As spring gradually turns to summer we are looking forward to an action packed few months. Other than our usual meetings and visits we’ll be out and about at a variety of events enjoying all things cars.

Next week we’ll be at Mechanex, the tradeshow of all tradeshows for auto repair professionals. As a showcase of all the latest diagnostics, parts, tools and equipment, Mechanex is an essential event for anyone in the automotive aftermarket industry. At the end of the month we will attend the launch of the London Motor Show which will return in May 2016 after an eight year hiatus, promising the latest innovations in motoring design.

In June we’ll make our way to the famous Silverstone circuit for the Car Dealer Conference & Automotive Expo, the perfect opportunity to see what around 100 suppliers to the motor trade have to offer. And in July we’ll return to the Northampton circuit for the Silverstone Classic where we will be supporting a client as well as admiring the impressive array of high-end classic cars to be sold in the two day classic car auction.

In August we’ll be supporting not one but two of our clients at Carfest South where visitors will be able to enjoy a stunning range of cars, live music, exhibits and activities. And to round off the summer, in September we’ll be attending Cenex, the Low Carbon Vehicle Event at Millbrook, and Salon Privé which this year will be held Blenheim Palace.
Advice for attending events

Attending an event is a day out of the office, but not a day off work – as tempting as it is. So many businesses waste the opportunities at events, so here is some useful advice to get the most out of days out of the office.
•    Events are the perfect opportunity to meet people; potential partners, clients, customers, journalists, therefore securing your future success. Create a 30 second pitch for your business including your USPs that you can roll out naturally and briefly. Act appropriately at all times, mingle and remember to exchange business cards or make notes – otherwise you might walk away with a vague memory of a nice man called John who you’re fairly sure worked somewhere interesting but who’s number you forgot to ask for.

•    Have a plan. Be clear on what you want to get out of the day, whether it be a certain number of new contacts, or to speak to particular individuals you expect to see there on the day. Have a target to aim at which will also help you measure the useful of the particular event afterwards.

•    Make sure you take home any event brochures or catalogues as they can be full of useful contacts.

•    If an upcoming event allows, and you have a product or service to sell, look into booking a stand. This will give you a fantastic promotional opportunity with access to large audience and potential new business. Prepare beforehand with clear, professional branding and promotional material, such as flyers or merchandise for people to take away. Make the most of the exposure.

•    Use social media before an event to let people know you’ll be there, during the event, and also afterwards to comment on what you saw.

•    Attend the right event. It may sound obvious but there’s really not much point in networking in an irrelevant environment.

•    After the event make sure you follow up with new contacts. If you don’t act on this you will undo all the hard work you did on the day.

If you’ll be at any of the events we hope to meet you there. And if you are hosting an event and feel you need extra advice or assistance, feel free to contact us on 01926 832395 or write to us at hello@redmarlin.co.uk.