• Tech Trends Abound at TechFestNW

    Tech Trends Abound at TechFestNW

    I recently had the pleasure of attending my very first TechFestNW, an annual tech conference that brings the brightest minds, companies and ideas in technology together in the Rose City. Throughout the two-day event, various speakers – from growing startups (like Portland-based Sightbox, a client of ours) and major companies (think Nike and Hewlett Packard) – discussed trends they’re seeing across the industry. Along with keynote sessions, workshops were held throughout the event and focused on various topics – one of my favorite sessions focused on how US-based companies can successfully introduce themselves into the UK market, especially given Brexit – so cool! Another exciting portion of the conference was PitchFest, which featured over 70 startups pitching their company to the bevy of investors that attended the event (proud agency alert: Sightbox made it to the top 5!).

    Overall, the event was the perfect mix of exciting and truly futuristic technical innovations and realistic, game-changing technologies that both enterprises and startups alike have already started putting into practice.

    So, what were some of the biggest trends we saw?

    Virtual reality

    Virtual reality (VR) was possibly the most talked about technology throughout the event. Whether it was about incorporating VR into gaming, or script writing for VR films – it’s definitely a hot topic that everyone from consumers to enterprises are excited about. And if you want to see what it looks like to have fun with VR, check this out:

    Cybersecurity

    You couldn’t go more than a few minutes without hearing about the widely-debated role that security and privacy has in tech. According to the New York Time’s cybersecurity reporter Nicole Perlroth, there is a whole lot of F.U.D. – fear, uncertainly, and doubt – in the industry currently. The main takeaway? Cyberthreats are increasing at a rapid pace and the tech industry is responsible for providing secure products, applications and technologies for businesses and consumers alike.

    Tech for Good

    One of my favorite sessions throughout the conference focused on “tech-lanthropy,” and stressed the importance of venture capitalists “thinking bigger.” It’s the idea that not only should VCs consider the financial gains that they’ll receive from investing in technology, but also how their investments will make a positive impact socially, societally and environmentally.

    What’s next?

    Of course, there were so many more topics and amazing companies that I could never fit into one blog post, but it’s safe to say I’m already eager for next year’s event. In the meantime, we’re keeping an eye out for all the exciting companies operating under these trends, so that we can help them rise above the noise.

    Do you think these trends will be top of mind next year? If not, what trends do you expect WILL be a big hit?

    Matter

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  • Going Organic in the Silicon Forest

    Portland thrives in the Silicon Forest (Photo courtesy of backpacker.com)

    Although I am one of the newest team members with Matter Communications, I have been doing this PR thing for while—eight years to be exact. During my early years in PR I saw the emergence of the smartphone app, the dawn of the very painful 2008 recession, and the rise of social networks like Facebook and Twitter. I learned early on that having a Swiss Army knife full of skills will make you invaluable to both bootstrapped clients and to your own firm. Part of me feels like I grew up in Silicon Valley. It’s where I first fell in love with consumer technology and really learned how to be a great PR person. I took my first steps as a professional there and learned the industry in and out, but like most hometowns in order to keep growing, sometimes you have to leave the nest.

    The first time I heard someone mention the “Silicon Forest,” it piqued my interest. From big data number crunchers to companies like Urban Airship and Simple, some cutting-edge trends were springing up in Portland, and many of tech’s most influential players were opening offices all over the Pacific Northwest.

    After a few visits, I knew it was for me.

    Working in Silicon Valley for almost a decade taught me a lot about hustle. I learned the power of forming authentic relationships and how to spot the difference between a brilliant idea and a brilliant pitch. Still, something was always missing for me—something never fit quite right. When I started meeting professionals in Portland—everyone from reporters and startup founders to deep thinkers and unicycle riders—things really started to click for me. (Not that the latter two are mutually exclusive!)

    Having been in Matter’s Portland office for just over two months, I can honestly say that I am continually impressed and excited about what makes the Silicon Forest thrive. Portland’s tech scene offers all of the core things that made the Valley special, and so much more. In the Pacific Northwest, environmental sustainability isn’t an afterthought and important conversations around diversity in tech come up organically. Startups aren’t just creating fun products—they’re creating culture and real change. It’s really a beautiful thing!

    Establishing myself as a PR professional in Portland’s lush Silicon Forest has been a remarkably natural process, some could even say it’s been very organic. During my time in Portland, everyone I’ve encountered in tech has shown a genuine eagerness to connect me with their circles, and forge real connections over a local pour-over cup of coffee.

    For me, that drive to form authentic, organic relationships is what really sets Portland’s Silicon Forest apart.

    People here love genuine. They love real conversations and getting to know you, your company, and how you might be able to make something together. And I love genuine too.

    Sure, I might have been swayed by the abundance of delicious craft beers and artisan donuts, but Bridge City is definitely for me!

    Matter

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  • PR Networking In Portland: An Opportunity To Connect

    This past week the Matter Portland office took a trip to an evening networking event hosted by Women In Information Technology (WITI), a group hosts get-together’s for women working in the technology industry. As we headed out the door we were all excited to get our feet wet in the local community, building relationships with other professional women in the technology world – and it didn’t hurt that the event was taking place at a Jaguar R&D center.

