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

DAY 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

1st thing you see when you enter

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.

Winner of the pitch contest

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. 

Staff group photo

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

Had the opportunity to talk at a side event

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.

staff at the GROWTH AREA