id33b1: 5 Ways A/R and PR Pros Can Get the Biggest Bang Out of Dreamforce

joi, 23 august 2012

5 Ways A/R and PR Pros Can Get the Biggest Bang Out of Dreamforce

5 Ways A/R and PR Pros Can Get the Biggest Bang Out of Dreamforce

Posted: 23 Aug 2012 06:21 AM PDT

by Sheila Lahar |

It's not just about customers and leads – Dreamforce ’12 draws a lot of press and industry analysts. Over 200 analysts and members of the media are expected to be on site.

Obviously, the event offers a tremendous opportunity for Analyst Relations and Public Relations pros. But you have to think on your feet. Here’s some tried and true tips for generating media and analyst attention at Dreamforce.

1. Call First
Schedules fill up fast at Dreamforce. If you want to get an analyst, reporter or blogger's attention, be sure to reach out several weeks in advance. Then start scheduling meetings with your main spokespeople.

2. Find Places to Meet
You definitely want to scout out the location and figure out where to meet with analysts or press in advance. If you’re a sponsor at Dreamforce, you get a meeting room. These are on the expo floor, not too far from the action. It gets crowded so be extremely specific about where to meet. Keep in mind that there are lots of good coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance.

3. Demo in Quiet
If you want to demo for an influential analyst or reporter, I recommend using a quiet meeting room. While you may have demo stations set up in your booth, these quickly get crowded. Buzz at your stations is great, but it can also be distracting.

4. Follow the Boy Scout Mantra
Be prepared. It gets hectic so cell phone numbers, photos (in case you’ve never met the person), extra pens, briefing materials, and any other form of back-up material is a must.

5. Get Social
This event is all about the Social Enterprise, so get involved socially. Use the Dreamforce Chatter app, as well as Twitter and LinkedIn, to connect and network with analysts, bloggers and members of the media. It’s a great way to keep up with their movements.

Got your own tips? Share them in the comments below.

Come by the Eloqua booth (#911), grab a cup of coffee and say hello.

5 Ways A/R and PR Pros Can Get the Biggest Bang Out of Dreamforce is from Eloqua's It's All About Revenue, a Blog Covering Business To Business Marketing