There are many opportunities available to Business owners and managers to grow their business .But just very few know and take advantage of some these opportunities.In my over twenty years of organizing print exhibition in Nigeria , I have observed how Business owners and their managers in Nigeria ignore the enormous opportunities that exhibition provide by not visiting exhibitions especially industry related ones.
This is not the case in other climes , like Europe , America , South Africa etc . In these climes , business owners and mangers take attending exhibitions as a matter of priority in growing their business. They search out for exhibitions relevant to their business yearly and they make adequate plan to attend such exhibitions, some of them even go to the extent of sponsoring their entire staff to attend some of these exhibitions. For us in Nigeria, the situation is a little bit different, where as business owners and managers do visit international exhibitions from time to time , the same cannot be said when it comes to local exhibitions.
In the printing industry for example business owners and managers are rarely seen at print exhibitions.The truth is that, there are many benefits that can help an organization experience a quantum leap in its offering if business owner or manager attend industry related expos regularly We shall now examine a few of these benefits • Industry Insights: Industry exhibitions provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the latest trends, innovations, and advancements within your specific industry. By attending, you can stay updated on emerging technologies, products, and services that can enhance your business operations and keep you competitive. • Market Research: Exhibitions allow you to observe competitors, analyze their offerings, and understand customer preferences.
You can gather information about your competitors’ strategies, pricing, product features, and marketing techniques. This knowledge can help you benchmark your own business, identify areas for improvement, and develop effective strategies to meet customer demands.
- Networking Opportunities: Exhibitions bring together industry professionals, experts, and potential partners. By attending, you can network with like-minded individuals, build relationships, and forge valuable connections that can lead to collaborations, partnerships, or referrals.
Engaging in conversations with industry peers can also provide a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and learning from each other.
- Supplier Evaluation: Exhibitions often feature a wide range of suppliers, vendors, and service providers specific to your industry. Visiting their booths allows you to assess their offerings, compare prices, evaluate quality, and negotiate terms. This firsthand interaction can help you select reliable and cost-effective suppliers, ensuring a smooth supply chain for your business.
- Product Demonstrations and Trials: Many exhibitions offer product demonstrations or trials. These allow you to experience new products or services firsthand, understand their features and benefits, and assess their suitability for your business. This can be particularly useful when considering incorporating new technologies or solutions into your operations.
- Staff Development and Training: Exhibitions often include workshops, seminars, or presentations by industry experts. Encourage your staff members to attend these educational sessions to expand their knowledge, enhance their skills, and stay up to date with industry best practices. Investing in your employees’ development can directly benefit your business by increasing their expertise and efficiency.
- Brand Exposure and Marketing: Exhibiting at industry-related exhibitions can significantly boost your brand exposure. It allows you to showcase your products or services to a targeted audience, build brand awareness, and generate leads. By participating in exhibitions, you can position your business as an industry leader, gain credibility, and attract potential customers.
- Professional Development: Attending exhibitions allows business owners and managers to develop professionally. By engaging with industry experts, attending educational sessions, and learning from peers, managers can expand their knowledge base, improve their decision-making abilities, and gain fresh perspectives. These experiences contribute to personal growth and can positively impact the overall management of the business.
- Inspiration and Innovation: Industry exhibitions often showcase cutting-edge technologies, creative solutions, and industry disruptors. By immersing yourself in this environment, you can find inspiration, spark creativity, and explore innovative ideas that can be applied to your business. This exposure can help you identify new opportunities, overcome challenges, and drive innovation within your organization. Overall, attending industry-related exhibitions as a business owner or manager is crucial for staying informed, connecting with industry professionals, identifying growth opportunities, and remaining competitive.
The knowledge, insights, and relationships gained from these events can directly impact your business strategies, operations, and long-term success.I therefore wish to sincerely encourage business owners and managers to attend industry related exhibitions. The maiden edition of International Paper, Publishing and Printing Expo (IPPPEX) between the 26th to the 28th in Lagos. The Expo was packed with networking and upskilling programs. But there were very few print business owners and managers who were in attendance at the Expo
IPPPEX is moving to Abuja from the 30-31st August and will also be packed with the display of latest innovations in the Paper , publishing and printing sector. It is also designed with skill up and networking programs . I expect this article to motivate business owners and managers in these sectors to make IPPPEX Abuja a place to be in August .
SEE YOU AT IPPPEX ABUJA
