Demoing Marrily at TechCocktail Austin. Tips on getting attention?

If you're going to the show, go with a goal. Just being there is only valuable if you're lucky and happen to meet and chat with the right person. These types of events are typically heavy on the alcohol and networking and don't make for a great environment to pitch your company. Given that, you need to do everything you can to improve your chances of meeting valuable people.

For example, If you're goal is to meet investors, look through the attendee list and find all of the investors that you want to talk with. Ideally you'd go to the event with someone else so that either you or that person can roam the floor looking for people that you've targetted. Give those people a small flyer or business card, mention where you're at in the room, and ask them to stop by if they have a moment.

If you get someone at your table that you think is valuable to your business, be short and sweet with them. Most of these people are there to drink and meet and greet. Don't trap them at your booth. Give them the quick pitch, tell them why you're unique and interesting, get their business card, and tell them you'll follow-up with them after the show for a coffee meeting.

If people come by your booth and they don't seem like a good fit for what you're doing give them the polite pitch and encourage them to move on (without being rude). If you just go to the show and sit behind the table you'll likely leave disappointed and frustrated. You need to proactive and network as best you can.

What if you had a little case of business cards and as someone walked nearby, you complimented their shirt, tie, whatever and then got down on one knee, opened the card case and said "Will you Marrily me?" Then after their laugh or puzzled response, get up, deliver your one-line description/personal story (e.g., "I quit my day-job to start an online tool for people getting married.") and give them a few cards. Ask them to pass them on to any friends they have who are engaged or dating.

Something like that anyway.

Might be good practice because you're probably better off going to a wedding expo or doing deals with leaving your promo cards with related businesses (cake companies, dress companies, etc).