Approaching the big-name architects can feel a bit daunting sometimes. Why on earth would they be interested in talking to you? They’re far too busy doing far too important things, right? Well, here’s the thing: You’re wrong. Particularly if you’ve got something interesting to show them - something they might not have seen before. Or maybe you‘re both into football. Or motorhomes. Or you make the best cupcakes on the planet...
Access the biggest names in architecture and design
A BOND event will get you in front of some of the biggest names in the world of architecture and design. A look down the list of architects who were at Arc US last year (Get the list), for example, is like browsing America’s top 100 A&D firms, with scary job titles to match: Principals, Practice Leaders, Design Directors... And, while getting in front of these people is an exciting prospect, it can also be an intimidating one. Big names, big job titles. It’s all so...BIG.
Fear not. From 20 years of dealing with the people behind those names and the job titles, we are delighted to report that these are some of the most human of human beings that you could hope to meet, particularly when you get them away from the office for a few days...
An architects' view
Let’s look at things from the architects’ side. Because, if you can see where they’re coming from, you’ll get along just fine: These are busy people. Sure. And so, it often takes quite a bit of effort and maybe some rapport with the gatekeeper to get to talk to them. And even then, they’re usually in the middle of something so you rarely get their full attention. But it doesn’t mean they don’t want to speak to you. It’s just that there’s always some deadline looming or supply chain issue and there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
But, once a year, these time-pressured project leaders down tools and jump on a plane to indulge in a bit of BONDing. And they come because they want to see what’s happening in the world outside their studio windows. Lovely, passive windows, though they may be. Because they are inquisitive people. Interested to see who’s working on what. With whom. What everyone’s talking about and what’s new, interesting or might save them a bit of money or lead time in the world of building and interior products. And, in the midst of it all, getting into some good old conversation: ‘Have you met Deborah? She’s got 20,000 bees. Left them at home, thank goodness... Anyway, weren’t you looking to get some?’
Your project community
BOND brings people together. No more, no less. And we are connected to a community of over 10,000 architects, designers and developers throughout the world. And at a BOND event, the veneer of job titles and brands kind of melts away as the big, scary project people relish a bit of time and space to be themselves: real people with a passion for what they do, enjoying some quality time with one another and connecting with people like you to see what collaborative possibilities open up naturally.
Commercial projects: it's a relationship business
These are the people behind the products and projects and that’s what a BOND event gives you: a chance to build real, meaningful business relationships which can even lead to friendships (imagine!). And that’s where the magic will happen for you, as it has with many, many of our suppliers over the 20 years we’ve been in business.
So, it’s time to get over this ‘status’ thing. You may be a less established manufacturer but every single person you’ll meet at a BOND event started somewhere and has a story to tell and they’ll be happy to share it – you just need to ask. In fact, the most important thing you can bring to a BOND event is a genuine interest and curiosity in the person sitting in front of you. Because it’s more than just a chance to come and sell. It’s 3 precious days of the year where the big project leaders in your sector leave those projects behind to come and learn from solutions experts like you. Because you might just have what they need to help them deliver what their clients want and to help them stay at the top of their game.
Big-name architects and designers will specify you if they know you and they trust you
Out there in the internet ether, you might not be able to compete with the reach and budgets of the established market leaders but, at a BOND event, the scales are even. Your meetings are all set up with the architects and designers you really want to meet: the ones you want fighting your corner come specification time. But they need to get to know you better first. And it all starts with a conversation.
Want to come and say hello?
You'll find the full list of our architect and designer events here.
If you want to talk to someone, please get in touch.
Thank you.
