Ok, so I think that I should start off by pointing out that we were lost, very lost...
Nothing matched up to our expectations, nothing was where we expected it to be, we had no idea what was going on...
It was at about this time that we realised that we were in fact at the wrong show! Seriously. Poor planning and a lack of signage meant that instead of being at the travel technology show (where we expected to be, especially as I remember checking in for this event) we had actually ended up at the business travel show...
Beating a quick trip from the glitz and glamour this event we entered the travel technology show by an (almost) hidden doorway to realise why this show had been hidden away. Unlike the business travel show, this had what appeared to be, all the glitz and glamour of a “Star Trek” convention, in suits, and with nothing whatsoever to do with “Star Trek!!”
Computer Nerds and Geeks shuffling their feet whilst trying their best not to meet your gaze did not make for the “Amazing blend of technology and travel” that I had been led to expect, and after staring dumbfounded at what was most possibly the most boring lecturer I have ever seen (a category filled with many a lecturer past, yet triumphed, almost worth the visit) we beat a hasty retreat back to the business travel show...
Here things were a bit more comforting. Many vendors so happy to answer questions and provide information packs as well as food and drinks (big GTI “Whoop Whoop” to Lufthansa for their award winning Vinhos Nieport 2004 (winner of best business class fortified/sweet wine) at this point) while only slightly pushing their products (buy me, buy me)....
Along with Lufthansa, the show contained many airlines, and note should be made of Emirates airlines, that once again showed off their flair and beauty with superb smiles and assistance for all, as well as the charming lady from Continental who tried so hard to rip my feet off with her business class “flat bed” seat (we would advise anyone who flies by this method to make sure that they don’t leave their feet on the floor when erecting the bed)...
With many other business travel solutions there, Kings Ferry must take the prize for “Tat” of the show for their “lump of foam” stress toy, which you actually end up feeling more stressed when you use it...
Yet one idea that really caught our eye (and our vote) was Maiden Voyage (www.maiden-voyage.com) and their ideas for the lone female traveller that build around a data base of solo travellers and “female friendly” hotels, well done them...
So, despite our intended visit being a bit hit and miss, it was a good and interesting day...
Barticus.
No comments:
Post a Comment