Informational webinar slides for event hosts during Twin Cities Startup Week 2019. Learn about changes to this year's format, logistics, and how to promote your event to reach your ideal audience.

1. TCSW Event
Host Kickoff
#TCSW19

2. Who’s running this thing?
Casey Shultz
Director of TCSW

3. Agenda
• Welcome to TCSW!
• Key dates and deadlines
• Changes to the week
• Registration & Sched
• Tips and tricks to promoting your event
• Resources available to you.
• Q&A

4. Congrats, you’re part of TCSW!
• October 9 – 16
• Spans a weekend

5. Upcoming Dates
August 22 – Eventbrite Registration goes live
September 4 – Sched goes live
- Flood gates are open & marketing efforts kick off
September 10 – Event Host Logistics Webinar
September 19 – Event Host Happy Hour
- Come grab signage and swag

6. Changes to #TCSW19
Geographically focused on downtown MPLS and STPL
- Emphasis on public transit & walkability
Community Hubs with coffee and mothers’ rooms!
Most Tracks are one day events
Access to SME Directory – focus on diversity in panels and
presenters

7. Ticketing – Simple, 2 Step Process
Step 1 – Register for a TCSW ticket on Eventbrite
Step 2 – Create a Sched account, and start registering for
events!
Quick Walkthrough:
2 Weeks out – Mobile App for Attendees
Step 1: Snag your
TCSW ticket via
Eventbrite
Step 2: Create an
account on Sched
Step 3: Compile
your perfect
schedule from
150+ events

8. Making Updates to Your Events
You will have access to Sched to update your events.
Hosts can update:
• Speakers
• Bios
• Title
• Summary
• Parking & Travel
Directions
• Photos
Email Casey@beta.mn before changing:
• Time
• Date
• Location

9. TCSW Slack
TCSW Slack
• TCSW Team/ Events Hosts/ Speakers/ Stakeholders
Use it to:
• Collaborate on your events
• Talk through marketing strategies/ logistical strategies with other
hosts
• Send sweet/ Tasteful GIFS
Do not use it to be annoying or inappropriate or trying to sell
crap Seriously, don’t be that person or you will be removed.

10. TCSW –
Event
Marketing
How to get butts into the seats

11. Who’s doing what?
The TCSW Team:
• We will drive people to the week
• Provide the tools you need to host an amazing event
You:
• Get people to show up to your event
• Help guide people through registration, make it easy

12. 10 tips for getting people to attend
1. Build a plan
2. Know your target
3. Be different
4. Start with your personal network
5. Leverage the networks of other people
6. Place your message into other conversations (TCSW can help)
7. It takes at least 3 messages
8. Reduce the barriers to register
9. Use the resources (brand assets)
10. Talk to the press, it’s worth a shot

13. #1 – No plan, no people
• Successful events do not just happen
• The TCSW does not have the capacity to market your event
• Build your 30 day plan
• What’s your goal?
• What is it going to take to reach your goal?
• How will you measure yourself against your goal?

14. #2 – Know your target
• Who do you want to be there?
• Ex: The BETA Showcase invites local “tech enthusiasts” to
explore the next batch of MN-based emerging startups
• Develop messaging specific to your audience based on their
needs.
INVESTORS.- Needs: Deal flow
“In a single evening you can learn about and speak with a dozen
of Minnesota’s top emerging companies.”
SERVICE PROVIDER – Needs: Customers
“Chat with founders of growing businesses, who will need help
with their marketing, legal, accounting, and other basic business
functions.”
CUSTOMERS – Needs: New things to buy
“Be the first to discover new products and services from local,
emerging companies.”
TECH ENTHUSIASTS
SERVICE
PROVIDERS
INVESTORS
CUSTOMERS

15. #3 – Be different
• Use different language
• Try an alternative format
• Invite somebody from a different community

16. #4 – Start with your personal network
• Email
• Social – LinkedIn, Twitter,
Facebook
• Chat it up around the
office

17. #5 – Leverage the networks of other
people
• Ask people to promote your event
• Guests
• Speakers
• And/ or provide incentives to do so
• PAY WITH A TWEET
• Incorporate other events around your event
Your Network
Total network of your
attendees

18. #6 – Place your message into other
conversations
• #TCSW19
• #mntech
• #bitcon19
• #foundersfirst
• #startups
• #innovation
• #entrepreneurship
• #womenentrepreneurs
• #blacksintech
• #teamnorth
• #startupcapitalofthenorth
• @tcstartupweek
• @betadotmn
• @forgenorthmn
• @documntary
• @minnesotacup
• @minnestar
• @bunkerlabsmpls
• @techdotmn
• @startribune
• @minneinnovation
• @mprnews

19. #7 – It takes at least 3 messages
Event registration for the Spring 2018 BETA Showcase

20. #8 – Minimize the barriers to attend
• Is it hard to get to?
• Describe public transportation options
• Is parking a mess?
• Send a map for inexpensive options in the area
• Bundling:
• What other events can people attend before or after your event?

21. #9 – Use the resources
• This deck
• Slack
• DEI resources
• Photos
• Videos
• TCSW logos
• Templates

22. #10 – Talk to the press, it’s worth a
shot
• They want to know your story
• But are not interested in event details
• Things they get excited about
• Sexy tech – Drone racing at Bauhaus
• Underrepresented groups:
• Muster’s veteran accelerator
• The Blacks in Tech Conference
• Things that impact the city
• Economic development
• Jobs
Radio:
PR Partners:
Print/ Digital
TV:

23. TCSW – DEI
Resources

24. Q&A
Casey Shultz
casey@beta.mn

25. Thank
you.

36. Option 2

48. Option 3