One of the bigger trends we've noted with regard to MICE throughout the first half of 2025 is the growing number of pitching sessions featured in industry-centric events.
At the recently concluded Digital Travel APAC 2025, one of the highlight sessions was one inspired by pitching programmes like Dragons' Den and Shark Tank wherein three entrepreneurs came onstage to pitch fresh ideas in front of potential investors.
Edmund Goh, a young Singaporean entrepreneur, won the pitching round at the event, and this helps put his socials-driven and youth-centric digital travel platform Sotravel on the radar of other interested parties in the industry.
Digital Travel APAC isn't the only event to feature pitching sessions, though its more compact and fast-paced format makes it a dynamic example.
Earlier this year, ITB China in Shanghai also featured a segment featuring traveltech visionaries, each presenting innovative concepts with the potential to change the industry over the next several years; and we are aware that niche events covering tourism and F&B also have similar activities.
But, seriously: are pitch events something that MICE professionals ought to consider adding to the slate of industry events?
Edmund Goh presents his winning concept for Sotravel at Digital Travel APAC
The case for pitching at events
Based on our observations, there is a lot going for the addition of pitching sessions to an event slate
For one thing, everyone who matters will be at these events.
Startups will be mingling not only with potential investors, but also companies or individual innovators they can work with.
This also offers an opportunity to scope out the competition: see what peers are thinking about or working on, enabling startups to consider improvements or adjustments to their own concepts.
Second, events offer an opportunity for proof of concept presentations.
Especially if startups opt to join in as exhibitors as opposed to mere pitchers, they can actually show a wider audience the capabilities of a product or the viability of an innovation.
Proof of concept presentations pique the curiosity of visitors, pushing them to learn more about what they've just seen as well as the company behind it.
Igotopia's James South gets ready to make his pitch
There is, however, a catch...
But pitching at events also has a number of drawbacks to take into consideration.
There is, unfortunately, the potential for others to pirate any concepts presented at the event.
In which case, it pays to have a patent or copyright in place prior to pitching; it protects creators and startups from anyone base enough to even consider taking their ideas.
Also, the time limit given to pitchers doesn't give them that much time to present their ideas in detail.
At Digital Travel APAC, the three participants were given just five minutes to make their pitch; at ITB China, roughly the same.
Even with slide presentations playing, it really isn't enough time to make an indelible mark on the minds of audiences and investors.
Likewise, there is also the possibility of leaving out key details from one's pitch; even if you come in prepared, nerves and needing to conform with given parameters have the potential to drive some ideas out of one's mind.
TwinMatrix Technologies' Eric Liu presents the merits of his concept
Tips for startups pitching at industry events
For startups given the opportunity to pitch at a MICE event, either invited by potential investors or joining by paying an entrance fee, we offer the following tips for a successful presentation.
- Come prepared; it pays to submit your presentation several days, even weeks, prior to the event. Plus, be sure to coordinate with onsite tech teams to ensure your material plays smoothly;
- Be conscious of the time as you've mere minutes to get your idea across. Be sure to be concise and precise with your language to properly get your point across in the time you're allotted;
- Answer any questions thrown your way as candidly as possible as this will influence the judges taking your concept into consideration; and
- Make your presentation lively and engaging, as this will help drive audience appeal in your favour.
