I volunteered at IVS2024 KYOTO, helping out with the GROWTH AREA SESSION.
Hi, I'm Eiki Homma!
I guided the GROWTH AREA SESSION on the 1st and 2nd floors at IVS2024 KYOTO!
Impressions
① Participants
The enthusiasm among startups was remarkable.
I feel that the connections made here are significant, as I frequently encounter familiar faces, and it's easy to become friends and get introduced to more people.
The 1st-floor venue had a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, unlike SushiTech, which felt less global. In contrast, the 2nd and 5th floors had a more international vibe, though access required additional fees.
② Venue
I didn't get to explore many booths, so I can't say much, but what left an impression were the Vitamin, RedBull, punching machine, bonsai, Keisuke Honda booths, and the booth where people were taking pictures with a camera.
Also, people with good style tended to stand at the booths, highlighting the importance of first impressions.
③ Experience
My prior experience in various staff roles helped me adapt quickly despite joining late.
Experience truly makes a difference.
However, I realized the need to enhance my networking skills as I struggled to connect with people.
I appreciated the system of having a signboard near the bar to attract like-minded individuals to network.
④ Advice from Senpais
About a week before IVS, Imai suggested creating a prototype and explaining the service would make it easier to understand.
Using Canva, I created a prototype for IVS, significantly enhancing comprehension.
While making the prototype, I thought it would also be good to do some hearings.
And from 1 piece of advice, 2 tasks became clear.
⑤ Reaffirming My Strengths
I excel at observing and imitating, so I watched and imitated other staff members during the event.
I asked questions whenever I was unsure, as it was more efficient than wasting time or causing inconvenience.
I tried different things, and if they didn't work, I would improve on the spot, changing the way I attracted people or adjusting the position of flyers (I would move to high-traffic areas or adjust the flyers to the eye level of the target audience. Sometimes, due to my height, I would raise my arm to draw attention to the flyers).
Discovering IVS:
I had known about IVS through friends' Instagram posts and stories. Seeing their stories, I thought it looked fun and was interested in the luxurious venue and side events.
A friend introduced me to the volunteer staff, prompting me to apply.
Meeting Shimakawa at TAKEOFF TOKYO further motivated my participation.
A month before the event, there was time to interact with other staff weekly, which made it easier to interact on the day since we were already somewhat acquainted.
I hope this continues next year.
Expectations and Goals
I was curious to understand the allure of an event that made people travel from the Kanto region to Kyoto, covering all expenses themselves.
Goals
Conduct hearings from at least 100 people about nutritional information
Meet 50 startup-related people (ideally become friends with them)
Increase Twitter and Instagram followers by 50
Fully enjoy my first IVS
Fulfill my role as a staff member
Hear opinions from VCs
DAY 0 & 1 (3rd, 4th, Wed. Thur.)
I couldn't participate due to commitments in Tokyo.
When I explained the situation to Tanaka and Natsuki, they kindly understood it, allowing me to focus on my tasks in Tokyo.
DAY 2 (5th, Fri.)
I woke up at 5 AM and left Shin-Yokohama.
I repeatedly reviewed the IVS map and imagined the scenarios on the Shinkansen.
Arriving at the venue around 8:30 AM, I received my staff shirts and surveyed the venue.
Although I felt a bit behind, knowing Natsuki beforehand helped.
I was guiding the GROWTH AREA SESSION on the 1st and 2nd floors!
Copied the actions and calls of the senpai staff.
I was extremely nervous, causing my blood sugar levels to stay over 300, but I managed to perform my duties without causing trouble.
As I continued working as a staff member, I got a feel for the venue’s atmosphere and understood the flow of people, making it easier to guide them.
I plan to watch the archived LAUNCH PAD pitch contest later to study.
DAY 3 (6th, Sat.)
When we took a group photo, I was surprised by the number of staff members. I probably didn't talk to 90% of the staff. Participating from DAY 0 would have made a difference.
As my tension eased, my blood sugar levels stabilized.
I attracted attendees in both English and Japanese. To simplify staff operations, I also wrote titles on the back of guide papers. I did what I could and started having small conversations with other staff members, who were all really kind.
Using my staff privileges, I visited the VIP area on the 5th floor, which was on another level with impressive attendees and a more global atmosphere. The air conditioning and fragrance in the room were excellent.
In the end, I couldn't achieve my goals at all.
Hearings: Only 50 people
Meet startup-related people: Couldn't talk much
Increase followers by 50: (Twitter: 107 -> 120, Insta: 1,047 -> 1,066)
Fully enjoy IVS: Could have enjoyed more
Fulfill my role as a staff member: I think I did
Hear opinions from VCs: Wanted to talk to VCs more
Points for improvement
Research SIDE EVENTS more thoroughly
Step out of my comfort zone and talk to new people instead of sticking with friends.
Greet anyone who makes eye contact, especially as a staff
Participate from DAY 0
Stay energetic even when sleepy
For visual memories, take more photos, including selfies, group photos, and venue shots.
Next year, I aim to participate from DAY 0.
