Gregor Hohpe’s Post

Have you ever attended a conference and skipped all the talks? We do it regularly at Cloud9devs and here’s why: Our time at any given event is limited. So we need to prioritize what’s mission-critical. As a software development partner who isn’t a household name (yet)? That would be meeting new people to do business with. And industry events = prime time for that. Most people are shocked when we tell them this. And we understand how it might come across as disrespectful or even a waste of money. But once we explain our reasoning, everyone gets it: It’s not the talks that are at the core of these events. It’s the networking. And we simply want to maximize it. We’ve been following this approach since the beginning of the year, and 4/5 events have yielded new business opportunities in some shape or form. We’ve even come up with a system to increase our chances of success: ✅ We research the attendees, mark the standouts, and reach out to them ≥2 weeks ahead of the event. ✅ To maximize the response rate, we use multiple channels to reach out, for example LinkedIn plus email plus the conference app. ✅ To maximize attendance, we set up a reminder ⁓2 hours ahead of the meeting, including the exact location. ✅ After each meeting, we snap a group photo and forward it to the attendee. Partly to help us remember, partly to make reaching out in the future easier. We might also leverage the photo in our LinkedIn content. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Attending conferences has been one of the best moves we’ve made in 2024 – just not for the reasons one might think. So we look forward to carrying that approach over to 2025 and perfecting it further 💪🏻

Maximising ROI from Conference Attendance: Tips and Tricks Conference attendance can be a significant investment, so ensuring a strong return on that investment is crucial. Here are a few strategies that have worked for me. First, do your homework. Identify key attendees and speakers you want to connect with ahead of time. Second, be proactive in networking—don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Finally, follow up promptly after the event with personalised messages. These steps help transform a simple attendance into meaningful business growth. I've found that preparation is key to making the most out of conferences. By setting clear goals and being deliberate about who I want to connect with, I can make my attendance much more productive. Here are some key takeaways: 𝗗𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Research key attendees and speakers before the event. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Know what you want to achieve by attending. 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Network actively and don't wait for opportunities to come to you. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝘂𝗽: Not every contact is equal after a conference, so prioritise leads to cold, warm and hot. Send personalised messages after the event to maintain connections and chase those who should have genuine interest. What are your tips for getting the most out of conferences?

Complaining about business conferences is a popular international sport. But after more than a decade of Money 20/20s, it still feels good. Leaving Amsterdam today in great spirits, having celebrated new partnerships, solidified relations, and met incredible new people. It’s sometimes exhausting, with all the back-to-back (because you can’t lose time, since you’re there, right?), but I feel there’s also some magic in this place where thousands of people from all over the world gather.   Hugging old-time friends is the part I like the most. These are people you like, work with intensely, and share challenges and achievements. Yet, you get to see them only once a year or even less. So, when you’re walking down the conference floor and see that person, oh, what a joy. You want to convey how much you appreciate the encounter, but you only have a few moments before running to the next meeting. A sincere friendly tight hug is my best choice. There’s also all the fun embarrassment when greeting a woman with kisses in the cheek: one, two, or three, depending on the nationality? Europeans have strict rules. This week, I confess I didn’t get anyone right.   Lastly, hanging out with my fellow ebankers. With our team spread across multiple continents, we can’t miss the chance to strengthen our personal connections. Just spending time together—working, eating a quick salad in a rush, talking nonsense, running from booth to booth, or walking long blocks along the canals to find the hotel. It's a non-artificial offsite, with actual real-world tasks, which makes it more bonding.   Conferences can also be joyful. If your tour was not super fun, don’t give up. Tomorrow is another day, come meet us. See you in October in Las Vegas!

Feeling major FOMO about those big conferences that you can't attend? I can totally relate. (Maybe next year MozCon 😢 ) The high admission fees, travel expenses, and time away from the office make attending these events a real challenge, especially since there are so many of them now. However, where obstacles arise, creativity flourishes. 🌈 Here are some tips to get the most out of those conferences (without attending in person): ✨ If you can afford virtual access, attend remotely with your friends or coworkers! Book a conference room and camp out for the day with a screen and some snacks. You can even split the costs for access if your work won't cover it. ✨ Reach out to speakers from the conferences that you really wanted to see on LinkedIn. Many of them will be open to connecting after big events and are prepared for an influx of connection requests. Also, speakers often reuse their materials at other events throughout the year, so keep an eye on their pages for a free webinar or a smaller, more affordable event later in the year. ✨ Throughout the conference, check event hashtags to capture key takeaways from attendees. People often share the highlights of the programs and their learnings from each, making it a huge resource! This is also a good way to capture discounts and other flash deals from vendors. ✨ When the conference is over, many speakers give away materials like tips, organizers, and free trials. They often share sign-up links for these on LinkedIn, requiring nothing more than an email address to access. They usually have a lot of value compared to the average whitepaper, so I definitely recommend looking for these. Remember, there are always alternative ways to learn and grow. Keep pushing!

