Final preparations for The Meetings Show 2023 are now in full swing, with thousands of visitors expected to attend the two-day event at ExCeL London on 28-29 June.
But with so much to see and do, knowing where to start can feel a little bit overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to plan your visit properly to ensure you maximise your time out of the office and don’t just end up wandering the show floor.
Here are top tips by the crew behind the show on how to get the most out of your two days…
Understand your objectives for attending
It might sound obvious, but if you know what you want to achieve by attending The Meetings Show, it will help you to plan your visit. Are you looking to meet with suppliers or venues for a specific brief or event? Do you want general destination inspiration? Are you looking for the hottest new openings? Or do you want to source more sustainable venues?
Download the app ahead of the show
The Meetings Show will partner with virtual platform Swapcard again for this year’s event app. The app will be available to download for and use before and during the show to manage your experience in one place.
Once live, the app will allow you to browse the exhibitor list, send connection and meeting requests, enjoy video calls and instant chat with other attendees, create your own bespoke itinerary, and use the interactive map to help you find your way around the show.
Make a list of who you want to meet with
With more than 600 exhibitors at the show, it’s best to plan who you want to meet in advance. This year’s show will be well-represented by UK destinations and venues, including newcomers Visit York and NEC Group, along with Blackpool, Cardiff, Leeds, Bristol & Bath, Newcastle Gateshead, Center Parcs, Silverstone, Westminster Venue Collection and Nottingham Venues.
If you book international events, there are many new destinations exhibiting this year including the Netherlands, Spain, Barbados, Malaysia and more. You could divide your list into two halves – must see and want to see, to help you prioritise who to visit first.
Check out the education programme
Set some time aside to take part in this year’s revamped education programme, which is designed to empower attendees to think differently, connect differently, plan differently, and live differently. Content is split across four new themes: Impact, Inform, Innovate, and Inspire.
Delivered by a range of expert speakers, the 28 never-before-seen sessions will explore subjects such as how event technology can supercharge engagement, unpacking the power of data, building event communities, how to make events sustainable and how charities can help you plan events with meaningful experiences.
This year’s show will also feature The Blank Canvas, a new space where visitors can experiment and try new things in a safe and supportive environment. From testing new technology to trying out new experiences, this is the perfect place to push your boundaries and unleash your creativity.
Be present
Don’t get stuck on your phone or laptop while you’re there. Taking two days out to attend a trade show can make you feel anxious about your mounting inbox, and the temptation to check your messages can be strong, but you could miss out on making important connections or an opportunity to learn.
It’s amazing what you can achieve when you #TakeTheTime to attend. It only takes one golden nugget, be that a great new venue you didn’t know about or an inspiring speaker that helps you do your job more effectively, to make visiting the show worthwhile and you never know where you might find it.
Network, network, network
Networking events are where you’ll make those all-important connections. It can be nerve-wracking but try to leave your inhibitions at the door. Come with an open mind and talk to everyone, even if you are not sure if they are relevant to your business.
It might sound obvious, but eye contact and a warm smile can make a huge first impression and encourage people to come and talk to you. Have a few interesting questions prepared, so you’ll never run out of things to say.
And finally…
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes! It will be a busy couple of days, but if you are well prepared, it will be well worth the visit.
There are various ways to register to attend The Meetings Show 2023 (at ExCeL London on 28-29 June) which will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show.
To find out more about the buyer, hosted buyer and visitor registration options, visit: www.themeetingsshow.com/register
