There’s an unrivalled impact that face to face have, that virtual events can’t replace.
GBTA reported that about 87% of business travel budgets this 2024 are going to IRL events, training and meetings. In this article, we’ll take a look at a seasoned leader in travel technology no other than, TruTrip’s Singapore Country Manager, Darren Riley’s take on IRL events in a world of remote work.
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Darren isn’t just the Country Manager at TruTrip; he’s the heart behind our mission to transform corporate travel into a sustainable practice. With a sales career that kicked off at 16 and has spanned over two decades, Darren’s experience stretches across continents and industries, fueling his passion for growth and genuine customer connections.
Reflecting on his extensive career, Darren says, “Sales have been my life for 22 years, taking me around the world and across various sectors. To me, it’s more than just selling; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives.” His approach to sales—and by extension, his leadership at TruTrip—is deeply human, focusing on solving problems and meeting needs with empathy and understanding.
Darren’s perspective sheds light on the essence of his work: making meaningful connections and steering the company toward a future where corporate travel doesn’t just get you where you’re going, but does so thoughtfully and sustainably.
In an era where digital communication has become the norm, Darren sheds light on the enduring value of face-to-face interactions. According to him, the essence of meeting someone in person lies in the unparalleled ability to build rapport, witness their expressions, and read their body language in real time. “There’s something about being in the same room with someone that allows for a deeper understanding,” Darren explains. He emphasizes that physical meetings tend to minimize distractions and barriers, making conversations flow more naturally and effectively.
Darren recalls a pivotal moment in his career that perfectly illustrates the power of in-person meetings. Despite numerous attempts to connect with a key decision-maker through virtual platforms like Zoom, progress seemed elusive. “It was only when I happened to be in the same city and we met for coffee that things changed,” he reminisces. During their casual catch-up, they quickly realized their goals aligned and discovered mutual connections, which paved the way for a successful partnership. “There’s a certain relaxation and openness that comes with sharing a physical space. It’s about letting your guard down and connecting on a human level, which can significantly influence the outcome,” Darren reflects.
Looking ahead, Darren sees technology not as a replacement for physical events but as a tool to enhance and make them more inclusive. “With advancements like Google Vision and augmented reality, I envision technology improving accessibility, helping those who can’t attend in person feel included,” he says. He believes we’re still far from replacing live events with virtual reality experiences, emphasizing that the essence of physical presence at events is irreplaceable.
However, organizing successful face-to-face events in today’s business environment comes with its set of challenges, primarily in ensuring attendance and engagement. Darren points out the importance of a compelling agenda and meaningful content. He cites a recent event in Singapore where major deals were closed, underscoring the significant opportunities that in-person gatherings can offer. “The challenge is to keep the event’s goal clear and avoid turning it into just another item on the calendar,” he advises, emphasizing the strategic planning required to make each event impactful and valuable for attendees.
Darren offers insightful advice for those looking to elevate the quality and impact of face-to-face events. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with the audience to truly understand their needs and expectations. “The key to improving any experience is to ask your customers what they want, listen to their feedback, and importantly, act on it,” he suggests. Darren observes that many events focus primarily on profit, overlooking the potential to add real value to an industry or topic. By clarifying the event’s objectives and aiming to contribute meaningful insights or solutions, organizers and sponsors can make their events more engaging and beneficial for attendees.
When attending conferences himself, Darren follows a strategic approach to maximize his experience and networking opportunities. “Preparation is crucial,” he notes, recalling the adage that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Darren meticulously plans his attendance, leveraging networking apps to identify and categorise potential connections into tiers based on priority. He proactively reaches out to arrange meetings, ensuring he can effectively manage his time and achieve his networking goals. Beyond scheduling, Darren values the social aspect of events, practising active listening and choosing the right moment to join conversations, thereby fostering genuine connections.
Join TruTrip, where we streamline the logistics, making your journey to memorable and impactful IRL events seamless. Experience firsthand the undeniable value of face-to-face interactions and let us handle the complexities of travel arrangements. With TruTrip, discover how effortless and rewarding attending IRL events and meetings can be. Book a demo or sign up for free trial with us today!
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