One of the most memorable events, I have ever been to, was a dinner party years ago hosted by the incredible Kristian Brask Thomsen. Why was it memorable? Because Kristian as host had not only curated the guest list but also taking his time in making a seating plan, where he had taken great care in ensuring that people would be seated with someone they would be able to strike a chord with. I have often wondered why the same kind of approach is not being matched at conferences? Anyone who has ever tried to really get the most out of networking opportunities at conferences know how hard it can be to get even remotely right, and how much time you risk wasting in professionally pointless meetings. I think that adding such a curated element to the networking part would improve not only the quality of the matches but also of the conversations of emergent opportunities. What do you think? #conference #networking #curation #opportunity https://lnkd.in/dh6CcXsU

🌟 10 Tips for Attending Your First EuRA - European Relocation Association Conference: As I prepare for my 6th year attending the EuRA conference, I reflect on my journey from being a newcomer to feeling like an integral part of the community. It took me three events to truly grasp what was happening and how to immerse myself in the experience. Feel free to share with colleagues visiting for the first time. I leave the 10th tip for the experienced ones among you to share your own tip. Feel free to comment to my 9th tips, I am sure there is plenty for me to further learn. 1. Network, Connect, Connect and again Connect: Don't just focus on closing deals; prioritize building connections for future collaborations and inspiration. Engage with everyone, even those outside your immediate interests. They might introduce you to valuable contacts you haven't met yet. 🤝 2. Embrace the Bubble: Don't feel intimidated if it seems like everyone knows each other. Stay open to networking, and you'll quickly feel part of the welcoming community. 💬 3. Attend Evening Events: Expand your network further by attending networking events hosted by various companies. Don't hesitate to ask if you can join – EuRA is not a place to be shy!  4. Prepare: Research the companies and individuals you'll be meeting with beforehand. Connect with them on LinkedIn to establish a foundation before the conference. 🔍 5. Plan Meeting Spots: Imagine 750 people in the conference and half people meeting the other half. Finding a place to sit or even stand can be quite challenging. Arrive early to secure a spot.  6. Find Your Next Meeting: Keep photos and mobile numbers handy to quickly locate your next meeting amidst the busy conference schedule. 📱📸 7. Use the Event App Wisely: While helpful, not everyone actively uses the event app. Don't rely solely on it for communication. 📱 8. Seek Mentors: Take advantage of mentors or volunteers provided by EuRA. Reach out to past attendees or colleagues for introductions and guidance, boosting your confidence and knowledge. 🙋♂️📚 9. Dress Code: Aim for a business-smart look suitable for the professional environment. Remember, the conference area can be freezing even if it's warm outside. 👔❄️ 10. Experienced Attendees, Share Your Tips: What additional advice would you offer to first-time attendees? Your insights are invaluable in helping newcomers navigate the conference effectively! 💡

“🎶 ‘I wanna be in the room where it happens!’ 🎶 — If you’re a Hamilton fan, you get it. But what happens when you can’t be in the room? Whether it’s because of time constraints, lack of childcare, steep entrance fees, or simply not having the network to even know when these events are happening… does it feel like you even exist in the industry? Sometimes it can feel like you don’t. Too often, only a small, select group gets to attend the key conferences, conventions, and events. They post their pictures, share their summaries, and it can feel like they have an edge. Does that mean the rest of us are falling behind? I’ve definitely had moments where I thought so. But here’s the thing—I read voraciously, I spot trends, I talk to pros across industries, I take classes, I shadow people, and I make my own opportunities. Yes, being in ‘the room’ is valuable, but not being there doesn’t negate the work you’ve put in. You can stay competitive by: 💡 Staying on top of industry news and thought leadership. There’s so much you can learn from articles, podcasts, and online communities. 💡 Reaching out to people who did attend and ask for their insights—create your own debriefs and apply the knowledge. 💡 Building your own network, one connection at a time, virtually if needed. You don’t always need to be in the room to connect with the right people. 💡 Bringing your unique perspective to the table through your own research and strategic thinking. 💡 Attending local or virtual events that are within your reach—those can be just as powerful. And if you can make a way to get to these events—do it. They’re great for a lot of reasons! Networking, knowledge sharing, and even just being in the energy of the space can be transformative. Sometimes even attending just one conference can open doors you didn’t know existed. Still, let’s remind ourselves that being strategic, resourceful, and consistent is just as powerful as those glossy conference badges. Keep showing up in the ways that you are able to, it matters!

