Convene: Why does this regional fair stand out?

Recently, you may have noticed that the Baltic countries are putting their presence under the radar. Baltic capitals and regions alike are working hard to develop their meetings infrastructure and to attract new clients. 

And rightly so: for associations opening to the Baltics is a way to attract new members, while corporates can get new business contacts. In addition, the Baltic countries usually offer good value for money, so this definitely doesn’t hurt!

The trade fair CONVENE is part of a unified effort to put the Baltics on the meeting map. For its fourth edition in Vilnius, which took place 10-11 February, the intention was to present a wide range of service providers – and this was successfully achieved. 

Now, you may say that is about the same for every regional fair. But I found out that CONVENE was different from other shows I have attended up till now. So what made it so spectacular? Just one word, and I will repeat it: QUALITY, QUALITY and once more QUALITY.

The quality of the hosted buyers was perfect, not only were they genuine buyers but they came with real requests, according to the exhibitors. They told me they had to come with more than 1 person as previously scheduled because they had so many prearranged meetings.

The organisation was flawless, from registration to social events and educational sessions. Why was it more than good? Let me give you one example: an exhibitor did not make it in time because of a flight delay. The organiser just put a little note on his desk informing the buyers that this person would be late and was expected by a certain time…

Women at the top

But CONVENE had one more particularity that I have not seen before: you could notice that the show was organised by women. How did I notice? Well, the whole ambiance at the fair was different: besides offering good business, it was done in such a very smart and elegant way that it made doing business more or less natural and evident. The fair created a good feeling for both visitors and buyers. I didn’t hear one single complaint which you normally pick up so easily!

Next edition : 8-9 February 2017. More info on www.convene.lt