Tech summits are where partnerships drive AI forward. These events bring together decision-makers, investors, and experts to create collaborations that solve complex challenges. For example, at the RAISE Summit 2025, over 9,000 attendees, including 822 CEOs and investors managing €560 billion, gathered to exchange ideas and form alliances.
Key takeaways:
- Purpose of partnerships: Share resources, address AI challenges like data privacy, and accelerate progress.
- Summit benefits: Networking apps, exclusive VIP events, and startup competitions make connections easier.
- Preparation tips: Research attendees, set clear goals, and use tools like meeting schedulers.
- ROI focus: Measure success through partner-sourced revenue, MoUs, and pipeline value.
Attending tech summits with a plan ensures meaningful discussions and measurable results. Whether you're seeking co-development projects or market entry opportunities, preparation is key to success.
How to make the most of tech conferences beyond just attending
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Preparing for RAISE Summit
Attending a summit with over 9,000 participants and 2,000 companies requires preparation to make the most of the experience [1]. Without a clear plan, you risk missing out on valuable opportunities. The key to a successful trip to Paris lies in setting your goals and strategizing before the event begins.
Setting Clear Partnership Goals
Start by defining your objectives and aligning them with the Summit's four main tracks: Foundation (focused on infrastructure and capital), Frontier (enterprise applications), Friction (ROI and regulation), and Future (AGI and sustainability) [1]. For instance, if your priority is finding cloud infrastructure partners, the Foundation track offers sessions like "Sovereign Cloud." On the other hand, if your challenge is demonstrating ROI to stakeholders, the Friction track includes sessions on AI adoption frameworks [1].
Instead of simply gathering business cards, aim for meaningful discussions that could lead to co-development projects, market entry collaborations, or access to niche expertise. These targeted goals will help you make the most of the Summit's networking potential. For those with VIP tickets (€1,899 + VAT), early access to startup pitch decks and industrial reports can help pinpoint potential partners even before the event begins [4].
Researching Attendees and Companies
The Summit's networking app - available to PRO ticket holders and above - is a vital tool for research [4]. Use it to sift through the 2,000+ attending companies and identify which executives will be present. Additionally, review the 350+ industry leaders to find key experts relevant to your goals [1]. If emerging technology is your focus, take a close look at the 10 finalists from the startup competition, which features over 1,000 startups vying for a €5 million prize pool [1].
VIP and VIP MAX ticket holders enjoy exclusive perks, such as access to startup pitch decks and developer profiles. These resources are especially useful for identifying technical collaborators or investment opportunities [4]. The industrial report included with VIP tickets highlights which companies excel in specific AI domains, helping you refine your outreach strategy [4].
Once your research is complete, use it to build a structured agenda and plan your outreach for maximum efficiency.
Planning Your Schedule and Outreach
Take advantage of the "Schedule a Meeting" feature to secure time with key individuals before you even arrive in Paris [1]. Personalized messages are more effective than generic requests - mention shared interests, relevant projects, or sessions you both plan to attend. For example, if robotics or physical AI is your focus, prioritize sessions that spotlight hardware innovation.
Plan your schedule around your partnership goals for the summit days (8 and 9 July 2026). Beyond the main stage, the Side Events Week (6–10 July) offers exclusive dinners, workshops, and meetups across Paris [1]. For VIP MAX ticket holders (€3,499 + VAT), the Royal Dinner provides a premium networking opportunity in a more intimate setting [4]. Don't forget to allocate time for the 24-hour hackathon, which could help you discover potential co-development partners [3].
Making the Most of On-Site Networking
At Le Carrousel du Louvre on 8–9 July 2026, all your careful planning turns into action. With the summit's Foundation, Frontier, Friction, and Future tracks driving focused discussions, every session becomes an opportunity to engage with a senior-level audience and connect with key decision-makers [3].
Attending Keynote Speeches and Panel Discussions
These sessions aren’t just about listening - they’re a launchpad for meaningful conversations. With over 350 speakers and 2,000+ companies attending, keynote speeches and panels are a goldmine for networking [3]. Unlike traditional lecture-based events, this summit encourages dialogue between builders, investors, and regulators. Post-session discussions are the perfect time to deepen those connections.
If your focus is on infrastructure, prioritize the Foundation track. For those aiming to collaborate on regulatory matters, the Friction track panels are a must [1]. During Q&A sessions, ask sharp, insightful questions - this not only showcases your expertise but also makes it easier for others to approach you later. Got a VIP ticket (€1 899 + VAT)? Use the VIP lounge for more private, focused follow-ups with promising contacts [4].
