Helping Exhibitors and Marketers Create Buzz, Build Amazing Experiences and Drive Engagement | VP of Sales and Business Development | Builder of Trust | Ski bum, mediocre golfer, craft beer lover
Business travelers… what’s your go to plan for eating/ dining when you’re on the road? I know plenty of folks relish the idea of room service… an opportunity to dine quietly in the comfort of your own room.. maybe in your jammies… maybe not? That’s not me. My strategy, if im not dining with clients or team mates… I’m all about finding a nice bar seat at a good restaurant or sports bar where I can get decent food and have something to watch. **Traveling during March madness makes that very easy!! My goal… look for an opportunity to start a conversation with someone near by. If I’m near the tradeshow that im setting up… maybe it will be an exhibitor or someone connected to the show. That’s cool… a built in common thread. But im not there to sell.. im just there to have a good conversation and see where it goes. Most of the time it’s just that… a good conversation and a chance for me to practice listening and asking good questions! Because im not pushing a sales agenda in these situations…the conversations tend to come pretty easy. I understand that I am an extrovert and not everyone is wired like this… but I am comfortable with leaning into who I am and I enjoy the process!! What is your go to plan for solo dining during business travel? I’m curious what other folks tend to do? #tradeshows #roadwarrior #businesstravel
Today at the airport bar in Atlanta I had the best conversation with a guy in his way to Alaska.. he works on the show Lifr below zero… and a wonderful young woman from Ireland who lives in Siuth Africa!! I mean cmon… these aren’t conversations you’ll ever have sitting by yourself in your room!
Love this Chris Dunn I am an introvert and love getting out and talking to people as well.
You nailed it I think! I make the same choice, seat at the bar by the TV, order a nice meal, and make friends with the staff or some other patrons. 😎
I must agree with you Chris, I almost always eat at a sportsbar, and sit at the bar as well. Met some interesting people over the years.
I am the exact same. I don't need anything too fancy. Just decent food and a good atmosphere.
I tend to the do the same Chris Dunn. It's nice to have conversations with no agenda after a full day of walking and talking on the floor.
You gonna finish that 😂
I do the exact same thing Chris… some opportunities come about with these dinner conversations. I’ll also try and find a good networking event at the trade shows. Great post
That is exactly what I do. I also look for any local, non-chain, places.
Helping Exhibitors and Marketers Create Buzz, Build Amazing Experiences and Drive Engagement | VP of Sales and Business Development | Builder of Trust | Ski bum, mediocre golfer, craft beer lover
10moRelated to this… on my last trip in FL I was near by a large group of guys who were there for a show. Another gent showed up and there were high fives, hugs and hearty hand shakes all around. It was an amazing illustration of the power of face to face events and how jazzed we can all get to see distant friends and coworkers at these events. #eventprofs… please factor in this value when you are considering cutting events and travel. This one is hard to measure in an ROI calculator.. but the emotion and impact is real!!