Are you ready for Token2049 in Dubai? Here's the ultimate guide to making the most of your time at conferences. ❗ Big web3 conferences attract a lot of web3 guys from all over the world in one city. It's always the best chance to create life-changing relations for your web3 company or you as a person. But if you're chilling or walking from one booth to another at the main conference the chances to make a big impact drop to zero. Here are some tips from my experience to make your time efficient: 1. Define your conference goals. Keep 3 main goals in mind. For example, here are my main goals for this time. - Increase investor connections for yard[hub]'s deal flow; - Find 20+ suitable projects for the second cohort of the yard[hub]'s acceleration program; - Schedule calls with 5 ecosystems that can be a great fit as partners on a separate cohort of the acceleration program. DM me if you think we can find synergies 📩 2. Create a list of people or companies you want to chat with. Find them in the speakers list or reach them on Telegram/LinkedIn to schedule a meeting or join the same side event. 3. Register for all the side events (link will be in the comments). There are usually more opportunities to chat with someone and get value. 4. Keep your calendar clear. Which side events will you visit? Do you have meetings? Where are they? 5. There are a lot of people and limited time. Talk short, but focused. If there's no mutual benefit, exchange contacts and move on. 6. Don't wait until someone will talk with you. Be proactive and start talking first. 7. Add your QR code for your TG account on your wallpaper. It will save you time when you will be sharing your contacts. 8. Around 40% of the people will never respond to you after the conference. Try to schedule the meeting (online or online) using the momentum. Better to reschedule the meeting, if the time will not be good. 9. Review new contacts post-conference for potential collaboration, and follow up asap. 10. Smile a lot and have fun from networking with your friends and new people. I hope these tips help you prepare for a week filled with new connections and exciting meetings. Habibi, see you in Dubai soon!

We’re entering into conference season! Here’s my top 10 conference strategies if you’re attending one this year. As per tip #3, tag your conference buddy in the comments! 1. Set an Overall Goal: Is it to learn a new skill? Make new connections? Gain visibility as a professional? Review the conference schedule and identify sessions, workshops and networking events that align with your interests and professional goals. 2. Be Strategic About Sessions: What topics or themes do you want to explore further? What sessions can boost your skills or provide new knowledge? Even consider attending sessions outside your comfort zone, you might discover unexpected insights or networking opportunities. 3. Identify a Conference “Buddy”: In advance of the conference (or during it), find someone to meet up with, download between sessions and events  and even “divide and conquer” attending sessions together.    4. Actively Engage and Add Value: Get the most out of the conference by not being a passive observer. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. Active engagement fosters meaningful connections and enhances your experience. 5. Network Strategically: Approach networking with a purpose and seek out professionals and thought leaders whose expertise aligns with your interests or aspirations. Sometimes these moments can be more valuable than the sessions themselves! 6. Seek Feedback: Conferences are great places to problem-solve for your organization or a particular situation. Don't hesitate to ask for insights from peers, colleagues or in (relevant) sessions! 7. Take Breaks: Conferences can be overwhelming! Recharge by finding a quiet spot or enjoying a coffee/tea break. I’m giving you permission to take that break! 8. Follow Up: Collected a business card or took down someone’s info? Write a note about each individual met, their background, and topics discussed for a more personalized follow-up communication. Then be sure to follow up within 48 hours of attending the conference! 9. Reflect and Apply: Take time to reflect on what you've learned during the conference and consider how you can apply these insights and skills to your professional practice. 10. Consider Volunteering: Becoming a conference volunteer not only demonstrates your commitment to the field but also provides valuable behind-the-scenes insights and networking opportunities. P.S. Are you part of my email list? You won’t want to miss out on the latest one, which is all about conferences with a free worksheet! Sign up here: www.yourmuseumcareer.com

📆 What does March mean to you? Mother’s Day, slow run down to Easter, and maybe MIPIM… if you’re a regen or development person, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. If you’re not, then MIPIM is one of the world’s largest development conferences, most often known because it is often criticised for the attendance of councils ‘wasting money sitting on a beach having conversations you could have at home…’ You could say I became a bit of a veteran of rebutting that line, having attended probably 4 or 5 times in the last 8 years, and facing the annual criticism that it was a ‘jolly’, not helped by the fact it’s held in sunny Cannes. For the record, I was always funded by private companies, worked my absolutely socks off, and only went on the beach once - and that was in the dark! It was an annual task to brief the media in advance that we were going, who was paying for us and why it wasn’t actually about sun, sea and champagne. The reality is that, like most popular and well organised conferences, you can knock off a huge number of meetings with key people and organisations over a couple of days, as well as promote your ‘product’ and get some new contacts too, in a way that would take months at home. Development is a serious process, and not to be entered into lightly. Making sure you have the right scheme, you’ve got the credibility to secure the right partners and investors, and then can confidently pitch it in a way that ensures it’s viable are all key - relationships are at the heart of it all, and conferences are a great way to establish and build relationships in each of those areas. And yes, you have to put effort in to get a return, which was another part of the conference attendance. From breakfast events promoting our projects, right through to stepping in at the last minute for missing colleagues at partner events, I’ve done it. Part of our pre-event media briefing was a headline count of the number of events I would be speaking at, and the meetings held - if people are investing in your leadership to promote your place, you want to make sure you deliver value for money! And then when we got back and had spent the weekend recovering, was the follow up, sharing the photos and outcomes, and debriefing. I feel tired now just thinking about it - but the reality was, it made a difference in some many ways, both in the big picture of investment for #stokeontrent, but also for me personally and my ability to pitch and promote. I’ve been in a very rainy London this week, so have missed the buzz of MIPIM - however have enjoyed the coverage of those local authorities with the vision and ambition to be out there on the international development stage. It’s not an easy road to travel, but the opportunities along the way in my experience make it worthwhile. ⬇️ Last year at MIPIM, talking about place leadership.