MANILA, Philippines - Trade shows are a great way to obtain valuable insights as well as expand one’s existing network over the course of just a few days in a one-stop event. In timely fashion, Worldbex Services International, the country’s leading events and expositions organizer, starts the year strong as it launches the 20th Philippine Building and Construction Exposition which is set to be held on March 11 to 15 at the World Trade Center Manila – signaling the official start of trade show season in the country.
But before anything else, Worldbex is keen on ensuring that trade professionals manage to get ahead and get more from its expositions by listing down several tips and tricks to helping one gain the most out of the opportunities that await attendees during the five-day expo.
Plan ahead
Remember the age old saying that the early bird catches the worm? Nothing could be of more truth than this nugget of wisdom when attending expositions. In the case of Worldbex, pre-register online at www.worldbex.com to avoid lines and maximize time roaming around the venue before the crowd sets in. Better yet, download the Worldbex app for a list of exhibitors and activities prior to your visit so you may plot out your schedule or if going in groups, make use of this app to assign which ones are going to be attended or visited by whomever.
Stay sharp yet comfy
Power dressing is arguably an important factor when meeting potential new partners and clients. However, huge exhibit areas such as the 30,000sqm space that Worldbex will be occupying this year will definitely make one think twice about what to wear.
Our suggestion, dress your best but take into great consideration the amount of walking and standing that will be involved at the expo. In the event that you really need to take a breather, Worldbex will be setting up lounges all over the venue as well as stop-over areas during long walks such as the Executive Lounge to be found at the 2nd floor of the World Trade Center Manila where food and drinks can be also be found. Do check out the expo map to find these resting spots.
Technology is your friend
As mentioned above, some expositions make use of technology to help ensure an improved experience for its trade show attendees. Similar to that of Worldbex, an app may be available to help one make advance planning and scheduling.
Also, some trade expos are really incorporating the latest technological advancements to offer a convenient and impressive experience for its guests such as the new QR system being offered by Worldbex.
This year, the Worldbex QR system provides visitors with his personalized QR code bearing one’s name, company, email address/es, and contact details so that exhibitors can simply scan one’s ID throughout his or her visit. No need to write and register to every exhibitor during the entire visit.
Expand your network
Trade shows are easily the best time and place to expand one’s network. Prior to attending the expo, condition yourself to do a lot of socializing and even consider practicing your spiels or pitches when faced with a potential partner or client. Confidence and the way you present yourself is also a big factor when seeking out networking opportunities. But fortunately, trade expos sometimes conduct Business Matching Services such as Worldbex which offers it for free. To get a run down of all the exhibitors in participation at this year’s construction expo, do check out the Worldbex app.
Go global
The year marks a significant milestone as the country braces for the full implementation of the ASEAN economic community. This means that both local and foreign investors and companies are looking for the right opportunities for international partnerships. In expositions that have strong international ties and partnerships such as Worldbex, take advantage of the countless international pavillions present during the expo.
In the case of Worldbex which as close to 500 companies and 1000 booths, be sure to ask all the essential queries you have. Chances are, foreign representatives leave the country right after the exhibit. In the event that no one is present to assist you, simply mark it and just return at a different time. On the flipside, avoid conversations with vendors or exhibitors that you have no interest in to save precious time.
Discover young talents
Apart from the latest in product innovation as well as being an effective platform to foster new business connections, trade shows are a great way to set sights on up and coming talents especially in the field of art and design. At this year’s Worldbex, watch out as students and young artists display their skills and fresh perspective at the Obra Maestra Interior Design Competition and the PALA Landscape Design Competition. Plus, the Art Pavillion will also be showcasing works from both local and foreign artists.
Continued learning is a must
The most valuable takeway from trade expositions is the nurturing and insightful experiences that cannot be acquired elsewhere in a short period of time. Apart from getting a first hand look at all the latest product innovations and industry services being offered in the market and establishing new connections, trade shows also offer top caliber seminars and workshops.
At Worldbex, one of its most anticipated highlights include the Worldbex Lab which showcases the industry’s most outstanding and state-of-the-art innovations; the Architect’s Gallery and Interior Designer’s Gallery which features the latest in design trends; and last but not the least, the Worldbex Seminars which featue both local and foreign personalities and industry experts to deliver the latest trends and compelling industry assessments. Plus, Worldbex Seminars allows professionals to earn PRC points.
Don’t’ be a buzzer beater
By now, we’ve already established that procastinating is a no no when it comes to making the most out of one’s trade show experience. From planning and strategizing and even when it comes to leaving the trade show, avoid getting caught in the trade show rush by exiting 30 minutes before closing. This way, you avoid long lines for cabs, shuttles, or buses. At Worldbex, free shuttle services are offered by partner hotels and establishments.
In the end, just as how some expositions may not be able to fully provide a well-rounded trade show experience, how much one can gain from attending these events also rely heavily on one’s willingness and ability to exhaust the opportunities being offered by having an organized and well-planned strategy.