Why attend as a supplier?
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A rare opportunity to speak directly with major buyers in the area, without the need for endless cold calls.
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We qualify your sales leads, only meet and sell to buyers looking for what you supply.
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Create time by conducting a week's worth of sales meetings in just ONE day.
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Share your expertise directly with supply chain decision-makers.
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Get ahead of the competition and build positive meaningful relationships with buyers.
Our Buyer Catalogue includes all information from our 2024 event
2024 Buyers
Buyers from our previous events:
HOW IT WORKS
Register
1. We invite suppliers operating locally to attend
Requirements
2. We share buyers purchasing requirements with you
Preferences
3. You submit preferences for the buyers you want to meet
Matchmaking
4. We generate meetings based on your preferences and buyer needs
Meet
5. You meet with buyers and have an amazing day selling
CAN YOU AFFORD TO MISS IT?
Save Time
Avoid cold calling, we provide direct access to buyers and sellers.
Save Money
Remove the cost of business development, meet multiple leads in one place.
Connect
Share ideas with others looking to develop their supply chains.
Keep Focus
Guarantee one-on-one appointments with an organised schedule.
Stay Ahead
Learn about upcoming contracts and projects in the area.
WHAT OUR BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR
Consultancy & Staffing Electrical
Print & Events
Metalwork
Safety & Security
Engineering & Construction
Fit-out & Finishing
Marketing
Facilities
Mechanical & Environmental
Water & Plumbing
IT
And much more...
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How much do Meet the Buyers cost for buyers?Our events are designed for purchasing professionals and offer a tailored service at no cost to yourself or your company. The suppliers however are charged to come to the event so this is one of the reasons why it is so important to ensure you are fully committed to attending the event once you return your confirmation form.
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Can I bring a colleague?Meet the Buyers are intensive and promise a highly productive day where you will meet many new people - so bringing a colleague will mean less pressure on yourself.
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When should I arrive?At least 30 minutes before the start of the event – your project manager will advise you. Please ensure you can stay the whole day as suppliers have paid to meet you. There is lots of parking available directly outside the Radisson Blu.
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What size/type of organisation will I meet?Please be as clear as possible on your confirmation forms about what kinds of suppliers you wish to meet – if suppliers need to be able to supply nationally, be ISO recognised etc.. please make this clear – we are as good as the purchasing requirements/needs that you give us.
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How many suppliers will I meet on the day?Usually between 30-35 depending on how specific your purchasing requirements are.
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Should I bring sample products/literature to show the suppliers?Yes, this is a good idea (but not essential) as it will help focus the suppliers and give them a better idea of what they may need to produce. The table on your stand will be between 6 foot long with enough space for a pop-up banner if you wish to bring one.
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When do I find out what suppliers I will meet?You will see your appointment diary on your stand when you arrive. We will also give you full list of all attending suppliers complete with contact details and business description so you can request to meet them or contact them after the event if you wish.
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Why do I need to nominate a deputy in my place?We work very hard to ensure you have a productive day and spend money marketing to potential suppliers to come and meet you on the day. This combined with the fact that suppliers pay to meet you, means that your attendance is essential on the day. We understand that at times, situations beyond our control occur – therefore if this is the case, your deputy can attend in your place.
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How long are the meetings?Your meetings will be 10 minutes. You will be surprised how even 10 minutes can be enough time to meet and assess a supplier and discover various innovations and progressions, then agree a second meeting if applicable.
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Is lunch included?Lunch and complimentary refreshments will be included – just ask an organiser if you need anything brought to your buying booth!
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What is the definition of an SME?An SME is defined as having less than 250 employees and or an annual turnover of less than 45 Million Euros. An SME cannot be more than 25% owned by a company outside these parameters
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Who can attend?The event is open to SME companies in the local area.
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Can I bring my products to show the buyers?Yes, as long as you can easily move them from booth to booth and carry them around with you during the day.
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How many buyers will be there on the day?This the first year we have ran the East Midlands Airport Meet the Buyers event and we expect 20+ buyers will be in attendance. A number of exhibitors and speakers will also be present, increasing networking opportunities when you are not in meetings.
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How do I know if the buyers want what I supply?When our buyers confirm attendance they complete a 'Purchasing Requirement Form'. This form contains both their general areas of interest, and specific details about procurement needs in the upcoming six to eighteen months. From these forms, we compile a "Buyers' Catalogue" containing all their requirements, listed by buyer. Then, select up to fourteen in priority order with whom you would like to meet.
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Where can I park?There's lots of parking available directly outside the Radisson Blu.
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Can I bring a colleague?Our basic fee structure is per delegate. If you would like to double your meetings for the day to increase your exposure to potential buyers, you are welcome to register two delegates for the Meet the Buyer event.
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How long are the meetings?Your meetings will last 10 minutes each. You will be surprised at how easily this can be enough time to get that vital first introduction, stimulate interest in your product or service, and agree upon a course of action.
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When should I arrive?We ask that all attendees arrive at least 20 minutes before their first appointment so they can register, settle in, and familiarise themselves with the layout. Additional appointments may be available on the day, so arriving early also allows you to book for last-minute meetings.
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When will I receive my appointment calendar?To give you the opportunity to edit your appointment request list in case of last-minute buyer sign-ups, we issue appointment schedules the week in advance of the event.
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How can I book?Click Here to Book Now.
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How are my meetings allocated?You will be asked for your preferences around two weeks ahead of the event. When we receive your meeting requests they are entered into our match-making system. You are issued appointments based on your compatibility with the buyers' requirements and the order in which you requested them. After this point we manually edit the lists, to ensure everyone receives as many relevant appointments as possible. We aim to provide suppliers with at least four buyer meetings. We recommend that you read the Buyer Catalogue thoroughly and pick buyers who require your products/services, as our matching process will allocate your meetings based on these requirements.
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How many meetings can I have?We endeavour to schedule as many meetings as possible, but on average we expect to organise four meetings for each supplier. On the day of the event there is an appointment desk which suppliers can visit to see if there are any other meetings available
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Are refreshments included?A buffet lunch is provided, and tea, coffee and water are free-flowing throughout the day. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies.