Innovate UK Edge at Ocean Business 2023
Meet Innovate UK EDGE!
Innovate UK EDGE, will be hosting the b2b matchmaking event at Ocean Business 2023. Here’s what they have to say about it!
Tell us a bit about the b2b matchmaking event you’re hosting
It’s a whole day of pre-arranged 20 minute meetings, held in a dedicated conference room within Ocean Business.
What can visitors expect from the event?
It’s a chance to have focussed time with a business or technology partner that you’ve chosen to meet with from the online profiles and opportunities at the b2match website. The room is always buzzing and frenetic, with dozens of meetings held every 20 minutes. And this year we’re also escorting meeting partners to exhibitor stalls (on request) if they don’t want to leave their stand unattended. It’s a crazy day but very satisfying.
Why is networking so vital to doing business these days?
There’s nothing quite like doing business face-to-face. It’s not just about establishing a rapport and trust, it’s also means getting to the heart of the matter with more speed and efficiency than over an email discussion, for example. And after a number of years of imposed Teams and Zoom chats, it’s been a relief for businesses to shake hands and talk in a more human way.
Why is a visit to the matchmaking unmissable for visitors?
Ocean Business is always really impressive, and there are many great opportunities to meet partners via their exhibits or demonstrations. The b2match is just one more tool to help companies succeed. Having a schedule of pre-arranged meetings means you can have a detailed discussion, and reduces the risk of missing out on meeting the right contact on the conference floor. There’s definitely value to all different types of networking, from chatting over wine or meeting at an exhibit – our event within Ocean Business means that visitors have an additional way of achieving their aims.
What are your top tips to make the most of the b2match?
Register early and don’t be shy about requesting meetings (and accepting meeting requests). You can’t just turn up to the b2match and expect to meet partners – bookings close a few days before so we can email everyone with their agendas. And check back to see which new people have signed up since you last explored the profiles.