Buyer FAQs
If your question cannot be answered by this FAQ document,
please contact your Market Manager who will be happy to help.
This FAQ document is divided into the following categories:
Event Registration
Event Days & Appointment Schedules
Technical Questions (Virtual Platform)
Top Tips - How to make the most of Scotland Reconnect 2021
When does the event take place?
Scotland Reconnect 2021 will take place on April 27, 28 and 29.
Tuesday, April 27 from 12:30-21:30 GMT+1 / BST
Wednesday, April 28 from 08:00-19:00 GMT+ 1 / BST
Thursday, April 29 from 08:00-19:00 GMT+1 / BST
Above timings have been set to accommodate audiences from across the globe. We would like to encourage our UK and European Buyers to schedule appointments out with the first and last hour of the event days in order to enable our long-haul Buyers in different time zones to meet with Exhibitors at those off-peak times.
Who can take part in this event?
Scottish tourism businesses, DMOs and local authorities that are travel trade ready and can offer bookable tourism product. Registrations are subject to approval and spaces will be limited.
Buyers are also subject
to approval. Criteria for buyer attendance is that you are a contractor or
product developer.
What if I don’t qualify to attend the event?
You can schedule 1:1 online meetings with our respective Market Managers to discuss your needs.
How much does it cost to take part in the event?
There is no registration fee.
How do I register?
Buyer and Exhibitor registrations are now open.
Visit www.visitscotland.com/scotlandreconnect and register with a new username and password. Previous Scotland Reconnect or VisitScotland expo credentials will not be recognised. Fill in the registration form including contact details, reasons for attending and your company profile. Your registration will be reviewed by our Market Managers and approved if you fulfil the participation criteria detailed above.
My event registration was approved. What do I do next?
Log back into the Buyer portal with your e-mail address and password and check your details are up to date.
Your meeting diary is open for you to request 1:1 appointments with Exhibitors. If in doubt, consult the user manual or webinar recording for the meeting diary on how to book an appointment.
Once Exhibitors are approved you can download the latest exhibitor list via the Actions tab in the Buyer portal.
How do I make an appointment?
Both Buyers and Exhibitors can request appointments. You will have received an email notifying you that your meeting diary is open. Follow the steps below or consult the user manual on how to book an appointment.
To arrange your appointments, use this link to access your meeting diary. You can search for Exhibitors by using the Search Attendees tab and request an appointment from there. A blue i icon will show you the Exhibitors’ profiles. You are also able to block certain times you are unavailable when going back to your diary. All meeting times are displayed in GMT+1 / BST. You can choose your time zone in the OnAir portal.
Once you have requested an appointment, the Exhibitor will receive an e-mail in which he is prompted to accept or reject. The Exhibitor will also be able to propose a different time if the one suggested does not suit. If an Exhibitor rejects your meeting proposal, there will be opportunities for ad-hoc meeting requests throughout the event using the Connections Hub.
Exhibitors can also request a meeting with you. In that case, you will receive an e-mail in which you are prompted to accept or reject. You will also be able to propose a different time if the one suggested does not suit or reach out to Exhibitors on an ad-hoc basis using the Connections Hub.
How many meeting diaries are there?
There is one meeting diary per Buyer.
Exhibitors also have
one meeting diary each. Buyers will be able to see on their OnAir timeline
which Exhibitor representative they will meet.
How long is an appointment?
Every appointment is scheduled to last 15 minutes, with 2 minutes break time in between. After every three appointments there is a longer refreshment break. The full event programme will be uploaded to the website soon.
How many appointments should I make?
On average we suggest you make 12-14 appointments per day.
Please get in touch
with your Market Manager if you need support in finding the right contacts to meet.
Can businesses show videos in their appointments?
Yes, although we recommend to share a link to video materials as part of a follow-up e-mail with the Exhibitor. Focusing on a personal 1:1 conversation with the Exhibitor will allow you to find out more about what the Exhibitor can offer to your clients and answer any questions you may have. Not showing a presentation or video will also improve connectivity.
Can Buyers meet with other Buyers?
Yes, Buyers can request an appointment with another Buyer.
We recommend that Buyers use appointment slots to meet with Exhibitors, though, and catch up with
other Buyers in the networking sessions or schedule an ad-hoc meeting via the
Connections Hub during breaks.
Can I meet someone from a market team?
Yes, Buyers can drop in and speak to a Market Manger if need be. We recommend Buyers use their time to meet with Exhibitors. Our market team will be in contact with each of you after the event to help with follow-ups.
What additional content will be available as part of this event?
You will be able to access presentations on global travel trends, responsible travel and market updates including some round table discussions.
How do I access the additional content?
Presentations and round table discussions will appear on your event timeline in the event portal. There will also be On-Demand content available on your timeline.
Some of the Virtual Experiences will be subject to pre-booking. You will receive an email asking you to book your space shortly.
I missed a live presentation - can I catch up later?
Yes, we will be providing access to recordings.
Technical
Will there be training on the virtual system?
On Monday 19 April the OnAIR platform and Connections Hub goes live. The Connections Hub allows all delegates to connect and have ad hoc chat and impromptu meetings on the days of the event, this is in addition to meeting diary appointments.
As well as instructions on how to navigate the system and IT support, there will be a live webinar on Tuesday 20 April 3:00pm to 4:00pm GMT. The online helpdesk will be manned from 4:00pm to 4:30pm GMT on 20th April and and then again on 22 and 23 April 10:00am -5:00pm GMT to answer any technical queries.
Once you have access to the platform you will see the OnAIR training session on your timeline.
What if a business has technical issues or other problems during the event?
A helpdesk will be manned at all times by a VisitScotland
representative who can help. Simply
click on the Live Chat button in the event portal and you can chat with them instantly.
Do I need a good Wi-Fi connection?
Yes, we recommend accessing the portal via a hard-line internet, reliable Wi-Fi connection or mobile 4G. If using Wi-Fi, we recommend you sit close to the router to maximise signal strength. A laptop or computer camera and microphone will be required to attend the event.
Do I need to use a specific internet browser?
We recommend accessing the portal via Google Chrome.
Should I test my connection prior to the event?
Yes, we recommend you test your headphones and/or laptop microphone as well as your internet connection in advance of the event. The event portal runs an automatic connection test when you log in. You can also e-mail our Scotland Reconnect Events Team and request a test video call in advance of the event.
- Stock up with tea/coffee/water for the appointments - as with all travel trade events, we know there will be a lot of talking.
- Ensure there is no background noise when meeting with Exhibitors.
- The appointments are business meetings so prepare thoroughly and dress accordingly.
- Branded pop up stands/props can be placed behind you if you want to help support recognition of your own brand when meeting Exhibitors.
- Please remember to switch off your camera and put your microphone on mute if you are not in an appointment.
- Use the first couple of minutes of your appointment as your introduction, and start summarising at the end, giving yourself 3-4 minutes before the 15-minute cut off.
- Let our Market Managers help you with suggestions for Exhibitor meetings, especially if you are new to Scotland product development, or adapting your offering due to global challenges, for example if you are planning on moving from group bookings to FIT.