How Tech Events Empower Digital Agencies

In today's dynamic business landscape, tech companies aim to expand globally and establish a strong global presence. Attending international events may be a game changer, offering insights into industry trends, access to advanced technology, and cross-border partnership opportunities.

This year, I had the opportunity to speak at DrupalCon, a conference that brings together more than 1,500 Drupal developers from Europe and North America every two years.

Feeling inspired after the event, I've decided to share some of the benefits of tech events and other pro tips with the HackerNoon community. Additionally, I'd like to offer a few pro tips to help you maximize your growth and success potential during tech events.

Over the last 10 years, I have gained extensive experience in public speaking, particularly while working as a PMO Manager at my company, Five Jars. Of course, I still remember how stressful it can be at the beginning of the process. That's why I'm here to prepare you for your groundbreaking speech!

Explore opportunities at international events

I strongly believe that attending and participating in international events opens up incredible opportunities for both digital agencies and speakers. Here are a few compelling reasons why I am such an enthusiastic supporter of these events:

• Networking: Make meaningful connections with peers, industry mentors, and potential partners from diverse backgrounds to enrich your knowledge and grow your business.

• Exploration: Discover potential partnerships and gain a fresh perspective on industry strategies and best practices that can help you move your agency forward.

• Increased visibility: Demonstrate your skills, share valuable experiences, even host niche events and stay ahead of the latest industry trends through live presentations.

Once you realize the value and profitability of these benefits, you'll be more excited to represent your company with dignity and, of course, maximize the benefits of attending these types of events.

Choose the right event

Choosing the right conference for your agency is crucial. To create a lasting impact, it is necessary to select an event that matches your expertise and aligns with your target audience. In the United States, you can choose from several leading tech industry gatherings that can greatly boost your company's presence. These are some of the top options to consider:

• WordCamp: A series of conferences dedicated to the WordPress platform, held in various cities nationwide. WordCamp presents an excellent opportunity to engage with clients utilizing WordPress for their web projects.
• DeveloperWeek: This technology conference held in San Francisco focuses on software development, attracting developers, engineers, and entrepreneurs from around the world.
• Collision: A major technology conference that attracts startups, tech companies, and experts globally.
• TLCC Orlando: A conference for industry professionals utilizing Tessitura software.

“I personally submitted my company for a June conference session in October 2022, and by February 2023, we had the long-awaited confirmation that we would be a speaker at the conference”

Perfect Timing

Careful planning is key to increasing your chances of being selected as a speaker. Submitting your proposal early, preferably about six months before the event, significantly boosts your chances of being approved. As a case in point, I personally submitted my company for a June conference session in October 2022, and by February 2023, we had the long-awaited confirmation that we would be a speaker at the conference.

By staying proactive and sticking to a timeline like this, you'll open the door to valuable speaking opportunities and solidify your status as an industry leader. Underestimating the power of early planning can prevent you from landing that much-wanted spot on stage.

Craft a compelling message

Creating a strong message for your presentation is essential to making a lasting impact on the diverse audience at a technology conference. To ensure that your message resonates deeply with attendees of all backgrounds remember that entrepreneurs should expertly cover topics that are relevant not only to one location but to multiple countries around the world:

• Universal issues: Focus on identifying problems and solutions that transcend geographic boundaries and speak to the shared challenges and aspirations of a global audience.
• Cultural sensitivity: Craft your message with respect and inclusion for diverse cultural perspectives, promoting inclusiveness and understanding among the audience.
• Globally relevant topics: Focus on crucial aspects relevant to entrepreneurs around the world, such as business process stabilization, productivity maintenance, budget management, and strategic team recruitment during challenging times.

By successfully employing these strategies, your presentation will resonate and connect with diverse audiences at tech events, leaving an unforgettable impression that goes beyond borders and encourages action. Use the power of your words to unite and inspire people from every corner of the world.

What to emphasize

I would strongly recommend focusing on certain key points during your presentation. These include:

• Team support: Demonstrating how your company supports employees financially, mentally, procedurally, and in communication, fostering a nurturing work environment that increases productivity and growth.

• Embracing flexibility: Highlighting how agencies have thrived by adapting to ever-changing priorities and embracing the art of replanning, remaining agile in an ever-evolving landscape.

• Client communication transparency: Highlighting the importance of transparent communication with clients at all levels as a foundation for building trust, ensuring stronger collaboration, and maintaining long-term partnerships.

• Social responsibility: It is always good to discuss commitment to promoting the well-being of the company’s employees, like providing ample vacation time and recreational activities, as well as offering unwavering support during challenging times, as an example of your dedication to social responsibility.

• Embrace diversity and equality: Mention the importance of an open-minded approach in the global sphere, promoting Diversity and Equality within our organization, and embracing the power of different viewpoints.

Incorporate these vital themes in your presentations to showcase your commitment to empowering your team, fostering innovation, and making a positive impact in the global tech community.

“Practice is the key to success. The more you practice, the more confident and successful you'll become”

Preparation for an international conference

Getting more out of your international conference requires proper preparation. Here's a checklist to make sure your presentation shines on the global stage:

1. If you are applying to speak at an international conference, be sure to study the requirements and preferences of the organizers. If possible, contact them to learn about missing topics or previous presentations.

2. Make sure your presentation is aligned with the event's mission and values.

3. Choose a topic you are passionate about and that matches your expertise. Your enthusiasm and knowledge will be an asset to your confidence and the audience's interest.

4. Structure your speech. Have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This will help you to organize your ideas effectively.

5. To help the audience understand and retain information, include visuals such as illustrations, graphs, and charts.

6. Practice your speech. Consider using a public speaking coach in the language in which you will present.

7. Get to know your surroundings and observe the other speakers on the same stage.

8. Connect with the audience by using stories, examples, and questions. This will make your speech memorable and engaging.

9. Be open to interaction with the audience.

10. Be graceful in dealing with unexpected situations.

And remember, practice is the key to success. The more you practice, the more confident and successful you'll become.

Conclusion

Participating in international events is a way for companies to make a lasting impact on the world stage, build relationships, support their teams, and promote transparent communication.

With careful preparation, companies can establish themselves on the international stage, not only in the U.S. market but across borders and beyond.

In the end, a good speech will always resonate with a diverse audience and leave a lasting impression at technology conferences. And that's why I have a strong vision that the future holds limitless opportunities for conscious and innovative people in technology to grow and collaborate.

I wish you all many successful performances, appreciative audiences and of course a lot of applause!