Page 24 - StudyTravel Magazine September 2025 Issue

SPECIAL REPORT

How can I ensure I make What’s a good follow-up
good connections? routine?
The agent/educator meeting process Seasoned agent conference attendees
can feel like ‘speed dating’ with both will tell you that the follow up process
parties anxious to create a good is often the most important part of
impression in a short time slot. Making attending the event. So to convert
a genuine connection can often promising meetings into actual
require deviation from the business sales, follow the top tips given by our
script to forge a personal bond. contributors below: Make the most of
your conference

“Usually, meeting times are limited, “We send initial
so in just a few minutes, you need emails within 48 1 Attend all the social events
to capture the interest of a new hours of meeting even if you are tired so that
agent or reconnect with those with new contacts, you can cement your new
whom you already have a business then follow up with business relationships in an
agreement. Of course, discussing additional emails, calls, or proposals informal setting. The best
commissions and academic as appropriate. This follow-up networking happens at social
programmes is relevant, but it process is crucial – it’s where the events.
should go hand in hand with the real value of conference networking
personal connection.” Learning Abroad Co.Ireland 2 Not got a full conference
is realised.”
Catalina Aristizabal Mejia Nicoletta Marchionne, The schedule? – work the
café area for potential
partners. Don’t be shy about
“Follow your instinct. You’ll meet introducing yourself to as
hundreds of people, but chemistry “Follow-up is everything. We have many people as possible
and alignment matter. Trust the a well-defined process at Global and never miss networking
conversations that feel authentic.” Educa: personalised follow-up opportunities.
Miguel A Amarti Escolano emails within the first week,
calendarised video calls to explore Open up all your appointment
Conference add-ons – how synergies, and, if relevant, in-person 3 slots during breakfast and
important are fam trips? visits or site invitations.” lunch. Conferences are
Increasingly fam trips and pre-event Miguel A Amarti Escolano expensive to attend, with
seminars are being included at agent flights, accommodation and
conferences as organisers seek to fees. Maximise your return
offer their clients even more of a “After meeting with agents at on investment by meeting as
return on their investment. agent conferences, I activate the many partners as possible
commercial strategy by initiating who meet your requirements.
a first follow-up through various
“Fam trips are gold — they allow after the events, I receive visits 4 Take photos with partners
communication channels such
you to understand a destination as email and WhatsApp. Usually, and at booths – these can
and speak authentically to students be used on social media for
truly.” Ganna Luzgan from agents, which is very valuable marketing purposes.
for presenting the services we
offer in person. I emphasise the
“Fam trips, seminars, wine recep- commercial agreement to initiate 5 Follow up several times after
tions… they are often the moments importance of formalising the the event using different
where you build real trust. I always methods, eg email, WhatsApp,
say: ‘Partnerships are made during and strengthen our strategic phone calls. Business
meetings, but they’re sealed over a partnership. Furthermore, together relationships take time to
glass of wine.” I attend as many of with the marketing team, we develop. It might take months
these as possible as they are often periodically send informative or years for your
where the magic happens.” newsletters to partners.” school to see any kind
Miguel A Amarti Escolano Catalina Aristizabal Mejia of return.

SEPTEMBER 2025 21