Whether it’s wearing comfy shoes, drinking plenty of water, or even bringing your own fold-up chair, we’ve asked the industry for their top tips on surviving Business Travel Show 2018
Mette Louise Skjærbæk, category manager travel – IM & procurement, LEGO
Book appointments, talk to all you meet and take part in the full programme. Engage yourself.
Alex Cousins, director of global client services, Corporate Travel Management
Ignore The Hand and Flower – it’s always rammed. Try The Albion instead on Hammersmith Road or The Cumbernauld Arms on North End Road. Oh, and if you don’t want to miss out on the CTM cocktails on the first day, make sure you’re there at 1600 on the dot – what can I say, we’re a thirsty industry.
Nikki Foster, travel category manager at Veritas Technologies LLC
The event manager in me says wear comfortable shoes, as I’m sure there will be lots to see and do during the event.
Xaveer Fluitman, regional director, business travel, Booking.com
Network as much as possible. We always learn a lot from the discussions that occur and leave inspired with additional ideas to keep innovating and enhancing our product offering further.
Ian Luck, head of distribution, British Airways
Coffee!
Talia Jones, marketing exec, Business Travel Direct
Take some water with you. After an hour or two visiting an assortment of stands and explaining how they could enhance your business, you’ll be desperate for a drink.
Pat McDonagh, CEO, Clarity
Know what you want to achieve, book your meetings in advance and be open and clear about your requirements.
Geoff Allwright, UK travel manager, Airbus
Take a fold up comfy chair!
David Chapple, group event director, Business Travel Show
Don’t be frightened to ask exhibitors questions – even if you think they’re stupid. And this goes for conference sessions too – come armed with questions. Make appointments – at least two of three definite ones. If you just turn up hoping to be seen, it can sometimes be a bit of a scrum.
Graham Angus, hosted buyer manager, Business Travel Show
Come to the Hosted Buyer Networking Functions and enjoy the parties – but not to excess (yes, drink lots of water). Also, hosted buyers have exclusive early access to the show via the west hall entrance. A handy tip so you won’t have to wait outside.
Amanda Greenwood, editor, BTiQ
If someone offers you a drink or a snack, take it!
James Turner, sales director, Avis Budget Group
Power up and start the day the right way with a smoothie courtesy of Avis Budget Group every day between 1000 and 1100. You’ll find us on stand B340.
Max Waldmann, CEO, Conichi
Embrace the diversity within the industry. With so many different players in the game, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and see others as competitors instead of potential partners. Also, it cannot be said enough, focus on the traveller! At the end of the day, whichever direction your solution moves towards, ensure it is always one that will benefit the traveller.
Kat Hendry, sales manager, Business Travel Show
To give you a seamless experience at the Business Travel Show, American Express will be offering all registered visitors who are also Amex Corporate or Business Card holders a complimentary cloak room service.
Francesco Deluca, director of sales and client services EMEA, Omega World Travel
Don’t rush around like a headless chicken, and make sure you adequately prepare prior to your meeting. A little research on the company you are meeting with makes all the difference. Ideally don’t party too much on the first day!