The Meetings Show, which returns to ExCeL London on 19-20 June, is THE must-attend event for anyone who books meetings and events…
Attending this year’s show will enable you to connect with hundreds of suppliers and develop your knowledge through an inspiring programme of 37 educational sessions.
It’s important to plan your visit to make the most of The Meetings Show 2024
Here are our top five tips to get you prepared…
1.Prioritise your meeting preferences
Familiarise yourself with the extensive exhibitor line-up before you go and prioritise who you would most like to meet with.
Planning a London event? The London Convention Bureau stand should be high on your list as it features many of the city’s best hotels and venues in one place. The rest of the UK is well covered too, with Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Oxford, Nottingham, Leeds, Sheffield, York, Liverpool and Wales all exhibiting.
If you book international events, there will be destinations from across the globe including Barcelona, Dublin, Dubai, New York, Vancouver, Zagreb and many more.
Once you know who you want to meet, make a note of their stand numbers, and familiarise yourself with where they are located.
2. Keep an open mind
While it makes sense to prioritise meeting suppliers that are most relevant to your business and current enquiries, go with an open mind and be prepared to talk to everyone you meet, even if you are not sure if they are relevant to your business.
The same goes for the education sessions – keep an open mind when considering which ones to attend. Allow time to check out the Blank Canvas stage, where you can experiment with new technology and try out new experiences in a safe and supportive environment. It’s the perfect place to push your boundaries and unleash your creativity.
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 when and where you might find it.
3. Download the app
It’s always a good idea to download The Meetings Show’s official app before you go, which will enable you to manage your experience in one place.
The app allows you to browse the exhibitor list on the go, send connection 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.
4. Try to keep distractions to a minimum
Make sure your out of office is on and your colleagues know you are going to be attending The Meetings Show to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Spending two days away from your desk can make you feel anxious about your mounting inbox, and the temptation to check your messages can be strong. But if you #TakeTheTime to attend and avoid looking at your phone while there, you’re guaranteed to make connections and learn something new.
5. Don’t neglect your wellbeing
Allow time in your agenda to take a quiet moment to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Relax and refresh your mind, or simply take a break from the hustle and bustle of the show floor in the EventWell Wellbeing Hub.
New for this year’s The Meetings Show, EventWell Buddies will be on hand to help visitors navigate the venue and event. They will be providing information on the layout, facilities, and key areas – like keynote stages, the quiet room, accessible toilets and more.
And if you fancy clearing your head and stretching your legs before day two kicks off, sign up to the Go! Running Tours on Thursday 20 June. Meet at the entrance of ExCeL London at 7am to partake in a 3km brisk walk or 5km run. Sign up in advance here.
Register
Meetings and events organisers are encouraged to register for complimentary registration but there are various ways to register to attend The Meetings Show 2024, which will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show.
To maintain The Meetings Show’s renowned reputation for attracting quality buyers, all applications for complimentary attendance are fully vetted. Other meetings industry professionals are welcome to attend by purchasing a non-buyer visitor ticket.
See here for more information on all registration options
