04/30/2025
If I ever say “let’s do another expo,” please show me this post🤪
Startup pups, let’s be real — stop wasting time on these events!
There are faster, cheaper, and way more effective ways to grow and network.
In April, I wagged my tail through two expos (Synapse in Tampa + Startup Grind in SF) and sniffed around two conferences.
Final verdict?
Expos are a relic. They’re like weddings where no one wants to get married.
You stand there like a hopeful bride, and 90% of the guests aren’t your type.
But you still have to smile and shake paws😶
🚫 Expensive (flights, hotels, banners, printouts)
🚫 Exhausting (so. much. time.)
🚫 ROI? Meh.
Want leads? Go online.
Invest in smart ads or content — the ROI will wag its tail. Cheaper. Smarter. Measurable.
If you can’t get clients online, trust me — a free tote bag won’t help either. 🎒
And conferences?
The best talks are already on YouTube — faster, free, skip button included. 🧠⏩
Do you say Networking? Overrated.
It’s a random soup of attendees.
Better to DM, book a 1:1, or run your own event with a curated guest list.
⭐️ Be the stage, not just another badge.
And please... stop hunting investors at expos.
They’re drowning in pitch spam🫠
The best startups get whispered about.
The best investors hunt them down — they don’t hang around booths or pay-to-pitch zones. They prefer funnels — built through accelerators and angels pulling startups up the food chain.
👉So here’s my hot take:
Less standing behind booths.
More building behind screens.
Now, back to work.
— Mark 🐾