Preparing for Money20/20: Essential Tips from Industry Experts

Conferences offer a unique platform for entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, marketers, PR specialists, and investors to connect, learn, and showcase their ventures. As entrepreneurs ourselves, we understand the value of these events and the opportunities they present.

In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and insights on how to prepare for Money20/20, based on our own experience attending the Europe edition, in Amsterdam. With this comprehensive guide, we aim to help you make the most of your conference participation, leaving a lasting impression and forging valuable connections.

Key Takeaways for a Successful Money20/20 Experience:

Set clear objectives;

• Carefully plan the budget;
• Think about lead magnets;
• Maximize your exposure by booking interviews;
• Proactively engage;
• Plan and include the whole team;
• Have authentic storytelling;
• Promote your participation through digital PR and social media;
• Cultivate meaningful connections.

What is Money20/20?

Considered the premier event on the industry calendar, Money20/20 unites influential C-level executives, renowned speakers, visionary innovators, and disruptive forces from across the globe. With expertise spanning payments, banking, crypto, and financial services, these dynamic individuals collectively shape the future of money and fintech.

The conference is designed in three different editions: USA, Europe, and Asia. We took part in the Europe edition, which happened this June in Amsterdam, the bustling capital of the Netherlands. It brought together over 8,000 attendees and 2,300 companies representing 90 countries, further emphasizing its international significance.

The next editions will be on 22 – 25 October 2023, in Las Vegas; 23 – 25 April 2024, in Bangkok; and 4 – 6 June 2024, in Amsterdam.

Be prepared and make the most of your participation in Money20/20 with our list of do’s and don’ts:

Before the Conference:

1. Set Clear Objectives: Define your goals before the conference

Define your goals before diving into the conference experience. Clarify whether you aim to gain exposure, secure funding, find potential partners, or simply expand your network. This clarity will help you prioritize your time and efforts accordingly.

Don’t aimlessly wander: Attending a conference without a clear purpose may lead to missed opportunities. For Money20/20, we set a clear objective of building partnerships with established brands and other entrepreneurs. By focusing on our goal and actively seeking out relevant individuals and organizations, we were able to form meaningful connections that have already led to fruitful collaborations.

2. Plan your Conference Budget: Allocate resources effectively

“Money20/20 unites influential C-level executives, renowned speakers, visionary innovators, and disruptive forces from across the globe. With expertise spanning payments, banking, crypto, and financial services, these dynamic individuals collectively shape the future of money and fintech”

Creating a detailed budget is crucial for effective conference planning. Consider registration fees, booth or exhibition costs, travel expenses, accommodation, marketing collateral, giveaways, and additional promotional activities. Allocating a budget ensures you have the necessary resources to make the most of the event. When creating your budget plan, also consider unforeseen events. Taking from our own experience: during our trip back home from Amsterdam, our flight was delayed, causing us to miss the second flight. We had to find a hotel to stay one more night in Amsterdam, deal with the costs of the second flight, and manage all our luggage.

Don’t overspend: While it’s important to invest in your presence at the conference, it’s equally important to stick to your budget. Drawing from our previous experiences, we’ve learned valuable lessons about the importance of financial prudence. At Money20/20, the organizers provided a service that attendees could use to dispatch heavy luggage, such as booth panels. However, we were not aware of this option and ended up bringing our booth materials with us on the flight. This not only cost us more money but also added extra weight to carry from one airport to another and from the airport to the venue. Therefore, our recommendation is this: before attending conferences, use the communication channels with the Organization to clarify any doubts regarding logistics, structure, benefits, and perks offered to attendees. Travel light and save money.

3. Come up with ideas for lead magnets to attract attention to your booth

At a previous conference we participated in, we implemented a creative strategy to attract attendees to our booth. We introduced a captivating activity using a roulette wheel. As prizes, we offered enticing swag items adorned with our brand, creating an engaging experience for attendees. However, at Money20/20, we didn’t use this approach as we didn’t have enough room in our luggage to bring the roulette wheel. Once again, if we had known about the option to dispatch our promotional materials through the conference service, it would have been a completely different experience at our booth.

Don’t forget the purpose of your presence at the conference: While it’s a great idea to make your booth more appealing to passersby by having lead magnets, remember to stick to the main purpose of your participation. You are there to present your brand, share your story, and demonstrate how your product can meet the needs of potential clients. Finding a balance is key.

4. Develop a Preparation Timeline: Stay organized and avoid last-minute stress

Creating a timeline outlining all the necessary tasks leading up to the event is essential. Include everything mentioned in the previous tips: deadlines for registration, booth setup, marketing campaigns, and travel arrangements. Allocating responsibilities to team members ensures smoother coordination and execution.

