I just returned to the island after attending ITB in Berlin from March 5th – 10th, 2008. ITB is the world’s most important trade show for Travel Industry – at this years’ ITB a total of 11,147 exhibiting delegates from 186 countries and regions showcased their Products, Brands, Companies, Enterprises and Institutions.

The Maldives was amongst one of the favorite exhibitors at ITB. Maldives had a spacious and fascinating stand designed with thatched roofs and some white sand around to give a feel of the Maldives to visitors. There were around 60 Travel Agents (DMCs) and close to 30 resort representatives in the Maldives stand showcasing their product – we all wore sleek suites and shiny shoes and it was cold. I saw some resort representatives having busy meetings, some waiting at the stand mesmerized by the crowd and others busy distributing brochures and other promotional materials. There was also an elite group making their presence just to make it special or for the pride.

I happened to be a bit further from Maldives stand as I was representing our resort at our own stand. My days started at 10am and continued to 6pm with full-on meetings and small chitchats with partners coming across our stand. Whenever I had time I visited the Maldives stand and made myself available for those who want to know more information about the Maldives and to distribute brochures and giveaways for the general visitors.

All in all, I would say ITB is a must-attend event for Travel Industry professionals. To make your visit to ITB more productive, I would suggest having pre arranged meetings with your desired or targeted partners. Have a plan with points to discuss…it can be about your new product, a new guest experience you have just introduced or about contracts and rates for the coming season or year. Always take some visual aides like brochures, pamphlets or mini-flyers. Don’t try to do long .ppt presentations – these are too long and the Product Managers or MDs you meet will be too occupied and will get easily confused. If you want to do a proper product-launch make it a separate event. Perhaps make one full-day of the trip to visit tour operators, travel agents and travel shops to do a full-on presentation for their sales staff.

The day is not over after 7pm when you finish at the stand. Keep yourself available to attend all the after- parties, dinner events and cocktail gatherings – don’t miss any of these! If you don’t have an invite find someone who has and be his/her guest, work the magic and get yourself in there! This is the best place for networking….after a busy day at the show everyone attends such events to chill and enjoy! No need to discuss business here but try making conversations with important contacts and make connections with them. Chill-out, have a laugh and leave your marks in a fun-professional way.

When you return to office send individual thank you and follow-up notes to everyone you have met and made contact with. OR why not send thank you / follow-up notes the same day – we all travel with our laptops and blackberry in hand..!

I will be leaving to Moscow tomorrow to attend MITT 2008 – will share some thoughts when I return.