Exhibitor FAQs

If your question cannot be answered by this FAQ document, please contact your Industry Relationship Manager who will be happy to help. 

When does the event take place?

Who can take part in this event?

Why is Scotland Reconnect open to some businesses and not others?  

Priority is being given to Scottish tourism businesses that were committed to exhibiting at VisitScotland Expo 2020 in Aberdeen. There are limited spaces for Exhibitors as Buyer numbers are expected to be considerably lower compared to a regular Expo event. Buyers across the globe have experienced similar challenges throughout the year and are also carefully managing their recovery. Our market teams will be pre-qualifying Buyers and working hard to secure as many Buyers as possible across key markets including US and Canada, Europe and long-haul markets. We will also invite London-based global Buyers, OTA representatives and some Scottish-based DMCs/Ground Handlers.  

Are you running a waiting list?  

Yes. To qualify for the waiting list, you will need to have a listing on our travel trade site and have attended VisitScotland Expo 2019. Please note that, due to high demand, we are not expecting many spaces to become available for businesses on our waiting list. 

What if I don’t qualify to attend the event? 

You can schedule a 1:1 online meeting with one of our Global Trade Team to discuss key markets and other ways we can help you. 

How do I register? 

Exhibitor registration for Scotland Reconnect has now closed.

We continue to monitor the global situation of travel and event restrictions, and while we do, we are continuing to plan for either a live or a virtual VisitScotland Expo in 2021.  The dates scheduled are 28-29 April 2021.  We hope to announce our plans no later than January 2021.

My event registration was approved. What do I do next?

Log back into the virtual platform with your username and password and update your business profile. This is visible to all event attendees. 

Your meeting diary is ready for you to request 1:1 meetings with Buyers.

How do I make an appointment? 

Both Buyers and Exhibitors can request appointments. You will have received an e-mail informing you that your meeting diary is open. 

To arrange your meetings, use this link to access your appointment diary. 

You can search for Buyers by using the Search Attendeestab and request a meeting from there. A blue i icon will show you the Buyers’ 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.

Once you have requested a meeting, the Buyer will receive an e-mail in which he is prompted to accept or reject. The Buyer will also be able to propose a different time if the one suggested does not suit. If a Buyer rejects your meeting proposal, there will be opportunities for ad-hoc meeting requests throughout the event.

Buyers 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.

How many appointment diaries are there?

There is one appointment diary per Exhibitor

How long is an appointment?

Every appointment is scheduled to last 15 minutes. After every three appointments there is time for a 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. We will be moderating appointments made to ensure you are getting most out of the opportunity.

Can Exhibitors show video materials in their appointments?

Yes, although it might be better to share a link to video materials as part of a follow-up e-mail with the Buyer. Focusing on a personal 1:1 conversation with the Buyer will allow you to find out more about what the Buyer is looking for and answer any questions you or the buyer may have.

Can Exhibitors meet with other Exhibitors? 

Yes, however we recommend that Exhibitors use this time to meet with the Buyers and catch up with Exhibitors at networking sessions or schedule an ad hoc meeting in the breaks. 

Can Exhibitors meet someone from a market team?

Yes, Exhibitors can drop in and speak to a Market Manger if need be. We recommend Exhibitors use their time to meet with Buyers. If you want to meet with someone from our Market Team, please let your Industry Relationship Manager know and we can arrange this for you.

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?

Full details will be available on the Scotland Reconnect 2020 website.

I missed a live presentation, can I catch up later?

Yes, we will be providing access to recordings. 

Will there be training on the virtual system?

If you can’t find the answer to your question in this FAQ we will provide access to training webinars.

What if a business has technical issues or other problems during the event?

A helpdesk will be staffed 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. 

• 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 Buyers.
• 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 Buyers.
• 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. Prepare an “Elevator Pitch” about your product or service and, after the event, make time for prompt personal follow-ups.
• Prepare to answer questions around how you specifically are implementing Covid-19 safety measures, but try to stay focused and bring any wider discussion around Covid-19, Brexit or other global challenges back to speaking about your own product or service offering.
• Do not be disappointed if the Buyer you are speaking to is not ready to contract for 2021 or 2022. They are facing the same challenges as you and will be carefully managing their recovery. Do not underestimate the opportunity of “touching base” conversations – relationship building is the core of future collaboration.