Using VIP Features for High-Level Connections
The CxO Summit offers a rare opportunity for top-tier leaders to engage in closed-door strategic discussions [3]. For VIP MAX ticket holders (€3 499 + VAT), the Royal Dinner provides an intimate setting to move beyond surface-level introductions and have deeper conversations with headline speakers and industry visionaries [3]. Another standout event is the VIP Versailles Dinner, which gathers RAISE speakers, partners, and global innovators at one table, creating a unique space for meaningful connections [3].
These exclusive gatherings aren’t just about mingling - they’re strategic moments to keep ahead of shifts in regulation and capital. Besides the dinners, interactive challenges at the summit can also uncover potential partnerships.
Participating in Hackathons and Startup Competitions
The 24-hour hackathon is all about collaboration and problem-solving [1]. Working on prototypes together not only highlights your technical skills but also shows how well your working style aligns with others. Meanwhile, the startup competition offers a chance to see 10 finalists compete for a €5 million prize pool [1].
VIP ticket holders get an extra edge here, with exclusive access to startup pitch decks and developer profiles before the live sessions even begin [4]. Use the networking app to keep tabs on hackathon participants and competition finalists, then seize the moment to approach them right after their presentations - when interest is at its peak.
Using RAISE Summit Digital Tools
RAISE Summit's digital tools are designed to make post-event networking and long-term relationship building much easier. With over 9,000 attendees and more than 2,000 companies gathered at Le Carrousel du Louvre, trying to manually keep track of connections would be overwhelming [1].
Getting the Most from the Networking App
The official networking app acts as your go-to tool during the event. If you hold a PRO, VIP, or VIP MAX ticket, this app is your key to navigating a crowd filled with decision-makers [1]. Its directory feature lets you filter contacts by role, industry, or specific interests, helping you focus your outreach on the people who matter most [1].
The "Schedule a Meeting" tool is particularly handy, allowing you to secure meeting slots ahead of time. This feature is especially valuable when you consider that 40% of attendees are buyers [5]. For those with VIP or VIP MAX tickets (priced between €1 899 and €4 599 + VAT), there’s even more to gain. These tiers provide access to startup pitch decks and developer profiles, enabling you to refine your strategy and connect with the right people before the event begins [4]. Once you've made digital connections, the next step is to turn them into meaningful in-person interactions, followed by prompt follow-ups.
Following Up After Initial Meetings
To keep the momentum going after your face-to-face meetings, use the app to follow up quickly and effectively. Make sure to jot down important details during or immediately after each meeting - things like project deadlines, specific challenges, or shared contacts. These notes will help you craft personalized follow-up messages within 48 hours of the summit ending.
Avoid sending generic follow-ups. Instead, reference specific points from your conversations to show you were engaged and paying attention. If you’re a VIP ticket holder, you can take this a step further by incorporating insights from the industrial trend report included in your package [4].
The RAISE Community platform is another excellent resource for staying connected. It ensures that the relationships you build during the summit can continue to grow long after the event wraps up [1]. By staying active and engaged digitally, you’ll set the stage for tracking and nurturing these partnerships over time.
Measuring Partnership Success
RAISE Summit 2025 Ticket Tiers Comparison and Partnership ROI
After putting in the effort with in-person and digital follow-ups, it’s time to evaluate the results. The key here is to measure the value of your conversions and assess whether your connections are delivering measurable returns. Without solid metrics, it’s tough to justify the resources spent or fine-tune your approach for future events. Interestingly, only 23% of companies manage to effectively track event ROI, despite events often accounting for 20% to 40% of marketing budgets [7].
Tracking Key Partnership Metrics
To gauge the success of your partnerships, focus on metrics such as partner-sourced revenue, influenced revenue, and the total pipeline value generated from summit meetings [6]. With 80% of RAISE attendees being C-level executives and founders, the potential for high-value deals is enormous [1]. Keep an eye on revenue, engagement metrics (like activation rates, touchpoints, and follow-up participation), and qualitative outcomes such as brand impact [6].
"Ultimately, revenue is almost always the North Star." - Greg Portnoy, CEO & Co-Founder, EULER [6]
Another useful metric is the "partner attach rate", which shows the percentage of deals involving a partner. This helps you understand how integrated these relationships are within your business [6]. Compare the win rates and sales cycle lengths of partner-led deals with those from direct sales channels to determine if summit connections are speeding up your pipeline [6].
For relationship health, tools like Partner NPS and satisfaction surveys, as well as tracking partner churn rates, can provide valuable insights [6]. To keep partnerships on track, establish mutual success plans with clear benchmarks right after the summit. Syncing your Partner Relationship Management tools with your CRM allows for real-time tracking and better alignment [6].
Objective measurement at this stage ties your summit efforts to concrete business outcomes.
