Demonstrator FAQ’s    Contact Us

DO

• Do conduct embargoed pre-briefings, offering your key reporters a chance to learn about your new technology in the weeks prior to the conference.  Make sure to get the reporter(s) to agree to the embargo in writing.
• Do expect that you’ll see a surge of interest in the pavilion after your stage presentation. 
• Do take advantage of the informal atmosphere at DEMO to strike up a conversation with a reporter you think may write about your product.
• Do invite a reporter to join your table for lunch or dinner.
• Do remember that you are always "on the record" when talking with a reporter.
• Do modify your general "elevator pitch" to interest business reporters as well as technology press. If, after delivering the elevator pitch, the reporter seems interested, offer to provide more detail.
• Do understand that journalists often have to meet deadlines. If a reporter cannot talk to you at a particular moment, suggest meeting when more time is available.
• Do keep in mind that broadcast press are interested primarily in visually compelling products with a consumer hook. If your product isn't particularly visual, concentrate your efforts on print media.
• Do create a welcoming atmosphere and project enthusiasm. Attendees are more prone to speak with approachable people.
• Do read reporter body language; they will let you know if your product isn’t right for their audience.

DON'T

• Don’t try to meet with reporters while the general sessions are taking place; many use the sessions to better understand the products and trends that are being launched at the conference.
• Don’t expect to speak with every reporter on the list. Most demonstrating companies conduct between five and seven interviews during the conference.
• Don’t be afraid to follow up after the conference. If you didn't have a chance to talk to your target outlets, send them e-mails the following week.
• Don’t seek out reporters who are in the pressroom; the pressroom is used for reporters filing stories - often on deadline.
• Don’t call reporters in their hotel rooms.
• Don’t eat meals exclusively with your team; divide up across the room and meet as many people as you can.
• Don’t feel chained to your demonstrator station; the most successful demonstrators wander the Pavilion and bring journalists and other attendees back to their stations.

Note: Stations must be staffed by one demonstrator team member at all times.