TwitterCon Survival Guide: Prep, Pitching, and Post-Event Follow-UpAttending TwitterCon—an event packed with creators, brands, and social strategists—can be a career-making moment if you approach it with clarity and structure. This guide covers practical preparation, pitching techniques that actually open doors, and follow-up strategies that turn fleeting connections into lasting collaborations.
Before the Event: Preparation that Pays Off
Research and goal-setting
- Define 2–3 clear goals (e.g., meet three potential collaborators, secure one brand partnership, learn specific growth tactics).
- Map the attendee list, speaker lineup, and session schedule. Prioritize must-attend talks and identify 6–10 people or companies you want to meet.
Profile and presence
- Optimize your Twitter/X profile: concise bio with what you do, a clear profile photo, a pinned tweet showcasing your best work, and contact info or link to a one-page press kit.
- Prepare a 30–60 second verbal elevator pitch and a written pitch (short DM-ready template). Keep both tailored to your goals.
Materials to bring
- Business cards or a QR code to your portfolio/press kit.
- One-page digital press kit with metrics, audience demographics, top-performing content, and collaboration examples.
- Portable charger, notebook, and a simple branded item (stickers, postcards) that’s memorable but lightweight.
Plan your schedule
- Build a flexible itinerary: three core sessions, two networking slots per day, and buffer time. Use the event app to set reminders and mark people you want to meet.
Mental prep
- Practice active listening and curiosity-driven questions (e.g., “What project are you most excited about this year?”).
- Set boundaries: decide how many conversations per hour you’ll do before taking a 10–15 minute break.
At the Event: Pitching & Networking with Impact
First impressions matter
- Approach with a smile and concise opener: “Hi, I’m [Name]. I make [type of content] about [niche]. I loved your recent [thread/tweet/podcast]—how did you come up with it?”
- Use the 60-second rule: be ready to introduce yourself and your value within a minute.
Pitch structure that works
- Problem → Solution → Evidence → Ask:
- Problem: “Brands struggle to get attention on short-form video…”
- Solution: “I create 15–30s narrative clips that increase shareability…”
- Evidence: “My last campaign drove a 35% increase in engagement and reached 200k views.”
- Ask: “Would you be open to a short pilot collaboration or intro to your brand team?”
- Keep three tailored variations of this pitch: one for creators, one for brands, and one for media/press.
Networking tactics
- Warm intros: ask mutual contacts for introductions via DM ahead of the event.
- Quality over quantity: aim for meaningful 6–10 conversations rather than dozens of shallow exchanges.
- Use contextual notes: when you exchange cards or follow on X, jot one specific detail from the conversation on the card or in your notes app to personalize follow-up.
Use sessions strategically
- Ask one smart question in Q&A to get noticed by speakers and attendees.
- Take screenshots of slides and capture quotes to reference later in follow-ups.
Collaborative mindsets
- Offer concrete next steps: “I can draft a 30-second concept and send it by Thursday—if you like it, we can run a paid test next month.”
- Be ready to propose low-risk pilots or co-post formats that reduce friction for first-time partners.
Handling panels and booths
- For brand booths: have a concise value proposition and one clear call-to-action (sign up, schedule a meeting, request media kit).
- For panels: network with panelists and attendees afterward. Panelists are often open to follow-ups and introductions.
Dealing with overwhelm
- Use the “two-ticket rule”: if you’re unsure about going to a session or meeting, give your spot to someone else and take a break.
- Grounding routine: step outside for 5 minutes, hydrate, and review your goals mid-day.
After the Event: Follow-Up That Converts
Immediate follow-up (within 24–48 hours)
- Send personalized messages referencing a specific detail from your conversation. Example DM/email template:
- “Hi [Name], great meeting you at TwitterCon—enjoyed your insight about [specific]. I’d love to send a 30-second concept for [project/brand]. Are you available next week for a 15-minute call?”
- For mutual value: include one quick, concrete item—an idea, a link to relevant work, or a quick intro to someone useful.
Organize contacts
- Log people into a CRM or spreadsheet with: name, handle, company, conversation notes, next step, and follow-up date.
- Prioritize the list: A (high potential), B (warm), C (informational).
Deliver value first
- Send promised materials (press kit, concepts, drafts) within the timeframe you set. Timely delivery builds trust.
- Share a short recap of how you envision next steps and propose 2–3 time slots for a call.
Nurture without pestering
- Use a 3-step follow-up cadence over 3 weeks: initial message (24–48 hrs), reminder with additional value (1 week), final polite check-in (2–3 weeks).
- If no response after that, archive but keep in a quarterly “warm nurture” sequence (share notable wins, relevant resources, or event recaps).
Leverage content post-event
- Publish a concise Twitter/X thread or blog post summarizing top takeaways and tag people you met (only after asking if appropriate). This raises visibility and provides a natural follow-up touchpoint.
- Turn recorded sessions, quotes, and photos into a content series (e.g., “Top 5 lessons from TwitterCon”) to stay on people’s radars.
Track outcomes and iterate
- Measure the impact of follow-ups: meetings booked, pilots launched, content collaborations, and revenue.
- Review what worked (pitch variations, message timing, materials) and refine templates for the next event.
Templates & Examples
Elevator pitch (30s)
- “I’m [Name]. I create short-form storytelling videos that help indie brands boost engagement with under-30 audiences. My last campaign reached 200k views and increased signups by 18%.”
DM follow-up (24–48 hrs)
- “Hi [Name], enjoyed our chat at TwitterCon about [topic]. I’d love to send a one-page concept for [idea]. Are you free for a quick 15-minute call next week?”
Pilot proposal (email)
- Subject: Quick 30s pilot idea for [Brand]
- Body: Brief problem, proposed concept (2–3 bullets), measurement plan (KPIs), timeline, and CTA to schedule a 15-minute call.
Social post template
- Short thread opener: “3 unexpected lessons from TwitterCon: 1) [lesson], 2) [lesson], 3) [lesson].”
- Tag relevant people and include a link to a longer blog post or a highlights thread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pitching without listening: tailor your ask to the person’s needs, not your generic offer.
- Overpromising and under-delivering: set realistic timelines and capacity.
- Leaving contacts unorganized: follow-up fades fast—capture notes immediately.
- Being overly transactional: lead with value and relationship, not just deals.
Quick Checklist (Pre / During / Post)
Pre-event
- Optimize profile, prepare press kit, list target people, 3 pitch versions.
During
- Use the 60-second pitch, take notes, offer concrete next steps, and ask for introductions.
Post
- Follow up within 48 hrs, log contacts, deliver promised material, and run a 3-step nurture cadence.
Attending TwitterCon can accelerate your career if you show up prepared, pitch with precision, and follow up with speed and value. Treat each interaction like the start of a relationship rather than a transaction, and you’ll leave with more than just business cards—you’ll leave with momentum.
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