NEWS & MEDIA

Getting the most out of Indo Pacific 2023, which will see upwards of 20,000 people through the doors, is about standing out from the crowd.

Attending an exposition is an investment, not only financially but in your time, which is a valuable resource.

So whether you're exhibiting, walking the floor, delivering a presentation or networking, be sure to pack your most valuable tool: your elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch is a concise and engaging description of an idea, product or company delivered in a way that is easy for a listener to understand, in a short amount of time.

Delivered effectively, it can be the make-or-break moment of turning a meeting or chance encounter into your next business success.

We spoke with The Defence Science Institute's Craig Butler who leads the Innovation Pitchfest program at Indo Pacific. Pitchfest gives a platform to Australian innovators with ideas in the early stages of development, to deliver a three-minute pitch to potential customers or investors.

Innovation Pitchfest participants are given training in "the art of the pitch", in what Craig sees as the most important part of effectively delivering a message - preparation.

"The key to an effective pitch is the ‘Ps’: Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance," he said.

"A pitch by definition should be a time-considered, target-specific, and context-aware delivery of an opportunity and future aspirations.

Unfortunately, in most cases it turns out to be waffle and typically focused on the presenter’s conviction, not the audience’s needs."

When delivering a pitch, people often make the "six common mistakes", which are easily overcome with early preparation and some practise with a trusted colleague or friend:

1. Trying to say too much - Prevent information overwhelm and keep it simple.

2. Being too vague - Avoid abstract thought and business-speak, highlight new information instead.

3. Making it about you - How does your product work for the listener? The technology may be the best on the market but what does that mean for the customer?

4. Too similar - Stand out from the crowd, think about your point of difference.

5. Seeming needy - Projecting desperation can make the listener uncomfortable, practise to build your confidence.

6. Too slow - Practise your pitch and strike a balance between too fast and too slow. Keep it conversational.

And Craig's final piece of advice:

"It is ultimately about WHAT you have that is of relevance and WHY it is of benefit to them. Don't make it about you!"

The Innovation Pitchfest will take place at #IndoPacific2023 on Wednesday 8 November from 1000 - 1200 in the Aurecon Theatrette, Exhibition Hall 1.

It is open and free to all Indo Pacific 2023 attendees.

For more information: Register Now