World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, has expanded its Speed Networking programme following the success of last year’s inaugural event.
Last year’s speed networking session played an important role in business deals generated from WTM 2009 totalling £1,139 million*.
WTM 2010’s Speed Networking programme has been expanded with the introduction of two new sessions;
- UK & Ireland, and
- Technology & Online Travel
These two new sessions will take place alongside sessions for;
- Europe
- Americas
- Africa & the Middle East, and
- Asia & Australasia
The Speed Networking programme will include 240 buyers from WTM’s Meridian Club, compared to 160 last year, who will network and negotiate with more than 1,000 exhibitors.
The six sessions will be structured to hold up to 40 Meridian Club buyers seated at tables with a specific interest in purchasing products from that area. Participating exhibitors will have the opportunity to have five minute meetings with each buyer, with the objective of arranging further meetings and potentially concluding a deal before the conclusion of WTM 2010.
The Speed Networking programme will take place on the Monday 8 November from 1pm, giving both Meridian Club buyers and exhibitors the remaining three days of WTM to continue their negotiations and conclude deals.
Meridian Club Marketing Manager Mark Jakobsen said: “The Speed Networking programme was so successful last year we have expanded the programme to include two new extra sessions covering all regions of World Travel Market.
“Last year’s success demonstrates the growing importance speed networking plays in developing business relationships.
“The Speed Networking programme epitomises the aim of World Travel Market, which is to facilitate business between exhibitors and the travel industry’s senior buyers.”