Evaluating ROI by Ticket Type
Different ticket tiers at the RAISE Summit come with varied opportunities, and your ROI will depend on the level of access and perks you choose. To calculate ROI, use the formula: (Net Event Value / Net Event Cost) x 100 [7]. Net event value includes direct revenue, pipeline value from qualified leads, and strategic benefits such as competitive intelligence or access to startup pitch decks. Meanwhile, net event cost should account for ticket prices, travel, staff time, and follow-up activities [7].
Below is a breakdown of ticket tiers, their features, and typical partnership outcomes:
| Ticket Type | Price (€) | Features | Typical Partnership Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| STARTUP | 599 + VAT | Networking app, Startup Competition access, Ecosystem Party | 2–3 MoUs signed, 1 pilot project initiated [4] |
| PRO | 999 + VAT | All STARTUP features plus workshop access | 3–4 qualified partnerships, access to 9,000+ attendees [4] |
| VIP | 1,899 + VAT | VIP lounge, Machina Summit (€699 value), startup pitch decks, reports | 4–5 MoUs signed, 2 joint ventures initiated [4] |
| VIP MAX | 3,499 + VAT | All VIP perks plus Royal Dinner with C-suite executives | 5+ MoUs signed, 3 joint ventures, executive-level alliances [4][3] |
VIP and VIP MAX tickets typically deliver higher ROI through quality connections. For instance, the Royal Dinner offers direct access to top decision-makers, while exclusive resources like industrial reports and startup pitch decks provide invaluable market insights [4]. A B2B marketing ROI of 3:1 to 5:1 is considered strong, with anything above 5:1 being exceptional. Among Fortune 500 companies, 14% reported earning €5 for every €1 spent on trade show exhibitions [7].
"For the right partners, starting with influenced revenue can then build the flywheel for sourced revenue, if done right." - Gautham Pandiyan, VP of Partner Ecosystem Growth Acceleration, Qualtrics [6]
To get a complete picture, track both hard metrics (like ticket sales, lead volume, and signed agreements) and soft metrics (such as brand recognition, NPS scores, and stronger relationships) [7]. Wrapping up with a recap meeting can help turn those connections into actionable insights [7].
Conclusion
Forging partnerships at tech summits requires careful planning, intentional engagement, and diligent follow-up. By aligning your goals with the summit's four focus areas - Foundation, Frontier, Friction, and Future - you can connect with partners whose priorities match your AI objectives [1].
The summit setting transforms preparation into tangible collaborations. From scheduling focused meetings via the networking app to accessing exclusive startup pitch decks with VIP tickets or attending the invitation-only CxO Summit, each resource is designed to fast-track meaningful partnerships [2].
"The CxO Summit exists so companies don't just talk about AI, they leave RAISE with real partnerships, pilots, and signed deals" – Hadrien de Cournon, Co-Founder, RAISE Summit [2]
In 2026, successful AI partnerships will need to remain flexible, adjusting every three to six months in response to technological and market changes [8]. This adaptability pairs with the strategic groundwork laid before and during the event. Setting clear review cycles and mutual success plans right after the summit ensures these partnerships evolve rather than becoming static agreements.
FAQs
How do I choose the right partners to target before the summit?
Start by clarifying the kind of collaboration that best supports your goals. Are you looking for tech partnerships, strategic investors, or perhaps industry-specific allies? Once you’ve identified this, take advantage of the RAISE Summit’s networking tools. Features like AI matchmaking and personalized profiles can help you pinpoint the right partners efficiently.
When engaging at the event, focus on making meaningful connections. Use curated sessions, private lounges, and roundtables to interact with key decision-makers. Tailor your outreach to align closely with your objectives, ensuring each interaction brings you closer to achieving your partnership goals.
What should I say in a meeting request to get a 'yes'?
To improve the likelihood of getting a 'yes,' make your request clear, concise, and focused on shared benefits. Show genuine interest in their work, explain the purpose of the meeting, and suggest a specific time. Here's an example:
"Hello [Name], I really admire your work in [their field] and think a quick discussion could be mutually beneficial. Would you have 15 minutes to meet during the RAISE Summit on 8-9 July in Paris?"
How can I track partnership ROI after the summit?
To measure the return on investment (ROI) from partnerships, it’s crucial to begin with clear objectives. Define what success looks like before the event. Use tools like dashboards to keep an eye on key metrics - think lead quality, conversion rates, and audience engagement. Don’t just focus on financial returns; include strategic benefits like cost reductions or gaining access to new markets.
After the event, dive into the data you’ve gathered. Regular analysis will help you understand what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve your approach for future collaborations. Using event app features is another smart way to track interactions and manage follow-ups, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
