Choosing the Right Tech Event to Attend in Our New Normal

After a two-year hiatus, TechCrunch Disrupt finally returned to the Moscone Center this year.

One of the marquee events in tech, it will always be synonymous with what’s new, interesting and – as the existence of an Investor Lounge attests – what’s worth banking on. It’s also worth examining; checking out what to look for when considering a tech industry event to sponsor or speak at, especially as we reach the saturation point with tech conferences across the globe going virtual, hybrid and in-person.

What to consider when evaluating tech events

First up: the format. Smaller, more intimate talks were extremely popular and brought value to the organizations participating in them. Now, don’t get us wrong. Main stage is still the main stage, but that’s more pre-pandemic. Attendees are craving more human interaction and, in the more intimate settings that can best be described as a cross between TED and pitches, you could see word of mouth in action and real engagement with the creative thinkers presenting or even explaining trending topics.

Then there’s the size of an event. It’s great to have the run of a large space, but it’s a lot of ground to cover. Are you going to be in a section where you’re with peers, making it easier for current and potential partners to find you? The more focused an event is, the greater the possibility you’ll get attendees with whom you may want to connect. Of course, it doesn’t have to be that focused as some cross-pollination is sure to be helpful to all those there.  

And lastly, let’s mention big and established partners who are key to putting on successful events these days. If these thought leaders are fully integrated into the program, they can add to it and be a draw, and there’s undoubtedly going to be some spillover if they’re related to your business. So, being around them can be helpful. It’s just a question of whom, how well they’re worked in, and if they’re incorporated in such a way that folks have to stick around to see what else is on site.

As we continue in the “new normal,” it’s the perfect time to use events like this to discover how you and your business can best leverage these opportunities.