Making it Work: DEMO Walks Their Talk

We went to DEMO to support our client Me&MyMoney. Going to DEMO wasn't exactly on their radar when we originally presented the idea. However, we thought it would provide the bang necessary for the space they are entering.

Gotta tell you, when you make the suggestion to attend such a premier event, you keep your fingers crossed that your idea was a good one.

Going to DEMO was indeed a good idea.

Not only do you have the opportunity to present in front of 100s of the brightest minds in the business, you also get to experience the DEMO team. Every single person we came into contact with has been supportive, kind and generous. They seem to truly want every participant to succeed and back that up with real action.

Take for example our preparation for the demonstration. The DEMO video team was incredible - offering calming words but also providing feedback and extra time to explain how our presentation choices would appear on the video. All without any hesitation.

And when the big moment arrived - and a subsequent internet connection issue resulted in a less than perfect presentation - the DEMO host, Matt Marshall, was gracious: explaining what happened to the crowd and providing a reshoot opportunity later in the day.

The unbelievably supportive crowd response to the presentation issue was inspiring. Our Twitter stream lit up with encouraging comments from those who witnessed what happened. At the event itself, individual pats on the back were common - as were "so glad that wasn't us" :-). The response was a balm for our frayed nerves.

This type of behavior created an environment that encourages cooperation despite the competitive nature of the venue. We've been provided support from fellow presenters when we least expected it and have tried hard to do the same in return.

We made it work despite any perceived glitches - largely due to the DEMO team and the supportive atmosphere they create.

-Paul