Not long until the Business Travel Show will be in full swing, opening its doors to thousands of corporate travel buyers and managers looking to meet suppliers, enhance their knowledge and develop their existing or new travel programmes.
We are excited to welcome new and existing clients to our biggest ever stand and look forward to demonstrating how we can help adopt marginal gains into your travel policy, and how our brighter approach to business travel can make your organisation more productive and profitable.
Speaking of marginal gains, we thought we’d take a moment to offer our top tips on how to make the most of your time if you’re planning on visiting next week:
1. Plan your route
The Business Travel Show is hosted at Olympia, London. As a business travel management company, it’s only right that we advise all visitors to plan their journey in advance. Booking tickets early, planning your route and checking for any travel disruptions beforehand will all ensure a smooth start to the day.
There is nothing worse than arriving at an exhibition and having to stand in a queue for ages before even entering. Pre-registering for your ticket will save you some valuable time, allowing you to arrive and head straight in.
Click here to register for your free ticket
2. Tell people you’re there
The exhibition may be on for two days, but there’s a lot to see and do. For maximum networking opportunities, let people know you’re there. You could announce it on social media, tag in companies you’d like to meet (say hi to us at @Clarity_BT) or mention it via email or phone to your contacts.
Last year there were over 7500 attendees at the Business Travel Show, so do what you can to make your presence known.
3. Don’t forget your business cards
Although almost everything looks to be moving online, we’d still recommend keeping a safe stash of business cards, just in case.
4. Plan ahead
Our CEO Pat McDonagh’s top tip was to know what you want to achieve, book your meetings in advance and be open and clear about your requirements, And don’t forget to allow some time for unscheduled conversations as well.
We recommend planning your day before you get there. Throughout the conference there are talks, masterclasses, panel sessions, plenty to keep you busy and engaged with so it’s worth taking a look at the full programme.
5. Arrive fully charged
With our reliance on technology, whenever you’re headed to an exhibition the last thing you want is to spend time hunting for a free power outlet or find yourself trapped to a wall for half an hour when you do find it.
Arrive at the show fully charged and if you can, carry an external power pack. Mobile phone power packs come in all shapes and sizes and are handy for those just in case moments. It means you can charge your device whilst on the go, an essential travel accessory.
6. Buy your lunch early
It’s safe to say between the hours of 12 and 2pm, most people will be lining up to refuel. Queues at lunch time can really cut into your schedule so why not take your lunch slightly early or later in the day? There are a couple of cafes on the exhibition floor.
Make sure you keep yourself topped up with water too (we’ve got plenty on our stand). If you’re spending the day wandering around Olympia, engaging in conversation, the last thing you want is for dehydration to slow you down.
7. Wear comfortable shoes
Yes, it’s important to look smart, but what you wear on your feet could make or break your day. There are over 200 travel suppliers on show this year, which is a fair amount of ground to cover. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing during the event, comfortable footwear will be essential in keeping the pace (and pain is never a good look).
8. Take a break
Even with comfortable shoes, being on your feet all day will start to take its toll. Our friends at Radius Travel are hosting the relax and rejuvenate lounge, where you can sit back and recharge.
There are other seating areas dotted around the exhibition so plan in some downtime to rest and decide on your next move.
9. Get a good night’s rest
A good night’s sleep is by far the best preparation you could have for any exhibition. A full day of walking and talking can be extremely tiring, but it’s nothing a good night’s sleep won’t sort out.
10. Leave time for informal networking
Arranging meetings ensures that you’ve had time to speak at length about your business needs, but many relationships are built at informal settings. If you can, aim to leave your calendar open for a drinks reception or two.
After the success of last year, we’ll be hosting drinks and networking from 3pm, featuring a range of specially designed cocktails from The Little Gin Company, or soft drinks if gin doesn’t quite take your fancy.
To find out more and to arrange a meeting directly with us please click here.
Alternatively book an appointment via the official hosted buyer process through the Business Travel Show Website.
We look forward to seeing you!
