How important is networking at exhibitions to find suppliers?
Pierre: Networking and events are very important especially for mid-market hotels as they are not supported by central purchasing from corporate chain offices. Attending such events and exhibitions opens your eyes to new brands and products and the latest technologies being used in hospitality sectors. At the same time a lot of ideas can be shared with fellow colleagues and suppliers in the business.
Anwar: It is very important to maintain networking activities at events and exhibitions for easy access when finding suppliers. Meeting with the suppliers during such events helps us to know their line of products, production time-frame, credit facilities, warehousing, stock and quality.
Hirosh: Exhibitions can cut off the monopoly of the local market and allow us to get better products with better prices. We can develop our knowledge through the varieties of products and explore new ideas through demonstrations, and also to tie up with them and get new contracts.
Freddy: Networking is a valuable tool to expand knowledge, learn from the success of others, attain new clients and suppliers and at the same time give you the opportunity to promote your business to others. From my experience it certainly generates referrals, opportunities and widens the connection base, while raising your profile.
Mark: Events and exhibitions are a big part of finding new suppliers in the hospitality sector. We will go to trade shows globally as they are a great opportunity to meet vendors and explore new products on the market. We have a big push to be green and to keep up with the latest technology; this is important for Hilton hotels and our guests, so we aim to find and utilise only the best vendors in both these areas.
Mohamed: Networking is an excellent way to find out what is happening in the market, in addition to new services and products, market trends and so on. We are in the people business and often handpicking the right supplier will never just depend on price, nor simply on quality. We need to be able to rely on our suppliers, because on occasions we may need to make a request that is not strictly within our agreement, that’s when relationships come into play.
Moussa: It is essential to participate in events and exhibitions because it provides a huge platform to meet existing suppliers and know their latest products. In addition, it is also a good opportunity to select from an extensive list of new suppliers. The advantage of networking at events and exhibitions is that it allows you to acquire a wide range of knowledge about product developments in a short period of time.
Raji abou ghanem: Networking at these kind of industry exhibitions is important in terms of having more choices and having the opportunity to meet new suppliers. However, in my opinion many good suppliers are well known in the market and you may reach them at any time.
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