    If you haven’t been to a networking event for some time, the idea of chatting with new people can be overwhelming and intimidating. However, networking events are a great opportunity to forge new connections since everyone in the room is there because they are interested in expanding their network and learning about new companies, people, and opportunities in the area.

    So, if you are feeling a little bit rusty here are some great ways to prepare:

    • Practice your elevator pitch: At a networking event everyone wants to know who each other is, who they work for, and what they do there. You want to be able to share this information quickly, concisely, but still with personality.
    • Put on your happy face: How likely are you to walk up to someone who is scowling? Not very. You want to put off an open vibe that will invite people to come speak with you. What’s one easy way to do this? Smile and meet the eyes of those around you.
    • Dress the part: Depending on the venue and event you may want to dress up, or down. Do a little bit of research beforehand. Is the event taking place at a nice location, or somewhere more low key?
    • Get excited: You only have as much fun at these events as you allow yourself to. Take advantage of the opportunity and get excited about all of the people you will meet. There’s no shame in playing a little pump up music.

    You never know who you may meet that will be a great connection in the future. Think about it this way, the Portland team works with mostly technology clients, so connecting with women in technology startups or established companies may open doors for new business down the road. Similarly, if there is a technology journalist at the event taking a moment to chat may help you gain insight into her interests, which gives you great pitching insight to take to work.

    Matter

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  • From Boston to Portland: a PR Brainstorm

    Everyone knows the common saying among creative professionals: “There’s never a dumb idea while brainstorming.”

    Jokes aside, being a member of the Matter Communications team, whether in Portland or Newburyport, we often find ourselves searching for creative ideas among our colleagues, both on and off the account in question, to expand our clients’ reach within their respective industries. Matter has developed such a strong repertoire of clients that teams often overlap when it comes to technologies or media targets.

    Cue the calendar invite for a brainstorm session.

    Sometimes it takes a conversation with a person or group not on the account to be a catalyst in a new, innovative communications tactic. A fresh pair of eyes and/or ears can make a world of difference in a short 20-minute brainstorm session. There is no shortage of smart PR professionals at Matter, which makes for productive, sometimes ground-breaking brainstorming sessions, whether on the couch or over the conference line 3000 miles away.

    If you’re feeling like all of your ideas have been exhausted, it will never hurt to get 4-5 people together just to talk. Since this should be an educational post, I’ve developed a few simple checkpoints the brainstorm leader can use to make a session productive and efficient!

    • Provide a brief explanation of the client’s offering to start the conversation and ignite a firestorm of creative thinking.
    • Ask if any of the brainstormers have a relationship with a publication or editor that can be utilized for an opportunity. Don’t expect an immediate introduction, but learn what can be done to seize the potential opportunity.
    • Has anyone noticed any current events or relevant news stories that can be related to the client’s story or offering?
    • Build upon others’ ideas – don’t just write them down to let them die

    While you should come out of a brainstorm with an entirely new set of provocative, exciting and news-worthy ideas, you may even discover a completely new understanding or appreciation of exactly how cool your clients really are!

    Matter

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  • PR: Is Proximity Relative?

    As the newest team member at Matter Communications in Portland, OR, I take time to reflect on the words of one of the most influential voices of my generation to help make my transition as seamless as possible:

    “When opportunity knocks, you better let him in. Sit him on down and try to be his friend.”

    I’ve taken Coolio’s words to heart during my first month with Matter and the weeks leading up to my start date. Yes, Coolio AND the Space Jam soundtrack referenced in my first Matter Chatter.  I stick by my “most influential” claim. #noregrets.

    Throughout my career, I’ve been a part of numerous PR campaigns ranging from basic US-based media relations to global product launches and reviews. I’ve worked in agencies on the east and west coasts and have come across opportunities with clients down the street and half way around the world.

    Many times, potential clients, who are not necessarily within driving range of the office, will question the reliability or ability of an agency to meet their needs. Are time zones really that big of an issue? Of course, it may be inconvenient to be in our Portland office on a call at 6AM, but if the work is done satisfactory and in a timely manner, should that be an issue?

    Whether we like to admit it, a PR professional is on call at all times. In this day and age of constant connectivity, do the miles really make a difference? Will a potential client in the Bay Area pass over the most qualified or affordable agency if they’re not in San Francisco? Will a Seattle company be more content with an agency headquartered in Newburyport, MA who has an office down I-5 in Portland?

    Matter is the second bi-coastal agency on my resume and I’ve seen the time zone bias play on numerous occasions. But with that, I’ve also been on a 7AM call with European contacts. The work gets done, clients are happy and we’ll occasionally get a good night’s rest!

    When it’s all said and done, I think the experience, willingness to adjust and success of a company should be the ultimate measure of a deal. Hey, there’s always a seat on the red eye if the clients back east want to thank you for your work in person!

    There are so many opportunities out there to increase the success of your campaign, but to a PR professional “home” is wherever you can connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot. We can make it happen on the road during a trade show, in the office or on the couch at midnight. If the opportunity to develop a communications plan for a company outside of your city limits arises, reinforce the quality of work rather than your ability to take them out to lunch!

    Seth Buchwalter, Senior Account Executive, Portland, OR

    Matter

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