Evolving Strategies and Effective Communication: A Startup's Perspective at ITB Berlin 

In a thought-provoking interview with Markus Mueller of GauVendi, we gain insights into the evolving dynamics of ITB Berlin, an event that has long been a bastion for global business networking and innovation. Mueller, a veteran with a unique background from attending ITB Berlin in various roles over 25 years, shares his unique perspective on the event's shifting significance and how it continues to shape the trajectory of startups like GauVendi.

A Veteran's View: Startup Challenges and Opportunities
At ITB Berlin, startups face the significant challenge of cutting through the noise. For GauVendi, pre-work and pre-planned meetings were key strategies to stand out amidst the crowd. Despite some setbacks due to a strike, GauVendi's team capitalized on the event's rich opportunities for face-to-face interactions, which Markus highlights as irreplaceable compared to virtual meetings. "Businesses are about people," Markus notes, emphasizing the importance of real connections forged in person.

Learning Through Engagement: Trial, Error, and Real-Time Feedback
GauVendi's approach at ITB Berlin was hands-on, focusing on their booth and direct engagement with attendees. Markus shares how they experimented with various marketing materials, like creatively designed postcards, to gauge audience response. This real-time feedback, coupled with observations of market trends, provided GauVendi invaluable insights. "It's about trial and error in real-time communication," Markus reflects, underlining the importance of observing and adapting to people's reactions.

ITB Berlin's Evolution: A New Landscape for Startups
Markus Mueller underscores how ITB Berlin, once renowned for its global reach and diverse attendance, now presents a different scenario in the post-Corona era. Notably, there's been a decline in the number of senior participants and a trend towards more established companies rather than emerging startups. This shift signifies a broader industry transformation, posing fresh challenges and raising crucial questions about the most effective strategies for startups in such environments.

GauVendi's Approach: Learning and Evolving
Participating in ITB Berlin yielded immediate benefits for GauVendi, from valuable feedback influencing their communication strategy to opening potential partnership avenues crucial for long-term growth. Marcus emphasizes the importance of converting leads into meaningful business relationships. "Events like ITB are learning platforms," he states, highlighting their role in offering insights into effective communication and networking vital for business growth.

Learning, Adapting, and Connecting in a Dynamic World
As we conclude this engaging dialogue with Markus, it's evident that ITB Berlin remains a vital event for startups and established companies alike. For startups like GauVendi, it offers a unique opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow in the fast-paced world of business. Marcus's experience and insights illustrate the need for startups to be receptive to market feedback and adept at tailoring communication strategies. In a world marked by rapid changes and diverse participant profiles, mastering the art of effective communication and building genuine connections becomes crucial for any business aiming to thrive.