When you are just launching your IT product, every new contact with the market can be your main opportunity to make a breakthrough. And then the event comes on the scene as one of the most powerful tools to tell the world about your project. In the startup community and the techno industry, where competition is fierce and time for user attention is minimal, events can become a real catalyst for growth.First of all, it's not just about "gathering people and showing a presentation." Events are a driver of trust. People want to see not only the technology, but also the team behind the product. And it is at events that you can convey brand values, demonstrate your expertise and build trust with the audience live.

Secondly, events provide an opportunity to show the product in action. In the startup world, it's not only what you offer that matters, but also how you present it. Demos, interactive sessions, and real interaction experiences are what turn your presentation into a full—fledged experience for the participants.How to use an event to promote an IT product: 5 key steps

1. The purpose of the event is not just to present, but to solve the problem

Every successful event begins with an understanding of the goal. What exactly do you want to achieve? To involve investors, get feedback from users, attract the first customers? For a startup, it is important not just to "show the product", but to help participants understand how your development solves their pain. Without a clear answer to this question, any event will turn into a "clap your hands and disperse" assembly.

2. Choose the right format

Forget about boring presentations in the style of "we created An IT product that will change the world." You're competing for attention with hundreds of other startups and technologies. Therefore, the focus is on interactivity and engagement.

• Demo Day — Show your product in real time. Give people the opportunity try it here and now.
• Hackathons — if your product is aimed at developers, organize joint projects coding sessions so that people can experience it in practice.
• Master classes and workshops are a great format if your IT product helps you solve business tasks.

3. Create a WOW effect

Remember that the audience of startup events is people who have seen a lot of presentations and pitches. Your task is to stand out. How to do it?

• Story-telling: tell the story of the creation of the product, its path. It can be inspiring a story about difficulties, successes and unique solutions.
• Prototypes and the demo: the more specifics, the better. People want to see a working technology, not just slides.

4. Connect the community

For a startup, an event is not only about a presentation, it is an opportunity to involve your audience in the process of creating a product. Let users give feedback, participate in testing, or discuss how the product can be improved.  Join the telegram channel Community Astana Hub and find like-minded people.  Community engagement helps startups quickly grow their user base and build loyalty.

5. Investors and partners: build a network

Each event is a chance not only to present a product, but also to establish partnerships. Investors like to see activity and dynamics. Organize networking sessions, face-to-face meetings with potential partners or investors. People need to understand that your startup — this is a long-term story, not a one-season product.

How to create an information guide and attract attention?

Post-event: analysis and maintenance of interest

Do not think that the work on the event ends at the moment when the guests have dispersed. Analysis and subsequent communication are as important as the product presentation itself. What should I do?:

• Collect feedback from participants and analyze what worked and what didn't.
• Support contact with those who are interested in your product. These can be newsletters, personalized offers or invitations to the following events.
• Show the success of the event on social networks, blogs or media. This will enhance the effect The event will give you new entry points to communicate with potential customers and investors.

The event is not just a presentation of your IT product. It is a powerful tool for building trust, building reputation and establishing contacts. In the world of startups and technologies, every appearance should be as productive as possible, and events are your chance to make yourself known. The main thing is to focus not only on the product, but also on the people for whom you create it.