Arc Middle East is the region’s leading Architect’s forum bringing Principals from the largest firms together with selected manufacturers to make connections and move the industry forward.
Mike Davies, Sales Manager at Rhino Systems Ltd based in the UK, joined the event to meet influential architects and consultants in the region.
“We have recently embarked on our new Middle East export initiative and the opportunity to meet 80 of the area’s leading architects was too tempting. We all know how difficult it is to get in front of architects and the prospect of having them as a captive audience for the weekend was too good to turn down.”
Only the most influential Principal Architects and Designers with active projects in the region are invited to take part in the meetings forum. BOND takes care in matching suppliers and buyers with mutal interest, which means that all suppliers are guaranteed a real opportunity of being specified into major projects.
“The quality of meetings was excellent. The Principal Architects I met with were very interested in what we had to say, and despite the 5 star location, were not just there for a weekend away. One of the unexpected bonuses was the opportunity to network with fellow suppliers, not only to form business partnerships, but also to learn from their export experiences and tactics. Several of the suppliers were happy to suggest new Middle East contacts with potential agents and distributors.”
100% of attending suppliers said that they found the one-to-one meetings format much more effective than a trade show or lunch and learn as it creates a better atmosphere for meaningful interaction.
“This type of event is far better value-for-money than exhibitions where the outcome is a bit hit and miss. Everyone was more relaxed, more engaging, more receptive. I expect at least 50-75% of my meetings to result in new business.”
Everything is taken care of by BOND staff so that you can relax and focus on making new connections or catching up with existing clients. Attendees such as Mike find that it’s the organisation and professionalism that really sets BOND apart.
“I have been to similar events in the UK, but BOND Events are on a different level completely. The timing and planning were absolutely perfect – run with military precision as they say. Several of the architects and suppliers commented to me how pleased they were with the way the whole event was run. To be honest, I can’t think of a single thing that needs improving or anything that could be changed for the better. I will certainly be recommending that we book again for 2018.”
And ultimately, people get results.
“My objective was simple: to meet influential architects and consultants. It was the perfect environment to do that and consequently I linked up with several major projects that require our products. So far, we have provided technical information for 3 live projects and quoted for another two. It will take time for these projects to turn into orders, but that is what you expect when talking to architects at the start of these projects – it’s like sowing seeds for the future.”