The events of the last two months - how they compare:
Travel Technology Europe, London Olympia: If you're a British tech company, relatively new on the scene and keen to make an impact in the market, this is a good starting point. It's certainly grown over the years and there are more facets to it with the speaker sessions and startup section, but it doesn't quite pack the punch of more specialist tech conferences.
Business Travel Show, London Olympia: Great range of businesses from small medium to large for a chance to find the solutions across the business travel sector, the attendance here has definitely grown since I first attended in 2009.
Cultural Enquiry for Tech and Arts in BCP, Dorset: An interesting kick-off to a local enquiry to Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch as it becomes one of the largest councils in the UK; looking at the challenges of bringing three separate units into one and how technology and arts can bridge that gap. The key takeaway - communication is lost with no real local media to connect with the population - how can you build a culture if the audience is inaccessible?
ITB Berlin, Berlin: The biggest and perhaps best event of my year, the entire global travel industry come together and this is my chance to connect with my people. Yes I love technology, and I do enjoy B2B communications, and here is the TravTech companies all like a little sweet shop for me. There's an incredible buzz here, and everyone certainly tries to out do one another.
Data Centre World/ Cloud Expo, London Excel: My first time attending to get under the skin of real tech, this was all gadgets and machinery for engineers and IT service providers. The talks were hi-tech heavy and ongoing chitter-chatter on security. You need to know your audience and make sure you arrange appointments in advance, bring your audience to you.
Short Stays Show, London Excel: All about holiday rental as I went to find out what is developing in this sector since it really expanded as a market with Airbnb, Tripadvisor, booking.com holiday rentals etc. What I saw in the hotel tech market 10 years ago is now in holiday rentals - so think...the world is cyclical. Keep an eye out for emerging sectors looking to replicate what's been before.
British Tourism Show, Birmingham NEC: First time attending this show as it's gone from strength to strength, largely for UK destinations, DMCs and tour operators - the show gives a great insight to how the general UK market is perceiving trends and where they are in general operations against perceived innovations and new technologies.
Keep track of more to come this year. For the best shows to attend for your business, get in contact ryan@ryanhaynesmarketing.com