It’s six o’clock on a Wednesday night and as others head home for the day, you’re checking that the outfit (and face) you put on this morning isn’t too wrinkled before heading in the opposite direction. There’s an industry event tonight and you know what they say: the early bird gets the worm (in the bottom of the tequila bottle).
A good industry event can lure all sorts out of the woodwork. So to prepare you for what lies ahead, here’s a field guide to the types of people you’re likely to meet as you battle for the door prize, or better still, that last arancini ball.
The Swag Hoarder
Armed with an oversized bag (that they picked up at their last event), this attendee is on a mission to collect every piece of free merchandise available. From logo-emblazoned pens to logo-emblazoned BDMs, nothing escapes their clutches. By the end of the event, they’ll have enough swag to start a travel-themed gift shop.
The Hungry, Hungry Hippo
You can find them hanging by the kitchen door or at the elbow of a server. They’re on a mission to maximize their ROI on event attendance by filling their stomach with complimentary snacks. Don’t get too close or you may find yourself pushed to the floor as they pounce on that last mini quiche.
The Feeder
Often found near Hungry Hippos, Feeders make it their mission to ensure you’ve got your fair share of finger food. They will hunt down servers and make your dietary requirements known. Make friends with Feeders.
The First-Timer
Timid and usually hanging back behind a senior colleague, First-Timers can be easily impressed with access to free booze and any hors d’oeuvre served in an Asian soup spoon. They will win an accommodation-only prize and actually book flights to use it. All their friends think they have the coolest job.
The Drunk, The Drunker and The Drunkest
Their enthusiasm for networking is directly proportional to the strength of the cocktails on offer. Rarely seen without a drink (or two) in hand, these attendees treat travel industry events as their own personal happy hour. Often hanging in packs by the bar, it is best to approach with caution – slurred attempts to remember your name and impromptu karaoke performances may ensue.
The Networker
While perhaps annoying on the surface, The Networker will usually remember you and at least one interesting fact about you (which is always nice). Yes, they may use the term ‘personal brand’ more than is necessary (which is never), but you can turn that into a drinking game. And besides, they’re usually great at introducing you to other people.
The Amnesiac
No matter how many times you’ve crossed paths, these event-goers greet you with the wide-eyed wonder of meeting you for the first time. They navigate through conversations with the grace of a goldfish circling its bowl. Each greeting is a fresh start, and every shared story is a thrilling new plot twist – for them.
The Wallflower
There are, prepare yourself, introverts in the travel industry. They’re obviously unlikely to be BDMs, but they do like to hang out with them. Quiet but friendly, approach with care.
The Whinger
The food’s not hot enough or varied enough or just enough. The wine’s cheap and the beer’s warm. And why is the presentation so long and the bathrooms so far away? The Whinger could find fault with a royal wedding. Just drink your warm beer and don’t get sucked into their world of negativity.
The Regular
A familiar face at every local travel industry event, this attendee has turned conference-going into a full-blown lifestyle. Not only will they go to the opening of an envelope, they’ll go to the ceremony that honours the tree cut down for the envelope’s paper. They’re good to hit up for tips on all the latest venues (and likely the best bathrooms) in the city. And they’re such good friends with other Regulars they are often seen together outside the event calendar. In the wild.
The Winner / AKA The First to call ‘Redraw’
They’ve won a car, a trip to Canada, an Antarctic cruise, and business class flights to Rome. And that was just last year. Some call them cheats, thinking they’ve perfected the art of putting more than one business card in the draw. But it’s probably just a combination of luck and never going to the bathroom when prizes are being called for fear of the winner being redrawn.
The Event Escape Artist
Dressed in running shoes and with an exit plan that could rival a military operation, this attendee has a singular focus: getting out of the event the moment the last prize is awarded. Get out of their way.
Travel industry event bingo
To survive meeting any of the above, you can make a game of it. Download our industry event bingo card. Because even when you lose, you win.
The travel industry is fun. And getting to hang out with people in the industry is just one of our many perks. So make sure you check out the Events Calendar to see what’s coming up. It’s the place to be!
And event organisers, take note: put your 2024 events in the Events Calendar NOW to make sure you’ve got the right people in the right place (and to avoid clashing with another event). And if want to make your next event unforgettable, contact Sim, Karryon’s Event Extraordinaire. She knows how to deal with all of the above (except at her events there’s always enough food and drink, nobody’s complaining and everyone’s a winner). Reach out to her at simran@karryon.com.au.