Don’t procrastinate: Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress and a rushed preparation process. Take from the experiences we mentioned above and start preparing as early as possible, adhere to the timeline, and avoid unnecessary last-minute hassles.

5. Book an Interview Early with FF News

When it comes to maximizing your exposure at Money20/20, securing an interview with FF News can be a game-changer. FF News has been providing extensive coverage at every Money20/20 conference since 2015, and they are set to make their mark once again at the upcoming Money20/20 USA event in October.

One of the unique features they offer is the FF Salon, an innovative interview concept that takes place right on the conference floor. Imagine being interviewed by their team of experienced journalists while getting a haircut or a quick touch-up. It’s an opportunity to showcase your expertise and connect with their audience of decision-makers and influencers in banking, financial institutions, fintech, payments, and insurance.

With their extensive reach of over 2 million unique visitors every year, this exposure provides an ongoing platform for your brand even after the conference concludes.

Don’t delay in booking your interview slot: The demand for interview slots is high, and places fill up quickly. Don’t miss out on this chance to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression. It’s a strategic move that will keep your company in the spotlight and ensure that your message resonates with a wide and influential audience. Reach out to FF News early to secure your interview slot and avoid disappointment.

Once at the Conference:

6. Research and Engage: Identify key attendees and initiate conversations

Thoroughly research the conference agenda, keynote speakers, and attendees. Identify individuals or organizations aligned with your interests and reach out to them prior to the event. Engage in meaningful conversations, discuss shared challenges, and explore potential collaborations.

Don’t stick to familiar faces: Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to serendipitous encounters. At Money20/20 (and previous events we participated in), an app was available for the conference, which provided general information, the event schedule, and a chat for attendees to interact with each other and arrange meetings or face-to-face chats. We always try to make the most of these opportunities and the tools provided, and these interactions have already led to unexpected partnership opportunities that significantly boosted our business. So, don’t hesitate to break the ice. Challenge yourself by initiating conversations with strangers and exploring the unknown.

7. Train your Team: Equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge

Educate your staff members attending the event about your objectives, key messages, products/services, and target audience. Train them on effective networking, lead generation, and customer engagement techniques. In addition to your on-site team, you can also have a “Guy in the chair” team based in the company office to assist with updating important information, receiving pictures from the event, managing social media channels, and providing general support. Create a common channel, for example, on Telegram, WhatsApp, or Slack, so everyone can assist each other and no information will be missed. Remember: your superhero team is there for you. Another useful tool is Splitwise, if you need to split any bills with your team, such as dinners, lunches, drinks in the afterparties, etc.

Don’t overlook preparation: Continuous preparation is the key to making a strong impression. During our experience at Money20/20, we realized how important it was to equip our team beforehand with in-depth knowledge about our offerings. This allowed them to confidently engage with potential clients and effectively convey our value proposition.

8. Make a difference in the booth hall

Making a good impression can be the key to generating leads and finding potential partners. So, once your booth is ready and the events begin, we suggest your team follow these good practices: be proactive, smile, make eye contact, and avoid staring at your phone. In general, people who attend conferences want to connect and network, but sometimes they may be shy to approach your booth, so take the lead and be the inviting person. Furthermore, it’s crucial to prioritize the cleanliness of your booth since image plays a vital role. You never know when the conference media team might pass by to capture photographs, record videos, or even conduct interviews.

Don’t forget: You are also a human: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, stay hydrated, eat from time to time, and sit whenever possible. Take a walk to stretch your legs, and while doing so, don’t miss the opportunity to visit other booths, do some networking, and show that you are also interested in what they have to offer. Hot tip: Don’t go empty-handed. Bring a swag with you to gift your potential new connections as you walk around.

9. Craft an Authentic Elevator Pitch: Leave a lasting impression

Don’t miss out on this chance to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression. It’s a strategic move that will keep your company in the spotlight and ensure that your message resonates with a wide and influential audience. Reach out to FF News early to secure your interview slot and avoid disappointment.”

If you have the opportunity to present or speak at a conference, craft an elevator pitch that highlights your business’s unique value proposition. Be concise, compelling, and genuine in your delivery. Aim to leave a lasting impression that sparks curiosity and invites further conversation.

Don’t oversell or overwhelm: While sharing every aspect of your business is tempting, striking a balance is crucial. At some of the events we participated in, we witnessed numerous presentations that overwhelmed the audience with excessive information. Instead, focus on building a connection by understanding your audience’s needs and tailoring your pitch accordingly.

10. Embrace Interactive Storytelling: Engage with personal narratives

Leverage personal anecdotes, relatable experiences, and compelling narratives to bring your brand’s journey alive. Engage listeners emotionally and create a memorable experience that resonates with their own entrepreneurial aspirations.

