The Personal Travel Consultants Group Manager Abbie Heaton admits she made an uncomfortable error when she attended her first ever World Travel Market, so if you’re heading to the show this week, here are her top tips on how homeworkers can avoid the same mistake and make the most of their visit:
It’s important to define your goals before you arrive. Are you looking to learn more about a particular destination? Are you looking to network and meet potential suppliers? Are you better trying to understand the trends in the marketplace to enhance your own sales? Having a clear set of objectives before you arrive will help you stay focused. Use the WTM app to navigate the event, schedule meetings and stay updated of any changes.
The better you know a destination and what’s new, the easier it is to sell. It’s well worth reviewing the event schedule and ensuring you organise meetings. Often, people can be in back-to-back meetings all day at WTM, so it’s important to maximise your time.
I also find preparing a list of questions can be a real help as it’s quite tiring at the event and easy to forget.
The Excel centre can be quite an intimidating place, so make sure you know where your meetings are in advance and be respectful of others’ time by making sure you arrive promptly.
This year there is a technology summit where agents can learn first-hand about the technologies making a big impact in travel. There is also the unveiling of the much-anticipated World Travel Market trends report, which is a comprehensive analysis of emerging trends and shifting traveller needs, drawing extensive data from 185 countries.
The better we understand our customers and tailor our sales approach to what consumers are looking for, the more likely we are to be able to sell, so it can be well worth making sure you look online to see what’s available .
Preparing an elevator pitch about yourself can boost your confidence and ensure you’re well-prepared for meetings at WTM, as it allows you to succinctly and effectively communicate your value and goals to potential partners and clients
Make sure you have access to any marketing collaterals, like your own Facebook pages. Bring an iPad if you need to, there is free wifi inside the Excel centre.
Obtain digital business cards with QR codes, so people can easily scan your contact details, which saves you carrying around heavy packs of business cards – and is also better for the environment.
I know it sounds daft, but you’ll achieve your steps goal five times over, so make sure you wear comfy clothes and shoes. The first year I went, I wore heels and I kicked myself afterwards!
There are plenty of networking events at WTM, as well as social events at The Fox (outside the venue), so don’t be shy to be part.
Take notes or use a digital device to keep track of any action points from your conversations, as this will allow you to follow up effectively post-event
Engage on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with other attendees before heading to the event, and use them to highlight your unique selling points and services
There are lots of free alcoholic drinks handed out, so keep an eye on your water levels. If you do indulge, enjoy!
After the event, do your own little washup review. Assess whether you achieved everything you hoped to and consider what you might do differently next time to improve your business strategy.
Use the insights and contacts gained to plan your next steps. Send thank you or follow-up notes to acknowledge the people you met and build relationships. Keep in touch with new contacts and follow up with any potential leads.
The post Going to WTM? Here are 10 tips for a successful visit appeared first on Travel Gossip.
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Plan for success
It’s important to define your goals before you arrive. Are you looking to learn more about a particular destination? Are you looking to network and meet potential suppliers? Are you better trying to understand the trends in the marketplace to enhance your own sales? Having a clear set of objectives before you arrive will help you stay focused. Use the WTM app to navigate the event, schedule meetings and stay updated of any changes.
Schedule meetings with tourist boards/hotels
The better you know a destination and what’s new, the easier it is to sell. It’s well worth reviewing the event schedule and ensuring you organise meetings. Often, people can be in back-to-back meetings all day at WTM, so it’s important to maximise your time.
I also find preparing a list of questions can be a real help as it’s quite tiring at the event and easy to forget.
The Excel centre can be quite an intimidating place, so make sure you know where your meetings are in advance and be respectful of others’ time by making sure you arrive promptly.
Make sure you review the free training sessions available
This year there is a technology summit where agents can learn first-hand about the technologies making a big impact in travel. There is also the unveiling of the much-anticipated World Travel Market trends report, which is a comprehensive analysis of emerging trends and shifting traveller needs, drawing extensive data from 185 countries.
The better we understand our customers and tailor our sales approach to what consumers are looking for, the more likely we are to be able to sell, so it can be well worth making sure you look online to see what’s available .
Prepare your ‘elevator pitch‘
Preparing an elevator pitch about yourself can boost your confidence and ensure you’re well-prepared for meetings at WTM, as it allows you to succinctly and effectively communicate your value and goals to potential partners and clients
Have necessary collaterals/promo materials
Make sure you have access to any marketing collaterals, like your own Facebook pages. Bring an iPad if you need to, there is free wifi inside the Excel centre.
Obtain digital business cards with QR codes, so people can easily scan your contact details, which saves you carrying around heavy packs of business cards – and is also better for the environment.
Wear comfy shoes!
I know it sounds daft, but you’ll achieve your steps goal five times over, so make sure you wear comfy clothes and shoes. The first year I went, I wore heels and I kicked myself afterwards!
Network and follow up afterwards
There are plenty of networking events at WTM, as well as social events at The Fox (outside the venue), so don’t be shy to be part.
Take notes or use a digital device to keep track of any action points from your conversations, as this will allow you to follow up effectively post-event
Leverage social media
Engage on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with other attendees before heading to the event, and use them to highlight your unique selling points and services
Make sure you stay hydrated
There are lots of free alcoholic drinks handed out, so keep an eye on your water levels. If you do indulge, enjoy!
Think about what you would do differently next time
After the event, do your own little washup review. Assess whether you achieved everything you hoped to and consider what you might do differently next time to improve your business strategy.
Use the insights and contacts gained to plan your next steps. Send thank you or follow-up notes to acknowledge the people you met and build relationships. Keep in touch with new contacts and follow up with any potential leads.
The post Going to WTM? Here are 10 tips for a successful visit appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
