
