Your Event Technology Demo is Boring.

As someone who absolutely loves event technology, I have the pleasure of learning about a lot of companies who are making headway in the industry. From mobile applications to online communities to registration systems, I have earned a great vantage point over the industry. And, for the most part, sitting through demos is a really great experience. I enjoy giving feedback, asking questions and seeing where companies innovate. But today’s post is for all of you event technology companies out there who are not leveraging your demos in the way you need to. Your demos are boring, one-sided and unproductive. So, here are a few tips.

Do Your Research
Before you call a planner and ask them to learn about your product, do a little research. Find out what type of events they do, what they are known for in the industry – check LinkedIn and see what kind of common connections you have. When you send the initial email, reference these things you know about the person. Then, in the early part of your demo, make sure you ask them to describe themselves and their company. You will always get a better view of the company from the CEO or Founder and that will help you a ton during the demo.

Use Your Knowledge
Your product is cool and it does some amazing things, but sharing every feature is not the way to a planner’s heart. Think strategically about how this particular planner would likely use your product and show them the relevant components. Make sure they are aware of all the features that will make their job easier.

Go Above and Beyond
Don’t just show them events that are totally different from what they do. For many planners, you need to do a mock up of an event they host – let them really see what it would be like. I’ve had a few event tech companies do this for me and it really makes an impression. Especially for planners who are not tech savvy, you’re likely to lose them if you use abstract examples.

You’ve put so much work into creating a product that will innovate our industry. Make sure that your initial exposure to planners is well-planned and intentional. Make sure everyone you talk to becomes a huge fan of your product, and you’ll see the returns down the road!

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Liz

Liz King is a technology-integrated event planner and award winning blogger. As the owner of Liz King Events, she runs an innovative firm that creates dynamic branding events integrating the use of social media. Planning events from soup to nuts, she works with her team to create and sustain your event brand and enhance attendee engagement. Liz is also a co-founder of the Event Technology Showcase PlannerTech. As the owner of Liz King Events, she has been featured as a speaker at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, National Association of Colleges and Employers, ExpoWest/Supply Expo and several other events as an expert on the topic of social media and events. She has also been featured in Connect Meetings Intelligence and Convene Magazine, among others.

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  • http://twitter.com/lizkingevents/status/256397094670200834/ Liz King (@lizkingevents)

    Your Event Technology Demo is Boring. #eventprofs #eventtech http://t.co/Evh9NHNk

  • http://www.eventchocolate.com/ Ian Adams

    I like the messaging Liz. All about the story.

  • http://twitter.com/executiveoasis/status/256423761123885056/ Executive Oasis Intl (@executiveoasis)

    Your Event Technology Demo is Boring. #eventprofs #eventtech http://t.co/f27y2SkS via @lizkingevents

  • http://twitter.com/DahliaElGazzar/status/256434961148678144/ @DahliaElGazzar

    Been on a couple of these :) ! RT @lizkingevents: Your Event Technology Demo is Boring. #mpi #pcma http://t.co/LgYbzdQU

  • http://twitter.com/OnlineRegReview/status/256473479652724736/ @OnlineRegReview

    Your event technology demo is boring http://t.co/803qOmYO via @lizkingevents

  • Victoria Walmsley

    Really interesting post. Working for an event software provider – evocos, I know all about product demo’s! But never thought of researching the company/contact on LinkedIn first – great tip.

    • http://www.lizkingevents.com Liz King

      So glad I was able to inspire an idea! I think it really helps to get to know the company you’re pitching to a bit so you can target the demo and have a better return on your time!

  • http://twitter.com/lizkingevents/status/256709886115737603/ Liz King (@lizkingevents)

    Im sure u have!! RT @DahliaElGazzar: Been on a couple of these :) ! RT @lizkingevents: Your Event Tech Demo is Boring. http://t.co/Evh9NHNk

  • http://twitter.com/SocialMediaSean/status/256848091628593152/ @SocialMediaSean

    Your Event Technology Demo is Boring. #eventprofs #eventtech http://t.co/kyTePf0q via @lizkingevents

  • http://twitter.com/HillmanEvents/status/256933868035244033/ @HillmanEvents

    +1 “@SocialMediaSean: Your Event Technology Demo is Boring. #eventprofs #eventtech http://t.co/LpAS5OWL via @lizkingevents”

  • http://twitter.com/projectmaven/status/257246615138603008/ Deborah Pannell (@projectmaven)

    It’s all about the communication! Your Event Technology Demo is Boring. #eventprofs #eventtech http://t.co/tnwjG7HI via @lizkingevents

  • http://twitter.com/JeniseFryatt/status/258259831297814528/ Jenise Fryatt (@JeniseFryatt)

    Your Event Technology Demo is Boring. #eventprofs #eventtech http://t.co/3KnTt8jn via @lizkingevents