Concept Software Systems first appearance at WTM London 2017

Even though Concept Software Solutions currently operate in over 67 countries worldwide, there is always a need to grow our business and reputation further. As a part of our continuing expansion in the international market, it is crucial that we carefully consider how to create promising new leads and discover where the most attractive projects and partnerships may be made. One of the most effective means of doing so is with a strong presence at reputable global exhibitions, making sure that we not only further develop our already cosmopolitan network, but that we are also making sure Concept communicates and maintains our brand on the most celebrated of stages.

We recently visited such a stage at The World Travel Market London, the leading global event for the travel industry. Now running for an incredible 38th year, the show is enormous in scale, and in 2016 generated more than £2.8 billion of business contracts among its guests and attendees. With a prestigious and influential  audience, this is one of the key annual dates to shape the travel industry over the coming year. For three days in November, The Royal Victoria Dock plays host to almost 5,000 exhibiting destinations, technology and private sector companies who meet and network with over 51,000 travel professionals, key industry buyers, journalists, digital influencers, students and tourism Ministers. In one place, under one roof, the vibrant event offered Concept a unique opportunity to connect with the entire international industry, to become inspired by industry leaders discussing the latest trends, issues and innovations - an opportunity we were keen to take full advantage of.

With our goal to make a strong impression at our first year attending the event, our team concentrated all three days to effectively represent Concept at the ExCeL center from among thousands of exhibiting destinations, technology and private sector companies to the crowds of visitors. They did this positioned at one of the specialized areas, The Travel Tech Show. Easily the largest of its kind in the UK, here we found a platform to meet and converse with key decision makers all looking to source the technology systems and software we provide. Our stand enabled us to demonstrate our product line in direct interaction with an influential and targeted audience.

This was the culmination of significant preparatory work, over the previous months. Concept had worked hard to maximise our time at the event, focusing on communicating our presence there and contacting potential clients to arrange meetings at the show ahead of time. With the enormous attendance of the WTM we were also to benefit hugely from passing clients, with almost all looking for information on Concept. This provided us many opportunities to promote our brand, from answering individual questions to providing potential clients with the material needed to understand Concept and our products.

Visitors to our stand took many forms: attendees who were just curious about the company, those who want specific information about our products, companies interested in striking a partnership with Concept and actual clients who took the chance to find out more about our latest developments, etc. The variety of these enquiries demonstrate that with effective marketing and branding shows like these can produce opportunities that could easily have remained undiscovered. Following our time there, we now have the job of following up on a wealth of contacts and spin them into what we always hoped to achieve from WTM -  new clients and new projects.

Reflecting on a most satisfactory debut at WTM, we are already considering our attendance there next year…to create an even better presence, leading to even more prospects, growing and improving just like the WTM has for the last 38 years. As always at Concept aiming only for excellence.