B2Fair – ICTSpring 2020
Networking can be tough even in normal times, and today’s increasingly remote world of operating adds a whole new set of challenges.
Businesses are adapting to the new reality of remote work brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the social behaviours that enable them to stay in touch and forge new relationships with partners, customers, and potential clients. It must be said however that, ironically, virtual networking can foster strong ties even more quickly than face-to face interactions.
As Malta’s Enterprise Europe Network we continue to strive to facilitate this very important aspect of doing business and this we do through the various (often virtual) brokerage events we organize for you. Brokerage events are a good opportunity to meet several companies, start-ups, and organisations to discuss and potentially create partnerships or collaborations.
A particular networking event we currently bring to you is the ‘ICT Spring 2020’ targeting start-ups, SMEs, R&D institutions, investors from the ICT sector.
ICT Spring 2020 is an international matchmaking event which gives an insight into the latest technological advances and innovations in the ICT sector. For the second time, the b2fair Tech Guided tours will be organised at ICT Spring on 4 different major themes: Fintech, AI & Digital, Space and Cyber Security. The b2fair online matchmaking event will take place during ICT Spring Europe 2020 between 30th November & 4th December 2020.
The event will be virtual with a rich programme that will encompass: an online conference, workshops, business meetings, mentor meetings, and virtual company presentations.
This online experience offers a unique opportunity for visitors, exhibitors, and sponsors to boost their business in these uncertain times. Next to the online livestreaming of the 2-day conferences, the event will also host a virtual exhibition that will allow participants to walk down the aisles of the online edition and enjoy interactions with exhibitors. At this year’s edition, the event will also have a random networking opportunity, where one can have meetings with the professionals of different themes of the event.
In order to help visitors, optimise time, these visits are organised during specific times of the day, lasting a maximum of one hour. During the visits, the exhibiting company will have 2.30 minutes to present their innovative solutions. Below there are a couple of companies which will be attending:
‘It’s Prodigy’ is an Italian company which works in fintech sector on AI and big data analytics. They also work on creating innovative services for medium and large companies with the use of new technologies for Industry 4.0. ProtectBox is a UK-based company working in the cybersecurity sector. Their awardwinning responsible AI is making cybersecurity accessible for small and medium businesses everywhere, for technical and non-technical clients.
As always maximum benefit of these opportunities will be gained by keeping in mind the following networking principles:
The first principle of networking, whether virtually or in person, is to understand that networking is not synonymous with selling. The second is to ask what you bring to the relationship and think why someone would want to connect with you. These principles have always held true, but this pandemic has reshaped behaviours and expectations and, now more than ever is what you are bringing to a business relationship rather than what you are taking.
There are currently 63 participants and counting, from different organizations and countries around the world. You may express you interest and register, and find further information by going to this link: https://www.b2fair.com/ictspring2020
Brigitte Tanti Head EU Programmes Malta Enterprise brigitte.tanti@maltaaenterprise.com telephone: 22477600