This year, Pipedrive, a leading CRM solution for small businesses, is stepping into the dynamic environment of the OMR Festival in Hamburg, Germany. The event, a prominent gathering for digital marketers, tech innovators, and business leaders, offers invaluable opportunities for smaller teams to showcase their expertise and learn from industry giants. Gabriel Fugli, Sr. Channel Sales Manager DACH at Pipedrive, shares his insights on how small businesses can maximize their experience at such major events. Despite the scale of these events, there’s plenty of room for small businesses to thrive, provided they come prepared with the right strategy.

Five Tips to Help You Make the Most of Major Industry Events

1. Define What Success Looks Like for Your Business

• Set Clear Goals: Before attending, decide what you want to achieve. Whether it’s finding new CRM solutions, networking with potential partners, or gathering inspiration for your next campaign, defining your goals will help you stay focused amidst the hustle and bustle. Treat your objectives like OKRs and KPIs for the event, so you can measure your success effectively.

2. Plan Your Must-Sees, But Stay Open to Surprises

• Scan the Agenda: Review the event agenda and booth list ahead of time to identify key speakers or companies you want to check out. However, leave room for flexibility. Many valuable opportunities come from spontaneous discoveries or unplanned conversations that can lead to unexpected partnerships or ideas.

3. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

• Engage Quickly: Whether you're talking to a speaker, booth representative, or fellow attendee, having a concise and engaging elevator pitch is crucial. Make sure your introduction is clear, relatable, and easy to understand. This will help others remember you and your business long after the event.

4. Build Real Connections, Not Just LinkedIn Contacts

• Quality Over Quantity: Don’t just collect business cards or LinkedIn connections. Focus on building meaningful, genuine relationships. Ask insightful questions that go beyond surface-level conversations. The goal is to create memorable interactions—it's often more valuable to have a few strong connections than a pile of forgettable ones.

5. Follow Up While It’s Fresh

• Quick and Personal Outreach: After the event, take a moment to follow up with people you connected with. Send a personalized message referencing your conversation, and keep the connection alive. The quicker you follow up, the better your chances of establishing a long-term relationship.

Major industry events like the OMR Festival provide exceptional opportunities for small businesses to grow, learn, and connect. By walking in with a clear purpose and an open mind, businesses can make the most of these high-energy gatherings. The insights, tools, and partnerships gained can significantly impact growth and strategic planning. As Pipedrive emphasizes, if small businesses approach these events with curiosity and clarity, the returns can be outsized, setting them up for long-term success.