-- Project Overview -----
Over the course of about two months, I collaborated with Ron, the CEO of iNAGO, a small AI company specializing in the automotive sector, to develop a strategy for Autotech Detroit 2023 aimed at securing a proof of concept (P.O.C.). As a digital media intern, I was responsible for creating all the graphics for the booth strategy while ensuring we stayed on track with the timeline I established.
Here are the objectives summarized:
① Increase iNAGO's presence in the North American automotive space
② Attract existing contacts and meet new customers to get a Proof of Concept.
-- My Strategy -----
Here are the three questions I asked and the strategy that emerged
How can we attract relevant contacts? ⟹
① Increasing Digital Presence
Leveraging our social media platforms to create awareness about our presence at AutoTech and encourage new + old customers to meet us.
② Sending E-vites
Sending both personal and mass invites to our contact base to book meetings with us. Personal invites from the CEO and mass invites through Mail Chimp.
③ Networking at Conference
Going to networking events set up by the conference to meet new customers.
How can we efficiently excite about
the product? ⟹
① Demos at Booth
Having a variety of engaging demos at the booth that will make potential customers excited about what we have to offer.
How can we get follow up meetings
that lead to a POC? ⟹
① Engaging Website / Landing Page
Creating an AutoTech Detroit landing page that summarizes what we offer and has a form that allows customers to contact us to book a demo if interested.
② Noting Contact Information at Booth
Being sure to note down name, LinkedIn, or get business card so that we can follow up with them after the event.
③ Sending Follow Up Emails
Use MailChimp to send mass follow-up emails to both new and old contacts.
-- The Deliverables -----
The key deliverables I made for the booth utilizing a variety of digital tools.
Informational Letter Sized Flyer (EN/JP)
Autotech Booth Poster
Autotech Detroit Informational Website
Autotech Email Blasts
Social Media Posts (here is a sample)
-- What I Learned -----
① Plan for Falling Behind
Upon reflection, it was clear that we were overly ambitious with our plans. Since I was the only designer in the company, it was not realistic for me to achieve everything I initially set out to do. That being said, I was able to prioritize on the go, so the necessary tasks were achieved. If I was to do it again, I would leave a bit more wiggle room throughout the weeks in order to minimize stress and have realistic deliverable dates + expectations.
② Prioritize Connections
To get the most out of an event like this, building connections before you even step foot into the conference is crucial. I would push for more direct marketing as early as possible to secure meetings going into the conference.
③ It's Okay to Not Know
This realization applies to multiple parts of the process. I had to learn a lot of programs I didn't know (MailChimp, Indesign) very quickly, but I realized that the internet is a vast and beautiful place filled with tutorials! This has made me less scared to conquer the unknown and gain some new skills along the way. Also, as I was pitching at the booth during the conference, I was very nervous the first day. I had only been working at the company for 2 months at this point and lacked some technical knowledge. However, while pitching I realized it's okay to redirect questions and instead double down on what you can share to engage the customer.
me & my boss after a successful Autotech!
