MICE Expo takes place in various places year after year. The purpose is for professionals to gather, establish connections, and promote new ideas to foster growth. If you’re planning to attend MICE, there are many things to consider, especially if it requires travelling to some faraway destinations.
Below, check out some of the most important things to consider when travelling to a MICE expo.
How Long is it Going to Take?
The first thing to consider is how long the event will take place. Also, think of the time you will spend travelling to the destination. Is the travel time worth what you will get out of the event? Consider the fare and other expenses involved. How much time you have for the trip will affect your travel budget, so this is something to think about before you decide to attend a MICE Expo.
Sure, attending MICE could cost you time and money, but if you want to grow your business, find new investors, and develop a desirable product, you should invest in events like MICE. These events allow you to network with like-minded professionals, opening up opportunities for growing your business. So, even if you will fork out thousands of dollars to travel to a MICE expo, it’s worth it. Underestimating the impact of these events might be a bad call for your business.
Networking has always been the most significant aspect of attending events like MICE. Some people tend to focus only on the informational value they will get from these events. But everyone attending the expo is ready and welcoming to meet someone within their professional network, which is a perfect way to network and foster relationships with other people in your industry.
Who is Going with You?
Consider bringing a colleague or anyone you know who might be able to benefit from attending these events. Taking others with you will help them learn more about the industry and makes for a fun and more enjoyable experience, especially if you’re travelling with someone close to you. Another advantage to travelling with someone is you can split some of the costs, which makes travelling to the MICE expo cheaper.
Like any travel, the people you will be travelling with will have a huge impact on the various aspects involved in the trip. For instance, you need to consider your companion when booking your accommodation. Are you both okay with sharing a room, or do you need to book separate rooms? If you plan to include sightseeing on your trip, consider the interests and preferences of your travel companion when deciding where to go. This also goes the same for the activities you plan to do during your trip.
Consider taking some time off for yourself during the trip. Not everyone wants to do the same activities at the same time. If there is a place you want to visit and your friends are not keen to go, there’s no harm in setting off on your own.
How You’re Going to Get There
There are numerous trends in the events industry that mean MICE expos are now popping up all over the world. With that in mind, it’s essential to carefully plan how you will travel to the event, especially if you are attending the MICE expo in some faraway countries. When planning your journey, think of the flights, airport transfers, hotels, etc. If you are travelling with other people, get them involved in the planning.
Book your flights as early as possible to get deals on airfare. There are some tools online that you can use to find the best deals on airfare, so take advantage of these. For instance, you can use Skyscanner to search for the cheapest fares going to your destination.
Once you have booked your flights, the next thing is your hotel. Again, consider the preferences of your companion when it comes to this. Once you have booked your hotel, check with your hotel if they offer airport transfer.
Where are you Going to Stay?
If you are attending the MICE expo abroad and need to stay overnight or several nights, depending on how long the event is, the accommodation is something you need to think about
Choose a hotel located close to the venue. However, hotels near the event usually cost more. You can find other hotels far from the event but consider how you will travel to the event. Will the hotel offer a free shuttle to the event? Can you take a bus or train? If not, how much will it cost to take the taxi?
Aside from the location, you also need to consider the type of accommodation you will book. If you’re travelling solo, you might be better off staying at a hotel. But if you are in a group, it’s worth considering staying at a vacation rental. These properties have more space to accommodate everyone. So, check Airbnb and look for any properties close to the event. Book it as early as possible since there’s a good chance the property will be in high demand.
How Much is it Going to Cost?
As mentioned above, consider the travel expenses when travelling to the MICE expo. Attending conferences is an investment, but it’s worth weighing the cost of travel versus the benefits you will gain from the event. That’s especially important if you need to travel abroad, which would cost you more.
Look for ways to save money if you are on a limited travel budget. Search for airfare deals and discounted accommodations. Book as early as possible, since everything could cost more when you book near the travel date.
If you’re travelling in a group, be clear about how much you can afford for the trip, especially on the accommodation. For instance, if your budget will only afford you to stay at a hostel, then be upfront about it. Be clear not only about how much you can afford to spend on the accommodation but also on meals, activities, and other aspects involved in the trip. You do not have to agree on everything, but you must set expectations to avoid conflicts during your trip.
You may also enjoy reading about the changing face of business travel risk management
