David Chapple, Group Portfolio Director has answered us some questions about the next edition of Business Travel Show, to be held on February 20-21. If you want to know more about the business travel industry, you should visit this trade show.
The fair presents a BtoB Networking Platform. Could you explain about it?
The Business Travel Show is the international event for business travel. It’s the unrivalled and largest show for the industry in Europe and is a must-attend show for business travel bookers, buyers, arrangers and managers who attend for all of their supplier, educational and networking needs. Visitors will find a line up of first class speakers and invaluable conference content, world-class leading suppliers and critical networking opportunities.
What are the latest trends in the business travel industry?
The show is for buyers of business travel rather than the travellers themselves, so trends include personalisation, distribution, data, next gen technology and risk management.
What’s new for the 2019 edition? What are the highlights?
There will be a major focus on innovation for 2019, including the Business Travel Disrupt Launchpad ans Adwards, which highlight tomorrow’s travel trojans, as well as showcase of future travel innovation and prototypes.
What are the advantages of exhibiting at BTS 2019?
Over 9,000 industry professionals attend Business Travel Show from across UK and Europe including 444 vetted hosted buyers with budgets in excess of £1 million. By exhibiting, suppliers have access to the best possible opportunity to meet buyers with big budgets who are keen to find new partners, solutions and services. Additionally, the SME corporate market is well represented at the event and suppliers often choose to exhibit at the show to capitalise on this lucrative arena.
Can you give us some tips to take the best out of visiting this event?
With over 250 suppliers on hand to give advice and product demonstrations, and nearly 90 individual conference sessions taking place over two days, the best tip is to plan and prepare. Our research shows that visitors spend between five and six hours at the show - almost a full working day - so being prepared is the best way to ensure they have the most productive experience. Additionally, visitors accepted on to the hosted buyer programme will have access to an online diary system allowing them to make appointments in advance with suppliers who meet their precise business needs.
Lastly, can you give us some participation results from the last edition?
Business Travel Show 2018 attracted more than 9,000 industry attendees, an increase of 6 per cent year on year, including 444 hosted buyers (up 4 per cent) and over 260 suppliers. Our research found that 96 per cent of visitors not only felt the show was time well spent out of the office, but enjoyed their experience, too. Visitors also scored the event 3.9/5 when asked about its importance and 4.2/5 for overall satisfaction.