The World Aviation Festival is a conference and an exhibition. The event is for the leaders of the world’s airlines, airports, and their most senior executives in charge of software, services, marketing, and distribution.
What I learned personally
- It can be scary to try to talk to those attending the event. However, most people will be happy to chat to you.
- You can be rejected many times to have a meeting; even if they have accepted, they may not show up. However, you have to keep trying because this will bring new ways to contact each other later or perhaps have a coffee with them in a more relaxed way.
- We always have to be sellers. We are representing and selling not only our company but also ourselves. To be there is to be where it must matter.
- It’s vital to be there to be known and to create relationships not only as professionals but also as people.
- Take advantage of the people that are on the panels and workshops. They have lots of information to share, and you also have knowledge to share.
What I learned professionally
- As technology providers, we must understand that we are integrators. In other words, our clients, the airlines, appreciate that we work with others. So, we must create bridges with all the companies we are involved with.
- As bolders, we made a lot of innovations a long time ago in the event those were presented as new, but we already have the experience to apply those innovations in the real world.
- A long time ago, we made a lot of innovations to present them as new, but we already have the experience to apply them in the real world.
- In one of the meetings, we were presented as the “gap fillers.” I think it is a very accurate way of describing what we are. We create solutions to help airlines fill the gap between what they are now and what they need to be.
- We need to understand what the client needs and not push the technology because “we know it;” we must be so flexible that we can deliver according to the needs of our clients.
Thoughts on the event
- Technology is the only way to grow, and we must be prepared for future problems.
- Airlines have to own the technology and be more into it.
- The service providers can’t be the owners of everything. They should understand that the providers must solve the problems and not create new ones.
- Airlines need to be part of the innovation process. Also, they are the point of access to technology and not the way around.
- Artificial Intelligence and Automation were the most mentioned technologies. We need to prepare for those technologies and understand how to use them. However, we must use them for our day-to-day processes and not just for client projects.
Advices and recommendations
- Check the electrical current of the country you are traveling to. Check the voltage of the electrical equipment you will use, and make sure you bring some converters.
- Pack according to the season and review at least two days before the trip because the weather can change.
- You must have a “nice look” for the event, but always wear comfortable shoes (I walked almost 13 km on the first day).
- Take some time for yourself and go outside and know the city where you are going. “Free tours” are one great way to visit the city, and remember to tip the guide.
- Always try the local food. It will bring you great satisfaction when you try new things, especially food and drinks.
- Don’t be afraid if you don’t speak perfect English, as not everyone is native or speaks perfectly. Everyone will understand you if you try, but you must be confident in yourself and your speaking.
- Always take a coffee with anyone who offers you!
The conclusion
These events allow us to understand what the industry is looking for and to create better and stronger relationships. We need to be aware not only of the technology trends but also of the industry trends. We have to be always there!
* Image by César Ahmedt
