The Connect Marketplace conference is an exhilarating experience for everyone in the event industry. With over 3,000 attendees and an astounding 38,000 appointments, the event was a whirlwind of connections and insights that left us eager for more. Here’s what we learned from our first-time experience in Milwaukee and how it can help you make the most of this dynamic event.
Taking Advantage of the Speed Dating Portion
One of the standout features of Connect Marketplace is the speed dating-style meetings. To make the most of this fast-paced environment, we learned a few key strategies:
Do Your Research and Outreach in Advance
The clock ticks quickly during these meetings. To maximize your time, do your homework beforehand. Research potential partners and reach out to them in advance, sharing any relevant information or questions. This way, when you meet, you can dive right into meaningful discussions rather than wasting time on introductions or overviews.
Wear Comfortable Shoes!
If you’re a vendor, be prepared to be on your feet moving from table to table. We found that comfortable footwear is essential—there were moments when we found ourselves light jogging to our next appointment just to stay on schedule!
It’s All in the Follow-Up
The best advice we received from seasoned attendees was, “It’s all in the follow-up.” We created a follow-up action plan before we left for Milwaukee. This preparation helped us maintain connections and ensure that our conversations didn’t end with the event.
Insights from Educational Sessions
Beyond the speed dating, we gained invaluable insights from the educational sessions:
Shifting Focus
The discussions highlighted a significant shift in focus from comparing pre-pandemic events to addressing contemporary challenges. The emphasis now lies in meeting attendees’ demands for personalization, immersive experiences, and relevant content.
New Attendee Preferences
We learned that a new generation of eventgoers is prioritizing authentic connections and social causes. To engage this audience, incorporating AI-powered personalization is becoming increasingly important to cater to their diverse needs.
Future Attendance Outlook
Excitingly, research indicates that 92% of attendees plan to increase their participation in in-person events over the next year. This trend highlights a growing interest in discovering new products and deeply engaging with exhibitors.
Planning for Next Time
As we look ahead to our next Connect Marketplace, we’re excited about implementing some new strategies:
Continue to Branch Out
We made a conscious effort to step out of our comfort zones and meet as many people as possible. The atmosphere at Connect Marketplace encourages openness and conversation, so it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with others when their guards are down.
Be Memorable
We noticed one industry friend who always wore colorful, funky outfits. It made him unforgettable! We’re brainstorming creative ways to stand out ourselves, ensuring that planners remember us when they think back on their experience.
Other Takeaways
A few additional lessons stood out during the event:
Stay Hydrated
The days are packed with activities and meetings. Staying hydrated and well rested is crucial for maintaining your energy and engagement throughout this fast-paced conference.
Don’t Skip the Exhibit Hall
The exhibit hall buzzed with activity, offering ample networking opportunities. Walking around the trade show was a great way to connect with others and explore new offerings!
Overall, we loved our time at Connect Marketplace. It flew by, and we wished we had more time to network and build connections. We met some truly interesting people and walked away with promising business opportunities. We’re already looking forward to our next Connect Marketplace and the exciting opportunities that await!