CONTRACTS

MATCHMAKING EVENTS EXPERTl









MAKE CONTACTS AND



WIN

CONTRACTS

Matchmaking events are a business

version of speed dating, says Toni Saraiva

Matchmaking events take place over two days with potential clients, customers and partners,”

in an overseas market. They usually focus on said Anniina Davie of legal firm Humphries Kirk.

a specific sector and comprise a series of “These events are cost effective as they provide

pre-arranged appointments, each lasting an ideal opportunity to meet a large number of

30 minutes. companies within a short period of time at one

These are different from meet the buyer events. location,” said Philip Poulter, Herne Consultants,

Companies that attend are of course looking to do project management company.

business, sell or buy products, but it goes beyond “Very well organised, well attended and looked FORTHCOMING

that by creating partnerships, sharing information after,” said Martyn Savage of Alfatronix, manufacturer EVENTS:

about the market and exchanging contacts. of voltage converters for the marine market.

Before attending an event the companies are

26-27 April

briefed on the market and sector concerned during Matchmaking benefits Lithuania – a reliable

a preparation seminar. Participants receive a profile • Contact with companies from the host country business partner

on companies attending and are able to select who and all over Europe in one place for relevant Vilnius, Lithuania. For

they want to meet. On arrival, delegates receive pre-arranged meetings electronic, electrical

their schedule of up to 16 meetings. • Good method of research and market testing of engineering, machinery and

Most of these events are free for businesses your products by speaking to people in the sector installations, metal and

and the companies get support throughout the with market knowledge plastic sectors

participation process. Refreshments are provided • Cost-effective way to visit a country and/or a fair 9-10 May

as well as a gala dinner and discounted hotel and meet potential partners, all at the same time Balttechnika Fair and

accommodation. Firms may be able to claim some • Assistance before, during and after the event matchmaking event

of the expenses through the Passport to Export • Organisers from the European Information Centre Vilnius, Lithuania.

programme by speaking with their local Network, part of the European Commission, have For firms in engineering

international trade adviser. over 15 years experience in helping companies systems, energy supply,

Matchmaking events often take place alongside develop contacts and work closely with UK Trade optimisation of electrical

a trade fair, which helps maximise the benefits of & Investment and the Chambers of and electronic devices

attending. It can be difficult to spend time at a busy Commerce in the South of England. OT

stand talking about your business to exhibitors 19-21 June

and other companies, so a private meeting is a NEXT STEPS Novatech – Mad Intech

welcome addition. Contact Toni Saraiva, project manager of the conference and

Southern Area European Information Centre, matchmaking event

Proof positive on 023 8083 2866 Martinique, French West

Companies that have attended previous networking email toni.saraiva@euro-info-centre.co.uk Indies. For ICT and mobile

events have discovered the benefits. Visit www.partenariat.org.uk technologies, e-commerce,

“A matchmaking event is a great opportunity to www.euro-info-centre.co.uk or e-health, e-administration

market your services and make one-to-one contact www.winningtenders.eu and e-tourism





www.overseastrade.co.uk 27