Don’t rely solely on presentations: While presentations are undoubtedly valuable, it’s important to broaden your approach. Reflecting on our experiences at various conferences, we’ve discovered the power of sharing our personal stories as entrepreneurs, along with the challenges and triumphs we’ve encountered along the way. By embracing this approach, we establish a profound connection with others who have trodden similar paths or are currently navigating similar situations. Moreover, our stories serve as a wellspring of inspiration for budding brands and startups. This collaborative environment not only cultivates deeper connections but also ignites thought-provoking discussions that delve into the core of our shared entrepreneurial journeys.

11. Promote your Participation: Utilize digital PR and social media

Leverage your online presence by announcing your participation in the event through a press release, digital PR, and content marketing. Tools like PRNEWS.IO can help you choose the best media outlets that convey your message, with filters based on various criteria, including country, region, language, category, price range, and traffic. This level of customization ensures that your PR efforts are targeted to the right audience, maximizing the impact of your announcements. Effective digital PR spreads the word about your involvement and positions your brand as a thought leader in your industry.

In addition, leverage the power of social media to amplify your presence and engage with both conference attendees and those unable to attend. Utilize event hashtags, share real-time updates, create buzz to attract attendees to your booth or session, and actively participate in online discussions. This extends your reach and increases the likelihood of meaningful connections. Remember: your “Guy in the chair” team is at your disposal to assist you with this task.

Don’t neglect face-to-face interactions: While online engagement is important, nothing beats the value of genuine personal connections. Apart from the online chats mentioned above and social media interactions, plan some time to also participate in face-to-face side events. At Money20/20, we had several conversations and amazing interactions during networking breaks, social events, and informal meetups and after-parties, where we built deeper relationships with our peers. Remember, real connections are often forged through shared experiences and personal interactions.

After the Conference:

12. Follow Up Strategically: Nurture connections and explore collaborations

After the conference, follow up with the contacts you made promptly and thoughtfully. Personalize your messages, reminding them of the discussions you had, and expressing a genuine interest in continuing the conversation. Be proactive in nurturing these connections and exploring potential collaborations.

Don’t Miss Out on Valuable Opportunities: Conferences offer ample chances to connect with a diverse range of individuals, including entrepreneurs, salespeople, media representatives, investors, and experts. It’s important not to let those conversations be forgotten. Exchange business cards and connect on LinkedIn to make the most of these connections. Promptly follow up to ensure you don’t miss out on valuable opportunities. At PRNEWS.IO, we have a flow where we distribute the workload among our team, assigning specific leads to each team member to ensure a consistent approach and sustained engagement.

Bonus track: A helpful list of materials you can’t forget to bring to your booth

• Plastic bags: They can be used to pick up any trash and keep your booth area clean and organized;
• Silver tape: It is a versatile tool that can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. It can be used to fix any last-minute booth setup issues and secure loose cables for example;
• Superglue: In case any parts of your booth or displays get damaged or come apart, superglue can help you repair them on the spot;
• Scissors: Scissors are essential for various purposes, including cutting and adjusting promotional materials, trimming signage, or opening packaging;
• A sticky roller: A useful tool for keeping your booth area clean and presentable. It helps remove any dust, lint, or small rubbish that may accumulate on your displays, tables, floor, or promotional materials;
• Napkins (both paper and wet): Napkins are invaluable for handling unexpected spills or stains and ensure that you can quickly address any accidents;
• Plastic film for wrapping items: It can be used to protect fragile or valuable items at your booth. It provides a layer of protection against dust, accidental spills, or damage during transportation;
• Extension cords: They are essential for ensuring that you have enough power outlets to accommodate all your electronic devices and equipment. Make sure to choose extension cords with adequate length and safety features;
• Power bank: It can be a lifesaver when you need to charge your devices on the go. It ensures that you have a backup power source for your smartphones, tablets, or other devices, especially when access to power outlets may be limited or unavailable.

Conclusion: Embrace the power of conferences for growth and collaboration

As entrepreneurs who have immersed ourselves in numerous conferences, seminars, and web summits, we wholeheartedly believe in the power of these events. They serve as a dynamic platform for growth, learning, and collaboration, with Money20/20 being a prime example of industry excellence.

By incorporating the practical tips and insights shared in this guide, you can enhance your conference participation and maximize its impact, whether you’re attending Money20/20 or any other significant event in your industry. It’s crucial to embrace the opportunity to share your unique story, engage with others, and build a robust network of support that will fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

Always remember that the true value of these conferences lies in the human connections made and the limitless possibilities that emerge from those connections. With confidence, authenticity, and a readiness to seize every opportunity that comes your way, step into the conference arena and let the magic of collaboration and innovation unfold.

We wish you fruitful experiences, enlightening discussions, and exciting ventures as you embark on your conference journey.