INTRODUCTION
The Viva Technology 2024 conference, global largest event for startups and tech, took place May 22-25 in the charming city of Paris. Held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the event attracted over 160,000 attendees, including tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from around the globe. The conference featured more than 400 influential speakers, with sessions covering a wide range of topics such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability and the future of work. Participants could also join the event online using the VivaTech Connect networking app, making it accessible to everyone.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Attending the Viva Technology 2024 conference was like stepping into the future. The atmosphere was really busy with thousands of attendees navigating through the sprawling exhibition halls, engaging in lively discussions and exploring forefront innovations. The conference was meticulously organized, featuring a diverse program packed with keynote speeches delivered by leading business-players such as Elon Musk (Founder, Chairman, CEO at SpaceX, Tesla, X), Serena & Venus Williams (Brand Partners at Shares), Harley Finkelstein (President at Shopify) and others. Panel discussions, startup pitches and hands-on workshops was an unforgettable experience as well.
One of the highlights was Yann LeCun’s (Chief AI Scientist at Meta) and Madhumita Murgia’s (AI Editor at Financial Times) discourse on how we can promote transparency, collaboration and accessibility of scientific research while addressing issues of privacy, competition and sustainability of academic practices.
Attendees also had the chance to witness groundbreaking technologies at the startup booths, ranging from AI-powered healthcare solutions to next-gen fintech applications. And not forgetting those who joined the event online, it is worth reminding that VivaTech Connect — the networking app — was a game-changer, allowing participants to schedule meetings, chat with other attendees and access exclusive content from the comfort of their homes. This digital platform fostered a sense of community and ensured that everyone could make the most out of the conference, whether they were on-site or attending virtually.
B2B LEAD GENERATION TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE CONFERENCE AFTER IT ENDS
One of the most valuable aspects of Viva Technology 2024 was the unparalleled opportunity for B2B lead generation. Networking at such a prestigious event can obviously open doors to future leads and partners, making it crucial to approach follow-ups strategically.
We have already mentioned that the conference does not end for you on the last day of its program. If you want to get the most out of the event — whether you are looking for a prospect or a partner — carefully read the tips I offer you from my own experience below. Let's go!
Timing and Method
When it comes to when and how your follow-ups should be organized, keep in mind that two weeks is your maximum time to reach a person out. Accordingly, it would be wise to do the following:
- Contact the person a week after the conference. It's essential to do this while the event is still fresh in everyone's mind. Use the networking app to send a brief message, mentioning your experience and your purpose of communication.
- Contact the person two weeks after the conference. If your message sent a week ago in the networking app was ignored and you didn’t receive any response, feel free to send a LinkedIn connection request. Don’t forget to personalize your invitation note by referencing you both attended the conference and expressing interest in staying connected.
Communication Channels
It is clear from the previous paragraph that the main channels follow-ups should be sent through are:
- Networking App: Use it as a first step to remind about yourself and your purpose of communication.
- LinkedIn: The second step in your follow-up strategy, designed for more detailed and professional communication.
A less obvious but still applicable channel is mail. Use it if the person asks you to contact them in this way, utilizing it for detailed discussions and proposals.
Avoiding the Spammer Image
And finally, I'm sure you're wondering how to make sure that your follow-ups don't seem like intrusive spam. In order to achieve some relevant results and not to lose a valuable connection you should follow these simple rules:
- Personalization. Tailor each message to the individual, referencing your interactions and specific interests.
- Value Proposition. Clearly outline the benefits of collaborating, focusing on how you can solve their pain points or enhance their business.
- Respect and Patience. Be patient and respectful of their time. Follow up politely if you don't receive an immediate response, but avoid being pushy.
CONCLUSION
The Viva Technology 2024 conference left a lasting impression on its participants, celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere, insightful sessions, and unmatching networking opportunities. The event underlined the critical role of strategic follow-ups in B2B lead generation. By leveraging the right communication channels and maintaining a personalized approach, you can transform casual interactions into meaningful business relationships.
Alex Bilyi, Virtuwise.io
