Trade Show: Promote your professional image by wearing business-appropriate attire.  Have a quick pitch prepared and rehearsed. “Investors” will be moving around the room quickly and won’t have much time to spend at one company. Be prepared to answer questions. Attendees can ask as many questions as they want. Local CEOs love this event, so know the “ins” and “outs” of your company.  Go above and beyond. In the past we have had teams provide business cards. Additional examples or displays can really set your company apart from your competitors’.  Get people to attend. People you invite are more likely to invest in your business. The more people you get to come, the more likely you are to qualify for the big pitch. Pitch Presentation: Control the stage. Walk around, make eye contact with the audience, and speak loudly and clearly. Use your hands to compliment your speaking and enhance your message. Practice with your team to make sure your timing is dialed in. Excessive use or under use of time will count against you. You will be cut off at 5 minutes. Know your audience. Make sure your presentation is tailored to the specific group you are presenting to. This will increase your credibility and engagement with the crowd. Be dynamic. Grab the crowd with a hook, and end your presentation with a call to action. Emphasize what problem your company solves and why your solution is unique. Have engaging, clear, and relevant visuals. When used correctly, visual aids can provide the audience with clarity and understanding, and can also increase your credibility. However, if used incorrectly, visual aids can distract from your message.