I'M AT THE OMR – FIND ME & WIN
And the rest: Read on and learn how I turn online connections into real-life conversations. :-)
May 6–7, Hamburg Messe. 70,000 people. 1,000 exhibitors. Over 800 speakers.
And I’m on the go with 250 unique Pokémon cards in my pocket. If you thought conference networking was boring—think again. 🔥
WHY I'M AT OMR:
The OMR Festival is Europe's largest event for digital marketing, e-commerce, and tech. Phil DJs at the Crew10 booth party on Tuesdays.
And for me, that means networking in person. And anyone who’s done that before knows it’s so much more meaningful than any LinkedIn post could ever be. I’ve attended conferences in Japan, New York, London, Barcelona, and even Wiesbaden, and I’ve really picked up some insights that I’d like to share with you today:
WHY PERSONAL CONTACT MATTERS:
Let's talk facts real quick:
- 85% of all jobs are filled through networking (Thomasnet, 2025)
- 77.7% of business professionals say: In-person conferences offer the best networking opportunities (FitSmallBusiness, 2024)
- 51% of conference attendees go just for the networking—not for the content (Freeman, 2025)
- 72% of professionals judge a company based on the quality of its business card (Wave Connect, 2025)
Face-to-face interaction is irreplaceable.
Sure, LinkedIn is cool. Zoom calls work. But nothing—absolutely nothing—can replace that moment when you look someone in the eye, shake their hand, and have a real conversation.
And that's exactly where my Pokémon plan and giveaway come in.
MY CONFERENCE HACK (AND YOUR REASON TO COME SEE ME): 250 POKÉMON CARDS
Here's what I've come up with for this year:
I have 250 unique Pokémon cards with me.
Each card has a QR code that takes you to a giveaway. If you sign up, you’ll have a chance to win 3 prizes. What are they? You’ll find out when you find me. But they’re worth a total of over 10,000 euros—and even more for your business. 😉
Why this works:
✅ People come to ME
Instead of me having to approach random people (not my thing at all), they come up to me. – Boom, conversation started. And no, I’m the last person who would just start bombarding people with talk about my work. Real conversations are important to me. I want to get to know the people behind it all. Or maybe just hand out a business card every now and then.
✅ Quality conversations over quantity
I hand out each card one-on-one. I don’t just leave them on a table. I don’t hand them out in stacks. Every card is an opportunity for a real conversation, if both people are interested.
✅ It’s right up our alley
BoredBrands isn’t stuffy. We’re a little edgy, a little unexpected. Pokémon cards? Totally our vibe. At least for me, as a kid born in ’89.
✅ New newsletter subscribers
Everyone who enters the giveaway will receive my newsletter. That means: insights (I’ll do my best!), a few ideas, and glimpses into my thoughts. Added value instead of cold outreach.
✅ It’s memorable
Of the 1,000 business cards someone receives at a conference, 88% are thrown away within a week (DBC, 2025). But a Pokémon card? People keep those, at the very least. At least the millennials among us 😁
This isn't a "networking hack"—to me, it's strategic fun.
5 MORE IDEAS ON HOW TO STAND OUT AT CONFERENCES:
You don't need to bring Pokémon cards. Here are 5 other ways to stand out at conferences:
1. Eye-catching outfit
Conferences = 70,000 people dressed in black, white, and navy.
You? A bold color (and no, for women, a colorful blazer isn't a standout feature anymore). A statement hoodie. Custom sneakers. A branded cap.
Why it works: People remember visual differences. If you're the only one wearing a neon-pink hoodie with a raccoon on it, you're more likely to be remembered.
2. QR code on the lock screen
Forget about fumbling with business cards. Forget about asking, "Are you on LinkedIn?"
Instead: A QR code with all your contact information on your phone's lock screen.
Someone wants your data? Quick—grab your phone, scan it, and you're done.
Why it works: Fast. Simple. Tech-savvy. And rather than handing out a cheap business card made of low-quality paper, I’d much rather be the one offering smart solutions.
3. Branded Giveaway (that makes sense)
No cheap pens. No annoying flyers.
Instead: Something that people actually use.
Examples:
- Custom stickers (the kind people stick on their laptops)
- Mini notebook (compact, practical, branded)
- A pack of gum with your logo (because everyone at conferences is paranoid about bad breath)
Why it works: When people use your giveaway, they see your brand over and over again. Free marketing.
4. Host a side event or meetup
Instead of just consuming, create a touchpoint.
"Drinks with BoredBrands – 7 p.m., Bar XY" – post it on LinkedIn, invite a few people, and let it grow organically.
Why it works: You become the host, not the guest. This gives you instant credibility and attracts the right people.
5. Live Content Creation
Walk around with your camera or phone. Film short clips. Post them live on Instagram or LinkedIn.
"Just spoke with [X]—crazy insight into [Y]"
Why it works: You become visible. People see that you're there. And when they meet you in real life, they already "know" you.
WHERE TO FIND ME:
I'll be at the OMR for two days—but if you want to be sure to meet me:
👉 Crew10 Booth
Our videographer Phil will be DJing at the booth party on Tuesday night. 🎧 Other than that, I’ll probably be hanging out in this area and near Findling. If you’re not sure where I am and want to find me, send me a LinkedIn DM or a WhatsApp message if you already have my number.
So come on by, say hi, grab a Pokémon card, win one of three awesome prizes, and let's chat.
Don't forget: I only have 250 tickets, so it's first come, first served 😅
WHY ALL OF THIS MATTERS:
Conferences aren't just about "consuming content."
They are relationship-building machines.
But only if you're active. Only if you stand out. Only if you give people a reason to remember you.
REALITY CHECK:
"But Chantalle, isn't that a little cringey?"
Nope.
Cringe is:
- Lay out 500 business cards on a table, and no one takes them
- Randomly approaching people with "Let's connect on LinkedIn"
- Going to conferences and not doing anything memorable
What do I do? Strategic, memorable, on-brand.
SELF-CHECK:
If you're going to a conference:
✅ Do you have a plan for how to stand out?
✅ Do you have something memorable with you (business cards, giveaways, outfit)?
✅ Does your target audience know you’re there? (LinkedIn post, story)
✅ Do you have a follow-up strategy (email addresses, LinkedIn, CRM)?
✅ Are you ready to actively approach people—or are you waiting for them to come to you?
"No" three or more times? You're wasting potential.
MY 2 CENTS
Conferences are expensive. OMR tickets? Starting at €549. Hotels, travel, time—it all adds up.
But if you do it right? Your ROI will skyrocket. In the long run, you’ll also build a real network.
A single valuable connection can turn into a customer, a partner, or a game-changer for your business.
So here’s the thing: Don’t go to conferences just to listen.
Go there to be seen. To make connections.
See you next week—or better yet, see you at OMR!
Chantalle
P.S. – If you’re also at OMR: Message me on LinkedIn or Instagram, and we can set up a specific time to meet. And if you won’t be there but want to make a splash at conferences in the future: Reach out to me, and I’ll help you make your brand memorable—even offline. ✉️ chantalle@boredbrands.studio
