Ultimate checklist of Marketing Ideas for a Startup Summit Exhibition Event in Surat in 2023

Organizing a startup summit exhibition event in Surat presents a remarkable opportunity for both organizers and exhibitors to showcase their ideas, products, and services to a diverse audience.

With a majority of attendees expected from Surat and participants traveling from various cities across India, it is crucial to develop effective marketing strategies that capture their attention and generate excitement.

In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore innovative ideas from both the organizers' and exhibitors' perspectives to maximize the reach and impact of the event.

1. Engage in strategic partnerships: Collaborate with local business organizations like SGCCI, entrepreneurship networks like CC, BNI, TiE, LocalVocal, Progress Club, JITO, Surat Jugaad, eChai and so on, and industry influencers to amplify the event's reach. Co-host pre-event workshops, webinars, or networking sessions to create buzz and attract potential attendees.

2. Leverage online platforms: Utilize the power of social media to promote the event. Create engaging content, such as teasers, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and testimonials, to generate excitement. Leverage targeted advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach the desired audience in Surat and neighboring cities.

3. Influencer marketing: Identify influential personalities within the startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem, both locally and nationally. Engage them as event ambassadors who can endorse and share information about the event with their followers, boosting visibility and credibility.

4. Content marketing: Develop high-quality content that provides value to the target audience. Publish blog posts, videos, and podcasts highlighting the event's benefits, success stories, and industry trends. Share this content on your website, social media channels, and industry-specific platforms to position the event as a must-attend for startups.

5. Digital PR: Use news platforms to create a buzz about the event. Collaborate with local Instagram pages for maximum reach. Example: Surties, Kemchho Surat, Tiny Surat Stories, I am Surat City, and so on. You can involve food bloggers by connecting food startups participating in the event.

6. Email marketing campaigns: Build an email list by offering incentives like exclusive access or early-bird discounts to those who sign up. Send personalized and informative newsletters about the event, including speaker profiles, panel discussions, and exhibitor spotlights.

7. Print media and outdoor advertising: Advertise the event in local newspapers, magazines, and relevant trade publications. Utilize billboards, banners, and posters in high-traffic areas of Surat to generate awareness especially the foot over bridges. Explore radio and television opportunities for commercials, interviews, or sponsored segments.

8. Public relations: Engage with local journalists and media outlets to secure media coverage about the event. Issue press releases, organize press conferences, or offer exclusive interviews with event organizers, prominent speakers, or successful startup founders participating in the event.

1. Pre-event engagement: Create anticipation and generate buzz by offering sneak peeks of products, special discounts, or giveaways exclusively for event attendees. Leverage social media platforms and email marketing to communicate these offerings and encourage attendees to visit your booth.

2. Interactive booth experiences: Create engaging and interactive experiences at your booth to attract and retain visitors. Incorporate elements like demos, virtual reality experiences, games, or contests to leave a lasting impression and increase the chances of lead generation.

3. Collaborative marketing: Collaborate with fellow exhibitors to cross-promote each other's products or services. Conduct joint social media campaigns, referral programs, or offer exclusive package deals to leverage each other's customer base.

4. Thought leadership opportunities: Position yourself as an industry thought leader by hosting workshops, panel discussions, or speaker sessions where you can share your expertise and insights. This not only increases your visibility but also establishes credibility and attracts potential customers.

5. Post-event follow-ups: The connection with attendees shouldn't end with the event. Collect contact information or business cards and follow up with personalized messages, special offers, or exclusive content to nurture leads and build long-term relationships.

6. Local partnerships and community events: Collaborate with local businesses, startups, or service providers that complement your offering. Participate in or sponsor local community events, meetups, or workshops related to entrepreneurship, technology, or innovation to raise awareness about your participation in the upcoming startup summit exhibition.

7. Traditional advertising: Utilize traditional advertising methods such as brochures, pamphlets, or direct mail campaigns. Distribute these materials strategically at coworking spaces, startup incubators, universities, and relevant industry events.

Guerrilla marketing tactics can add an element of surprise and excitement to your event promotion.

Here are some guerrilla marketing ideas to consider for promoting your startup summit exhibition event in Surat:

1. Chalk Art: Use colorful chalk to create eye-catching art and event-related messages on sidewalks, public spaces, and college campuses. This guerrilla tactic can attract attention and generate curiosity among passersby.

2. Flash Mob: Organize a flash mob in a high-traffic area of Surat. Ensure that participants wear branded event T-shirts and perform a choreographed routine related to entrepreneurship or innovation. Capture the attention of onlookers and distribute event flyers or promotional materials. You can do this in VR Mall.

3. Sticker Campaign: Create unique and visually appealing stickers featuring your event logo, tagline, and date. Place these stickers strategically on street poles, public transport, and other visible surfaces. Make sure to comply with local regulations regarding sticker placement.

4. Pop-up Installations: Set up temporary and interactive installations related to startups or innovation in key locations across Surat. These installations can include eye-catching props, displays, or interactive games that engage and educate the public about the event. This can be done in high footfall places like VR Mall.

5. Street Performers: Hire talented street performers or buskers to entertain and engage the public in busy areas. Coordinate their performances to align with the event theme and provide them with branded merchandise or flyers to distribute to interested spectators. Again this can be done in VR.

6. Reverse Graffiti: Use pressure washers, stencils, and water to create temporary designs on dirty surfaces like walls or pavements. By selectively removing dirt, you can create unique and attention-grabbing messages or artwork promoting your event. You can collaborate with Project Surat for the same.

7. Mobile Billboards: Rent mobile billboards or trucks with large LED screens displaying event information and highlights. Drive these vehicles around Surat, targeting busy areas and popular gathering spots to ensure maximum visibility.

8. Unique Giveaways: Distribute unique promotional items that align with the event theme, such as custom-designed USB drives, keychains, or eco-friendly merchandise. These giveaways can create a buzz and serve as conversation starters.

9. Projection Mapping: Use projection mapping technology to display event-related visuals or messages on prominent buildings or landmarks in Surat. This dynamic and visually captivating technique can attract attention and generate interest in the event. This was done in past on the front wall of VR.

10. Surprise Stunts: Plan attention-grabbing and surprising stunts that align with your event concept. It could be anything from organizing a flash sale with heavily discounted tickets in a public space to arranging a unique publicity stunt that grabs headlines and social media attention.

Remember to be mindful of local regulations, obtain necessary permits, and ensure that your guerrilla marketing tactics are executed responsibly and safely. These creative ideas can help create a memorable and buzz-worthy promotion for your startup summit exhibition event in Surat.

To ensure the success of a startup summit exhibition event in Surat, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive marketing approach that encompasses both online and offline channels.

By leveraging strategic partnerships, online platforms, influencer marketing, content marketing, email campaigns, and interactive booth experiences, organizers can attract a large and engaged audience.

Exhibitors, on the other hand, can maximize their exposure by engaging in pre-event promotions, collaborative marketing, thought leadership opportunities, and post-event follow-ups.

By implementing these diverse marketing ideas, the startup summit exhibition event in Surat is bound to create a significant impact and foster valuable connections within the entrepreneurial community.