Face to Face Speed Networking Returns to WTM London. Photo: Official website of the event.

A revamped version of the WTM Buyers’ Club Speed Networking is one of the major features lined up for this year’s WTM London.

This year’s event is built upon an innovative hybrid format. The familiar physical event will take place at ExCeL London on Monday, November 1-Wednesday, November 3, 2021, and will be followed by WTM Virtual, streaming live on November 8-9, 2021.

The speed networking sessions take place from 8.30am to 10am on all three days at the physical event.

The new structure builds on the success of previous speed networking initiatives, maintaining the underlying principle of using five-minute sessions as a way to introduce buyers to exhibitors, matched by business needs, with a view to a longer meeting on-site or later.

Each day’s Speed Networking session has a different focus.

• On Monday 1 November, buyers interested in Europe will have the floor;
• On Tuesday it is representatives from specific verticals – responsible tourism, cruise, travel technology, adventure travel etc;
• Wednesday reverts to the regions, with the spotlight falling on buyers interested in the rest of the world.

Members of the WTM Buyers Club are invited to apply for one of the 80 available slots on each of the three days.

Exhibitors interested in attending these sessions can buy tickets through the exhibitor portal.

The tickets allow access to buyers at all three sessions and can be used, if necessary, by a different person from the same company, each day.

Simon Press, WTM London Exhibition Director, said:

“These laser-focussed five-minute meetings are ideal for buyers and exhibitors to not only rebuild and reconnect with existing partners but also to forge new relationships for the return of travel.

“The Buyers’ Club has been growing and now has representatives from more than 80 countries, giving exhibitors the chance to engage directly with a global audience of decision-makers.”

“Recent research has demonstrated that buyers can’t wait to get back to physical events – and trade shows in particular – to look for new business opportunities.

“Back in May, WTM London held three roundtables with over 60 buyers who expressed the wish to meet face-to-face.”