Techarena checklist

    Techarena checklist

    If you're new to events or just haven't been to Techarena before, it can feel like a lot. But showing up a little prepared goes a long way - and trust us, half the people there feel exactly the same as you do.
    5 min read•February 3, 2026
    Amalia Berglöf
    Amalia BerglöfCEO

    Techarena is back, and it's going to be a big one. Panels, side events, mingles, pitch competitions - there's a lot going on, and it's easy to feel like you need to be everywhere at once. You don't. Here's our tips & tricks on how to make the most out of it!

    Figure out where to go and who's there before the event

    A little prep goes a long way - and it doesn't have to be fancy.

    • Want to see who you already know is going? Use LinkedIn like a pro by checking out this search filter. Do it on desktop, it's way better.
    • Browse the side events before you get there. Some have limited spots, so if something catches your eye, don't wait.
    • Mingle and meeting booking platforms in all honor, but if someone is hard to get a hold of - go for LinkedIn instead. You keep the contact even after the event, and don't have to follow up on all leads afterwards.

    🧠 PS. Write the word "Techarena" in your DM, so you can search in your DMs both before and after - like a true SEO hacker.

    Go get that coffee!

    Techarena is a great opportunity to stand in front of the right people at the right time.

    Here's how you can get that coffee:

    • Go through the schedule and find the speakers and people you want to meet. For speakers, the best opportunity is often right after their session, while they have brainspace to take in who you are and what you do. (They get nervous too, you know!)
    • If they don't have time to chat, make sure to send a DM/email afterwards thanking them for their insights (if they were on stage) and remind them about why you reached out. Maybe even propose a new coffee slot?
    • Not finding speakers or pitchers up your alley? Don't forget to check out partners, builders, and ecosystem partners - they're literally there to be talked to.
    • And if you're looking for an internship, opportunity, or job: the companies in the booths are your best bet. They literally PAY to get visible. Go say hi.

    🧠 PS. We once sat through an hour long panel about insurance regulations in the EU just to say hi to a CEO we really wanted to work with - and yes, we got that coffee.

    Don't pack your schedule to the brim

    This one sounds obvious. It isn't.

    • Make time for the water cooler small talk. Fitting in too many meetings and being too rigid with your schedule will just turn into event fatigue. Some of the best conversations happen by accident - give yourself the space for them.
    • Write down key insights you get from sessions and side events. You'll be surprised reading it afterwards how much better you remember. Whether you're a founder reporting back to your board or a developer writing a crispy takeaway post in Slack - notes are your friend.
    • Follow up with people you've met afterwards. A simple "Nice to meet you at Techarena" goes further than you think.

    🧠 PS. That contact you've made might be relevant in a few years time, not now. It's okay - an events value is more than the number of meetings you booked.

    Techarena outlook

    Be findable

    This one's small, but it makes a bigger difference than you'd think.

    • Use the same profile photo on the event platform as you do on LinkedIn. Mismatched photos make it surprisingly hard to find you (speaking from experience, working in sales).
    • Wear something colorful! It makes you easier to spot in a crowd for your team, investors, or friends - and it makes you memorable.

    🧠 PS. If you're a student - don't tone yourself down. Use it. Ask for advice, ask for intros. People love helping when you're genuinely curious.

    Reminders

    • Sign up for mingles early. Yes, even now. Some already have waitlists.
    • Invitation-only and you're relevant? Be un-Swedish & just ask to be included. Seriously.
    • Bring a powerbank - you never know how long the day stretches on.

    🧠 PS. Looking for more event recommendations? Check out all events on crewcial!